Squad Cars and Peter Troy

Summary

Podcast Summary: Case Closed! – “Squad Cars: His Hobby” & “Walk Softly, Peter Troy: The Champagne Doll”

Original Airdate: March 4, 2026
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com

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Episode Overview

This episode of Case Closed! features two classic radio crime stories from the golden age:

1. Squad Cars: "His Hobby" (originally aired August 4, 1968) – A South African police procedural following constables Maybach and MacDonald as they chase a reckless driver, only to uncover a deeper secret involving illegal diamond smuggling.
2. Walk Softly, Peter Troy: "The Champagne Doll" (originally aired March 10, 1960) – A stylish detective tale centering on private investigator Peter Troy, as a seemingly simple forgery case tangled up with the attempted kidnapping of his secretary, an enigmatic woman in a chic dress, and an unexpected betrayal.

This double-feature episode explores themes of temptation, desperation, crime, and the sharp wit required to unravel complex cases.

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Story 1: Squad Cars – "His Hobby"

[00:56] – Opening Scene: Night Patrol in Johannesburg

• Constables Maybach and MacDonald observe a car speeding in the Hillbrow area.
• Light banter about "hippies" and city life sets a realistic, conversational tone.

[02:10] – High-Speed Pursuit and Traffic Stop

• The officers chase a vehicle, eventually trapping the driver in a dead-end.

• Driver, David Barrington, exhibits drunken behavior and evasion.

• Memorable banter:

  MacDonald: “You don’t look like a farmer.”
  Barrington: “You don’t look like a policeman.” ([03:38])

• Initial impression: just a drunk driver, but hints of secrets (“my little hobby”).

[06:12] – At the Station: Unraveling the Mystery

• Barrington is processed: large unexplained sum of cash, evasive about source (“my little hobby”).
• Discovery of an uncut diamond in his jacket:

  Sergeant: “What is it?”
  Maybach: “It’s an uncut diamond, Sergeant. It’s part of my little hobby.” ([08:44])

[09:30] – Lieutenant Anderson (Diamond and Gold Squad) Interviews Barrington

• Pressed about the diamond, Barrington claims he found it on his farm – which is not a diamond-producing area.
• His story is suspect; police decide to investigate further.

[14:24] – In Lutzville: Family Dynamic and Confession

• Interview with Barrington and his wife, Diana.

• Diana shares their struggle with drought and financial ruin.

• Barrington's "hobby" is revealed during a heated domestic scene:

  Diana: “Sometimes I think it must be involved in IDB.” (Illicit Diamond Buying – [17:13])
  Barrington: “IDB’s... almost a national pastime. Everybody does it.” ([18:23])

• Diana emotionally describes the stress, confrontation, and threats they received when David tried to quit smuggling.

[20:34] – Criminal Coercion

• Gangsters force David back into smuggling diamonds by threatening his family.
• The human cost is made clear—highlighted by wife and child being endangered.

[22:20] – Turning State Witness: The Sting

• Barrington, desperate, agrees to help police.
• Detailed plan involving radio transmitters and a cross-border sting operation.

[24:44] – The Takedown

• Barrington leads the gang to a meeting; police arrest the entire operation, ending a months-long investigation.

[25:57] – Resolution

• The gang receives various sentences; Barrington, as a state witness, gets a suspended sentence.
• The story ends with reconciliation between David and Diana and a reflection on the perils faced by those on both sides of the law.

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Notable Quotes & Moments – “Squad Cars: His Hobby”

• On Policing:

  “They prowl the empty streets at night... facing dangers at every turn, expecting nothing less. These are the men of squad cars.” ([26:47])

• On Crime and Rationalization:

  “IDB’s... almost a national pastime. Everybody does it.” – Barrington ([18:23])

• On Family Desperation:

  “Every time David left the house, I became convinced I’d never see him again. Finally, there was a showdown.” – Diana ([19:20])

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Story 2: Walk Softly, Peter Troy – "The Champagne Doll"

[27:09] – Opening Monologue: On Gender Difference and Detection

• Peter Troy muses about the differences between men and women, and how Julie, his secretary’s attention to women’s fashion becomes a clue.
• Sets a wry, sophisticated tone.

[28:27] – Julie’s Ordeal & Attempted Kidnapping

• Julie (Troy’s secretary) returns home with her friend Roger Bacon, only to be accosted by a man attempting to abduct her.
• Julie resists loudly, and the kidnapper flees.

[31:03] – The Aftermath & Odd Interview

• Julie becomes the focus of a “radio interview” with Ms. Ella Charles, who asks oddly specific questions and records her answers.

  Julie: “Look here, Ms. Charles, this is about the silliest interview I’ve ever had...” ([32:05])

[34:51] – The Dress Clue

• Julie notes the extravagant “champagne colored” dress worn by Ms. Charles, recognizing it as an exclusive recent Leclerc model.

  Julie: “You can’t tell me she bought that out of her wages... It’s an exclusive model.” ([34:57])

[35:20] – Suspicions Grow

• Peter and Roger discuss the possibility that Julie was targeted as a means to get at Peter, given the forgery case he’s been working.

[37:26] – Protection and Paranoia

• Roger gives Julie a gun, warning her to stay vigilant:

  “With it, you’re as good as any man alive... Don’t hesitate. Shoot to kill.” ([37:32])

[41:11] – The Distress Call

• Peter receives an apparent emergency phone call – Julie’s voice saying, “This man’s threatening me... climb the fire escape...” ([41:11])
• But something about the call feels odd and contrived.

[43:00] – The Champagne Dress as Key Evidence

• Inspector Caswell traces the purchase of the expensive dress – it was charged to Roger Bacon’s account, linking him to the mysterious Ella Charles.

[44:27] – Confrontation and Revelation

• Peter Troy engineers a surprise entry to Julie’s apartment with Roger Bacon, now under suspicion.
• Climax: The real Roger is revealed as the forger ring leader, and the kidnapping attempt, the gun, and the phony phone call were all part of his elaborate plot to dispose of Peter and/or frame Julie.

[47:02] – The Tape Recorder Trick

• Troy explains how the “distress call” was faked using edited snippets from the earlier “radio interview.”

  Troy: “One way or another, she tricked you into using all the phrases... Cut and splice the tape so only those phrases were left...” ([47:02])

[48:41] – Final Reflection

• Peter Troy wraps up with sardonic commentary on women’s intuition playing a vital role and a dig at male and female differences:

  “If it hadn’t been for her noticing that Ella Charles was wearing an expensive model costume, Peter Troy might have walked very loudly to his death. But you know how it is. Pay a woman a compliment of that kind and the next thing she’s getting to believe she’s almost as smart as a man. And as I said before, women are different than men. Well, let’s keep it that way. It’s a very nice arrangement.” ([49:09])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments – “Walk Softly, Peter Troy: The Champagne Doll”

• On Gender and Detection:

  “There is a marked difference between men and women. But I’d be the last to knock it – for it was this particular difference that once saved my life.” – Peter Troy ([27:09])

• On Being Targeted:

  “Suppose they were not after you, but after Pete himself. Getting at him through you.” – Roger ([37:17])

• On the Irony of Betrayal:

  “It makes you feel kind of sick to know a guy as long as I’ve known Roger Bacon and then find out he’s top man in a forgery ring.” – Troy ([46:41])

• Classic OTR Bait and Switch:

  “Pay a woman a compliment of that kind and the next thing she’s getting to believe she’s almost as smart as a man.” – Troy ([49:09])

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:56] – Squad Cars: Chase begins
• [08:44] – Discovery of uncut diamond
• [14:24] – Diana’s emotional backstory and confession
• [17:13] – Reference to IDB (Illicit Diamond Buying)
• [24:44] – Sting operation and arrest of diamond gang
• [27:09] – Peter Troy monologue and story opening
• [28:27] – Julie’s attempted kidnapping
• [31:03] – Odd radio interview with Ella Charles
• [34:51] – Noticing the key clue: the champagne dress
• [41:11] – Faked distress call
• [44:27] – Confrontation and revelation of Roger Bacon as mastermind
• [47:02] – Explanation of the tape trick
• [49:09] – Closing monologue

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Overall Tone

The stories blend tension with period-typical banter, sharp wit, and wry social commentary, displaying both the procedural side of policing and the cleverness required in detective work. “Squad Cars” skews more earnest and documentary-like, while “Peter Troy” sparkles with dry humor and playful rivalry between the sexes.

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Why Listen?

These tales offer not just intrigue and mystery, but also deep dives into motive, desperation, and the sometimes arbitrary nature of fate. Whether you’re drawn by the high-octane car chases of “Squad Cars” or the sophisticated criminal labyrinths of “Peter Troy,” this episode stands as a testament to the combined power of character-driven drama and classic detective storytelling.

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End of summary.

Transcript

[A]

This is case closed crime stories from the golden age of radio. Welcome back to Case Closed Crime Stories from the Golden Age of Radio every [e-mail]. if you'd like to help support this podcast, visit donate.Relicradio.com or click on the support link in the show notes. Thanks to those who have helped out over the years. Thanks for joining me this week. We'll begin with Squad Cars and hear their story from August 4, 1968, titled His Hobby. After that it's Walk Softly, Peter Troy and the Champagne Doll. That one. Aired March 10, 1960. Squad cars. The story you're about to hear is true. Details are supplied from official case files by the South African police. Only names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved. Johannesburg, April 10, 9:17pm A police patrol car is prowling the Hillbrow area. The occupants are constables Maybach and MacDonald. The hippies are waving to you, Pitt. Friends of yours? Oh, they always wave. What do you think of them? They're a dirty lot. They'd all look a lot better if they took a bath now and again. And cut their hair. It's funny. Yes, they don't give us much trouble. True. You know, I often look at them and wonder how they'd shape on the farm. Yeah, might do them a lot of good. See that? He's in a hurry. Shut up. Claim Street. Let's go and take a look. You can't go up there. It's a one way street. No, I'll shoot up, twist and try and get onto him in Kotzer Street. Hold tight. Been a quiet night so far. It always is midweek. It's Friday and Saturday. The fun and games start. Everybody seems to be wanting a party on the weekends. Right, left into Claim Street. Can you see him? 67 Delta, wasn't it? Yeah. No, hang on a sec. Yes, he slowed down for their robot. Down the bottom there by Caroline Street. Right. Keep a sharp lookout, You Dr. Well, Pitt, Thanks. There he goes. Straight down. Still in a hurry too. I wonder what his case is. Let's pull him over and find out. Straight through that red light. Careful, Pitt. I'm watching it. Seems to be heading for Louis Both Avenue. That should be interesting. You'll think he's on a racetrack light screen. You can go. Get around the corner. You should be able to see him. You think he knows we're onto him? Don't know yet. There he is. Going like a rocket. Right, my beauty. He's turning off to the left. What street's that Elm Street. Watch it. There's a robot. Where does Elm street go? Monroe Drive. Down to Hartman. No chance of cutting him off. You'll just have to sit on his tail. He'll have to slow down for Monroe Drive. It's not a road you can negotiate at speed. There's that hairpin bend halfway done. Yeah, I remember it. He'll write himself off if he doesn't slow down. There he is. Gaining on him. Flashing with your lights. There's only one man in the car. Yeah, seems to be. He knows we're following him. Look at him go full. See that? But the curb. He's turning right. So are we. What street's this? St. Patrick Road. We've got him. Why? It's a dead end. Sure? Positive. Yes. He's slowing down. Don't give him a chance to turn around. I won't. He's going up that drive. No, no. He stopp. He thinks he's gonna turn round. Okay, we'll park right across his rear bumper. Careful, Pitt, he's reckless. There. He's all yours. Thanks. What's your hurry? There was somebody chasing me. It was us. Where's the fire? I haven't done anything. You'd run through if you saw that somebody was chasing you. If you thought somebody was playing the fool, you could have pulled over and let them pass. I wasn't taking any chances. Not much. You went. You're lucky you're still alive the way you've been driving. Is this your car? Yes. Show me the keys. Hey, what's the registration number of this car? Just a minute. Don't fluster me. Uh, registration number? I know it as well as my own name. Yeah? You sure you didn't pick it up for a joyride? No, no, it's mine. Where do you live? In the Free State. Whereabouts in the Free State? Lutzville, near Bloemfontein. What are you doing in Joburg? Well, I came up for the Round Easter show. I gotta keep a breast of developments. You don't look like a farmer. You don't look like a policeman. He's drunk. I am not. For your information, I'm slightly inebriated. Been celebrating? No, I've been drowning my sorrows. Gotta go home at the end of the week and I don't wanna go home. Why not? Wouldn't you like to know? Come on, man, pull yourself together. What's your name? Barrington. First name? David. What's the registration number of this car? OLV394. Well, it's his all right. I Told you. Quiet, man. You'll wake the street. What are we going to do with him? He's not fit to drive, that's for sure. We're going to take him in. Yes, I think we better. For his own good mistake. He's a danger to himself as well as other drivers. Okay, move over, Mr. Berington. I'm driving. Not anymore. Move over. Do you think you can drive this car? Move over and I'll show you. Okay, but Diana's not gonna like this, you know. Who's Diana? That's my wife. She gives me a hard time. I bet it's nothing compared with the time you give her. Shall we take him to Hospital Hill? Yeah, okay. I'll see you there. Hey, what's Hospital Hill? It's a local police station. Am I in trouble? No. Bits. Diana's not gonna like this. I promised I'd keep out of trouble. I gave her my word of honor. That's the only reason she let me come to Joburg. It's automatic. Can you manage it? I think so. What do you farm? Mealies and cattle when the drought left me. It's hit you hard, has it? It's hit everybody hard. The Prime Minister said that it was one of the worst catastrophes to hit this country. Very concerned about it. Couldn't have hit you that badly. What are you talk. All my cattle died, didn't they? You're driving a brand new car. You've got money enough to come up to Joburg for a week. Ah, that's my little hobby. What's that? Wouldn't you like to know, eh? So you've got another source of income besides farming. I didn't say that. Not in so many words. It so happens that I have a father in law who's rather well to do. Not short of a bob or two. Isn't Redfurz Llewellyn. It was Redfearz Llewelyn who set me up on condition that I looked after Diana properly. And do you? Well, it's a battle, let me tell you. A very difficult girl. Highly strung. Worries about. Worries about all of us. Why? Because of my little hobby. I think we'd better let your wife know what's happened to you. Oh, no, no. Mustn't do that. She'll never let me go off without her again. I had the devil's own job getting away. I don't want to ruin everything. You should have thought of that before you got tanked up like this. Yeah. What's going to happen to me? Well, you'll spend the night as our guest and in the morning you may pay an admission of guilt. Then you can be on your way. Got any money? Plenty. Plenty. Just a minute. Let me show you. How about that, eh? See, you're lucky you still got that. That's the biggest roll of notes I ever saw. How much is that? I don't know. I haven't counted it lately. 9:45pm Hillbrow Police Station. Constables Maybach and Macdon are watching the sergeant on duty. Take charge of David Beddington's things before locking him up for the night. Give me a tie. When will I get it back? You get everything back in the morning. Then why can't I keep it? Regulations. Regulations. And your belt, please. My belt and keys. These are his Sergeant Keys. Various 5. Any pens? Pen. Your wallet. Wallet. And the money in your possession. Hey, are you sure I'm gonna get all this back? Everything goes in this canvas bag and you get a receipt for it. Yeah, but who gets the canvas bag? It goes into the station safe. Okay. I got lots of money, big roll, haven't I, Constable? That's for sure. Here you are, Garry. Constable. Right, Sergeant. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100. 10, 20, 30, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred and one, two, three, four, five, six, tens, two hundred and sixty. Runt. And there's two ront. 22, 3, 4, 5, 27 cents. 262 rons. And 27 cents. 262, 27. It's a lot of money. It's income from what he calls his hobby. What's that? He's not telling. It's probably the horses. No, it's not the horses. You're not even warm. I'm not in the mood for games. Frisk him, Constable. All right, Sergeant. Is that the lot? No, Sergeant. Just a minute. Something in the match pocket of his jacket. Now pull it out. Let's have a look. Hey, hey, you can't have that. That's my good luck. Here we are. Let's see. What is it? It's an uncut diamond, Sergeant. It's part of my little hobby. April 11, 9:05am having been called from the Witwatersrand Divisional Headquarters, Lt. Anderson of the diamond and Gold Staff is interviewing David Beddington in an office at the Hillbrow Police Station. Got a hangover? Yes. From all accounts, you deserve one. You're a free stater. I am now. How long have you been farming? Ever since I've gotten married. How long's that? Three years. Is it your farm? No, it's my wife's, actually. I'm running the place for her. I see. All right. Well, where did you get all this money? It's money for my expenses while I'm in Joburg. I didn't ask you what it was for. I asked you where you got it. I drew it from the bank. Well, we can check on that. This diamond, as you know, it's against the law to have uncut diamonds in your possession. No. Where'd you get it? Found it. Where? In a river on my farm. And where's that? Lutzville. It's near Bloemfontein, isn't it? Yes, but that's not a diamond area. No. You just found the one? Yes. It's a big one. You might get three carrots out of it when it's cut. Yes. You realize I must confiscate it. That's the law. Yes. Sorry. I'm sorry. I don't believe your story either. You know what? What? You're going home to Lutzville today, eh? Yes, and I'm going with you. Lutzville in the Free State. 2:57pm the car in which Lt. Anderson and David Bellingham have traveled from Johannesburg pulls up outside the house on the farm called Invador. A young woman comes out to greet them.

[B]

Hello. You're back early.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Why? What's the matter?

[A]

Diana, this is Lieutenant Anderson. He's a policeman. Mrs. Berrington.

[B]

I told you it would come to this.

[A]

That's enough.

[B]

I told you they'd catch you. They always do.

[A]

I've told him nothing. He knows nothing. He's right, Mrs. Barrington. I'm hoping you'll persuade him to help me.

[B]

It'll be a pleasure.

[A]

You're out of your mind.

[B]

No, but I shall be if a stop isn't put to this business here and now.

[A]

Just remember what's at stake.

[B]

You think I've forgotten? He's with me every moment of the day.

[A]

Now look, before you all get so excited that I can't make head or tail of what you're trying to tell me. We're not telling you anything. Quiet, man. I haven't finished. I suggest we sit down and try and keep our heads.

[B]

Do you want to be inside or out?

[A]

It's too nice to sit indoors. Lovely sunny day like this.

[B]

Yes, it was days like this that started it all.

[A]

I'm sorry.

[B]

These aren't nice days for a farmer, Lieutenant. Nice days? When it rains.

[A]

Oh, I see. Yes, of course.

[B]

We were doing all right till the rains passed us by.

[A]

Please, Diana, I beg of you. Listen, my lady. You're in trouble up to your neck. I can see your wife is trying to make things easier for you. Now sit down and keep quiet. Sorry, Mrs. Berrington.

[B]

We were paying our way just we'd got the books into the black. Dave's always wanted to be a farmer. For as long as he can remember. Cattle are his life. He loves cattle. We had Herefords. Nice little herd bull and everything. They all died. I thought Dave would die too. I've never seen a man so cut up. It's not nice for a wife to see that in her husband. We went to my father for credit and he just couldn't help us. He was in trouble himself. Dave was desperate. Rather foolishly blamed himself. He felt he'd failed.

[A]

But it was the drought.

[B]

Yes. We needed money desperately. We had to have money. Otherwise the place would have been put up for sale. And you can buy a farm cheaply in times like this. Anyway, Dave started drinking. Took to going to Bloemfontein. First he used to tell me that he went there on farm business. But later, when the money appeared, I knew there was something going on. He used to tell me it was money. It won it poker. I knew he was lying. Then one day I forced the truth out of him. How much did you win this time?

[A]

Over 200. Ront.

[B]

You never told me you were a gambling man.

[A]

Well, it's a talent I didn't know I had.

[B]

Dave, don't you think you've kidded me long enough?

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

I'm not a fool, you know. You're just not the poker playing type.

[A]

Where do you suppose I get the money then?

[B]

I don't know. All sorts of funny ideas occur to me in the small hours of the morning when I can't sleep for worrying about you. I sometimes think you steal it.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

Sometimes I think it must be involved in idp.

[A]

What do you know about idb?

[B]

I know what I've read. I've got no first hand experience of it at all. Have you?

[A]

Don't be ridiculous. Dave.

[B]

Dave, you're blushing.

[A]

So what?

[B]

I've hit the nail right on the head, haven't I?

[A]

No. Yes, I have.

[B]

Where do you go? What do you do?

[A]

It's best if you know nothing, Dave.

[B]

I have a right to know.

[A]

I'm your wife. I go to Misera. Yes, that's right.

[B]

What do you do there?

[A]

I meet a man.

[B]

What man?

[A]

I don't even know his name. And if you breathe one word of this, I'm gonna be in big trouble.

[B]

Go on.

[A]

Well, this man gives me a parcel. A little parcel.

[B]

Diamonds.

[A]

And I have to bring them across the border.

[B]

Where to?

[A]

All different places. Lady Brand, Wiperna, Weddersburg. I even went to Zastron once.

[B]

The time you were away for the weekend.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Haven't you ever stopped to consider what would happen if they caught you?

[A]

Of course I have.

[B]

What?

[A]

Oh, look, Diana. IDB's. Well, it's almost a national pastime. Everybody does it.

[B]

No, they don't. Not decent, honest, law abiding folks. It's against the law.

[A]

Oh, well, so's buying a raffle ticket.

[B]

Oh, please. That's not the same thing at all. You can't equate a sports club raffle with trading and diamonds. What happens if you get caught?

[A]

I pay a fine. And the next time a bigger fine.

[B]

Until you finally wind up in prison.

[A]

Oh, I won't.

[B]

What's going to happen to me and Nicholas then?

[A]

Oh, don't be silly, Diana. I can take care of myself. How is Nicky, by the way?

[B]

Yes, you have to ask? You're never at home, so you wouldn't know how he is. Anyway, things went on like that for quite a while. I tried to talk to David about how worried I was, but it always fogged me off. I never got anywhere. Eventually, my nerves couldn't stand it anymore. I was terrified. Every time David left the house, I became convinced I'd never see him again. Finally, there was a showdown. Time for you to choose. It's either them or me.

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

Quite simple. Unless you tell your IDB pals that you won't run any more diamonds across the border for them. I'm going to. And I'm taking Nicky with me. Did you hear what I said?

[A]

Yes. Well, look, I couldn't live without you and Nicky.

[B]

Dave, I'm begging you. Tell them you won't do it anymore. We. We've made plenty of money. More than enough. My dad's beginning to ask awkward questions. He's not a fool, you know. Please, Dave.

[A]

Okay, I'll tell them after the next run.

[B]

And he did. He was as good as his word.

[A]

And what happened?

[B]

I think you'd better tell the lieutenant about that, Dave.

[A]

Well, I was nearly a week later. Came from the lens. The son had just gone. Darling. Darling is here. Aren't you, darling?

[B]

Dave. Oh, Dave. They've been here an hour.

[A]

Yeah, they're waiting for the IDB farmer to come home. Isn't that Right, Joey boy? What are you doing? What do you want? We came to bring you a message, didn't we, Joey? Yeah. Mr. Jansen thinks you've been a very naughty boy. He sent Joey and me to bring you back into life.

[B]

They threatened to hit me.

[A]

Oh, tell the lady to keep quiet. Joey boy. Yeah, Shut up. You can't talk to my wife like that. Now, now, don't get excited. Otherwise you'll make Jo boy nervous and he might drop the baby.

[B]

Nicky.

[A]

Hey, Joey boy. Accidents will happen. What do you want? Mr. Johnson says that things had better stay the way they were. Otherwise. Otherwise your family might come to harm. You wouldn't dare. Your wife's a pretty woman. You wouldn't want us to change that, would you? What? What's that? It's a razor. A cutthroat razor. Very sharp. Sharp and nasty. Hey, Joey boy, they may not be. That's right. Either you do the trips again or else.

[B]

Dad, promise them anything. Say you do it. Just get her to go away. Leave us alone.

[A]

That's how they got me back into the game. I had no choice. So what were you doing in Johannesburg?

[B]

Tell him, Dave.

[A]

Well, Diana had packed her things. She couldn't take anymore. She was leaving me. I couldn't face that. So I roared off into Johannesburg with a pocket full of money. I just wanted to forget everything. You. You really want to get out of this game? I'd give anything as long as Diana and my boy will be alright. Well, if we round up the whole gang, what can they do? And those across the border? The police in Masero will be only too pleased to hear about them. What about me? What do I get out of it all? As a state witness, you'd get off very lightly. And you'll have something money can't buy. What's that? Peace of mind. Well, what do you say? Okay. What do you want me to do? April 21. The border post at Masseru. David Bennington has crossed the border in his car and he's met by Lieutenant Anderson. Got the stuff? Yes. Good. Switch on the radio we fixed under your dashboard. We've installed a portable radio transmitter just over the border. Okay. Testing, testing. Are you receiving us? Over. Loud and clear, over. Good. You're to maintain radio silence to this vehicle from here on. Just listen. Over. Message received and understood. Over and out. What's your destination, David? Tabanchu. Joey's gonna meet me there. He'll get into the car and tell me where to go from there. Right now? Just before we get to Tobancho. You lock me in the boot. And do what? I'll tell you. 4:17pm Outside a private house on the outskirts of Tabanchu. David Bennington Derington and the man called Joey have taken the parcel of diamonds into the house and handed them over to the man called Janssen. Dairington tells them to come outside to the car. He says he has something to show them. In the boot. Is this something you picked up in Lesotho? No, it was just the side of the border, as a matter of fact. Biltong, I bet you just let me get it open. All right, you lot. I'm a police officer. Stand where you are. Here comes the car with Captain Bryant and his men. Come on, Terry, let's get out of here. There we are. Mr. Yanson. Mr. Yanson. Four men were arrested at the house in Tabanchu. Five more were apprehended in Bloemfontein. They constituted a gang of IDV operators which had eluded the police for many months. The manner of their apprehension was praised by the judge in the Supreme Court, where the men eventually stood trial. One of the men was discharged and the other eight received sentences ranging from a 500 round fine to 10 years in prison. As a state witness, David Beddington was given a suspended sentence and he and his wife Diana were reunited. His little hobby had grown till it became a way of life. It could have had tragic consequences for his family. They prowl the empty streets at night, waiting in fast cars on foot, living with crime and violence. These men are on duty 24. Four hours out of every 24. They face dangers at every turn, expecting nothing less. They protect the people of South Africa. These are the men of squad cars. Being a private investigator means two things. You can be sure you'll run into trouble, and you can never be sure you get out of it. Well, there's not much you can do about it, I guess. Except, like Julie always says, walk softly.

[B]

Peter Troy.

[A]

And now Peter Troy investigates the Champagne Doll. As part of an assignment. I once had my secretary, Julie, keep tabs on a certain doll who was supposed to be going around with a particularly sleazy hood I wanted to track down. She reported to me that this girl had left her apartment building in the company of a man. What did he look like? I asked. Oh, I can't remember what he looked like, she said. But you should have seen the dress the girl was wearing. A fetching little number in carnation red with a scooped out bag. I'm sure it's a model. All in Georgian silk. And she had her hair in the Cleopatra style, you know. And the accessories, well, that was where I tuned out. Now, the point I'm making is that this passion for observing women's dress to the exclusion of all else may just be the reason that there aren't too many lady private eyes around. I've come to the profound conclusion that there is a marked difference between men and women. But I'd be the last to knock it for. It was this particular difference that once saved my life. Well, here we are, Julie. Don't say I didn't deliver you home safe and sound.

[B]

Oh, thank you, Roger. It was sweet of you.

[A]

Somebody's got to stay for Peter while he's working night and day on that forgery business.

[B]

Yes, poor dear. He never seems to rest these days. He's been on that case for weeks. But it'll be over soon, thank goodness.

[A]

Oh, he got it all sewn up, has he?

[B]

Almost. And by the time he gives his evidence in court, he says it'll blow the whole thing wide open. Right up to the top man.

[A]

Good show. Well, he'll have earned a jolly good rest when this is over.

[B]

And I might get to see him once in a while, too. It probably would make a nice change.

[A]

Was it been as bad as that? My escorting you around on you?

[B]

Oh, I didn't mean it like that, Roger. Oh, you've been a darling, but say no more.

[A]

I know what you mean. And I won't say it hasn't been fun substituting for Peter. He's a wonderful chap.

[B]

Yes, but don't tell him, will you? Makes him very hard to manage.

[A]

I'll see you up to your door.

[B]

Oh, there's no need to. Really, Roger. I can easily go up on my own. I'm a big girl now. Or hadn't you noticed?

[A]

I'd noticed. Hadn't you noticed? I'd noticed.

[B]

This could get complicated. I think we better leave.

[A]

Stay right where you are.

[B]

What an elf.

[A]

Get back in the car, Julie. Come on, get moving unless you want to get hurt. Oh, no. Look here, you. I don't know who you are. Shut up. Unless you want me to fix you. If you don't stop annoying this lady. Write your ass for it. Roger. Shut up. Get in the car like I told you. You're coming for a little ride.

[B]

Not going anywhere with you. What have you done to Roger?

[A]

You get in the car. Let me go. Help.

[B]

Help. Please. Please help.

[A]

Shut up, will you? I. One thing Julie does not lack is a good pair of lungs. And she kicked up such a racket that the hood who was trying to put the arm on her decided that discretion was the better part of kidnapping and beat it in an awful hurry. Her escort that evening suffered only a small bump on the head. He, by the way, was a character by the name of Roger Bacon and he ran a very successful grill joint which he called. Yeah, that's right, the Bacon Grill. He was a good Joe. Been a friend of mine for several years. Apparently Roger Bacon was his real name, not just a pinch from the guy who started fooling around with gunpowder a few hundred years ago. The business of Julie having the arm put on her created something of a sensation on the papers and she had a lot of fun enjoying the spotlight. Although I soon began to find it all just a little bit wearing on the nerves.

[B]

No, this is not for the press, Ms. Summers. This is for a radio broadcast in our people in the street session. Oh, how interesting. People in the street. I didn't know the BBC had a session. Oh, it's a new one. It hasn't been on the air yet. Oh, well, I'd be delighted to tell you.

[A]

Oh, Julie, I. Why would you? Oh, didn't know you had anyone here.

[B]

This is Miss Charles. Ella Charles. Miss Charles, this is my employer, Mr. Troy.

[A]

Well, how do you do, Miss Charles? I must say it's a pleasure.

[B]

Miss Charles has come to interview me, Peter. A radio interview.

[A]

Oh, we're still on that so called kidnapping last night, are we?

[B]

There's no so called about it. That man was going to take me away in Roger's car.

[A]

Oh, sure, sure. Well, don't let me hold up the wheels of radio. I'll just sit here on the desk and watch. How do you do this?

[B]

I have my little tape recorder here, see, and the microphone hangs right here on my chest. Oh, cute, isn't it?

[A]

Yeah, it's very cute.

[B]

Mr. Troy has quite an eye for microphones. Ms. Charles, shall we go on with the interview? Oh, yes, of course. Now, I'd like you to speak carefully and distinctly, please, to make sure we get a good tape. You know, don't run your words together, that sort of thing. You are particular, aren't you? What do you want me to say? Oh, I'll ask the questions and you answer them and I'll switch on the machine there. Now, your name, please? It's Julie, Julie Summers. Good. Now, when this man accosted you, I suppose you said something to your escort. Something like, this man's threatening me or something. There was no time for that. Oh, come now, That's a very short speech. Why? It only takes a second or two. Say it. This man's threatening me. I don't see anything. Well, perhaps we can leave that. We don't want to argue, do we? Were you in front of your apartment building? Of course. I don't usually climb up the fire escape and creep into my apartment through a window. You don't? Then would you tell our listeners what you usually do? I come up the front way. Look here, Ms. Charles, this is about the silliest interview I've ever had. Oh, really? Now you've ruined the tape. We can't broadcast a statement like that. Well, I'm sorry, but you ask such pointless questions. I mean, why don't you just let me tell the story? Everybody's read the story in the papers, Ms. Summers. What we want is something different. Odd angles and so on. Oh, all right, then can we start all over? I'll help if I can, if you'll just answer the questions. Now, when you were standing in the street.

[A]

If you'll excuse me, I'll just go into my office. I don't want to put you ladies off. I have a pile of work on my desk and this interview looks like being quite a chore.

[B]

Well, I'm glad that's over, you know.

[A]

What's that? Oh, your interview. Was it that bad?

[B]

I'm convinced that woman is not all there.

[A]

Well, it looks like hers. She doesn't have to be.

[B]

Oh, of all the idiotic interviews. I can't imagine how she holds a job.

[A]

Well, maybe she has a boss who is very sympathetic.

[B]

I'm going to have a boss who is very accident prone if you don't take that dreamy look off your face.

[A]

Oh, come now, you must admit Miss Charles looked terrific in that outfit she had on. You know, sort of fawny.

[B]

Y', all champagne?

[A]

Mm.

[B]

The color of her costume. Champagne, it's called.

[A]

That's a nice name for a color. I like it.

[B]

Well, that's another thing. You can't tell me she bought that out of her wages.

[A]

What, her outfit? Mm.

[B]

It's an exclusive model. One of Leclerc's. I saw a write up about them in one of the magazines.

[A]

Hey, wait a minute. You mean this radio interviewer was wearing a dress that came from Leclerc?

[B]

Didn't I just say it's either that or a very good copy. And they only came out this week. She's hardly had time to copy it.

[A]

A doll doing radio interviews and wearing a 200 guinea rag from the most exclusive SEL in London. Julie, honey, I smell something, and it's not Chanel number five. Well, if it wasn't an attempted kidnapping, Pete, I don't know what you'd call it. Who'd want to kidnap Julie? She isn't worth a nickel.

[B]

I like that.

[A]

Oh, no offense, honey. I mean, you don't have any money. If you were held for ransom, what would they get? A headache, that's all.

[B]

That's nice. I might have suffered a fate worse than death or something. And you could just sit there.

[A]

Ah. The guy who first spoke about a fate worse than death obviously had never tried dying.

[B]

Of course he hadn't. How could he be dead and say it?

[A]

I don't know. Do you, Roger? Not the faint star, Joe.

[B]

What are we talking about anyway? All I'm trying to say, that somebody

[A]

tried to snatch you. Well, all I'm saying is you imagined it. Well, some creep trying to put the word on you for a date, that's all.

[B]

You are the most infuriating. How do you know what happened? You weren't there.

[A]

If I had been, the hood wouldn't have gotten away. Well, he hit me before I had. Sure. It's not your fault, Roger. I know that. Excuse me, Mr. Troy, but there's a telephone call for you. For me? Oh, thanks. If you'll take it on the phone over there, sir. Yeah. Excuse me, you two. Probably Inspector Caswell. I won't be long.

[B]

He makes me so angry sometimes. Practically implying we made up that story about the kidnapping.

[A]

Well, it was true enough, Julie. I've got a lump on my head to prove it.

[B]

Of course it was true. Why, I might have been killed.

[A]

Pete said you wouldn't be worth anything to kidnap us, holding you for ransom. He's right. Well, then, that started me thinking. Suppose they were not after you, but after Pete himself. Getting at him through you. You think that this investigation he's been working on. There must be some pretty tough boys mixed up in that. Now, suppose they kidnapped you and then sent a message to Pete to layoff, or else they'd kill you.

[B]

I never thought of that.

[A]

Makes sense there, isn't it? Look, Julie, even if Pete is pretty casual about what happened last night, I feel you should do something to protect yourself.

[B]

I must tell people.

[A]

Don't waste your time. He laugh? He's here. Here, look. Take this. No, no, don't hold it up. Just put it straight in your purse.

[B]

What is it? It's a gun.

[A]

Little Belgian automatic. But with it, you're as good as any man alive. Now take it.

[B]

You think I might need it?

[A]

Well, you never know. Keep it handy anyway. Oh, and don't mention it to Pete. You know what he's like about things like that. I have a license for the pistol. But you haven't. And he wouldn't approve your having it, I'm afraid.

[B]

No, no, he wouldn't.

[A]

Just keep it till all this investigation of Pete's is over. You know how to use a gun, Nitra?

[B]

Yes, I've seen one like this before. Is it loaded?

[A]

It's loaded, Julie. Fully loaded. Don't forget, keep it with you always. And anytime you think you're likely to be molested or there's a prowl around your apartment or anything, don't hesitate. Shoot to kill. I wasn't quite as casual or unconcerned about the attempted kidnapping of Julie as I let her think. Fact is, I didn't want to alarm her. And I hadn't told her that I had, earlier that day asked Inspector Caswell to check up on one or two things for me that might, I hoped, throw a little light on the matter. If you'll pardon the cliche. There was also the question of a certain doll wearing a very expensive champagne colored costume, wasting her time and hours with wacky interference. And of course, there was the forgery racket I'd been investigating for weeks. My own pet poltergeist had whispered to me that somewhere there was a connection between all three subjects. But my poltergeist didn't say what the connection was. He's like that. When I got back to the table in the Bacon Grill where Roger was playing host, the atmosphere was sort of cool.

[B]

Oh, you're back.

[A]

I think so.

[B]

Your dinner's cold. It'll be ruined. A nice compliment to Roger, I must say.

[A]

I'm sorry, Roger. Well, what's a dinner or two between friends? I'll order you another. No, let's just have coffee. I'm not hungry anyway.

[B]

Who was the call from the phone?

[A]

Oh, some stoolie who wanted to sell me some information I dug up for myself three weeks ago. Some creepy little character I didn't even know. Which is rather odd.

[B]

How odd?

[A]

I know all the characters who sell me information. Who was this guy and why did he call me? Such are the mysteries of the private eye business. Pete, shall I order coffee? Well, here we are again. Home this time, really safe and sound.

[B]

Oh, thanks for coming along, Roger. I'll be all right now. Got your key right here in my hot little hand.

[A]

Can't think why Pete didn't see you home tonight. If he had time to eat with us, I'd have thought he'd have time to see you home.

[B]

Oh, he said he wanted to go over all the evidence on his forgery thing again. If I know him, he'll be up till all hours on it.

[A]

Burning the midnight oil and all that, eh? Well, thank heavens I'm just a poor restaurateur and get some sleep. Now then, you. You got the gun?

[B]

Oh, yes, in my purse.

[A]

Don't forget what I told you. There might be some very unpleasant people after your life and Pete's. If you happen to see or hear anything unusual, shoot first and ask questions afterwards.

[B]

Roggie, you make it sound so ruthless.

[A]

You could be dealing with ruthless people, Julie. And remember, it may not be only your life that's involved, but also the life of Peter Troy. Half after 12. Oh, Peter. Try.

[B]

It's Julie. This man's threatening me. Don't come up the front way. Climb the fire escape through a window.

[A]

What? Julie, what? Hello? Hello, Julie. Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. Oh, look here, Troy. I may be working late on this forgery case, just as you were. But my office is not open at all hours for general business. I'm sorry, Inspector, but this business may not be as general as we'd like to think. You mean this girl you asked us to check up on? I don't mean anything, but it may be important that I know what you found out. No. At one o' clock in the morning? Time and crime wait for no man, Inspector. Now, will you get the report of the man who did the checking, please? It's right here on my desk somewhere. Ah, yes, here we are. Costume. You're right. That costume was sold by the clouds. And you were also right in suggesting it was a model. The only one they made in. What's this? Champagne? That's right. It's a color. Champagne's a color. Well, learn something every day. Ain't it the truth. Who bought the costume? It was delivered to a Ms. Ella Charles. Well, that figures. Who paid for it? Nobody. It was charged? Yes, to the account of one Roger Bacon. What? Roger Bacon. That's a real name. Surely not. It's a real name, Inspector. One you're not likely to forget in a hurry. Organize a car and some men. You just might be making a very interesting arrest tonight, Pete. Gee, gods, what are you doing here at this hour? Well, it's like this, Roger, old pal. I'm under something big. A big arrest, maybe. And I just happen to Remember how interested you've always been in my cases, Saying how you'd like to be along sometime. Yes, I would. But at this hour? Well, you know how it is. For a long time, the police have been trying to make a deal with the crooks so that they'd operate only in the daytime. But crooks are very uncooperative. They insist on operating any old time. Well, I don't know, Pete. It's very. Now, don't tell me I've come all this way up to your place for nothing. I appreciate your wanting to let me in on something, Pete. I've always wanted to see a master criminal being arrested and all that. Well, then, get dressed. Who is it? Your honor. That's the big surprise. Mustn't spoil it for you. Well, come on, get moving. I'd hate the police to get there first. Oh, the police aren't in on this. Not if I can get there before they do. It'll be just you and me. Just you and me. Yeah, that does make it sound pretty exciting. All right, just give me a couple of minutes to throw something on and I'll be with you. Okay. Better way of crepe cells on this job. Okay, Roger, this is it. What? But this is. Surely you must. Yeah, the back of Julie Summer's apartment block. Well, then that's where we're gonna find our man. He's up there with Julie. She's entertaining him for me. Keeping him nice and quiet and unsuspecting. I didn't know that. Hey, come on, we haven't any time to waste. Get out, Roger. Well, it sounds batty to me, but if you say so. Okay, now we go up the fire escape. The fire escape? That's right. Take him by surprise. Now, here it is. How you get first? Why me? You're gonna make the arrest. He may have somebody planted out here. I'm a kind of a rear guard. Now, come on, Roger, you're slowing us down. And get moving. Pete, look, I. I don't. Come on. I don't make any noise. That's right. We don't want to scare him. Yep, Went out of there. You're out of condition, Roger. Old path. Well, too much good living at the Bacon Grill. Oh, here we are. Now, listen, Pete, I'm not sure I like the window. Pete, will you listen to me? Okay, Roger, in you go. You go in if you want to. I'm staying right here. Chicken, huh? What do you mean? What could I mean? You come out with me on an assignment the very first sign of Any danger? What danger? I didn't say there was any danger. Then what's stopping you going through that window? I just don't like the idea of breaking into a girl's bedroom, that's all. Well, it's all very well for you. You are going in, and you're going first. Hey, now. Let me go.

[B]

Now.

[A]

Julie.

[B]

Don't shoot.

[A]

It's me, Roger. Don't shoot, Julie. Well, there he is, Inspector. Mr. Big himself. It makes you feel kind of sick to know a guy as long as I've known Roger Bacon and. And then find out he's top man in a forgery ring. But I. I don't understand how you got onto him, Troy. I told you about this phone call from Julie.

[B]

It wasn't me at all. My phone was out of order.

[A]

Oh, sure, Roger, sort of that. He didn't want you phoning me for real or want me checking you back. But it was your voice on my phone, Julie.

[B]

But how?

[A]

The interview you gave that woman. One way or another, she tricked you into using all the phrases you used to me on the phone.

[B]

Well, you mean the tape recording she made of me was played over the phone to you?

[A]

A carefully edited version of it, yeah. Roger the lodger. He had some clever technician take phrases he used like, this man's threatening me, don't and come up the front way, and so on. Cut and splice the tape so that only those phrases were left. They made them sound like a distress call from Ms. Summers. That's right. You remember Julie. She asked you to speak. Precisely. She didn't want other words to run too close to the ones they would use too hard to edit. What made you suspicious of that phone call? Well, it all sounded a bit stilted. That's the trouble with that kind of tape. Editing doesn't always work. Besides, I was there in the office when that part of the interview took place. Words rang a bell when I heard them again. You're pretty smart, Troy, but one of these days. Save it, Roger. Save it. I planned it all so carefully. Even the fake kidnapping of Julie to scare her. That made it possible for me to give her the gun while you were called away for a phone call. Also my idea. Yeah, I admit I couldn't figure what kind of reception you had organized for me at the top of that fire escape. Just as well for you. You ducked. But next time, Roger, next time I'll get you for good. Not if you're dumb enough to send a lame brain like that girl of yours to hell. She made that interview so nutty it made me think something crooked was going on. And as for wearing that 200 guinea suit on a job like that, though I must admit she wore it very well. Oh, yeah. Say, where is that girl, Inspector? Why, she's. Never mind.

[B]

Just watch where you're heading, Peter Troy, and walk softly.

[A]

So Roger Bacon, once my buddy, turned out to be the very secret head of a forgery ring. And was so little a buddy of mine, as it happened, that he was not above planning a little too elaborately to have Julie bump me off. For it was supposed to be me who went through that window with a suitably panic stricken Julie blazing away with a natty little equalizer Roger had given her. I never did get around to telling Julie the main truth about the case of the champagne doll. Namely that if it hadn't been for her noticing that Ella Charles was wearing an expensive model costume, Peter Troy might have walked very loudly to his death. But you know how it is. Pay a woman a compliment of that kind and the next thing she's getting to believe, she's almost as smart as a man. And as I said before, women are different than men. Well, let's keep it that way. It's a very nice arrangement. This was an Altransa production written and directed by Kresik Jenkinson. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Ra.