Boston Blackie: The Manletter Bank 06/30/1944

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Boston Blackie: The Manletter Bank (06/30/1944)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Boston Blackie: The Manletter Bank
Date: November 15, 2025
Starring: Chester Morris as Boston Blackie
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

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Overview

In this classic detective episode, Boston Blackie is called upon to unravel a complex scheme involving banking fraud, blackmail, and murder. The story centers around the sudden replacement of a bank president, a suspicious foreclosure threat, and Blackie being framed for a murder he didn't commit. With the help of his loyal friends and his own sharp wits, Blackie unearths the true culprit and clears his name in a tale filled with disguises, daring escapes, and sharp dialogue.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Crisis at Manletter’s Business (01:15–04:00)

• Jean Rochelle (Manletter’s secretary) answers a call from John Partridge, the new president of the Morton National Bank, who insists on immediate payment of overdue notes—totaling $100,000.
• Manletter receives an anonymous letter, telling him that if Boston Blackie goes to 50 Hunter Street at 7 PM, the foreclosure will be prevented.

Memorable Quote:

"If you want to know how to prevent the bank from foreclosing on your note, have your friend Boston Blackie visit a house at 50 Hunter Street at 7 o'clock this evening." — Jean Rochelle, reading the note (02:18)

• Despite Manletter's reluctance, Jean Rochelle reaches out to Blackie for help.

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2. Blackie Drawn into the Trap (04:29–07:09)

• Blackie is briefed about Manletter’s plight and the mysterious invitation.
• At Hunter Street, Blackie encounters a masked man using a recorded message and is promptly knocked unconscious.

Memorable Quote:

"A record, huh? Well, personally, I prefer Harry James." — Boston Blackie (06:33)

• Blackie wakes up with his gun missing and a bullet hole in his coat, then learns Manletter’s loan was renewed after his visit.

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3. Framed for Murder (08:04–10:45)

• Inspector Faraday arrives at Blackie’s home, informing him that private detective Fred Viswell has been murdered with Blackie’s gun.
• Blackie, realizing the setup, escapes being taken in by knocking Faraday out and tying him up with Shorty’s help.

Memorable Quote:

"I'm not worried about the picture, Shorty. I'm worried about the frame." — Boston Blackie (09:50)

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4. Seeking the Truth & Confrontations (10:45–18:09)

• Blackie questions Jean about connections between the bank and Viswell, learning that Partridge is now the bank president.
• Blackie (in disguise) confronts Partridge at the bank. Partridge denies any involvement, revealing that Manletter's note had already been renewed with a notary, undermining the entire setup.
• Blackie then meets with former bank president Arthur Borden, seeking leads and giving him a secret identifier to authenticate messages.

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5. The Hideout Raid & Blackie’s Capture (15:16–17:28)

• Blackie and Shorty hide at Blackie’s waterfront hideout but are discovered by two hoods sent by the mastermind—they plan to deliver Blackie to the police.
• Blackie is handed over to Inspector Faraday and ends up behind bars, still under suspicion for Viswell’s murder.

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6. The Prison Escape, with Jean’s Help (19:54–22:09)

• Jean Rochelle helps Blackie escape jail by smuggling in a disguise and tricking the guards.
• Blackie, now free, returns to 50 Hunter Street to investigate further, convinced he can solve the case.

Memorable Moment:

Jean: “Here, look at this bag I brought. It’s an outfit that matches the one I’m wearing, only it’s a couple of sizes larger. Put it on quick.” (21:20)

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7. The Mystery Unraveled & The True Villain Exposed (22:09–27:28)

• Blackie returns to the scene (Hunter Street), lures the murderer (Arthur Borden) there using a fake call.
• Borden confesses under pressure:
  • Viswell discovered Borden’s embezzlement and tried to blackmail him.
  • Borden murdered Viswell and set up Partridge as a puppet president, holding leverage over him.
  • Blackie reveals how he identified Borden as the masked man—via the unique ring and hideout address only he possessed.

Memorable Quote:

"What did Viswell ever do to you?"
— Boston Blackie
"He thought he could outsmart me, the fool... some private investors had him checking the books... He thought he'd try a bit of blackmail."
— Arthur Borden (25:07)

• Blackie tricks Borden into accompanying him to Faraday, having earlier left a phone line open for Faraday to overhear Borden’s confession.

Key Tactic:

"Before you came into the Hunter street house tonight, Mr. Borden, I dialed the inspector's private number on the telephone and left the receiver off the hook. ... All the while you were telling me how perfectly you would frame me, the inspector was listening on this end." — Boston Blackie (27:28)

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8. Justice Served & Closing Banter (27:28–29:00)

• Inspector Faraday arrests Borden based on the confession and the evidence Blackie had arranged for him to capture.
• Blackie calls in a favor to have Jean Rochelle released, as thanks for her help in breaking the case.

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Notable Quotes and Moments with Timestamps

• On being framed:
  "Looks like kind of a perfect job to me." — Inspector Faraday (18:09)

• On Jean's jailbreak delivery:
  "You look awful cute in that outfit. Watch out for the wolves." — Jean Rochelle (22:05)

• Blackie’s quip:
  "For once, I want to be on the receiving end of a–" — Boston Blackie (22:09)

• Classic line:
  "I'm not worried about the picture, Shorty. I'm worried about the frame." — Boston Blackie (09:50)

• On the phone trap:
  "The inspector was listening on this end... and having the whole thing taken down on a record." — Boston Blackie (27:45-27:49)

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Key Characters

• Boston Blackie: The witty, resourceful detective at the center of the story.
• Jean Rochelle: Loyal secretary and ally, quick-thinking and daring.
• Arthur Borden: Former bank president and the episode’s true villain.
• John Partridge: New bank president, used as a pawn in Borden’s plot.
• Inspector Faraday: Blackie’s adversary in the police, quick to suspect Blackie but ultimately plays a key role in capturing the real killer.
• Shorty: Blackie’s sidekick, provides comic relief and devoted support.

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Conclusion

This episode of Boston Blackie delivers all the elements of a classic detective adventure: mistaken identity, a clever frame-up, suspenseful escapes, and the satisfying unraveling of a criminal scheme. Through quick dialogue and a tightly spun plot, Blackie once again outwits both the criminals and the police, clearing his name and upholding justice.

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For Next Time:
The preview teases more trouble for Blackie and Shorty—be sure to tune in for the next thrilling installment!

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Boston Blackie]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.

[Shorty]

Bring to you the greatest old time.

[Boston Blackie]

Radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank.

[Sponsor Announcer (Kirkland's Home)]

You for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

Rinso R I N S O C Soapy Rich Rinseau presents Boston Blackie Starring Chester Morris.

[Jean Rochelle]

Hello.

[Shorty]

Is Mr. Manletter there?

[Jean Rochelle]

Why no, I'm sorry, he's not. This is his secretary, Ms. Rochelle. Can I help you?

[Shorty]

Yes, you can deliver a message for me. I've been trying to reach him all day. This is John Partridge, president of the morton national bank.

[Jean Rochelle]

Mr. Partridge. But. Well, Arthur Borden is president of the Morton bank, isn't he?

[Shorty]

Not since yesterday, he's not. Give this message to Mr. Manletter.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Shorty]

Tell him that his notes to the bank were due and payable on Monday of this week and we must have our money.

[Jean Rochelle]

But Mr. Partridge, we. We showed our books to Mr. Borden only last week. And he agreed to extend the notes until our accounts receivable came in. Our business is in fine shape, Mr. Partridge. Our books prove it.

[Shorty]

Please tell Mr. Manletter that we'll accept our money in the morning, Ms. Rachelle.

[Jean Rochelle]

But it's $100,000. We can't possibly raise that money overnight.

[Shorty]

I'm sorry. That's Mr. Manladder's problem.

[Arthur Borden]

Goodbye.

[Jean Rochelle]

$100,000.

[Shorty]

Hello, Gene.

[Jean Rochelle]

Mr. Manletter, the bank just called. There's a new president and they want.

[Narrator]

To foreclose on my notes.

[Jean Rochelle]

How did you know?

[Narrator]

Read this letter I got at the house this morning.

[Boston Blackie]

Here, read it.

[Jean Rochelle]

If you want to know how to prevent the bank from foreclosing on your note, have your friend Boston Blackie visit a house at 50 Hunter street at 7 o' clock this evening. Signed, a friend, Mr. Marinetta. What does that mean?

[Narrator]

I don't know. I can't see any connection between the bank and Blackie. But I do know I won't ask him to go to Hunter Street.

[Jean Rochelle]

Well, can we raise $100,000 for the notes overnight?

[Narrator]

I don't think so, but I'll try. Well, there isn't much hope.

[Jean Rochelle]

Then you must call your friend Blackie.

[Narrator]

No, it can only mean trouble for Blackie. I don't know how or why, but it must be trouble for him. If I'm being forced to ask him to go there.

[Jean Rochelle]

But Blackie thrives on trouble, Mr. Manletter. And it'll save your business.

[Narrator]

No, I won't call Blackie. I'm going out to try to raise the money.

[Boston Blackie]

You'll hear from me later.

[Jean Rochelle]

All right, sir. Alice, will you call a number for me, please? Get me Boston Blackie.

[Narrator]

Get me Boston Blackie. Four words that the weak use to call their champion. You know, some expressions seem so natural and right. We use them all the time without even thinking. Like ruby red and sky blue and so on. Well, what I get a particular kick out of is the fact that we've added a new one to the nation's vocabulary. Yes, I hear tell that nowadays you ladies say rin so white when you want to talk about really white clothes. Of course, there's a mighty good reason why Rinso gets your clothes so white. Rinse those soapy rich suds Won't take no for an answer from dirt they pitch right in in your tub or washer and go to town yes, Rinso gets out more dirt and that's why you ladies are able to turn out those beautiful Rinso White Rinso Bright Washes. So next wash day, whistle for the kind of wash you're proud to hang on your line like this. And remember, it stands for Rinso White. Now meet Chester Morris as Boston Blackie.

[Shorty]

Tell me, Blackie, which one of these girls do you like best? Come on, take a look at their pictures. Come on, will you?

[Boston Blackie]

All right, Shorty. I'll judge your personal beauty contest for you now. This blonde here. Hold it, Shorty. I'll get the phone.

[Jean Rochelle]

Hello, Blackie? Yes, Blackie, this is Gene. I had to call you. Mr. Manletter's in terrible trouble.

[Shorty]

Hey, come on, will you, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

Come on.

[Shorty]

Get off that phone. I gotta know about this redhead.

[Boston Blackie]

Lay off, Shorty. What is it, Gene? What's the matter with Arthur?

[Jean Rochelle]

The bank called an hour ago. I've been trying since then to reach you. They're gonna take over the business if Arthur doesn't redeem his notes for $100,000 by tomorrow morning.

[Boston Blackie]

They can't do that, Gene.

[Jean Rochelle]

Yes, they can. The notes are overdue.

[Shorty]

Hey, boss, what about this brunette? Now, come on, come on, will you?

[Boston Blackie]

Quiet. Not you, Jean. Look, honey, I haven't any near a hundred thousand. And I wouldn't know where to go to get it by tomorrow morning.

[Jean Rochelle]

I didn't expect you would, Blackie, but Mr. Manletter received a message saying that if you come to 50 Hunter street at 12 at 7 o' clock tonight, the notes will be renewed.

[Boston Blackie]

If I go to 50 Hunter Street? Well, what does that mean?

[Jean Rochelle]

I don't know, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

But if I show up, they'll renew.

[Jean Rochelle]

That's what the note says. Mr. Manletter knew you'd be in some kind of danger if you went. And he wouldn't ask you.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, don't worry, Chick. You'll hear from me. Bye.

[Shorty]

So you finally got done. Now, come on, help me look at it. See, I got 50 pictures here. Pick out the one I should print up on my.

[Boston Blackie]

I can't do anything about your pinup problem now, Shorty. I've got something at 50 Hunter street that I've got to pin down.

[Arthur Borden]

Come in, Blackie. Come in, Blackie.

[Jean Rochelle]

Come in, Blacky.

[Narrator]

What is this?

[Boston Blackie]

Sounds like a record. Hey, you behind that desk. You in the mask. What is this? Come on, talk.

[Arthur Borden]

First of all, Boston Blackie, don't try anything foolish. There's one of my men behind you with a gun. Now that you've turned around to see, let me tell you that you are listening to this recording which I made because I don't want you to know what my voice sounds like in person.

[Boston Blackie]

A record, huh? Well, personally, I prefer Harry James.

[Arthur Borden]

Blackie, I want you to listen carefully to what follows. Have you anything to say?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure I have. I hope you'll.

[Hoodlum]

Okay, boss. Take the record off. He's out cold. I hope I didn't hit him too hard, boss. There's no sense killing him. The law is going to do that for us very soon.

[Shorty]

Gee, Blankie, where you been? I've been having pups.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I hope they look like their mother. Well, I'm back, Shorty. Only I'm not the same guy.

[Shorty]

You should have had your head examined for going down to that Hunter street joint.

[Boston Blackie]

Yes, I. I had it cracked. That's worse. Take a look at this, Shorty.

[Shorty]

A bullet hole? Yeah, your coat pocket. Who'd you shoot, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

I didn't shoot anybody, Shorty. Somebody slugged me and when I woke up, my gun was gone and this hole was in my pocket. I must have been out for hours. It's. It's almost 11 o'.

[Shorty]

Clock.

[Boston Blackie]

I called Jean and she told me the bank renewed Manletter's notes the minute I showed up at the Hunter street place.

[Shorty]

Somebody sure took an awful crack at You. Hey, Blankie.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah, it's more than that, Shorty. Only how much more and exactly what, I don't know. Get my robe, will you, please?

[Shorty]

Yeah, yeah, sure, boss. Give me your coat and I'll hang it over this here chair.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, here it is, Blackie.

[Shorty]

What do you make of this business this afternoon?

[Boston Blackie]

I don't make it. It's got me stumped.

[Shorty]

Yeah, me too. Well, here's your robe.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks. I think I'll lie down, relax for half an hour. Would you mind fixing me some coffee, Shorty?

[Shorty]

Sure, sure. Have it for you in just a minute, boss.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks. Hello, Blackie.

[Inspector Faraday]

Glad to see me?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, Inspector Faraday, of course I'm glad to see you. Which goes to prove how easy I am to please.

[Inspector Faraday]

Very funny. Now, Blackie, I think you overdid it this afternoon.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, my head sure feels like I did.

[Inspector Faraday]

That isn't what I mean. Did you ever hear of a private detective named Fred Fiswell?

[Boston Blackie]

That Crooked Shammas?

[Jean Rochelle]

Yeah.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, sure, I've heard of him. And he's heard of me, too, Faraday. I got the guy's license suspended when he tried to blackmail me. Old couple of friends of mine, you know, last year.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's the guy. He didn't like you, Blankie.

[Boston Blackie]

You know, I'd feel a whole lot worse if you said Rita Hayworth didn't like me.

[Inspector Faraday]

You didn't like him either.

[Boston Blackie]

I hate rats. Faraday. Come on, what's all this about?

[Narrator]

Nothing.

[Inspector Faraday]

Only Visual was found shot to death an hour ago.

[Boston Blackie]

What?

[Inspector Faraday]

I'm taking you in for his murder, Blackie. Now, let's get going.

[Boston Blackie]

Now, look, Faraday, you've done ridiculous things every day of your life, but right now you're borrowing from next week. What makes you think I bumped off Visual?

[Inspector Faraday]

I don't think it, I know it. We've got your gun and it's got your fingerprints on it. Oh, we found it near Viswell's body. And if I'm not mistaken, isn't that a bullet hole in the pocket of this coat of yours? On the chair you fired from your pocket.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, maybe I burned the hole with a cigarette.

[Inspector Faraday]

No cigarette ever burned a hole like that. Come on, let's get going. Blackie, get dressed and hurry up. Take off that robe.

[Boston Blackie]

Put a coat on.

[Inspector Faraday]

You're coming with me. Come on, take that robe off.

[Boston Blackie]

All right, all right.

[Inspector Faraday]

Pretty robe, isn't it? Too bad you won't be allowed to.

[Narrator]

Wear it in jail.

[Boston Blackie]

You like this robe, Inspector? Well, here, take a good look at it. Lovely. Take a good look at it right over your head, Shorty. Shorty.

[Shorty]

Yeah, yeah, I'm right here, boss. I was waiting for a signal for.

[Boston Blackie]

Me before I contacted. Well, help me tie him up, Shorty. We'll use the cord from the rope. Now, quiet, Inspector, Quiet. Don't you know it's impolite to talk with your mouth full?

[Shorty]

You'll be tied up like a chicken in just a little minute now.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I know what the score is now, Shorty. Somebody's fixed it to look like I knocked off Fred Biswell.

[Shorty]

Yeah, I heard. In a very pretty picture. Is it, boss?

[Boston Blackie]

I'm not worried about the picture, Shorty. I'm worried about the frame.

[Jean Rochelle]

Who is it? Who's there?

[Arthur Borden]

Put me in, Jean.

[Boston Blackie]

Hurry. It's Blackie.

[Jean Rochelle]

Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, thanks. Hi. I'm sorry about coming to your apartment at this hour, Jean, but I couldn't reach you on the telephone.

[Jean Rochelle]

Well, they closed the downstairs switchboard at midnight. What is it, Blackie?

[Shorty]

What's wrong?

[Boston Blackie]

I need information, Gene. I need all you know or can remember. There's some connection between a private detective named Fred Viswell and somebody at the Morton National Bank. Now, who was it that spoke to you on the telephone?

[Jean Rochelle]

The new president. His name is John Partridge.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, that's the man I'm going to see. Faraday's on my trail again, Gene, and I've got to clear myself.

[Jean Rochelle]

Oh, you'll never be able to get into the bank to see Partridge, Especially if Faraday has a dragnet out for you. As soon as you show up, they'll.

[Shorty]

Throw you in jail.

[Boston Blackie]

Don't worry. I'll figure out a way to get in to see him. But if I don't get anywhere with Partridge, I'm a dead duck.

[Jean Rochelle]

Good morning, Mr. Partridge.

[Shorty]

Good morning.

[Arthur Borden]

Good morning, Mr. P. Good morning.

[Jean Rochelle]

I left you a mail on your desk, Mr. Partridge.

[Inspector Faraday]

Thank you.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll be in my office if anyone wants me. Don't open your mouth, Partridge, or this gun will shut it permanently.

[Inspector Faraday]

Why?

[Boston Blackie]

What?

[Arthur Borden]

What do you want?

[Shorty]

Aren't you one of the special police.

[Boston Blackie]

That protects the bank? Oh, well, don't let this uniform fool you. I wore it just to get in here and keep away from your desk. You know I'm allergic to the sudden pushing of buttons. Ah, that's better. Now, do you know who I am?

[Shorty]

No.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm Boston Blackie.

[Shorty]

That doesn't mean a thing to me.

[Boston Blackie]

No, I think it does. You called Arthur Manletter's office and told him the bank wouldn't renew his notes. But he received a Letter saying that if I were to go to 50 Hunter street, the bank would renew.

[Shorty]

Maybe you know what you're talking about, but I don't.

[Boston Blackie]

You've got to be the man behind a pretty shrewd frame up, Partridge. Unless you're acting on somebody's instructions. Now, which is it?

[Shorty]

Do you know that if I raised my voice, you'd be shot dead by.

[Inspector Faraday]

The bank gods before you could go.

[Boston Blackie]

Through the front door? Well, I'd have company, Partridge, believe me. You. Inspector Faraday thinks I killed a man. They don't hang you twice for double killing. Why was I framed for the murder of Fred Visible?

[Shorty]

I don't know any Fred Visible. And I don't know anything about any telephone call that was supposed to be made by me to Arthur Manletter.

[Boston Blackie]

No, you don't, eh? How about the renewal of Manletter's note?

[Shorty]

There never was any question about renewing Manletter's note.

[Boston Blackie]

His credit is excellent.

[Shorty]

The note was renewed by me personally at 10 o' clock yesterday morning with a notary attesting to the time. And that was certainly long before my alleged phone call.

[Boston Blackie]

You played it cozy, huh? You knew Manletta would call me, so you bluffed him.

[Shorty]

How long are you going to make me stand here? Can't you see there's nothing I know.

[Boston Blackie]

That can help you?

[Shorty]

Why don't you go?

[Boston Blackie]

I will. I've got another stop to make. But the minute I leave this office. You'll call for help, of course.

[Shorty]

Of course.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, but you're not going to.

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[Announcer]

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[Boston Blackie]

You know the only way you can do any calling, Partridge, is to talk in your sleep. Mr. Borden?

[Arthur Borden]

Yes?

[Boston Blackie]

I'm sorry to disturb you. At your home. My name is Boston Blackie.

[Arthur Borden]

How do you do, Mr. Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

I. I came up here to see you, Mr. Borden, about your bank.

[Arthur Borden]

You mean about what used to be my bank?

[Boston Blackie]

I'm sorry? Who decided to replace you as president?

[Arthur Borden]

The board of directors.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh. And was it done suddenly?

[Narrator]

Yes, Very.

[Inspector Faraday]

Uh huh.

[Boston Blackie]

And where did John Partridge come from?

[Arthur Borden]

I don't know. He had been on our board of directors only a short while. Oh, I'm an old man, Blackie. The loss of my bank was a blow to me. Everything came so suddenly. I haven't gotten used to not being there anymore. Will you forgive me if I'd rather not talk about it?

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, I understand, Mr. Borden. I'm going to try to get your bank back for you, but I need some help. Now here's an address where I can be reached. Oh, you must have some loyal employee at the bank you can depend on. And would you call him and get him to find out something about Partridge? And if you get any information, send me a message. And send that ring you're wearing with it so I know it's from you.

[Arthur Borden]

I'll send you a message if I get it. But with just a paper clip on it. I haven't been able to get this ring off in years. The paper clip will identify my messenger. If I hear anything good, give me a little help.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll turn a murderer over to Inspector Faraday, get rid of the charge against myself and give you a bank right in your side pocket. We've got to stay down here at my waterfront hideout during the day. Shorty, every cop in town is on our tail and Faraday sworn he won't sleep till he brings me in.

[Shorty]

It's okay with me, Blackie. And go ahead, it's your deal.

[Boston Blackie]

You got me.

[Shorty]

Let me see, you got me. 60 to 17 and two boxes.

[Boston Blackie]

Go ahead, it's your deal. You know, one thing about gin rummy, it sure passes the time away.

[Shorty]

Yeah, it passes my dough away, too.

[Hoodlum]

Okay, you two, hoist him. Come on, Patsy.

[Shorty]

Yeah, yeah, I'm coming.

[Hoodlum]

Now look, Lucky, stand up and don't try. No, no, nothing foolish. I. I know all about you and your trucks.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I wasn't exactly going to ask you to pick a card. Who are you?

[Hoodlum]

A guy who ain't going to be outsmarted by you.

[Arthur Borden]

Huh?

[Hoodlum]

Tie the little guy up, Patsy.

[Shorty]

Yeah, yeah, I'll tie him up good too.

[Hoodlum]

Don't talk, tie.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Shorty]

I'm tying him. He ain't going to go nowhere for a while.

[Hoodlum]

Okay, Suppose we start moving, Blackie. You ready, Pensy?

[Shorty]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm ready, mug.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, of course. Don't anybody ask me.

[Hoodlum]

You're ready, Blackie, but you don't know for what. Now start moving.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, this is a ride, huh? Okay, one way.

[Hoodlum]

Oh, I wouldn't say that, Blackie. We're coming back, Patsy and me. But we got orders to get you.

[Boston Blackie]

Orders to get me, huh? Dealing in the blackie market.

[Hoodlum]

You'll strain an arm reaching for jokes like that.

[Boston Blackie]

I thought that was rather clever. Isn't it?

[Hoodlum]

But you might as well know something. We ain't taking you on any gang riding. We're turning you over to the cops.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah, I'll bet. Couple of hoods like you wouldn't go within two miles of headquarters. I guarantee Faraday's got charges hanging over both of you guys.

[Hoodlum]

Maybe. Only he'll be so glad to see you he won't be able to think straight. All right, let's get moving, Blackie. And remember, I'm the guy that's got the gun on you.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, mug, but take my word for it. Someday you're going to beg me to forget that.

[Inspector Faraday]

Blackie. There's something natural about the way you look behind bars. They look good on you.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, thanks.

[Inspector Faraday]

You've got no idea how nice it is to see you sitting so sweetly in that cell.

[Boston Blackie]

Now, Faraday, listen, I didn't knock off Fiswell. No kidding.

[Inspector Faraday]

Of course not. And you didn't throw your bathrobe over.

[Shorty]

My head and tie me up either, did you, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, yes, I did do that, Faraday. You know I did. But I did it to help you.

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, this is going to be good.

[Boston Blackie]

Now tell me how. Well, somebody knocked off Fred Viswell. Your job is to catch murderers, Faraday. I had to be free to help.

[Inspector Faraday]

You see, Blackie, you should have been a lawyer.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Inspector Faraday]

Only you're overlooking a slight something. Your gun. Your pretty little gun with your fingerprints on it and a slug from it. And Viswell's head and the bullet hole in your coat pocket. Nobody else killed Viswell, Blackie. You've got no alibi. You hated the guy and your gun did the job. Looks like kind of a perfect job to me.

[Boston Blackie]

This is a frame up, Faraday. Now you've got to do something you've never done before. What? Use your head.

[Inspector Faraday]

Look, you're in jail, Blackie, and you tell me to use my head. Don't you think this is a spot where you should use your.

[Narrator]

Well, it seems as though Inspector Faraday is about to realize a lifelong ambition and has finally found a charge against Boston Blackie that will stick. However, that remains to be seen. Of course, you know, you ladies really have it all over the men folks when it comes to being sensible about clothes. Come summertime, for instance, you know that one of the tricks of keeping cool is to look cool. And what could look cooler, crisper and prettier than those bright cotton washables you wear? It's important, though, to remember to keep them bright and crisp. And that's where our soapy, rich Rinso comes in. No point in working your head off in summertime boiling and scrubbing clothes. And you don't have to with Rinso. A short soaking in Rinso suds often as little as 10 minutes is enough. Then a few quick finger rubs on extra soiled places and your clothes are ready to rinse. And believe you me, you'll be mighty proud of how your wash looks, too. Your lovely colored washable cottons will stay fresh and bright week after week, wash after wash. And your white clothes, well, it goes without saying, they'll be. Yes, Rinso white. So get Rinso next wash day for a Rinso white. Rinso bright wash. And now back to Boston Blackie, starring Chester Morris. Blackie is in jail. Inspector Faraday knows that it was Blackie's gun that killed Fred Viswell. And Blackie can't clear himself while he's in prison. Into the cell block where Blackie is being kept walks a young lady.

[Jean Rochelle]

The policeman at the end of the corridor said I could come in and talk to all the other policemen in the whole jail. And you're the other policeman, so I thought I'd come over and talk to you.

[Hoodlum]

All right, miss, but about what?

[Jean Rochelle]

About the ball, of course. Everybody knows about the ball.

[Narrator]

What ball?

[Jean Rochelle]

The ball we're giving. But I'm selling tickets only to policemen.

[Hoodlum]

Well, now I've heard everything. Selling tickets to policemen for a civilian's ball. How much are they?

[Jean Rochelle]

A dollar. But the policeman at the end of the corridor said that if I came up here.

[Hoodlum]

Here's a dollar. And keep the ticket. And the next policeman is right down past this row of cells. Go bother him, will you, please? Yes, and don't tell me that bag you're carrying is full of tickets. There aren't that many policemen.

[Jean Rochelle]

You're so silly. Of course not. I always carry a bag. It makes me look as if I'm always about ready to go someplace.

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Hoodlum]

You can go right now. I don't lock the door. You can walk down the corridor till you find another cop at the end of it. His name's Murphy.

[Jean Rochelle]

Isn't every policeman.

[Hoodlum]

Oh, I don't know. All right, go. Go on, miss. Right down the corner. Don't mind them mugs in the cells.

[Jean Rochelle]

Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Jean, what are you doing here? This isn't visiting day, Blackie.

[Jean Rochelle]

Listen, I've got to keep walking when the guard looks this way.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, don't be silly. Come in. The door's open.

[Jean Rochelle]

The cell door is open?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure try.

[Jean Rochelle]

Is, Blackie. How did you do that?

[Boston Blackie]

Close the door. You know, I could open the cell door all right, Gene. That was a cinch. But I haven't figured out yet how to get past the guards at both ends of the garden.

[Jean Rochelle]

Stop figuring it, Blackie. Here, look at this bag I brought. It's an outfit that matches the one I'm wearing, only it's a couple of sizes larger. Put it on quick.

[Boston Blackie]

What, and leave you in the cell? Oh, nothing doing, honey.

[Jean Rochelle]

I'll go out the door. I came in, Blackie. You go out the other one. Only hurry. The guard might get curious.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay. Well, it won't take me a second. I'll first roll my trousers up and then on with the dress. Oh, you brought a wig too, huh? You think of everything. Can I get into these shoes?

[Jean Rochelle]

Sure you can. And hurry. Blackie, don't forget your hat.

[Boston Blackie]

Say, it's a cute one. All right. Zip me up, will ya? All set.

[Jean Rochelle]

Now, just walk out. Black in Telecom at the end of the corridor. His name's Murphy. Tell him he ran out of tickets. Can you talk like a girl?

[Narrator]

Who, me?

[Boston Blackie]

Of course I can.

[Jean Rochelle]

You better not talk. Bye, Blackie. And luck. Meet me back in my apartment.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks, Gene. You're wonderful.

[Jean Rochelle]

See you later, Blackie. You look awful cute in that outfit. Watch out for the wolves.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, not me. For once, I want to be on the receiving end of a. This is the house, Shorty. 50 Hunter Street. I don't know what I'd expect to find here, but let's go in.

[Shorty]

Why, boss?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, maybe I can pick up something inside That'll give me a clue to that masked man. You see any lights?

[Shorty]

No, no, there ain't any.

[Boston Blackie]

But okay. Now, don't hit your flashlight, but we close the street door.

[Shorty]

Oh.

[Boston Blackie]

What kind of a lock is this?

[Shorty]

I don't know, but if you're working on it, it's an easy lock. I'll guarantee that.

[Boston Blackie]

No, Shorty, it's an open lock. Come on in. Shh. Quiet. Hit your flash Shorty, right? Yeah, this is the room where I got conked. The masked guy sat right over there facing me with his hands folded on that table, and he. Shorty, what happened? I know now who the masked guy was, Shorty.

[Shorty]

Yeah.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm going to straighten out this whole mess. Wait till I look up a number in this phone book.

[Shorty]

Let's see. Who you calling, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

I'm calling the murderer of Fred Biswell. Wait a minute. Yeah, here it is. Well, now, let's hope I sound like the mug. Hey, boss, this a mug. Come right down to Hunter Street House. I got Blackie here. He's Hoyt. Oh, you want to talk to him?

[Arthur Borden]

Okay.

[Boston Blackie]

Talk to the boss, Blackie, or you'll get it again. Here, take the phone. So you're the boss, huh? What am I supposed to do, applaud? Give me that phone, Blackie. Okay, boss. Yeah. Yeah, that sure is Blackie.

[Jean Rochelle]

Huh?

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, you'll be right down.

[Shorty]

Good work ain't good.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah.

[Shorty]

What a swirl.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, Shorty, now you beat it. I'm staying right here and I'm handling this alone. But I have a job for you when you get outside.

[Shorty]

Okay, boss.

[Boston Blackie]

It may decide who dies for the murder of Fred Viswell. And just between us, I'd rather it wasn't me.

[Arthur Borden]

Mug. Mug, Are you in here, mug? Turn on the light. It's dark. I can't see you. Turn on the light.

[Boston Blackie]

Here's a light, Mr. Borden. Right in your face, Boston Blackie. That's right, Boston Blackie. You had a very nice frame up all fixed for me. But I think you're going down to explain it all to Inspector Faraday now, do you?

[Arthur Borden]

Well, I don't. So the phone call to me was a gag, eh? I might have known it was one of your tricks, Blackie, but I didn't. No harm done, though. I'll just leave.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, just like that.

[Arthur Borden]

And don't think you can threaten me, Blackie. As long as I'm alive, I'm a potential alibi for you. Only you and I know you didn't kill Fred Biswell and that I did. And you've got to let me live in the hope that someday I'll confess.

[Boston Blackie]

Yes. Yes, I guess maybe I do. Oh, you're a pretty smart man, Borden. You'd have to be to have me in this kind of a jam. What did Viswell ever do to you?

[Arthur Borden]

He thought he could outsmart me, the fool. Some private investors had him checking the books at the bank. Found that I'd taken quite a Bit of money that didn't belong to me and he thought he'd try a bit of blackmail. He didn't get very far.

[Boston Blackie]

Pretty thorough, aren't you?

[Arthur Borden]

I think so. How did you know I was the masked man, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, two ways, Borden. Yes, one was the fact that I gave you the address of my waterfront hideout. And later your hoods paid me a visit down there. You were the only one that had that address. The other was that ring you're wearing. You know, the one you told me you couldn't take off. When I came in tonight, I remembered the masked man was wearing that ring. You know, putting John Partridge in your place as president of the bank sounds like a wonderfully smart idea.

[Arthur Borden]

It was. I was tired of working and I can throw Partridge in jail anytime I like for a little embezzlement job he did, so he must do as I say. And now, Boston Blackie, let's go visit Inspector Faraday.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, now, Mr. Borden, I. I don't think I care to see the Inspector tonight.

[Hoodlum]

No.

[Arthur Borden]

Perhaps this gun will make you change your mind. I happen to know that Faraday has your gun. You're still under suspicion of murder, you know. And if you try to escape, Blackie, I'll think nothing of killing you in cold blood.

[Boston Blackie]

You know, I believe you would, Borden. All right, all right, I'll go with you. I guess I'd rather be a live prisoner than a dead suspect.

[Arthur Borden]

Here's Inspector Faraday's office, Blackie. Walk right in. Go on.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, if you say so, Borden. Hello, Inspector. Say, look, don't you ever sleep?

[Inspector Faraday]

Hello, Blackie. I've been expecting you. You're a little late.

[Boston Blackie]

Would you mind telling this gentleman in back of me to get rid of his gun? Please, Inspector, he doesn't realize that it's impolite to point. His name is Arthur Borden.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, Mr. Borden, I'll take that gun.

[Arthur Borden]

Certainly. Here you are.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, looks like I've got a first rate murder suspect right here in this room.

[Arthur Borden]

It certainly does, Inspector. Better lock him up in just a minute.

[Inspector Faraday]

In fact, I might as well do it very legal and proper. Arthur Borden, you're under arrest for the murder of Fred Viswell.

[Arthur Borden]

What?

[Boston Blackie]

Me?

[Inspector Faraday]

Why, I. David, I wish it was Blackie, only it isn't. We've got your confession in your own voice, right? On a dictograph record.

[Arthur Borden]

A dictograph planted in my Hunter street house.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's impossible.

[Arthur Borden]

Nobody could have put a dictograph in there.

[Inspector Faraday]

You tell him, Blackie. You figured this thing out.

[Boston Blackie]

Well before you came into the Hunter street house tonight, Mr. Borden, I dialed the inspector's private number on the telephone and left the receiver off the hook. You see, I had Shorty call him before and tell him to expect his private telephone to ring. All the while you were telling me how perfectly you would frame me. The inspector was listening on this end.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, not only listening, but having the whole thing taken down on a record.

[Boston Blackie]

Say, Inspector, I did you a favor, didn't I? By turning up Visual's murderer, you did.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yourself a bigger favorite. But what's on your mind?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I'll tell you, Inspector. Shorty told me you have Jean Rochelle booked here.

[Inspector Faraday]

You said it, Blackie. She helped you escape from jail.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, maybe she did. But if she did, I brought you in a murderer. So you certainly owe her a favor too, right?

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, maybe. What do you expect me to do, let her go?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure. You've held her long enough. Now it's my turn.

[Narrator]

You heard about making mountains out of molehills, but here's how to make mountains of dishes go right down to nothing in a hurry. You put some rinse on your dishpan and up go the suds, plenty of thick suds from surprisingly little Rinso. And down goes that stack of dishes in practically no time. Yes, dishwashing is a mighty easy, simple job with Rinso helping out. China, silver, glassware, they're all shining brightly in a jiffy with Rinso soapy, rich suds on the job. Why, even your pots and pans come clean easily when Rinso gets to work. Use Rinso, too, for all the soap and water jobs around the house. It's swell. Now, a glimpse at next week's adventure of Boston Blanket.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, Monahan, give me a little more juice in that light.

[Shorty]

No, now don't do that. I can't stand it.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's better. Now listen, Shorty. You say you don't remember what happened.

[Shorty]

I don't. I keep telling you, I don't.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, maybe you don't remember.

[Narrator]

You were slugging.

[Inspector Faraday]

Now, we don't want to know anything except one thing. Now think hard, Shorty. Who was the last person you saw her talk to before you were slugged? Now, that's all we want to know.

[Shorty]

I'm thinking, Inspector. Alice, I'm dizzy trying to think. I don't know. I just don't know. Hey, wait a minute. Oh, yeah, I remember now. The last person I talked to before I got conk was Boston Blackie.

[Narrator]

Be sure to listen in at this same time next week for another exciting adventure with Boston Blackie, starring Chester Morris, with Richard Lane as Inspector Faraday. You can see Chester Morris as Boston Blackie at your favorite movie theater. Boston Blackie's latest Columbia picture is One Mysterious Night, soon to be released. Original music for the program was by Charles Cornell. This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for the makers of Rinso. And wishing you all a very pleasant good night. Warm weather's ahead, and that means greater danger from perspiration. Protect yourselves. Use Lifebuoy in your daily bath. You know, of seven leading brands, Lifebuoy gives you the most soap for your money and its rich, purifying Lifebuoy lather agrees with your skin. And don't forget, Lifebuoy is the only soap especially made to stop. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Arthur Borden]

It.