Richard Diamond and Dragnet

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Bill Foreman]

This week on Case Closed, our hour of mystery begins with Richard diamond, private detective and the George Lexington murder case. That stories from September 13, 1950. After that, it's Dragnet and the Brickbat Killer from September 24, 1949.

[Ted Decorcia]

Listen. While the makers of Rexall Drug Products.

[Dick Powell]

And 10,000 independent Rexall family druggists bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private. Good evening. This is your Rexall Family Druggist with a welcome from the 10,000 independent druggists who have made the word Rexall part of our own store names. We've done that because we recommend and sell the 2,000 or more drug products made by the Rexall Drug Company. Like plenimens. For example, Rexall's famous multivitamin capsules, two plenumens a day give you more than your daily minimum requirements of every vitamin for which such requirements have been established, plus valuable liver concentrate and iron. And yet plenumens cost only pennies per day. Ask for Plenimens at Rexall drugstores everywhere. And remember, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall.

[Ted Decorcia]

Good health to all from Rexall. Now your Rexall Family druggist brings you a transcribed half hour with Richard diamond, private detective starring Dick Powell.

[Dick Powell]

Diamond Detective Agency. Handy hints on happy homicide. I beg your pardon? I said Diamond Detective Agency. Handy hint.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes, yes, I heard the last part.

[Dick Powell]

But I just wanted to be sure there was nothing the matter with my phone. Mr. Diamond, I wish to hire you. I'm touched. $100 a day in expenses. I'm touched. Pressures you a little. I suggest getting out in the fresh air, exercise, play a little golf. If you could use a dandy caddy on Sunday, I can easily afford the fee, Mr. Diamond. But to be frank, it wasn't exactly what I expected. Isn't it a little high? Well, frankly, yes. But if you hire another detective, you won't be getting the prettiest.

[Virginia Gray]

I see.

[Dick Powell]

Can you come to my house at 6 this evening? Name, address and reason for hiring me? George Lexington, Golden Strand, Long Island. And I am in fear of my life. I'll see you at 6, Mr. Lexington. On the dot. Please be prompt. Just have a substantial retainer ready. Aside from my blue eyes, greed and promptness are my two most outstanding features. Well, that's the way a buck's made my business. I sit around the office for a week, passing the idle hours playing old Welsh mining tunes on a cone. Then someone gets in trouble, opens the phone book and naturally, the first thing that must catch their eye is my very Gaudy. Full page advertisement on the Diamond Detective Agency. After that, a phone call and I'm in business. At 6 sharp, I was ringing the doorbell to the home of Mr. George Lexington, client in fear of his life. Yes, sir. Mr. Diamond to see Mr. Lexington.

[Ted Decorcia]

Mr. Lexington is busy at the moment. Does he expect you?

[Dick Powell]

I have an appointment with him at 6.

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, I see. Please step in. If he'll wait in the library, sir, I'll tell him. Mr. Lexington, you are here. What was that?

[Dick Powell]

Unless you keep a car in one of the upstairs rooms. That, my friend, was a gun going off. Come on. With the butler right behind me, we took the long curved staircase three steps at a time. The butler managed to pant out that Mr. Lexington was in the study at the head of the stairs. So that was the door we went through, only to be stopped cold on the other side. Standing in the middle of the room was a girl. The word girl in this case to be identified with adjectives one might think up after having spent three lonely years on a life raft in the middle of the Atlantic. The only thing that kept my eyes from melting and running down on my shirt was the.32 revolver she held in her gloved hand.

[Ted Decorcia]

Ms. Mortis.

[Dick Powell]

No. Give me the gun, honey.

[Virginia Gray]

No.

[Dick Powell]

No. Drop it. Honey, you just scorched my money belt. She dropped it and we all went to pieces. I helped her to a seat and let it cry it out. The gun I could have passed off as a whim or too many Hopalong Cassidy adventures. But the man sprawled across his desk on the other side of the room changed the whole picture. I called the 5th Precinct police station and got Lt. Walter Levinson started for Long Island.

[Virginia Gray]

Please.

[Dick Powell]

You shot a man, didn't you?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes.

[Dick Powell]

You tried to kill yourself, didn't you? They're both against the law. Want to tell me about it?

[Virginia Gray]

You deserved it.

[Ted Decorcia]

Mr. Diamond.

[Dick Powell]

Yes?

[Ted Decorcia]

I just found something rather strange.

[Dick Powell]

Well, don't scratch it.

[Ted Decorcia]

Ms. Morris shot Mr. Lexington.

[Virginia Gray]

I never denied it.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, what's bothering you?

[Ted Decorcia]

The thought just occurred to me who also took the trouble of stabbing him.

[Dick Powell]

Stabbing him? He was shot.

[Ted Decorcia]

Then how do you explain this carving.

[Bill Foreman]

Knife in his back?

[Howard McNear]

Oh, now, diamond, you stop that.

[Dick Powell]

But it's true, Walt.

[Ted Decorcia]

Sure is, Lieutenant. Been shot in the chest and got.

[Howard McNear]

A knife in his back. Now, how do I get in on these things?

[Dick Powell]

Things? This is Ms. Morris Wall, the girl who shot him.

[Howard McNear]

How do you do? Oh, you shot him, huh?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes, I did.

[Howard McNear]

Well, who stabbed him?

[Dick Powell]

Have no idea.

[Howard McNear]

Swell. Ms. Morris, why did you shoot this? What's his name?

[Dick Powell]

Lexington. George.

[Howard McNear]

Why did you shoot him?

[Virginia Gray]

I refused to answer.

[Howard McNear]

Okay, suit yourself.

[Dick Powell]

Where's the corner?

[Howard McNear]

Walt should be here any minute.

[Virginia Gray]

I didn't stab him.

[Howard McNear]

Mr. Diamond, when you came in, did you talk with Lexington?

[Virginia Gray]

I just opened the door. So I'm sitting at the desk and shot him.

[Howard McNear]

Did you talk to him?

[Dick Powell]

Oh, sure. Sure, Walt. She played 20 questions with him while he was trying to paw the knife out of his back.

[Howard McNear]

I was just trying to trap her.

[Ted Decorcia]

Why?

[Howard McNear]

Why? Because if she said she'd talked to him, it would have been an admission.

[Dick Powell]

That she'd talk to him?

[Howard McNear]

No, that he was still alive before she shot him.

[Dick Powell]

Okay, who stabbed him?

[Howard McNear]

How do I know?

[Dick Powell]

Well, if he was still alive before she shot him, she talked to him, and she must have seen who stabbed him, right? Yeah. Well, if she saw who stabbed him, she couldn't have done it, right? Right. And no one would have stabbed Lexington if he'd already been shot, right?

[Howard McNear]

No one want to stab Lexington if he'd already. Yeah, of course.

[Dick Powell]

You think I'm stupid, Lieutenant?

[Howard McNear]

You shut up.

[Dick Powell]

So if they stabbed him, he hadn't been shot and he was alive. Of course, then if he was alive and they stabbed him. The girl didn't do it to confuse you, huh? So if she didn't do it, she can go home.

[Ted Decorcia]

Go on.

[Dick Powell]

Home as mars.

[Virginia Gray]

I would have to die.

[Howard McNear]

You heard him. Go on.

[Ted Decorcia]

That's what I was trying to tell you. Lieutenant. Diamond's at it again.

[Dick Powell]

Otis. Yeah, Lieutenant?

[Howard McNear]

Take the girl, the butler and diamond down to the car, and when the coroner gets here, we'll all take a little drive down to the station. Understand?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

What are you yelling at?

[Ted Decorcia]

I don't know.

[Virginia Gray]

I mean, I don't know.

[Dick Powell]

Well, the corn coroner finally arrived and suggested an autopsy for the corpse and a bath and some hot mud for Walt. Then we all climbed into the squad car and headed for downtown New York in the Fifth Precinct police station. On the way, I told Walt about my phone call from Lexington about 3:45 that afternoon and the few details leading up to finding June Morris with a smoking gun and the dead Mr. Lexington. At the station, we continued to question the girl as to her motive for the killing, but she refused to say anything. The butler could add nothing, so they were taken out to await further questions. She was allowed to call her lawyer, and we all settled down to wait for the coroner's report on the autopsy.

[Howard McNear]

Yeah? The dame's lawyer is here.

[Ted Decorcia]

Wants to see you first.

[Howard McNear]

Okay. Girl's lawyer.

[Ted Decorcia]

Mr. Farnsworth. Lieutenant. Hello, Lieutenant.

[Dick Powell]

What is this all about?

[Howard McNear]

Mr. Diamond, Mr. Farnsworth.

[Ted Decorcia]

How do you do?

[Dick Powell]

How are you? I just got a call from his.

[Ted Decorcia]

Morris. Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

Pardon me a minute. Well, what do you want, hammerhead?

[Ted Decorcia]

I got the girl's personal effects.

[Howard McNear]

Well, give him to me.

[Ted Decorcia]

Okay. Gee, what did I do?

[Dick Powell]

Nothing, Sergeant, but your family sure botch things up, so.

[Ted Decorcia]

There you are, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

Thank you.

[Ted Decorcia]

Gee, I don't know.

[Dick Powell]

Am I to understand that Ms. Morris.

[Ted Decorcia]

Is being held here on a murder charge?

[Howard McNear]

That's right.

[Dick Powell]

Just whom is Miss Morris supposed to have killed? He, you know, Mr. George Lexington.

[Howard McNear]

Why, yes, he's the boy.

[Dick Powell]

Maybe you can tell us why she would want to kill him. I suggest you question the witness, Mr. Darwin. But let me warn you beforehand, my.

[Ted Decorcia]

Advice to my client will be to.

[Dick Powell]

Say nothing until I can find out more about this thing for myself. Now, about Ms. Mona.

[Howard McNear]

She stays put, Lieutenant.

[Dick Powell]

I have a great deal of influence.

[Howard McNear]

Then get her rich. She stays put.

[Dick Powell]

What about this George Lexington's background? Mr. Farnsworth, let me give you one more suggestion before I leave. Find these things out for yourself. I have a fair reputation in the legal profession.

[Howard McNear]

Good evening, Mr. Farnsworth.

[Dick Powell]

I'll have that writ, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

Ah, go to Blazers. A doll. Well, let's see if there's anything in these personal effects here. Take a look through the purse. Okay, Otis, bring in the butler. Right.

[Dick Powell]

Here's something, Walt. What is it? Typewriter note in the bottom of her purse. Meet me at the house of the quarter of six this evening. Bring $15,000 and be prompt or you will regret it for the rest of your life.

[Howard McNear]

Sign George. George Lexington.

[Dick Powell]

Mobility for you.

[Howard McNear]

Diamond. I swear, Lieutenant.

[Dick Powell]

Come in.

[Howard McNear]

Sit down.

[Virginia Gray]

Well, thanks.

[Bill Foreman]

My face.

[Howard McNear]

Not you, melon head. Get out of here.

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, well, okay. I just thought.

[Howard McNear]

Otis.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes?

[Howard McNear]

When the coroner's report comes in, bring it right in. And bring the girl along with it.

[Dick Powell]

How do you feel? I think a little upset, sir.

[Ted Decorcia]

This has been quite a string.

[Howard McNear]

Last name Cameron?

[Dick Powell]

Yes, sir. How long have you worked for George Lexington?

[Ted Decorcia]

About four years, sir. Ever since Mr. Lexington came east.

[Howard McNear]

Did you know him before that?

[Ted Decorcia]

No, sir.

[Dick Powell]

You ever mentioned where he was from? California, I think. Had a lot of money, I presume so.

[Ted Decorcia]

I was paid regularly. He maintained a good sized house and entertained frequently. To my knowledge, he never had any debts that weren't paid immediately.

[Dick Powell]

How long have you known Ms. Morris?

[Ted Decorcia]

She and Mr. Lexington were engaged two years ago. It only lasted a few months, but they still saw each other occasionally.

[Dick Powell]

Did you know Ms. Morris was expected tonight?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes, sir. She called and said she would be there at 5.

[Bill Foreman]

45.

[Howard McNear]

You sure about the time?

[Dick Powell]

Yes, sir. But you didn't expect me at 6?

[Ted Decorcia]

No, sir. Mr. Lexington said nothing about it.

[Dick Powell]

Is there another way into that study?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes, sir. A back door leading down to the garden.

[Howard McNear]

Did Lexington have any other visitors during the day?

[Ted Decorcia]

No, sir.

[Dick Powell]

Was he in from three to five? Yes.

[Ted Decorcia]

I got the coroner's report and Ms. Morris. Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

Okay, that's all, Arthur. You'll have to hold you until this thing straightens itself out. You go along with Sergeant Lovelo.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, sir. Oh, either. Does Mr. Lexington own a typewriter?

[Bill Foreman]

No.

[Ted Decorcia]

All right.

[Howard McNear]

Come in, Miss Morris. Sit down.

[Ted Decorcia]

Here's the report and the bullet taken out of Lexington.

[Dick Powell]

And the knife.

[Howard McNear]

Thank the butler downstairs.

[Ted Decorcia]

Right.

[Dick Powell]

Let's go, Arthur. When did you receive this note, Ms. Morris? Where we found it in your Perth. When you become a murder suspect. I'm afraid nothing's very private this morning. It's from George Lexington.

[Virginia Gray]

Yes.

[Dick Powell]

He have something on? You okay? You're just hurting yourself, Ms. Morris.

[Howard McNear]

Did you know a man named Jack Short?

[Virginia Gray]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Who's Jack Short?

[Howard McNear]

Walt, just read this report. Here's what it says about the late Mr. George Lexington. Fingerprints check. One Jack Short, arrested 1936. 38, 39. Petty theft, suspicion of robbery, suspicion of possessing narcotics. Three arrests, one conviction. Did a year and a day in Alcatraz.

[Dick Powell]

When did he have time to do his laundry?

[Howard McNear]

He was arrested again in 1942 for manslaughter. Went to trial, case dismissed. The lack of evidence.

[Dick Powell]

Lovely boy.

[Howard McNear]

You mean George Lexington was really Jack Short? A criminal with a record.

[Virginia Gray]

But his house, the money he spent.

[Howard McNear]

That's something we're going to find out about.

[Dick Powell]

What does the coroner's report say, Wal?

[Howard McNear]

The knife did kill him, not the bullet. And the knife has got your fingerprints all over it, Ms. Morris.

[Ted Decorcia]

What?

[Dick Powell]

It's got a what? That's right.

[Howard McNear]

Ever see it before, Ms. Morris?

[Virginia Gray]

I. I don't know.

[Howard McNear]

It's a carving knife. One that might belong to a set.

[Dick Powell]

Something wrong?

[Virginia Gray]

My carving knife. I missed it this morning.

[Dick Powell]

Sure. When was the last time you used it?

[Virginia Gray]

Last night. I gave a small dinner party.

[Dick Powell]

Do you own a typewriter, Ms. Lawrence?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes, I do.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hello, June.

[Dick Powell]

You better come along with me, Mr. Farnsworth.

[Howard McNear]

Just a minute. What's the idea of busting in here like this? Farnsworth. I tried to stop him, Lucy.

[Dick Powell]

You should have stuck out one of your big feet. Those things could trip a tank. I told you I would be back with a writ. Well, I'm here And there's the writ come June.

[Howard McNear]

She stands right here.

[Dick Powell]

Lieutenant. You don't seem to understand.

[Howard McNear]

No, you don't seem to understand, Mr. Farnsworth. You got that written and was sustained. Because I was nice enough not to issue a formal complaint.

[Dick Powell]

Also, there's a little matter of invoice.

[Howard McNear]

You're darn right. And I'm going to show you how it works. I'm making a formal complaint right now. On the charge is murder. And if you don't think I can make it stick, I won't even bother to throw you out of my office. I'll let the commissioner do it for me. Now get out of here.

[Ted Decorcia]

Gee, you're wonderful, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

You shut up.

[Dick Powell]

Before we continue with the adventures of.

[Ted Decorcia]

Richard diamond, private detective, here's your Rexall family druggist.

[Dick Powell]

One of the questions most often ask a druggist is this. What can I take for fast relief from acid stomach?

[Virginia Gray]

I've often wanted to know that myself. What's your answer?

[Dick Powell]

Naturally, ma'am, it's Bismorex, Rexall's justly famous antacid.

[Virginia Gray]

Why? What is it that makes it so outstanding?

[Dick Powell]

Well, the secret lies in the scientifically developed formula. You see, the active ingredients in Bismorex vary in the time it takes them to dissolve in the stomach. That way, the relief it gives is not only fast, but continuous and prolonged. Excess acidity is often neutralized in less than one minute. Then the other ingredients dissolving more slowly, ease up that gastric distress. And finally, Bismorex leaves a soothing, protective covering on irritated stomach membranes.

[Virginia Gray]

Well, I'll have to remember that. Bismorex. Is that how you say it?

[Dick Powell]

That's right, ma'am. B, I, S, M, A hyphen. R, E, X. Bismorex. Ask for Bismorex at Rexall drugstores everywhere. And remember, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall.

[Ted Decorcia]

And now back to tonight's adventure with Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell.

[Dick Powell]

Well, Farnsworth got the idea in a hurry and took off like a rabbit with his tail on fire. Walt lived up to his word. After making the formal charge and producing the evidence, the writ was dismissed. He then secured a search Warrant for both Ms. Morris's flat and George Lexington's house on Long Island. Our first stop was Ms. Morris's apartment, and when we went in, I thought how much it looked like her. Small, beautifully decorated. We went over the whole place. Nothing except in the small den.

[Howard McNear]

There's the party list she told us about.

[Dick Powell]

Good. 30 names here typed.

[Howard McNear]

There's A typewriter.

[Dick Powell]

You got that note you had in the purse? Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

Here.

[Howard McNear]

Top of the E is blocked out like on the note. Same machine.

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Howard McNear]

Bring the typewriter on us.

[Dick Powell]

Right.

[Ted Decorcia]

Lieutenant.

[Dick Powell]

You're going over to Lexington's home?

[Howard McNear]

Yeah. Aren't you coming along?

[Dick Powell]

No. I got an idea. Do me a favor, will you, Walt?

[Howard McNear]

Sure.

[Dick Powell]

Why? When you get over there, besides checking that back door to the study, put in a call to the phone company and see if a call was made around 3:45 this afternoon to El Rada 123 4. It's a toll call from there and they'd have a record.

[Howard McNear]

Now, let me write that down. El Dorado 123 4.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, I'll call you at Lexington's in about an hour. That number wasn't called from there. Check every name in that party list.

[Howard McNear]

Well, there are 30 names there. You want me to check each one to see whether a call was made to help?

[Dick Powell]

What's the matter?

[Howard McNear]

El Dorado 1234. That's your office number, Walt. Huh?

[Dick Powell]

I left Walt turning that awful green and headed for the Times Building. It was a little late when I got there, but an old friend in the morgue noticed the five dollar bill I was wearing in my lapel and agreed to take care of it for me. While I looked through the newspaper files, I dug up everything on Jack Short and his alias, George Lexington. The stuff on Short wasn't much, except the trial for manslaughter had made the front page. The items on George Lexington could all be found in the society columns. From what I could gather, he'd started his social world in 1944. He'd been engaged several times, and each time to a wealthy woman. I even came across a picture of June Morris on the evening they had announced their engagement. Well, having all the information I could get and with one little item dated California, June 26, 1942, tucked away in my pocket, I put in a fast call to Walt, who was at the home of the late George Lexington.

[Howard McNear]

Yeah?

[Dick Powell]

What did you find out?

[Howard McNear]

Well, someone could have gotten in the back door. There were some blurred footprints outside in the garden, but they won't help. You had a key. You could let yourself in and walk right up the study.

[Dick Powell]

What about the phone call?

[Howard McNear]

There was no call made from here to your office. But one of the names on the list paid off. Mrs. Julia Wright, out on Long Island. Now, would you mind telling me what this is all about?

[Dick Powell]

You stay right there, Walt. I'm going out to see Mrs. Julia. Right.

[Howard McNear]

She called your office today. At 3:45. You certainly must have talked to her.

[Dick Powell]

George Lexington called my office today at 3:45, but he couldn't have.

[Howard McNear]

The butler said Lexington wasn't out of the house and the call wasn't made from here.

[Dick Powell]

Well, someone called.

[Howard McNear]

Maybe it was the right day. Maybe she got a low voice and.

[Dick Powell]

Told you she was Lexington Wal. Oh, forget it. You wouldn't like it anyway.

[Virginia Gray]

Mr. Diamond.

[Dick Powell]

How do you do, Mrs. Wright?

[Virginia Gray]

My butler says your business is a matter of life or death.

[Dick Powell]

Well, that's a little exaggerated, but it's one sure way of getting by the red tape.

[Virginia Gray]

Then what is your business, Mr. D. Diamond?

[Dick Powell]

I. I'm from the police.

[Virginia Gray]

Oh.

[Dick Powell]

Do you know of Mr. George Lexington?

[Virginia Gray]

Why, yes, slightly.

[Dick Powell]

Are you married, Mrs. Wright?

[Virginia Gray]

Very happily. What is your interest in Mr. Lexington, Mr. Diamond?

[Dick Powell]

Do you know June Morris quite well?

[Virginia Gray]

I've known her family for at least 20, 10 years.

[Dick Powell]

She's being held for the murder of George Lexington.

[Virginia Gray]

Oh, there.

[Dick Powell]

He was engaged at Lexington at one time, wasn't he?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. He was a beast. Believe me, Mr. Diamond, he deserved killing.

[Dick Powell]

I thought you said you only knew him slightly.

[Virginia Gray]

Why, I. June used to tell me how terribly he treated her.

[Dick Powell]

A phone call was made from your house Yesterday at approximately 03:45 Eldorado 12:34.

[Virginia Gray]

I don't believe I know anyone that number. Are you sure?

[Dick Powell]

A man made it. I talked to him.

[Virginia Gray]

My husband wasn't home yesterday. Oh, Perhaps it was my lawyer. He was here about that time. In fact, I believe he did make a call. Said it was on business. A call from the library.

[Dick Powell]

What's Your lawyer's name? Mrs. Rice.

[Virginia Gray]

Why, Mr. Lucius Farnsworth.

[Howard McNear]

I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. I certainly don't like the guy, but his reputation's been spotless.

[Dick Powell]

It's just got to be Walt.

[Ted Decorcia]

It's the girl, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

Come in, Ms. Morris.

[Virginia Gray]

Thank you.

[Dick Powell]

June. The note you received was written on the typewriter in your den.

[Ted Decorcia]

What?

[Howard McNear]

Lab just sent up a report.

[Virginia Gray]

You think I sent that note to myself?

[Dick Powell]

No, no, no. But can you remember anyone using the typewriter in the last two days?

[Virginia Gray]

No. No one has used it but myself.

[Dick Powell]

What about the night of the party?

[Virginia Gray]

Who uses a typewriter at a party?

[Dick Powell]

Anyone go in the den and maybe lock the door?

[Virginia Gray]

What? Why, yes, as a matter of fact. Mr. Farnsworth said he had to make some business calls, went in and post.

[Dick Powell]

You don't think that that Farnsworth did it?

[Virginia Gray]

Absurd. He's been with my family for years.

[Dick Powell]

Did he introduce you to George Lexington?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. It was at a party or two. You're right.

[Howard McNear]

Did Mr. Farnsworth know that you owned a gun?

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Virginia Gray]

I knew it.

[Dick Powell]

Were you actually using that knife the night of the party?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. I sliced some turkey.

[Dick Powell]

You remember what kind of a suit Mr. Farnsworth was wearing that night?

[Virginia Gray]

He was wearing a dinner jacket.

[Dick Powell]

Lexington was blackmailing you, wasn't he?

[Virginia Gray]

I can't answer that.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, honey, believe me. If you don't trust us and it comes out in a way, we'll have no way of stopping it.

[Virginia Gray]

Oh, right. It was blackmail. I was going to marry George with some letters, some. A picture. He broke off the engagement and began demanding money. Last week he mentioned something about leaving town, and I received the note. I couldn't afford that kind of money, and I was just tired of paying month after month. I decided to kill him. And I was going to kill myself. I guess I lost my notes.

[Howard McNear]

Let's go see Mr. Luke Farnsworth.

[Dick Powell]

Rick, Joan, you sit right here until we get back.

[Virginia Gray]

Be careful.

[Dick Powell]

You can make book on it. I'm going to drive you home. Use your paw.

[Ted Decorcia]

All right. All right.

[Howard McNear]

Here he comes.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes? What?

[Dick Powell]

Oh.

[Ted Decorcia]

What do you want, Lieutenant?

[Dick Powell]

A gun?

[Howard McNear]

The hot coffee?

[Dick Powell]

If this is your idea of some.

[Ted Decorcia]

Kind of a joke.

[Dick Powell]

Mind if we come in?

[Ted Decorcia]

I most certainly do.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks.

[Ted Decorcia]

How dare you break in here like this.

[Dick Powell]

I can cause you a great deal of trouble, Lieutenant.

[Howard McNear]

How well did you say you knew George likes you, Lexington?

[Dick Powell]

Only slightly. Hey, get a load of these fancy ashtrays, Walt.

[Howard McNear]

Yeah, but I don't go much from modern. Pretty drapes, though.

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, policemen are being casual.

[Dick Powell]

You only knew Lexington slightly, huh? Yes, and this is the third time I've said it.

[Howard McNear]

You must make a lot of money.

[Dick Powell]

I have wealthy clients. How much did Jack Short pay you to get him out of that manslaughter charge? What, you remember him? Sensational case. Made you quite a reputation. Of course I remember it.

[Howard McNear]

This shirt was sure a handsome fella. Did he change his name later?

[Dick Powell]

I don't know. That was a long time ago. Didn't he change it to Lexington? George Lexington? What is this all about? Mind if we look around the place?

[Ted Decorcia]

I most certainly do.

[Howard McNear]

That's your bedroom.

[Dick Powell]

You have no right to go in there. Where's your wardrobe? Nice bedroom. Get up. Get out. I'll call the commissioner.

[Howard McNear]

Why don't you do that? These your keys?

[Dick Powell]

Put those down. Take it easy.

[Howard McNear]

I wonder if one of these fits a back door to George Lexington.

[Dick Powell]

Stunning. Don't be ridiculous. I've only been to Mr. Lex House.

[Ted Decorcia]

Twice in my life.

[Dick Powell]

Arthur the butler will verify to that. You mean you've only been there twice. But the front way. I mean exactly that. What are you doing in that closet?

[Howard McNear]

Nice wardrobe. This your dinner jacket?

[Dick Powell]

Lieutenant, I warn you.

[Howard McNear]

No, I'm going to warn you folks. Farnsworth, officially, anything that you may say will be held against you. I'm charging you with the murder of George Lexington.

[Dick Powell]

This is really one for the book. Would you mind telling me what proof you have? You called my office at 3:45 this afternoon from the home of Mrs. Julia Wright, disguised your voice and told me you were George Lexington.

[Ted Decorcia]

Really? Hearsay.

[Howard McNear]

You were at a party given by June Morris. You stole a carving knife that she'd been using. Probably wrapped it up in a handkerchief to keep her fingerprints on the handle.

[Ted Decorcia]

You.

[Dick Powell]

Did someone see me? For some reason, you wanted George Lexington out of the way. He'd been blackmailing victims that you introduced him to. You made sure that Ms. Mars would be at his home at exactly 5:45. You wrote a note on her typewriter telling her to be there. You called me to be sure that someone would catch her.

[Ted Decorcia]

Interesting theory.

[Howard McNear]

You end up the back way into the study, probably with one of these keys. You stabbed Lexington and got out just before the girl came up.

[Dick Powell]

You made one mistake. You didn't figure that the girl might try to kill Lexington. Why?

[Ted Decorcia]

What?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, she shot him. But she shot a dead man. She shot him after he was dead. You don't know it, buster, but you just missed the perfect crime. Now prove it. The girl said you were wearing a dinner jacket the night of her party. That's the coat. Yes. To get the knife out, you had to put it in the pocket or someplace on you. You've been carving turkey. Ever hear of a spectrograph? Of course.

[Howard McNear]

Sure. Have the pockets analyzed. And if we find traces, that turkey will know you swiped the knife.

[Dick Powell]

And if the key to Lexington's back door is on this ring, it'll cinch it.

[Howard McNear]

I'm afraid not to come back here.

[Dick Powell]

Bart. He's going for the window.

[Howard McNear]

Bartra, stop.

[Dick Powell]

Let me go.

[Howard McNear]

Let me go. Not on your life.

[Dick Powell]

Not on your life. You don't take it the easy way.

[Howard McNear]

Get out of his head. No.

[Ted Decorcia]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Got him.

[Howard McNear]

No.

[Ted Decorcia]

No. No.

[Dick Powell]

No. Why didn't you let me jump? What difference when it was made? Well, it sure would have saved the state some money. But a quick trip to the sidewalk doesn't make up for a killing. That's the easy way. Farnsworthy. You Forget, when you commit murder, there's a little thing called society. And if you can't live with people, they'll decide what to do with you. Oh, that last mile is a lulu.

[Ted Decorcia]

Again, here's your Rexall family druggist.

[Dick Powell]

If you're a user of mineral oil, remember that Rexall mineral oil is carefully refined by a special process to achieve an extra heavy body. What's more, because it's so exceptionally pure and gentle in its action, Rexall mineral oil is non irritating, non habit forming. You'll also like the fact that it's tasteless, odorless, colorless. Next time, try Rexall mineral oil. And remember, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexol.

[Ted Decorcia]

Good health to all from Rex Call.

[Dick Powell]

Richard Diamond, Private Detective, stars Dick Powell in the title role and is written by Blake Edwards with music composed and conducted by Frank Wirth.

[Ted Decorcia]

Featured in tonight's cast were Ted Decorcia.

[Dick Powell]

Wilms Herbert, Ted Osborne, Betty Moran, Howard.

[Ted Decorcia]

McNear, and Virginia Gray.

[Dick Powell]

Richard Diamond, Private Detective is transcribed in.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle.

[Dick Powell]

This is Bill Foreman inviting you to be with us next Wednesday at this time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Hiya, beautiful.

[Virginia Gray]

Get lost, Bristletuss.

[Ted Decorcia]

You need a shave.

[Dick Powell]

But I have shaved. What else do you want me to do? Silly boy. She wants you to go stag.

[Ted Decorcia]

Go stag?

[Dick Powell]

But why? Because Stag is Rexall's exclusive line of men's good grooming aids, like Stag Brushless shave cream. No fuss, no massage. Just smooth it on and presto. You get a clean, close shave. Your face stays smooth and whiskerless all day long.

[Ted Decorcia]

I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll go stag.

[Dick Powell]

That's it. Join the Stag line now at Rexall drugstores everywhere. Yes, this is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

[Bill Foreman]

Here's another in NBC's great parade of new shows.

[Dick Powell]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed.

[Bill Foreman]

To protect the innocent, NBC brings you Dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide.

[Ted Decorcia]

A mad killer is loose in the city.

[Bill Foreman]

In every instance, he leaves the murder weapon behind. There are no fingerprints, no clues to the killer's identity.

[Ted Decorcia]

Your job.

[Bill Foreman]

Get him.

[Dick Powell]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the men who unrelentingly stand watch on the security of your home, your family and your life. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. From official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Bill Foreman]

It was Tuesday. June 3rd. Was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Homicide. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was off duty, reporting back in on an emergency call. It was 3:57am when I got to the basement of the city Hall. The carpool.

[Howard McNear]

Let's go.

[Ted Decorcia]

Friday. Sorry to call you back in. Couldn't be helped. All right, Ben. Okay, skipper.

[Bill Foreman]

What's up, Ben?

[Ted Decorcia]

Double murder.

[Bill Foreman]

When?

[Ted Decorcia]

I don't know. Found out about it 40 minutes ago.

[Bill Foreman]

Got any ideas?

[Ted Decorcia]

Roughly. Same MO was that? 6413 Norwich given? No, 6430.

[Bill Foreman]

What do you mean, the same MO?

[Ted Decorcia]

The same guy.

[Dick Powell]

Brickbat killer.

[Bill Foreman]

How many does this make?

[Ted Decorcia]

Counting tonight, four.

[Bill Foreman]

We got anything at all?

[Ted Decorcia]

Smudged fingerprint. We can't even classify.

[Bill Foreman]

Sounds like a smart operator.

[Ted Decorcia]

We gotta get him. We have to shake down the city from one end to the other. Big job, Skiver. Big killer.

[Bill Foreman]

At 4:26aM we're pulled up in front of 6430 Norwich Drive. A small group of bungalow apartments facing on an oval shaped garden court. Two uniformed officers were stationed at the door to the apartment.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hi, Chief. Hiya, fellas.

[Bill Foreman]

We went inside. Wilbur from Homicide was waiting for us.

[Ted Decorcia]

This way. In here. Well, there they are. Yeah. Mother, daughter, Joe. On the floor beside the bed.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah, a red brick.

[Ted Decorcia]

Ms. Hafters, we know how you must feel about all this, but would you please try to answer a few more questions for us?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. All right. Oh, Margaret.

[Bill Foreman]

Ms. Hafters, how long had you known Mrs. Diaz and her daughter?

[Virginia Gray]

Nine years. This nine? November. They moved next door. I remember it so well. We got along right from the start.

[Ted Decorcia]

And as far as you know, the only close friends mother and daughter had lived right here in the apartment core.

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. Margaret was a pretty girl, but she was no chaser. No boyfriends. Very close to her mother. The two of them very close.

[Bill Foreman]

Did they keep any amount of valuables in the apartment? Money, jewelry, things like that?

[Virginia Gray]

No. Mrs. Deus and Margaret didn't have much, you know, very modest income. They both worked.

[Bill Foreman]

And you can think of no good reason?

[Dick Powell]

No. No.

[Virginia Gray]

Oh, Poor Margaret. Poor Mrs. Diaz lying in there, a shark. A terrible shock.

[Bill Foreman]

Wellberg.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes?

[Bill Foreman]

Would you show Miss Hafters back to her apartment?

[Ted Decorcia]

Sure, Sergeant. Thank you, Miss Hafters. We appreciate it.

[Virginia Gray]

Thank you poor Margaret. Poor master.

[Ted Decorcia]

Well, Joe, let's check with Ed.

[Bill Foreman]

He's back in the bedroom.

[Ted Decorcia]

You get anything from the neighbors?

[Bill Foreman]

The usual, Ed. No jealous boyfriends, ex husbands, Nothing like that.

[Ted Decorcia]

Boys Find any evidence yet, Skipper? Still working on it.

[Bill Foreman]

You got any theories?

[Ted Decorcia]

Well, we know the killings were all done by the same guy. Cuts the same pattern out of the window screen. Cuts the same pattern with a glass cutter out of the window. Reaches in and flips the locks. All right, where's that leave us? And before he gets inside, he makes sure there are only women in the house. That means he probably watches the house for a few days. Once he gets inside, he wants only one thing. To kill. He's never taken any valuables. As far as we can tell, he's never searched for any. What kind of a man works like that?

[Bill Foreman]

I think the guys kill crazy.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hey, fellas. Yes, Donner? Here's a break. Two fair prints. One thumb, one forefinger.

[Bill Foreman]

What'd you get, Pete?

[Ted Decorcia]

Only got nine points. Not enough to go into court, but enough to make him. We'll know him when we get him.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

Found the prints on the lens of the old lady's eyeglasses. Probably knocked him off the night table when he went after her. When he was done, he put him back on the table. Yeah. Had blood on his hand, see? Yeah, that's funny, isn't it? Why would he go to the trouble of picking up the woman's glasses after he killed her?

[Bill Foreman]

We'll ask him when we find him.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hi, Ben. Joe might have something for you. We can use it. Lee, hold it just a minute. Yeah, Crime lab. Jones. Yeah. Yeah. All right, I'll tell him. Right. Ed Backstrand, if you're through checking the Victim's clothes by 8:00, you can knock off. Asleep until noon.

[Bill Foreman]

What if we're not through?

[Ted Decorcia]

Take it up with the chaplain. Here's what I wanted to show you over here.

[Dick Powell]

A couple of casts.

[Ted Decorcia]

Bare footprint. That's right.

[Bill Foreman]

Those from the deer's place?

[Ted Decorcia]

Found him outside the dining room window in the flower bed. Take a look.

[Bill Foreman]

Good cast size? 9, 10. Missing toe there, huh?

[Ted Decorcia]

Left foot, first toe. That's lucky.

[Bill Foreman]

Well, then the guy took his shoes off before he went in that house.

[Ted Decorcia]

That's the way it looks. You leave any other prints, Lee? 3 with the shoes on. Here they are. Here?

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah. How would you say the guy is built, Lee?

[Ted Decorcia]

All from the impression? Pretty heavy, man. There's no full length of stride, or I might give you an idea of his height. How about the bricks? Lee, Here they are, all three of them. Used this one in the first murder, this one in the second, this one last night. Leaves them around like calling cards. And there's no way to check them. You'll never get a fingerprint off a common red brick like this, Ben. Surface is too rough.

[Bill Foreman]

Well, I got an idea of his weight. We know that the first toe is missing from his left foot. That's something.

[Ted Decorcia]

One we had yesterday. We can check that missing toe in the amputation file, Joe.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah. Well, we better get back. Pete ought to have those prints ready, too. Thanks a lot, Lee.

[Ted Decorcia]

Okay, fellas. Say they post the bodies yet?

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah, they're doing it now. Same as the first two. The brain, concussion, hemorrhage. They didn't have a chance.

[Ted Decorcia]

Hold it a minute. Time lap, Jones. Sure. Just a minute, either one of you fellas. I'll get it, Joe.

[Bill Foreman]

Okay.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, Merrill. Yeah, good. We'll be right over. They gotta make on those two fingerprints. Okay, Joe. Single print file made him on the index finger.

[Bill Foreman]

Let me see if he take a look, Ben.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah. Doesn't look like a killer, does he, Joe? Kind of nice looking.

[Bill Foreman]

That's right, Pete. They said the same thing about John Dillinger. The name at the top of the make sheet read Carlos Richard Monterey. Male, Caucasian. Age 19. Height 5ft 11 inches. Weight 165 pounds. Dark brown hair, dark brown eyes. Last known address, 1663 Naples Street, Los Angeles. Previous arrests? One auto theft, February 8, 1936.

[Ted Decorcia]

That was all.

[Bill Foreman]

Ben and I had been expecting more. The information on the mama sheet for Monterey was 13 years old. So was the picture. So was the description. So was the address. In 13 years, a man can change in a thousand ways. So can his habits, his appearance, his address. In 13 years, everything can change. Change except two things. A man's fingerprints and a physical deformity. Missing toe on left foot. Carlos Richard Monterey.

[Ted Decorcia]

Here it is, Joe. 1663 Naples.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Bill Foreman]

Come on.

[Ted Decorcia]

Somebody's coming.

[Virginia Gray]

Yes? What is it?

[Bill Foreman]

They're police officers. We'd like to ask you a few questions.

[Virginia Gray]

Oh, yes. Would you like to come in?

[Ted Decorcia]

Thank you. Ma'am?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes?

[Bill Foreman]

Would you mind telling us your name?

[Virginia Gray]

Monterey. Isabel Monterey. What is it you want?

[Bill Foreman]

You're married?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. My husband is Francisco Monterrey. Would you explain why you are here?

[Ted Decorcia]

We thought you might be able to help us. We're looking for a man named Carlos Monterey.

[Virginia Gray]

I don't understand you.

[Bill Foreman]

We're looking for a man. We'd like to talk to him. Do you know where he is?

[Virginia Gray]

Yes. Carlos is dead seven years Ago? He's dead. My husband told me.

[Bill Foreman]

And does your husband know Carlos, or did he know him?

[Virginia Gray]

He was his brother.

[Ted Decorcia]

What about your husband's parents, Ms. Monterey? Were they.

[Virginia Gray]

They're both dead. Sometime now.

[Ted Decorcia]

Have you ever met Carlos?

[Virginia Gray]

No, never. I have only heard of him.

[Bill Foreman]

What have you heard of him, Ms. Monterey?

[Virginia Gray]

Do not ask me.

[Bill Foreman]

This is important, very important.

[Virginia Gray]

Francisco would not like it if I told you.

[Ted Decorcia]

It's important, Ms. Monterey, believe us.

[Virginia Gray]

Carlos, he's sick his mind. For eight years, Francisco has not seen him, not heard from him. He thinks he's dead.

[Bill Foreman]

But he only thinks so, Ms. Monterey. No one's told him his brother's dead. He just thinks so.

[Virginia Gray]

What else is there to think?

[Bill Foreman]

Where's your husband now?

[Virginia Gray]

At his work. The store. Rivera street, near Main Grocery. Monterey Carrot Grocery.

[Ted Decorcia]

There's your change. Thank you, Mrs. Myers. Now, look, officers, you know how it is. You don't like to let these things get out. That's why I trust you.

[Bill Foreman]

You can trust us, Mr. Monterey. We just want to check on a few things.

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, fine. Always glad to help out if I can. Well, can you tell us if your brother was ever in a mental institution in his life? Well, I know there was nothing wrong. 1923 got a little bad, so mom, dad had to put him away for a while, just till he calmed down. I remember the day sometimes. Dumb, stupid kid. What he know? Standing there by himself in the train, crying. Public nurse. Stupid way he cry. What do you do? I cried too. I was only 10, sergeant. I saw him go. He was alone.

[Bill Foreman]

Later on, Mr. Monterey, your brother was released from the state institution?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, he was 16. And then he started running around, playing tough. Carried a gun, lived by himself. He never came around. He dropped from sight about 1938. You haven't heard from him since then? Nothing. Never seen him.

[Bill Foreman]

Do you know of anybody who might have seen him?

[Ted Decorcia]

There was a girl he had, Anita something on Soteo Street. Anita Martin? Yeah, that's it. Soteo Street. Maybe she seen him. Ask her. Maybe she's seen it.

[Virginia Gray]

Carlos? Carlos Mandere. And not in a year. Last March he was in when I was working at the Peacock down on South Main. He came in, we talked for a while, that was all.

[Bill Foreman]

And you haven't seen Carlos for the.

[Virginia Gray]

Past two months or so I tell you, no.

[Ted Decorcia]

Has he written to you as he phoned you?

[Virginia Gray]

Once, three weeks ago, he phoned here. He left a message with my girlfriend, but he didn't call back again. Now, that's it. That's all I know.

[Ted Decorcia]

Thank you, Ms. Martin. Here's our card. If he does call, he'll let us know.

[Virginia Gray]

Yeah, I'll let you know.

[Bill Foreman]

You like Carlos? Is that it, Anita?

[Virginia Gray]

Like him? No, I didn't like him. He was funny. But he was nice, you know. I pitied him.

[Bill Foreman]

Why did you pity him, Miss Martin?

[Virginia Gray]

Well, he was a good fellow who was strange. He could smile, you know. He had a nice smile. But you could tell he was never laughing. There was something in his mind. Something? Oh, I don't know.

[Bill Foreman]

At least a year.

[Ted Decorcia]

Closer to two. I haven't seen Carlos. No letters, not a card, nothing. He was in the east the last time I heard. When was that? Year ago, January. I was in here. Sent me a calendar. Sometimes he could get along fine, very well, other times terrible. He couldn't keep him down.

[Bill Foreman]

How'd he manage to stay out of jail? Went with Vincenti.

[Ted Decorcia]

I don't know. Sometimes he should have been in jail five times over.

[Bill Foreman]

You say you don't know of anybody who might have a recent picture of Carlos? A snapshot?

[Ted Decorcia]

No, no. No one I can think of. Okay, Vincenti. Here's our card. If you do think of somebody, let us know, will you? Yeah, sure. Glad to. If I hear of anybody. What kind of a day is it outside? Hot.

[Bill Foreman]

Hot. By 5:00 that afternoon, Ben and I were certain of one thing. Carlos Monterey was in the city of Los Angeles somewhere. We drove back to the office and told Ed Backstrand about our interviews with Monterey's relatives and his friends. Inquiries and requests for further identification and information on him were immediately relayed to the state mental institutions. The 13 year old picture of Monterey taken from the files was copied and distributed with a note of caution as to the age of the photograph. An APB was sent out. Stakeouts were placed at the home of Monterey's brother, at the brother's store and at the apartment of Anita Martin. A special detail of 300 men was ordered to join the dragnet already in operation. The details at the airport and the bus terminals were alerted as well as the details at the Union depot and the main post office. By 6 o'clock that night, almost 1,000 men were actively working at the job of tracking down Carlos Monterey. At 6:30pm Ben and I drew a four hour relief period. We drove out to Ben's place and his wife fixed us some dinner. At 10:30 that night we reported into the office, picked up Ed Baxter and we drove out to join the manhunt.

[Virginia Gray]

Unit 32R on the corner, South Flower and Lumas on 390W.

[Howard McNear]

AMA 367, unit 12A. Code 1 66A at 864 Wall Street.

[Virginia Gray]

See the man about a 507 KMA 367, unit 42. 5430 East Grand Apartment.

[Bill Foreman]

We cruised with the dragnet operation until 5:00 that morning. Then and I took turns driving. Actually, the tremendous job of scouring 500 square miles of city for one man was only beginning. Unless there was an unexpected break the search for Carlos Monterey could wear on for weeks.

[Dick Powell]

It did.

[Bill Foreman]

Night after night, the manhunt went on. And day after day, it was no break. Sixteen days later, on a Sunday night, I went to bed early. I read a while and then I turned off the lamp and went to sleep.

[Howard McNear]

Hello?

[Bill Foreman]

Friday talking.

[Ted Decorcia]

Sorry, Joe. Get in here as fast as you can.

[Bill Foreman]

H. What's the matter?

[Ted Decorcia]

That girl Monterey knew, the one you talked to.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

She left her apartment, went to her girlfriend's. Yeah?

[Dick Powell]

She's dead.

[Ted Decorcia]

There it is. Ordinary red brick, mounted by the body. How long she been dead, skipper? She was seen alive about an hour and a half ago. Got three bare footprints. Good length of stride. Found them down in the lab beside the house. What do they look like? Same guy. First toe missing from the left foot. The same weight impression. Should be about 5 foot 11. That checks out with what you got, doesn't it? All right, so it's the same guy.

[Bill Foreman]

What about those shoes we found, Lee?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, those. They correspond. They were impregnated with foreign matter.

[Bill Foreman]

What'd you find?

[Ted Decorcia]

Particles of lettuce leaf, dry onion skin, traces of red cabbage. Maybe a vegetable counter. Maybe.

[Bill Foreman]

What about the city wholesale market down on Front Street?

[Ted Decorcia]

What about any market in Los Angeles?

[Bill Foreman]

No, Lee, that wholesale market is big enough to hide anybody. Hundreds of transients work in there. Some of them even sleep there. For a guy like Monterey, it'd be perfect.

[Ted Decorcia]

That's a fair guess. Check it. When it opens, they open at 2aM 2:30 now. All right. Get back to the office and pick up as many extra men as you need. Get down there right away.

[Bill Foreman]

Okay, Ed.

[Ted Decorcia]

You know, he's a rough one, so watch it.

[Bill Foreman]

On Monday, June 23, at 2 minutes past 3am we pulled up at the city wholesale produce market. With the exception of 54 police officers in plain clothes who mingled with the buyers and sellers, business went along as usual. The market itself covered almost three square blocks in the lower part of the downtown. Downtown area. It was divided off into hundreds of individual stalls by flimsy wooden partitions. To make the search even tougher. The place was crowded for the first 45 minutes. We had the men circulated random through the crowd on the chance that one of them might spot Carlos Monterey from the 13 year old picture. It didn't happen. After that, we started the systematic canvas. We talked to the customers, we talked to the managers of the different booths. We gave them Monterey's descriptions, show them his picture. Nobody recognized him. We checked the employment records one by one. Not a sign.

[Ted Decorcia]

Sorry, Sergeant. Like to help. I've never seen the guy. Okay, Mr. Snyder. Thank you.

[Bill Foreman]

We sure pick the sweet jobs, don't we?

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, yeah. We could spend a year at this, Sergeant. Sergeant Friday.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah, Kamansky. Did you find something?

[Ted Decorcia]

Guy at the booth over there against the far wall.

[Dick Powell]

Thinks he might have hired Monterey a.

[Ted Decorcia]

Couple of days ago.

[Bill Foreman]

Come on, Ben.

[Ted Decorcia]

Where? Over there, Sergeant. Showing Monterey's picture? Yeah, he thinks it might be him. Mr. Frasinetti, this is Sergeant Romero.

[Dick Powell]

Sergeant Friday.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yes. I told your boy, Sergeant. This fellow Carlos. I hired him to help last Thursday. Big rush for me now, so I hire him. You sure he's a man in the picture? I think so. A little older maybe, but I know faces. He's the man. You. You looking for him?

[Bill Foreman]

You say you hired this man last Thursday?

[Ted Decorcia]

That's right. It's a big rush for me now. In the morning. I hire him Thursday. He worked Thursday, Friday, Saturday. But he don't show up this morning. So I gotta know. Use too many minute to pick from. He don't show up, I let him go.

[Bill Foreman]

What kind of work did he do for you?

[Ted Decorcia]

Same as he did for Schiller down there. Heavy work. Moving the stores, cleaning up. What kind of produce to schiller handle, Mr. Francinetti? Fancy, very fancy. Vegetable is a choice. New pochettis. Expensive red onions Schiller sells to the big hotels.

[Bill Foreman]

Does Scheller handle brown onions, Mr. Franzen?

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, only the best. Big deal. That sheller sells it to the big hotels.

[Bill Foreman]

How long has this Carlos been working around the market?

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, I don't know. Is it just the like of the rest? First he worked for me, then Largo Marcini, then a Schiller. Hey, why are you looking so hard for him? He stole us anything.

[Bill Foreman]

He murdered somebody.

[Ted Decorcia]

Him, money. Murder. Do you have any idea where Carlos lives?

[Dick Powell]

Me?

[Ted Decorcia]

No, no. And if he comes back here, I tell him to get out. I got nothing to do with this troll.

[Bill Foreman]

You'll tell him nothing. Mr. Frazinetti, here's our card. If you see Monterey again, call us. Say nothing. To him.

[Ted Decorcia]

Sure, sure. Hand Raymond him. Joe, call the chief of the office, will you? Message just came in.

[Bill Foreman]

Thanks, Al. Come on, Ben.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah? There's a phone booth, see?

[Bill Foreman]

No, I don't. Where?

[Ted Decorcia]

Straight ahead, little left.

[Bill Foreman]

Oh, yeah? You got a nickel?

[Ted Decorcia]

Let's see. Oh, yeah, yeah. There you are.

[Bill Foreman]

Thanks. I'll see what Ed wants. City Hall 2511.

[Dick Powell]

2511.

[Ted Decorcia]

Chief of detectives office. Hannah. Hi, Mike. Ed there? Ed, take it on extension two, will you?

[Bill Foreman]

Backstrand Talking Friday, Ed.

[Ted Decorcia]

Move fast on this one, Joe.

[Bill Foreman]

What's up?

[Ted Decorcia]

Main post office. Carlos Monterey picked up a letter there less than five minutes ago.

[Bill Foreman]

Come on, Ben. There's Ed over there with Welberg.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, Traffic short jammed up around here.

[Bill Foreman]

Hi, Ed.

[Ted Decorcia]

Brady, Romeo. You all set, Welberg? All set, Chief. Spring street in San Pedro, Sunset the first. Got it covered. Good.

[Bill Foreman]

What's the story?

[Ted Decorcia]

Post office detail tipped us off five minutes after eight. A man answering Carlos Monterey's description picked up a letter at the general delivery window. That was 16 minutes ago.

[Bill Foreman]

Who spotted him?

[Ted Decorcia]

Sam Lane. Got a look at him just as he was leaving the window. Called to him to stop, but Monterey ran. Lane called me and we threw a net over the area for six blocks around. And Monterey? Still somewhere inside this area. I don't know how I could have gotten out.

[Bill Foreman]

What's next?

[Ted Decorcia]

Well, I'll give him an hour to break for it. After that we start a house to house search of the whole area. Stop all pedestrian and vehicular traffic for identification. You're gonna jam up the depot? Traffic? That's cheaper than murder, Romero. Get going.

[Bill Foreman]

The first hour we counted off in five minute segments. Like back strand, we felt close enough to moderate a touch him, but he still wasn't there. The north and south ends of the blockade started to move in slowly, searching every store, every house, every conceivable place where a man might hide out. In the meantime, Ben and I worked the Spring street side of the blockade, watching the faces of the pedestrians as they came through one by one, examining all vehicles and their drivers. The morning wore on. The sun came out and it started to get warm. By 11 o'clock that morning, Monterey still had not been found. The temperature was 93. In Los Angeles it was still climbing. The search went on at 10 minutes past 2pm Back strand made the rounds.

[Ted Decorcia]

How's it look? Skimmer? Not good. Going slow.

[Bill Foreman]

How much longer you figure?

[Ted Decorcia]

I don't know. It'll go to after dark, that's sure. District down here is like a rat's nest.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah. Nothing.

[Ted Decorcia]

Nothing but he's someplace inside this blockade. Gotta be. Any chance getting relief for the men in our squad? Some of them been working straight through since yesterday. I'll see. Check with me around 5 this afternoon. Thank you, Scaver. Keep it sharp, Lookout. One slip. That's all it takes.

[Bill Foreman]

The search went on at 3 o'clock that afternoon. The temperature was 95. We sweltered and we waited. At 3:45, Backstrand sent a squad of men into the Union Depot to search it from top to bottom. There was one false alarm when one of the men thought he saw him on a race slipping out a side door into a taxi. He turned out to be a train conductor. At 25 minutes past 4, Backstrand passed along the order to our detail to start moving in house by house. It was a tedious job and it went slow. The men were tired. At 5:30, the relief squad showed up. Ben and I stayed on. After another two hours of house to house searching, the trap was narrowed down to a three square block area. A single block wide and three blocks long. It started to get dark. Back Strand ordered out batteries of floodlights by 8pm the cordon closed in around the last two square blocks.

[Ted Decorcia]

Line drawn? Set, Skipper. Ready to move. Good.

[Bill Foreman]

What do you think?

[Ted Decorcia]

Well, we'll know pretty soon one way or the other.

[Howard McNear]

Frank, keep that traffic moving.

[Ted Decorcia]

All right, you two, get going. See you later, skipper. Joe, let's take a look in here.

[Bill Foreman]

Okay.

[Ted Decorcia]

Sure is an old building.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah. Where'd Kamansky go?

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, no. He's here a minute ago. Oh, wait. There's his flashlight. Down at the end of the corridor there. He's signaling.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah. Come on, Kamansky. Yeah. Down below, sergeant. In the basement.

[Ted Decorcia]

Come on, Monterey. He's been there, I think.

[Bill Foreman]

Here, this way. Where?

[Ted Decorcia]

Over here.

[Bill Foreman]

Now, watch the step.

[Dick Powell]

That lights bad.

[Ted Decorcia]

Here he is. Says he's the janitor. Oh, my head. He's been slug, all right.

[Bill Foreman]

Come on. How'd it happen? Can you tell us, man? A big man hit me.

[Ted Decorcia]

I came down to empty the baskets. He hit me and ran. Ran over to the new building.

[Bill Foreman]

The new building? Is that the one next door?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, just a few minutes ago.

[Bill Foreman]

Nobody's come out of this building for the past half hour. Every door in the place is guarded.

[Ted Decorcia]

Oh, no, not the doors. He went through the tunnel. I saw him. Over there's the tunnel. I'll take a look. Joe. Yeah? The tunnel connects the two basements. Same company. Old building, new building. Tunnel connects the basement. Joe, come on.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Bill Foreman]

Kamansky, get out to Baxter. And tell him what's happened.

[Ted Decorcia]

Right.

[Bill Foreman]

Sergeant, call an ambulance.

[Dick Powell]

Right.

[Bill Foreman]

All right, Ben, through the tunnel.

[Ted Decorcia]

Watch where you're going. The lights.

[Bill Foreman]

B. Yeah, it Is that a door up ahead there?

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah, I think so.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah. Let's go.

[Bill Foreman]

Good. There's a stairway. Come on. Watch the doors.

[Ted Decorcia]

Joe, the elevator. They're both on the third floor.

[Bill Foreman]

Let's head for the stairs, Ben. Come on.

[Ted Decorcia]

One more floor. Yeah, right. Come on. Hurry. Yeah. Look.

[Bill Foreman]

Top of the stairs. There he goes. All right, hold it, you ducks in the elevator.

[Ted Decorcia]

Joey's going down.

[Bill Foreman]

Well, we'll never make it on the stairs. Joe, look.

[Ted Decorcia]

The other elevator. The control lever spins.

[Bill Foreman]

Let's try it anyway. All right, kick the control lever. Kick it. Spam.

[Ted Decorcia]

Good.

[Bill Foreman]

All right, Ben, knock the lever back. Come on, quick.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah.

[Dick Powell]

What's the matter?

[Bill Foreman]

Door.

[Ted Decorcia]

It's jammed. We're going back.

[Bill Foreman]

All right, let's kick it here.

[Dick Powell]

That does it.

[Bill Foreman]

Can you reach the door control?

[Ted Decorcia]

Wait just a minute.

[Howard McNear]

I'll see.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah. Okay.

[Bill Foreman]

Well, he's still in the building.

[Ted Decorcia]

Both elevators are here now.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah, down the hall, Ben. The office on the left, I think. Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

Yeah.

[Bill Foreman]

Here we are. All right, keep clear of the door. All right, Monterey, put on that gun and come on out.

[Howard McNear]

I'll show you.

[Dick Powell]

I.

[Ted Decorcia]

Okay, Joe, let's take it. Watch it.

[Bill Foreman]

Everything he can get his hands on.

[Howard McNear]

Get away I Come on.

[Bill Foreman]

All right, Monterey.

[Ted Decorcia]

Come on, you.

[Virginia Gray]

Hurry up.

[Ted Decorcia]

Okay, Ben, take him. Nice looking guy. Clean cut.

[Bill Foreman]

Yeah.

[Ted Decorcia]

Doesn't figure, does it?

[Bill Foreman]

What's that?

[Ted Decorcia]

My wife would say he doesn't look like a killer, does he?

[Bill Foreman]

What's a killer supposed to look like?

[Ted Decorcia]

The story you have just heard is cruel.

[Bill Foreman]

Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Dick Powell]

Carlos Monterey was examined by five different psychiatrists appointed by the Superior Court and was found to be sane. He was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary. You have just heard the 17th in a new series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of W.A. wharton, Acting Chief of Police, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Bill Foreman]

Tonight's program is dedicated to motorcycle patrolman.

[Ted Decorcia]

John Kramer of the El Paso, Texas.

[Bill Foreman]

Sheriff Department, who on the afternoon of.

[Ted Decorcia]

April 26, 1940, gave his life so.

[Bill Foreman]

That yours might be more secure.

[Dick Powell]

Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. Your tune for the Stars on NBC.

[Bill Foreman]

There's more from Richard Diamond Dragnet, Case Closed, and all of the other Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com. you'll find our Shoutcast stream there. As well, with even more Old Time Radio hours and hours and hours available.

[Dick Powell]

To listen to there, all made possible by your support.

[Bill Foreman]

If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. You make it all happen. Thanks to those who have thanks for.

[Dick Powell]

Joining me this week. Talk to you again next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.