Spade and Diamond

Summary

Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio) — Episode: Spade and Diamond

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Description: Dive into thrilling crime stories from the golden age of radio. This episode revisits classic tales of cunning detectives, dangerous criminals, and intricate mysteries.

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Introduction

In this captivating episode titled "Spade and Diamond," Case Closed! transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with two riveting detective stories. The first narrative features the hard-boiled private eye Sam Spade in "The Dick Foley Caper" from The Adventures of Sam Spade. Following a seamless transition, the episode delves into the world of Richard Diamond, Private Detective, presenting a gripping tale that showcases Diamond's sharp investigative skills.

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Part 1: Sam Spade – The Dick Foley Caper

Plot Overview

The story opens with Sam Spade grappling with the recent involvement of his old friend, Dick Foley, in a troubling situation. Dick Foley, a seasoned detective, seeks Sam's assistance due to threats from Claude Spicer, a former associate of Sam and Dick.

Key Characters

• Sam Spade: The protagonist, a determined and resourceful private detective.
• Effie: Sam's supportive associate, offering both professional and personal assistance.
• Dick Foley: An old friend of Sam, entangled in deceitful schemes.
• Maxine: Dick Foley's enigmatic wife, whose actions add complexity to the plot.
• Claude Spicer: A former partner of Sam and Dick, now a target seeking revenge.

Major Developments

1. The Enigmatic Call (00:00 - 03:21)
   Dick Foley contacts Sam Spade regarding threats from Claude Spicer. Sam's initial reluctance is evident when he remarks, "You don't make any friends in this business, Abby. You can write that in your book now..." (01:04).

2. Reunion with Maxine (04:16 - 07:08)
   Sam visits Dick's office and meets Maxine, Dick's wife, revealing layers of personal and professional tension. Sam muses, "What makes you think he's in trouble?" (07:35), highlighting his skepticism and concern.

3. Unraveling the Past (08:15 - 12:59)
   Sam delves into the history between Sam, Dick, and their past cases, discovering Dick's concealed motives. "If he was so clever, why didn't he win?" (27:46) underscores the complexity of their relationships.

4. Confrontation and Revelation (20:21 - 26:13)
   A pivotal confrontation between Sam and Maxine unveils Dick Foley's deeper involvement in framing others to protect his personal interests. Sam asserts, "I wouldn't back up a self-defense plea on the spice of shooting." (22:08).

5. Climactic Resolution (26:06 - 27:13)
   Sam leverages evidence to expose Dick's manipulations, leading to Dick's downfall. The intricate web of deceit is finally unraveled as Sam declares, "Now, that's good. Maybe you can get cured now." (26:12).

Notable Quotes

• Sam Spade: "You don't make any friends in this business, Abby. You can write that in your book now..." (01:04)
• Effie: "You sound tired, Sam. Wouldn't you rather just..." (01:09)
• Sam Spade: "I wouldn't back up a self-defense plea on the spice of shooting." (22:08)
• Effie: "I loved him. That's something you can't understand..." (21:28)

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Part 2: Richard Diamond – Private Detective

Plot Overview

Transitioning to Richard Diamond's realm, the episode introduces John Alistair, a man desperate enough to orchestrate his own assassination due to financial ruin. However, complications arise when the assassin, Gimpy, is unexpectedly murdered, prompting Diamond to step in to solve the ensuing mystery.

Key Characters

• Richard Diamond: The savvy and compassionate private detective tasked with unraveling the case.
• John Alistair: The distressed client seeking Diamond's help to prevent his planned assassination.
• Gimpy: The underworld figure initially hired to execute Alistair's suicide plan.
• Drago: The elusive and dangerous killer identified by his signature red rose.
• Belle de Canto: A dance school owner who becomes a crucial witness in the investigation.

Major Developments

1. A Desperate Request (32:14 - 33:58)
   John Alistair seeks Diamond's expertise to locate the assassin who caused Gimpy's death, revealing the stakes involved. "Find him before he kills me," Alistair pleads (32:14).

2. Investigative Pursuits (35:52 - 40:25)
   Diamond and his associate Walt comb through various leads, including stakeouts and interviews, to identify Drago, recognized by his distinctive red rose. "You sell him a red rose every evening," a flower vendor reveals (52:31).

3. Confrontation with Drago (55:33 - 57:38)
   The tension peaks as Diamond faces Drago on the fire escape, leading to a dramatic showdown where Diamond neutralizes the threat. "I'm going to kill you," Drago threatens (45:04).

4. Final Resolution (57:38 - 55:10)
   With Drago eliminated, Diamond ensures Alistair's safety and ties up loose ends, including confronting Belle de Canto, who was implicated by the presence of a gun and red rose. "You killed him," Alistair accuses Dick Powell's character (55:08).

Notable Quotes

• John Alistair: "I made arrangements for my own assassination. It's really very simple." (33:06)
• Richard Diamond: "Well, I'm going to kill you." (45:04)
• Belle de Canto: "You shut up and keep your back straight." (40:30)
• Richard Diamond: "See, I tell him, but I don't think he's going to do any good." (57:38)

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Conclusion

"Spade and Diamond" masterfully revisits two iconic detectives navigating complex moral landscapes and perilous investigations. Sam Spade's relentless pursuit of truth uncovers deep-seated betrayals, while Richard Diamond's empathetic approach leads to the resolution of a deadly conspiracy. This episode not only pays homage to the legendary tales of old-time radio but also underscores timeless themes of loyalty, deception, and justice.

Listeners are treated to a blend of classic noir storytelling, enriched with authentic dialogues and character-driven narratives, making "Spade and Diamond" a standout installment in the Case Closed! series.

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Notable Advertisements

Although advertisements are a hallmark of old-time radio, this summary focuses solely on the narrative content, omitting ad segments to maintain a clear and engaging overview of the crime stories.

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References:

• Quotes are attributed with their corresponding timestamps from the transcript for accuracy and context.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Welcome back to Case Closed. One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio. Every [e-mail]. our first story is the Dick Foley Caper from the Adventures of Sam Spade. That one aired September 26, 1948. After that, it's Richard Diamond, Private detective and the red rose from March 2, 1951.

[Sam Spade]

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective, brought to you by Wild Root Cream Oil Hair Tonic, the non alcoholic hatonic that contains lanolin Wild Root Cream Oil. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first.

[Effie]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Sam Spade]

Sam, sweetheart.

[Effie]

And he calls only one Sam, Lieutenant Dandy of Homicide. He wants you to drop around so they can get your formal statement.

[Sam Spade]

No hurry, not now.

[Effie]

Tell me what happened, Sam. I'm sorry.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, so am I. I guess he.

[Effie]

Was one of your oldest friends, wasn't he?

[Sam Spade]

You don't make any friends in this business, Abby. You can write that in your book now and I'll give you the rest of it when I get there.

[Effie]

You sound tired, Sam. Wouldn't you rather just.

[Sam Spade]

What, baby?

[Effie]

Well, go home and, you know, just put it off until tomorrow.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, maybe I get it off my chest tonight. Stay there, Effie. I'll come on down and dictate my report on the Dick Foley Caper. Dashiell Hammett, America's leading detective fiction writer and creator of Sam Spade, the Hard Boiled Private Eye, and William Spear, radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama, join their talents to make your hair stand on end with the Adventures of Sam Spade presented by the makers of Wild Root Cream Oil. No two ways about it, folks. Hair that's well groomed can make all the difference in the world to a person's overall appearance. That's why so many men, women, boys and girls are turning to the famous non alcoholic hair tonic with lanolin Wildroot Cream Oil. Wild Root Cream Oil grooms your hair neatly and naturally relieves dryness, removes loose dandruff. If you haven't tried it before, you'll want to get Wild Root Cream Oil in a new 25 cent get acquainted size. Yes, get Wild Root Cream Oil again and again, the choice of men and women and children too. And now, with Howard Duff starring as Spade, Wildroot brings to the air the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade. Nuts.

[Effie]

Oh, here, Sam, let me.

[Sam Spade]

Why, that's shaky.

[Effie]

Say when.

[Sam Spade]

Just to the top of the glass.

[Effie]

That's enough. You spill it.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Effie]

Sam, what you said over the phone about not making any Friends in this business. You didn't really mean that, did you?

[Sam Spade]

Forget it. You can label this. Oh, a file on Dick Foley.

[Narrator]

Date.

[Sam Spade]

Fill it in.

[Effie]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Spade]

To Dundee at Homicide, I guess from Samuel Spade, license number 137596. The facts are all here. If you can dig a formal statement out of it, you're welcome. I'd known Dick Foley ever since I took out my license. We'd worked several big capers together back in my days as a Continental art. He and Mickey Linehan and I. Then he and Mickey opened their own office. Foley and Linehan Private Investigations. Five years back, Mickey stopped the slug, and since then, the sign on the door read Dick Foley Detective Agency. I'd seen Dick maybe four or five times in the last half a dozen years just to have a drink and chew the fat about the good old days. He never talked about his private life. I assumed he didn't have any. So when I went to his office day before yesterday in response to his call, I was surprised to find him in a clinch with one of the most beautiful nails I've ever seen.

[Effie]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

Oh. Oh, Sam. Well, shall I come back after lunch? Oh, Sam, this is Maxine, my wife. Well, you don't deserve it, but I'm happy for you.

[Effie]

I'll return the compliment. Sam, I've wanted to meet you for years, but Dick wouldn't introduce me.

[Sam Spade]

Now you know why. Well, you run along, honey. Sam's here on business.

[Effie]

All right, Dick, you can bring Sam home to dinner if you like.

[Sam Spade]

There's plenty if he's not too busy. But don't count on that.

[Effie]

Try anyway, won't you, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

I will indeed.

[Effie]

Bye. Now.

[Sam Spade]

Draw up a chair, Sam. Hmm? Sit down. Oh. What's on your mind, Dick? You remember Claude Spicer, that grifter I sent over for that jewelry store hike back in 43? You never told me you were married, Dick. I'm very happily married. Now, please pay attention. Claude Spicer. Yeah, yeah, I remember the caper. Wasn't there a dame involved? Well, Spicer had a girlfriend, but the cops gave her a good bill of health. Spicer went up for a five year stretch. They sprung him last month. Whatever happened to that dame? Now, look about Spicer. He gunning for you, you hit it. How scared am I? Well, enough to ask you for help, Sam. What's eating him? Just revenge. Sam, I wouldn't tell this to anybody but you, but all the facts of that caper didn't come out at that time. I saw that. How come? Well, I couldn't have stayed in business in San Francisco if it had been generally known that my partner was the inside man on that jewelry store heist. Mickey?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Mickey Linehan. Ah, you and I are both great at choosing partners, Sam. They both deserved what they got. Only one difference. I sent up the killer that plugged my partner. Some people thought the way you gave evidence that Spice's murder trial wasn't so hot. Well, he was alibi'd, Sam. In fact, the robbery was his alibi for the murder. I don't know how he managed it. I've been trying for five years to figure it out. Spice is afraid I might succeed someday. That's why he's out to get me. What's he waiting for? Oh, I don't know. He won't do it. Simple. He'll have a fancy plan like the other time.

[Effie]

He's tricky.

[Sam Spade]

Where's he staying? At the Belvedere. Here's his mug. I kept a plant in the building for a couple of days, but he stayed holed up in his room. I think he spotted me. Okay, Deck, I'll give it a buzz. Now, wait a minute, Sid. Yeah? I'm not asking you to do this for love. Standard fee, 25 and whiskey money. Okay, forget it. This one's on me. In the elevator on my way out, I studied a picture of Claude Spicer on the old police circular Dick had given me. But a picture in the back of my mind kept getting in the way. It was Dick Foley's wife, Maxine. When I hit the street, I still saw her face before me. And it was no picture, only pretty.

[Effie]

As Sam, I waited for you. I've got to talk to you.

[Sam Spade]

My pleasure. Shall we confer in an adjacent cafe?

[Effie]

Wherever you say. Only I don't want Dick to know.

[Sam Spade]

Then you shouldn't have married a detective.

[Effie]

Please, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

How's this? Black watch?

[Effie]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Looks dark enough.

[Effie]

Well, that booth in the corner, it's secluded.

[Sam Spade]

Why not slide in? Oh, no. Over here, stupid. Not facing the street.

[Effie]

Sorry. I'm not much good at this sort of thing. Sam, I'm not asking you to tell me what it is, but if he's in really bad trouble, I think I have a right to know.

[Sam Spade]

What makes you think he's in trouble?

[Effie]

Well, I'm not blind. You can't live with a man and not sense it when something goes wrong.

[Sam Spade]

I never thought Dick was the type to show it.

[Effie]

Oh, he's. He's tried to hide it from me, and I haven't said anything. I thought if he wanted me to know he'd tell me.

[Sam Spade]

It was a wise thought. Hold on to it.

[Effie]

Well, I meant to, but then a terrible possibility crossed my mind. Sam, it isn't me, is it?

[Sam Spade]

In what way?

[Effie]

Well, you know what I mean. He's been away from home nights so much lately and he questions me so closely about where I go and who I see and so on, and I. Well, I may as well ask you right out. Did he hire you to check up on me? Then that is it?

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Effie]

You're not lying to me, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Why should I?

[Effie]

Dick says you're almost his oldest friend. He's talked so much about you and.

[Sam Spade]

He must have told you. I don't do that type of work.

[Effie]

Why do you keep looking at me?

[Sam Spade]

Sorry. Trying to place you. Maxine, I keep thinking I've seen you someplace before.

[Effie]

Oh, it must have been my picture. I was an actress.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Picture. Yeah. Maybe that was it.

[Effie]

Why do you say it like that?

[Sam Spade]

Like what?

[Effie]

As if you were angry with me.

[Sam Spade]

Because I just got the caption on the picture.

[Effie]

Sam, wait. Come back.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, I had. And the caption was from a newspaper circa 1943. And it read, actress, lovely, cleared in Lanahan Slaying. I flashed my 10 star at the room. Clerk at the Belvedere learned that Claude Spicer was in and stuck around to make sure the clerk didn't buzz the room to tip him off. Around 4 in the PM Spicer went out very dressed up, umbrella, gloves and all. He walked down Geary to Grant and turned north. A cold San Francisco drizzle started blowing up from the Bay. I wished I'd brought my overcoat. A half a block up from California, he entered Grayson's Jewelry Store. I peeked through the rainscreek show window after him inside, pawing eagerly through a tray full of diamond clips while a long suffering clerk eyed her hopelessly from his side of the counter. Was the actress lovely? Maxine shot Spicer a quick glance of recognition as he entered, but they didn't speak. He took up a pose of gentlemanly patience, shrugged his eyebrows sympathetically at the clerk and leaned elegantly in his umbrella while Maxine found fault with every piece of jewelry that was shoved in front of it. The bored expression left his face only once. That was when the clerk opened the vault and brought out some unset stones. Their act may have been fooling the clerk, but it was as plain as the nose on Spice's face. A very plain nose it was, but they were sizing up the joint for a pushover. Maxine left first. He Stayed long enough to buy a cigarette lighter and then followed her out. They took out after him. I stopped to read the sticker on the inside of the glass door. It said, these promises protected by Dick Foley Detective Agency. Maxine was waiting for him at the corner. I grabbed up a Chinese newspaper and used it to listen behind. But I needn't have bothered. They didn't seem to care. Well, are you happy? Ought to be about a million bucks.

[Effie]

Why are you so disagreeable? You ought to be feeling good.

[Narrator]

Feeling good? Five years stretch, I come out to find my girl married to the joker.

[Sam Spade]

That sent me up.

[Effie]

You didn't think it was such a bad idea at the time.

[Sam Spade]

Well, I do now.

[Narrator]

Well, after tonight, we'll go east.

[Sam Spade]

You and me together, baby.

[Effie]

He'll catch up with us wherever we go.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you shouldn't live so long.

[Effie]

How do you mean that?

[Narrator]

Just like it sounds, baby.

[Sam Spade]

Bye.

[Effie]

Oh, don't leave.

[Narrator]

I'm gonna get some sleep.

[Sam Spade]

I'll need a clear head.

[Effie]

Claude, I. I don't want to be alone.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, not even tonight?

[Effie]

I don't want to be alone.

[Sam Spade]

See you later, honey. Bye. Bye. He went straight back to the Belvedere. No stops. Picked up his key at the desk, no messages. Took the elevator to the eighth floor, let himself into room 809, hung out the do not disturb sign, clean closed and locked the door behind it. I kept a plan on it till around midnight. Then I left it to Do Not Disturb card from the doorknob and wedged it into the crack of the door. It was a crafty move, and I had just finished doing it craftily when the door opened again in my face. Huh? Boy, what are you doing here? Nothing, sir. I. I'm making a survey. Why? I'm from the trotter pole. Trotter pole? It's like the gallop pole, but we're not in so much of a hurry. Yeah. Just kindly answer this question as a Democrat. Do you believe Dewey?

[Effie]

Huh?

[Sam Spade]

I picked up the Do Not Disturb card and wedged it back into the crack of his door. As any house dick knows. Except, of course, Tiny Stover. The night paper at the Belvedere. If anybody opens the door like that, the card will fall out and somebody will always hang it on the knob. Another thing Tiny doesn't know is never to draw to an inside straight. We played nine different kinds of poker until 5am when I thought I'd go up and have another look. All was quiet on the eighth floor. From the elevator bank, I could see room 809. The morning paper was shoved under his door, and my Do Not Disturb sign was apparently where I had planted it. I tiptoed up to make sure. Huh, boy. What do you want? Me? The paper, boy. Sir? Your morning paper.

[Narrator]

You get a round.

[Sam Spade]

Well, well. Good news in the paper, sir.

[Narrator]

Interesting.

[Sam Spade]

Interesting. Jewelry store heist up on Grant Avenue. Oh, yes, sir. Our paper only comes. What? I grabbed the paper from under 805. It was the headline I could have expected if Spicer had left his room without my knowing it. Grayson's Jewelry Store, the shop he and Maxine had case that afternoon, had been taken for an estimated million bucks in uncut gems. But Spice's door hadn't been opened and there was no other exit. I sat down and thought. And what I thought of was that sticker on the front door of Grayson's said, these premises protected by Dick Foley Detective agency. When the 6am Oakland Ferry Boat fell its way blindly out of the slip, Claude Spicer was aboard, and so was I. Should have been getting lighter, but it wasn't. The fog was thickening over the harbor and most of the passengers were inside drinking coffee. Spicer didn't go in. He climbed up to the boat deck and stood at the rail under the pilot's house. I planted between two wet paint signs and waited. Not for long. I couldn't make out any features on the man who came up and joined them. They stood face to face, not more than a foot apart, and talked in voices that couldn't get to me through the racket of the foghorns in the harbor. What spoke loud enough for me to hear was a gun. They seemed to fall into each other's arms, then collapsed in a heap on the deck. And when I got to the spot, only the dead one was there. It was Spicer. The other man had disappeared around the corner of the deck house. A ray of light from the pilot's window swept over him and I saw gunmetal shine in his hand and then spin out over the rail as he threw it. What? Oh, it's you, Sam. I was afraid you'd lost him. What did you do it for, Dick? I had my reason, Sam. Now trust me. I'll keep you in the clear. How long? As long as I go on playing sucker for you. What do you think I hired you for? Maybe I was supposed to say you killed him in self defense. Maybe I was supposed to see him making passes at your wife if you needed that. But, Sam, you've got. I've worked for killers before. I've even worked for thieves. But not for a detective that knocks over a place he's supposed to be protecting. Sam, it's not a savage, but for the copstick. I'm turning you in when we get to Oakland. No, you're not, Sam. Then come back here. Let go me. I'm going over the side. If you try to stop me, you're going with me. He fought away from me, got one foot over the rail and kicked out at me with the other. It caught me on the point of the chin. I stumbled forward and grabbed out blind. Must have caught him by the belt just as he jumped. I remember something pulling me halfway over the rail and trying to get free of it. I did, but not soon enough. I was in mid air and the black water came rushing up to meet me. The makers of Wild Root Cream Oil are presenting the weekly Sunday adventure of Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective, Sam Spade. Now here's important news on good grooming. If you want the well groomed look that helps you get ahead socially and on the job, Listen. Recently, thousands of people from coast to coast who bought Wild Root Cream Oil for the first time were asked, how does wild Root Cream oil compare with the hair tonic you previously used? The results were amazing. Better than four out of five who replied said they preferred Wild Root Cream Oil. Remember, non alcoholic Wild Root Cream Oil contains lanolin. It grooms the hair naturally, relieves dryness and removes loose, ugly dandruff. So if you want your hair to be more attractive than ever before, get the generous new 25 cent size of wild Root Cream Oil, America's leading hair tonic. On sale at all drug and toilet goods counters. It's also available in larger economy bottles and the handy new tube. Get Wild Root Cream Oil again and again. The choice of men and women and children too. By the way, smart girls use Wild Root Cream Oil too, and mothers say it's grand for training children's hair. And now back to the Dick Foley Caper, Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade. I found myself mechanically keeping afloat somehow and trying to get out of my coat. I felt heavy and logged, as if I'd swallowed gallons of water. The murk hung low and thick. There was nothing else to be seen anywhere. I swallowed what felt like several more gallons before I got rid of the coke. From out of the misty fog blanket from every direction in a dozen different keys, from near and far, foghorns sounded. I stopped swimming and floated on my back, trying to determine my whereabouts. After a while, I picked out the moaning Evenly spaced blasts of the Alcatraz siren. But they came out of the fog without direction. Seemed to beat down on me from straight above. I was somewhere in San Francisco Bay and that was all I knew. And I suspected the current was sweeping me out toward the Golden Gate. Then a light came up ahead of me sudden. A boat passing a few yards away. I lifted my head and screamed. But the boat siren, crying its warning drowned out my shouts, went on past and the fog closed in behind it. Then I heard a new sound. Seagulls. I swam towards it and it seemed to get lighter. Part of it was the dawn light beginning to cut through the fog blanket. But there was also a strange looking man standing on the water and waving a great green lantern back and forth. I yelled at him to wait for me and a seagull got off his hat and flew away. When I got closer, I saw that it was not a man, but only a buoy channel type. I used all the strength I had left to drag myself up on the base of it and let it rock me to sleep. Hey. Hey, mate. Pour some more of the brandy into him.

[Effie]

Gus.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Here, get some of this done. Where are we?

[Narrator]

Hey, it didn't happen.

[Sam Spade]

You can tell that by the smell. Oh, Fisherman's Wharf. Yeah, take it easy. We got ambulance coming. You're going to the hospital. No, no, no. I'll be okay. Give me a hand. Yeah, okay. Hey, you, do us a favor, will you?

[Narrator]

Don't fall down till you get out.

[Sam Spade]

Of sight this time. We're tired of picking you up. I thanked the two kindly old fisher folk for their interest in my welfare. Tottered up the pier, fell into a taxi and went home. While I soaked out some of my aches and pains and chills. I did some stewing about the caper so far and stewed up enough anger to carry me through to the finished. I checked the Coast Guard for news of Dick Foley. They told me his body hadn't been recovered yet. I got dressed and went over to his office. The cops hadn't been there. I went through the file cabinet and what I found on the Foley private had me so interested that I didn't hear Maxine come in until she closed the door.

[Effie]

What are you looking for?

[Sam Spade]

You, baby. I'm for you. Come here.

[Effie]

Oh, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Nice.

[Effie]

Oh, you dirty.

[Sam Spade]

Now, don't be mad, Maxine. A gun makes a woman bulge in the wrong place.

[Effie]

It's not my gun.

[Sam Spade]

We'll see.

[Effie]

Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Shut up. Now, starting with a rap, Spicer went up for the same pattern. The Way you worked this one tells me how you worked it the first time you get something on a private detective. The first time? Five years ago. It was Dick's partner, Mickey Linehan. I don't know what Spicer had on him, but I do know he forced Dick to knock over Grayson's jewelry store last night.

[Effie]

I won't listen to you.

[Sam Spade]

Okay, I'll talk to myself. I'm not saying you killed Mickey Linehan, but Dick did frame an alibi for you, didn't he? Didn't he?

[Effie]

Oh, you're hurting me.

[Sam Spade]

Good. Try spending a night swimming around in circles in the middle of the harbor sometime. See how you like that.

[Effie]

All right, it's true. Dick did help me out of that old jam. I'm not ashamed of it. I'm proud. Our love was that important to him.

[Sam Spade]

Now, Spicer, that same old double cross. Only this time I'm standing where Dick did five years ago. Dick was set up as a patsy the same way Mickey Linehan was. But he got smart and pulled the trigger first.

[Effie]

Stop it.

[Sam Spade]

Stop it.

[Effie]

Where did that hurt, you fool? I love Dick. I loved him. That's something you can't understand, but it happens that way no matter what people are.

[Sam Spade]

You sound as if you really mean that. But you're a little late, aren't you?

[Effie]

He's not dead. I'm sure he isn't.

[Sam Spade]

If he's not, he's really in trouble.

[Effie]

What do you mean by that?

[Sam Spade]

I found something here in the files that Dick left just in case Spicer got to him first.

[Effie]

What is it?

[Sam Spade]

A confession to Mickey Linehan's murder.

[Effie]

That's impossible.

[Sam Spade]

Were you there?

[Effie]

What are you gonna do with it?

[Sam Spade]

Turn it over to the police. But if he's still alive, it still counts. Unless he shows and revokes it. But I don't think he will.

[Effie]

Why?

[Sam Spade]

Because I won't back up a self defense plea on the spice of shooting.

[Effie]

But you were Dick's friend. You were his friend.

[Sam Spade]

I wouldn't ask him to do it for me.

[Effie]

Then what can I do for him? I'll do anything. Anything? Anything at all.

[Sam Spade]

Well, if he stays away, he's as good as dead. If he comes back, you'll get a jury trial. There are more men than women in the panel. He'd probably be acquitted on your testimony alone.

[Effie]

Do you really think he might have a chance?

[Sam Spade]

With a jury, there's always a chance.

[Effie]

But where is he? How can I get word to him?

[Sam Spade]

Well, if he's not fish food by now, there's one sure way of smoking him up. Something I can do, nobody else.

[Effie]

Please, tell me anything.

[Sam Spade]

Sign a confession of your own.

[Effie]

Confession?

[Sam Spade]

Not Mickey Linehan's murder or anything they might nail you for. Swear that you shot Spicer. You can always reneg. Make both of you look good sacrificing for each other. How about it?

[Effie]

All right, tell me what to write.

[Sam Spade]

I did. She signed it. I had Effie dispatch it to all the papers and news services, and then I brought her down to the hall. Naturally, you didn't believe a word of her confession, Dundee. But when I took you aside and explained my stratagem, you endorsed it. Hardly. And had her booked. She pressed my hand and fight me. The look of resignation on her face was so real, it was hard to believe she was faking. When she turned her back to follow the matron down the corridor, I saw why. On the back of her coat there was a smear of white paint. I remembered the wet paint signs on the Oakland ferry boat. Dick Foley gave himself up an hour after her confession. Hit the street, screamed and yelled at everybody in homicide, trying to convince them that Maxine was innocent and he should take the. But I'm afraid I queered that when we confronted him with the autopsy surgeon's report, he tried to bluff even then when he read it. Pellet A and at right side between third and fourth ribs penetrated, left lung pellet B. Pleural membrane, side wound punctured. Well, so what, Sam? All three on the right side angling up. You see? No, I don't know why you even saw me on that boat. You saw me throw the gun over. Oh, cut it out, Dick. What I saw was in the dark. You two men were facing each other directly. If I were going to drop a man fast at close range, face to face like that, I would not put the gun in my left hand, twist it around, straining my wrist in the process and pull the trigger with my thumb. Unless I were left handed, double jointed and a trickier shot than you are, I'd blast him straight through the middle. All right, all right. Yes, it was Maxine. Well, that's good. Maybe you can get cured now. Why don't you open up some more? Let me put it down like it was business. All right, sir. Number one, Maxine killed your partner, Mickey Linehan, five years ago. Probable motive to eliminate him and send Spicer up for it. Yeah, she. She didn't figure on Spicer being smart enough to confess to the robbery and that alibi'd him for the murder 2. You perjured yourself to clear Maxine of the murder motive to prevent the truth about your partner from coming out. And Maxine was motive enough for anything. Cut it out, will you? Sorry. 3. Spicer forced you to team up with him in the jewelry heist. How? Well, he threatened to make a full confession as accessory to Mickey's killing. I would have put the whole works on Maxine and leave him in the clear. Yeah. Can't be tried twice for the same crime. 4. You decided to rub out Spicer whether you could beat the rap or not and clear the books once and for all. So you pretended to play along with him, told Maxine to do the same and called me in a zmpire. Yeah, I'm. Sam, I'm sorry, I. Why couldn't you lay off Maxine? Why did you have to? Oh, I thought you were my friend and that's about it. Period. End of friendship.

[Effie]

Oh, you mean the confession that you tricked her into making turned out to.

[Sam Spade]

That's it, Effie.

[Effie]

Oh, what'll happen to him? What about Dick Foley?

[Sam Spade]

Dick? Well, they got him on a number of things, I suppose. May take some time out of him, but I think you'll be an okay.

[Effie]

Guy again with her out of the way.

[Sam Spade]

With her out of the way. Sam, go and type it up, will you? It's late. I'm gonna get out of here and. Now listen to this. When it comes to hair tonics, the best friend of the family is Wild Root Cream Oil. Wild Root Cream Oil grooms the hair neatly and naturally relieves dryness, removes loose dandruff. Now you can get America's leading hair tonic in the new 25 cent get acquainted size. Also, ask your barber for a professional application of Wild Root Cream Oil Hair tonic again and again, the choice of men and women and children too.

[Effie]

I know how you must feel, so I won't.

[Sam Spade]

What's your hurry?

[Effie]

Well, I thought. Well, you know how you always feel.

[Sam Spade]

Look, sweetheart, Dick Foley was a private dick. So what?

[Effie]

You mean you can bring yourself to talk about it?

[Sam Spade]

Sure, go ahead. Try me.

[Effie]

Well, Sam, it seems terribly complicated. I suppose because Mr. Foley was in the profession and thinks like you do.

[Sam Spade]

Up to a point. Effie, what's bothering you?

[Effie]

Well, why did he call you in? You. Another private detective. And he knew how smart you are and all.

[Sam Spade]

And, I don't know, maybe he thought, well, if I turned up anything, I'd look the other way.

[Effie]

Do you think that could ever happen to you, Sam? That's a clever phrase you dictated. He called me in as umpire that's baseball. But if he was so clever, why didn't he win?

[Sam Spade]

His mistake. Evie was trying a quadruple play which has never been heard of in the history of baseball or crime. All he wanted was to bat Maxine home safe. There usually figures when three men are out the side with ties.

[Effie]

Oh, well, I don't understand baseball, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

That's all right. Football will be here soon anyway.

[Effie]

But I don't know.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, Levy. Good night, sweetheart. The Adventures of Sam Spade, Ashell Hammett's famous private detective are produced and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade is played by Howard Duff. Loreen Tuttle is Effie. The adventures of Sam Spade are written for radio by Bob Tallman and Gil Dowd. Musical direction by Lud Gluskin with score composed by Renee Garaghan. Join us again next Sunday when author Dashiell Hammett and producer William Speer join forces for another adventure with Sam Spade, brought to you by Wild Root Cream Oil. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first. This is Dick Joy reminding you to get Wild Root Cream Oil, Charlie. It keeps your hair in trim. You see, it's non alcoholic, Charlie. It's made with soothing lanolin. You better get Wild Root Cream Oil, Charlie. Start using it today. You'll find that you will have a tough time, Charlie, keeping all the cows away. Hiya, baldy. Get wild root right away. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator]

The makers of Camel cigarettes present Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. More people smoke Camels than any other cigarette. Make your own camel 30 day test. The one sensible, thorough cigarette test. You'll enjoy the rich, full flavor of Camel's costly tobaccos. You'll see just how mild a cigarette can be day after day, pack after pack. And you'll know why more people smoke Camels than any other cigarette. Here transcribed is Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. I'm a detective agency. The ham and mayhem.

[Effie]

It's mayhem.

[Narrator]

Not if it ruins a gag. Hi, Helen.

[Sam Spade]

Hi.

[Effie]

What are you doing?

[Narrator]

Oh, trying to spot a client. I've done everything to get somebody up here. Set traps, hung out of the window by my toes. Nothing.

[Effie]

Oh, is it that bad?

[Narrator]

Rick has been for a week. Can I come over tonight and cry on your shoulder?

[Effie]

I'd love it.

[Narrator]

Better wear a bathing suit.

[Effie]

Are you gonna cry that much?

[Narrator]

No, but the bathing suit will sure make me feel a lot better.

[Effie]

You idiot.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I can't help it. I try so hard.

[Effie]

Are you really coming?

[Narrator]

If I cry long enough, I'll Work up a heck of an appetite.

[Effie]

I'll have Francis fix you a good dinner.

[Narrator]

I'll pay you back for the first client I get.

[Effie]

We'll eat off.

[Narrator]

No, I'll have Francis fix you dinner.

[Effie]

What time will you be over, Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator]

Rick.

[Effie]

Shh.

[Narrator]

I think I've spotted one client. I'm afraid to ask. It might scare him away. Are you Richard diamond, the private detective? Are you interested in hiring him? I certainly am.

[Effie]

Rick.

[Narrator]

He just made a score. Baby, I'll see you tonight.

[Effie]

Oh, wonderful.

[Narrator]

Well, come in, sir. Come in. No sense in standing in a draft. Might catch pneumonia before we get around to my fee. My name is John Alistair. Well, sit down, Mr. Alistair. Pull up a wallet. A chair. Thank you. Now, what can I do for you? Quite a lot, I hope. Two days ago, I made arrangements for my own assassination. It's really very simple. Well, so am I sometimes. Maybe you better be a little bit more specific. Well, I was bankrupt, in danger of going to prison. I have a family, a wife and two children. And an insurance policy. That's right. If I was to be killed, my family would be well taken care of. You said you were in danger of going to prison. Why? Well, I'll be perfectly honest. I embezzled money from my phone. Oh, embezzlement. I didn't get a lot of years for that. Yes. So I decided to do away with myself, leaving instructions for my wife to replace the stolen funds. She could live quite comfortably on the rest. I knew suicide would revoke the insurance policy. So I went to the only underworld character I knew, a man named Gimpy. A long time ago, he'd been my bootlegger. Oh, yeah, I know him. Nearly poisoned me once. I told Gimpy I wanted to hire a man to kill me. A professional assassin. Gimpy said it could be done, and I gave him $200. I told Gimpy to take care of the arrangements and not to tell me anything about the man who was going to kill me. I didn't want to know a thing. How it would be done or when. What do you want me for? Well, something has happened. My wife's brother arrived last week from South America. Very wealthy man. And advance me enough money to pay back the firm and make a fresh start. Well, then go tell Gimpy to call the gunman off. Have you read the morning papers, Mr. Diamond?

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Narrator]

Yeah, front page. Gimpy was shot to death last night.

[Sam Spade]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Kind of tough then, to tell Gimpy to call it off. I want you to find whoever Gimpy hired and stop him from killing me. Find a man with the only clue to his identity lying dead in the morgue. He could be one of 50 professional killers wandering the streets. One of 50 who would make it tough to be found even if you just wanted the time of the day. Can you find him? I don't know. I can try. You must find him before he kills me. I'll try my best. In the meantime, you stay here and lock yourself in. In this office? Yep. Right here. Don't even let your wife know where you are. All right, if. If you think it's necessary. I think it is. And by the way, I. I charge a hundred a day in expenses. I guess his brother in law had given him enough money for a high priced private detective. Because he handed me $100 and agreed to lock my door and not answer it for anyone but me. I left the office and headed for the skid row bistro where Gimpy had died on the dirty floor. It was called the Black and Red and the bartender was wearing an apron that looked like he'd been making hash on it. Yeah, Gimpy got killed here. Right over there. The clean spot near the bar. He bled a little. You know who gunned him? What am I answering your questions for? Because I'm asking him. That ain't enough. I got a fetish for living. I'm. I'm a private cop. Well, that's the worst thing you could have said. You better buy a beer or take a walk, huh? I'll buy. You don't even have to change the 10 bucks. You think I'd tell you something for a lousy 10 fish? Yeah. Well, you're wrong. I don't know nothing. You were in here, weren't you? Yeah, on my stomach behind the bar. You saw it start, didn't you? You want me to tell you as much as I know? Unless you want to play another tune. We could dance. 10 bucks for what I know. You don't think it's worth it, huh? Nah. But I seen the 10 and it made me greedy. Okay.

[Sam Spade]

Here.

[Narrator]

Live a little.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Well, Gimpy was standing over there drinking a beer. These two guys come in and one of them walks up to him. What did they look like? Two guys. Big guys. Hats, coats with a color stained up. The whole bit looked like just what they was. This one guy started arguing with Gimpy about some money. You hear the conversation? Yeah. Something about wanting all the 200. Well, Gimpy gets a little nasty. He was like that. You Know a nasty little guy? Well, the guy gets tired of arguing and pulls a gun. Gimpy tries to climb the bar and he must have been halfway over when a guy cut him in two. By then I was flat on my face waiting for mine. But these two guys took off and I called the cops. Wait, the 10. You don't remember what either one of the guys looked like? Nah. I was mine to my health. Okay, thanks. Hey. Yeah? I don't know whether it means nothing, but the guy who killed Gimpy was wearing a small red flower in his buttonhole. A red flower? Like a rosebud. I remember it. Funny, a guy like that should be wearing a pretty flower. Oh. What do you want? Why, Sergeant Otis, you've been taking your ugly pills again. Can't you ever do anything without the department's help? I thought you were supposed to be a big smart private detective. Well, we all make mistakes. I thought you were supposed to be a gorilla. Oh, you did, huh? Yeah, but gorillas get bigger. Hello. Hello, Rick. What can I do for you? I got a little problem. Your department handle that killing over in the Black and Red Saloon? Skid row? Yeah. Yeah, a small time guy named Gimpy got himself blown up. Mm. Any line on the killer? No. We questioned the bartender who runs the place. He was lying on his face. Couldn't give much of a description, but checking up on Gimpy's friends and associates, the killer wore a small red flower in his buttonhole. Maybe a rose. How do you know? Bartender told me. But maybe you knew about it. Well, he didn't tell me. What are you interested in Gimpy for? He contacted the killer. I've got to find the killer and I don't know who he is. You think maybe this guy with the flower is your boy? He might be. Bartender said he was arguing with Gimpy about $200. Well, now, he didn't tell me that either. Just said they were arguing. You should have slipped him 10 bucks. What do you have to find him for? Client. You got a client who wants you to find a killer? Yeah. That's all I'm going to tell you. Give me what you got on Gimpy and his friends. I don't know why I should. Oh, stop pouting, Fatty. I can't tell you anymore. Besides, if I find this killer, you solve the Gimpy killing, don't you? Well, yeah. Well, then let's have it. Okay. Gimpy didn't have many friends. The only sure one we've come up with is A woman named Belle de Canto runs a small dancing school. Have you talked to her? Yeah, but she knows less than the bartender. Is the address? Walt gave me Beldicanta's address and I went over. It was an old two story building on the east side with a rickety flight of stairs leading up to the dance studio. Belle decanto was sitting at the piano. I stood there smoking a Camel. Watched one of her young pupils perform a pretty sloppy set of terms. All right, Jeannie, that was fine. Over to the bar.

[Effie]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Hey, Maya.

[Effie]

Somebody.

[Narrator]

Oh, what can I do for you? I want to talk to you, Bill. 20 bucks for 10 lessons. I just want to talk.

[Effie]

Why don't you take the lessons, mister? Gives you grace and balance.

[Narrator]

I look a little silly in tights, dear. Go do your exercises, Jeannie.

[Effie]

Okay. But I still think you look great in tights, mister. We could do Swan Lake and things.

[Narrator]

I bet we could talk them into it, Belle.

[Effie]

He's real cute.

[Narrator]

What do you want to talk about? Gimpy. You a cop? Private cop. I entertained the whole 5th Precinct all morning. I'm looking for the guy who killed Gimpy. I told the cops all I know. I don't know who killed Gimpy. Back straight, honey, okay? I can't help you, mister. You know a man who wears a red flower in his buttonhole?

[Effie]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Do you know a man who wears a red. I'm busy, mister. I got a lesson. Look, Bill, I don't know nothing. Now beat it. Maybe if I bought a course of lessons. I'm full out. Now get out of here. I told you to keep your back straight.

[Effie]

Okay, okay, I'm keeping it.

[Narrator]

Belle, you gonna get out of here or do I call a law?

[Effie]

Oh, Belle. What you throwin him out for?

[Narrator]

You shut up and keep your back straight.

[Effie]

Listen, I'm paying good money around here.

[Narrator]

Get out now, mister. Okay.

[Effie]

What you climbing on me for, huh? So what are you yelling?

[Narrator]

You'll get up there and do you better. I'll bust this cane over your skull.

[Effie]

You'll do what I told your old.

[Narrator]

Lady I'd teach you how to dance. And I will if I have to cripple you trying.

[Effie]

You don't yell at me like that.

[Narrator]

Bye, you lovely people.

[Effie]

Bye, hon. You don't yell at me. I paid my money. Who do you think you are? Who get up on that bar. Drop dead.

[Narrator]

It was pretty obvious my mention of the man with the red flower had set off Belle de Canto's charming temper. And it was even more obvious that to Bell the man with the red flower spelled some kind of trouble. The third and most obvious point was was that I wouldn't get anything out of Belle even if I dropped her in a pit full of enraged mice. I started down the steps of the dance studio, heading for the street. And I stopped cold. Something on the third step set off little bells in the space in my head reserved for danger. There on the third step was a small red rose. And it hadn't been there when I went went in. I stopped and thought about it. Maybe the man I wanted was in the building. I looked around. Only one other door besides the studio and that led to Bell's apartment above. I went up there and looked around. Nothing. Then I got a pretty scary thought. Maybe the man with the red rose had tailed me. Waited around listening at the door. If he'd found me, maybe he'd found my client. I spent the next 20 minutes making myself hard to follow. When I was satisfied no one was tailing me, went back to my office. Alistair. Mr. Alistair. Who is it? Diamond. Open up. How do I know it's Diamond? Well, you are being cautious. You gave me a hundred dollar retainer. I told you to lock yourself in my office. Not to answer to anybody but me. Did you find out anything? Close it. Lock it. Is something wrong? The man who killed Gimpy was wearing a red flower in his buttonhole. I met an old bitty who runs a dancing school. And when I mentioned the flowers, you froze up like a clam in a barrel of glue. Who is this man with the flower? I don't know. But before he killed Gimpy, he argued with him about some money. $200. Well, that's the amount I paid Gimpy to hire the assassin. Now, I think the man with the flower is probably your killer. And when I left the dance studio, I found this red rose. Huh. I think maybe he's tailing me. He knows I came to see you. I don't know. I think he's found out I'm looking for him. Maybe. Figures I'm trying to catch him for killing Gimpy. Anyway, you're not the only one on the spot now. But what'll we do? If he's looking for me, there's no sense in letting him find you too. You got to get out of here. But where? At an out of the way hotel. I know managers. A friend of mine. But what if this killer finds you? That's a good question. I hustle John Alistair out on the fire escape and we climbed down to the Floor below just in case our boy with a red rose was waiting outside my office. We climbed into the seventh floor hall, made our way to the service elevator and down to the alley. A half an hour later I deposited Alistair in room number 11 of the bunker Hill Hotel. In charge of the manager, a one time safecracker named Herman Clip. I'd done a lot of favors for Herman and he assured me Alistair would be safe and that no one would be allowed to see him unless his name was diamond and he had the bluest eyes in the private detective business. It was 6 o' clock by the time I left the hotel. And I kept to the side streets in case the man with the red rose might be close. It was certainly one way of finding him, letting him find me. But I wanted to be ready for it. And I didn't want to be around my client when it happened. I went back to my apartment on 51st Street. Hello, chum. I've been waiting for you. Oh, that's nice. Lonesome 401. You had that nice big gun to keep you company. Sure. True. You forgot to wear your rose. You got the wrong boy dime. Drago's busy. Drago? Name won't do you any good.

[Sam Spade]

I'm going to kill you.

[Narrator]

Drago's the boy with the red rose. Turn on the radio. You were the guy with him in the bar when he killed Gimpy. That's right. Turn on the radio. Okay, okay. Look, tell Drago he doesn't have to kill John Alistair. Alistair says to call it off. The radio. The radio. Oh, sure. Will you tell him? See, I tell him, but I don't think he's going to do any good. You see, he knows Alistair talked to you. We know you've been trying to find him. And we don't want anybody who can pin Gimpy's killing on us. I didn't tell Alistair anything. Sure, sure. Why you got him hidden on, huh? We find out Drago should have knocked off Gimby like that. But he gets excited. Like running out of the bar before he knocked off the bartender. If we had knocked off the bartender right then, he couldn't have told you nothing. What about the bartender? He's in the river. Turn the radio up. I turned the radio up slowly, my mind working triple time. The guy behind me wanted the music to cover the noise. Like a funeral march with a one gun salute. I heard him get up behind me. All right, turn around. It had to be quick. I turned and gave him the radio right in the face. I Had twisted his gun right into his stomach. He looked up at me like a kid who was going to bust out crying because somebody had dumped over his blocks. Then he slid down on his face and died without a sound. I put in a fast call to Walt. Told him to check his files for a killer named Drago. I told him what had happened and about the bartender who was probably floating on the river. Then I took off for Beldecato's dance studio. The man I just killed had said Drago wasn't going to leave anyone around who might pin the gimpy killing on him. And Drago had left his red rose on the steps outside of Bell's studio. When I got there, the big dance hall was dark. So I went up another flight to Belle's apartment. Well, here goes. Belle was there, all right, and Drago had been there. He hadn't left a rose, but he left a bullet instead. It was somewhere in Belle decanto's heart. Before we continue with Richard diamond, here is an important question. How mild can a cigarette be? One puff won't tell you. One sniff won't tell you. It takes day in, day out smoking to find out how well a cigarette agrees with your throat. Only Camels offer you this day in, day out smoking proof. In a coast to coast test of hundreds of people who smoked only camels for 30 days, noted throat specialists reported not one single case of throat irritation due to smoking Camels. Make your own Camel 30 day test. The one sensible, thorough cigarette test. Smoke only camels for 30 days and let your taste tell you how rich and flavorful Camels are. Puff after puff after pack after pack. Let your throat tell you how mild Camels are. How well Camels get along with your throat. As a steady smoke, you'll see why people say once a Camel smoker, always a Camel smoker.

[Effie]

How mild, how mild, how mild, how.

[Narrator]

Mild, how mild can a cigarette be? Make the Camel 30 day test and you will see. Smoke, Camels and sleep. And now back to Richard diamond, private detective starring Dick Powell. Well, here's all the information, Rick. The only man we got on file named Drago is a well known hood named Tommy Drago. So, seven arrests, two convictions. Assault and armed robbery. Can you find them all? Well, I put out an apb. Maybe we'll pick him up. You find the bartender dragging the river. Now, the guy in your apartment has been identified as Julio Besadi. Arrested once with Drago. Supposed to work together.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Why did Drago kill Bell? Decanto probably thought I told her something. We gotta get this boy. He's killed three people in two days. He wants to add two more to his list. Me and my client. Where is your client? Oh, he's staked out in the Bunker Hill Hotel. He's safe. We better pick him up and give him protection. He doesn't want the police brought in. But you can stake out a couple of men near the hotel in case Drago shows up. Right. Look, Walt, if this Drago likes red roses, he must buy them someplace. Yeah. Well, have some men check all the flower shops. Have them circulate the description for the rest of the day and into the evening. The entire precinct turned out to look for Drago. Each man had a photograph and they toured every flower store in the city, showing the photograph and asking questions. Walt and I even took one section. Wore out a lot of pavement and several good inches of shoe leather trying to find someone who might have been selling the roses to Drago. By 6 o', clock, we were back in the precinct, discouraged. And as Walt said. Oh, I'm beat. Yeah. You want some coffee?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I might as well. We took in 12 shops here. Thanks. Looks like the guy grows his own. Maybe he does. Swell. I'll put out a general to pick up every window box and flower pot in the city. We're bound to catch him in 10 or 12 years. Yeah. What do you want, Spike head?

[Sam Spade]

Spikehead?

[Narrator]

Just thought it up. Oh, well, did you just want to see if the buzzer works?

[Sam Spade]

No. I got address on that guy diamond shot.

[Narrator]

Julio Basotti.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Well, do you want us to hold a seance while you give it to us by telepathy?

[Sam Spade]

Oh. 456 River Street, Apartment 7.

[Narrator]

And you sure are getting grouchy. Walt and I piled into the squad car and took off a few. 456 River St. There was a chance that the man who wore the roses might live with his partner, Giulio. Beside, we found the manager. He let us into the apartment. And after 15 minutes of pretty extensive house wrecking, both Walt and I came to the same conclusion. Julio. Beside, he lived alone and liked it. We hit the street pretty discouraged. Well, come on. Hey, Walt. What is it? Look, that old lady down the street. What about her? She's selling flowers.

[Sam Spade]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Well, let's go. Flowers, gentlemen, do you have some red roses? Yes. Single red roses that I could wear in my lapel? Yes.

[Effie]

25 cents.

[Narrator]

Have you ever seen this man? What man? Yeah. Yes, Mr. Drago. I sell him a red rose every evening. Fresh. You know where we can find him? What do you Want him for police. Has Mr. Drago done something? He's wanted for murder. Oh, no. How terrible. He seems like such a nice man. So generous to dress so nicely. He's killed three people.

[Effie]

Three people?

[Narrator]

Do you know where he lives?

[Effie]

Three people?

[Narrator]

Yes, he lives in the next block. I don't know the number.

[Sam Spade]

I'll have to show you.

[Narrator]

Here, I'll take all the flowers you've got. The old flower woman showed us the building. And again we dragged another manager out to let us into Drago's apartment. This time we went in low, ready to shoot if Drago happened to be home. He wasn't. And once again we tore another another place apart. Find anything on a chip? Get a load of this closet. Drago really dresses. What? Yeah. You find something? Ah, look at this. Telephone pad. What about it? The writing. Read it. Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill Hotel. That's where my client is. Drago's found him. Walt, go check for the men you got staked out and see if the spotted Drago going in. I'll go in and see if my client's all right. Right. Herman. Herman. Oh, Rick. Over here. Walt. Herman is out. Called Herman, the manager. Oh, he looks pretty bad. Yeah, he's really odd. Drago, your men see anybody? No, but he could have slipped in. Let's get up to my client. Well, come on. I'm looking for the key. What room? 11. It's gone. I had my client locked in. Come on. Second floor. There it is. Alistair. Alistair. It's Diamond.

[Effie]

Diamond. Diamond.

[Sam Spade]

Get me out of here.

[Effie]

He's been here.

[Narrator]

He's got a key. Where is he? He tried to get in, but I had the chain lock on. Then he tried to break it down.

[Sam Spade]

I pushed the furniture in front of the door.

[Effie]

Get me out.

[Narrator]

Please. Just take it easy. We'll try and break it down. The furniture's still there. Well, get it out of the way. Yes.

[Effie]

Yes.

[Sam Spade]

I don't know where he went.

[Narrator]

Is there a fire escape? Fire escape? Yes, yes, there's an escape right outside my window.

[Effie]

Good heavens.

[Narrator]

Diamonds. Just keep moving the furniture. But the fire escape. Just move the furniture. Well, yeah. You stay here. I'm going out on the fire escape. It figured if Drago couldn't get past the furniture, he'd get another way. I ran to the end of the hall and out on the escape. I turned the corner of the building and started for my client's room. He's on the escape. He's coming down.

[Sam Spade]

I can hear him.

[Narrator]

Get me out. Get me out. At first I thought My client had heard just me. But then I saw him climbing down from the floor above, a gun in his hand, the polished barrel shining in the moonlight. As he reached the window, Alistair went crazy. He's outside the window. No. No. No, please. I leaned against the building and steadied my arm just as he broke the window. Oh, no. Let go. You killed him. You killed him. You killed him. Yeah, funny what was done. Shot him right through his red rose. Dick Powell will return in just a minute. Across the nation, doctors in every branch of medicine have been asked this question. What cigarette do you smoke, doctor? Again, the brand named most was Camel. Yes. According to this repeated nationwide survey, more doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette. Yes, and Camels are the favorite cigarette of many stars whose throats are their fortune. Reza Stevens, Mario Lanza, Martha Tilton are a few of the singing stars who choose Camels for mildness.

[Effie]

How mild?

[Sam Spade]

How mild?

[Effie]

How mild?

[Narrator]

How mild? How mild can a cigarette be? Make the camel 30 day test and you will see.

[Sam Spade]

Smoke Camels and see.

[Narrator]

Here's Dick Powell with a special message. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. This week we add a new name to the list of recipients of gift Camels for hospitalized servicemen and veterans. It's the Military Air Transport Service, United States Air Force, which evacuates virtually all overseas wounded servicemen. Camels are also on the way to veterans hospitals, Lake City, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee. U S Naval Hospital Ship Haven. Now, until next week, enjoy Camels. I always do. Dick Powell can now be seen starring in the RKO film Cry Danger. Tonight's adventure of Richard diamond was written by Blake Edwards with music by Frank Worth. Our director is Helen Mack. Featured in the cast were Virginia, Greg Wills, Herbert and Arthur Q. Bryan. PA stands for two things, pipe appeal and Prince Albert. They go hand in hand for Prince Albert's choice. Tobacco has a rich flavor and a delightful natural aroma. PA is crimp cut for smooth, even burning and it's specially treated to ensure against tongue bite. Get Prince Albert the national Joy Smoke, America's largest selling smoking tobacco. Listen next week for another exciting transcribed adventure of Richard diamond, starring Dick Powell. This is your FBI. The official broadcast from the files of the FBI follows immediately. Stay tuned. This program came to you from Hollywood. This is the American Broadcasting Company. There's more Sam Spade and Richard [e-mail] alongside all of the other podcasts and our Shoutcast stream. Lots to listen to there and if you'd like to help support this and all of that, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Wednesday. I'll be back next Wednesday with another hour of mystery on Case Closed.