Broadway Is My Beat: The Henry Baker Murder Case 12/17/1949

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway Is My Beat: The Henry Baker Murder Case
Release Date: December 18, 2024

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Introduction

Choice Classic Radio's episode titled "Broadway Is My Beat: The Henry Baker Murder Case" transports listeners to the bustling and enigmatic streets of Broadway in the late 1940s. Hosted by Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover, the episode delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of Henry Baker, a philanthropic individual with a penchant for giving away large sums of money.

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The Case Unfolds

The narrative begins with Patrolman Meshikov confronting Henry Baker, accusing him of disrupting Broadway by distributing $10 bills randomly, claiming, “This is not only a hindrance to the flow of traffic, it smacks also of holes in the head” (03:18). Henry Baker defends his actions, expressing his mission to "buy little boats in people's hearts" (04:20), emphasizing his commitment to generosity.

Suddenly, Baker reveals a dire warning to Detective Clover: “I won’t be here for long because I’m going to be murdered” (04:46). He confides that his brother, George, intends to kill him for his $50,000, insisting he must distribute the money before his anticipated murder.

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Interaction with George Baker

Detective Clover meets with George Baker, who vehemently denies any intent to commit murder, stating, “He means no harm. I try to help him” (06:07). However, the tension escalates when Detective Clover later encounters George again, who becomes increasingly aggressive, demanding the whereabouts of Henry’s suitcase filled with money (22:38). George accuses Clover of greed, offering a dubious reward: “I’ll give you 20%, Baker” (23:13), pushing the detective into a moral quandary.

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Encounter with Dr. Michael Sinclair

A pivotal moment occurs when Detective Clover consults with Dr. Michael Sinclair, Henry Baker’s psychologist. Dr. Sinclair dismisses the possibility that George’s threats are genuine, labeling them as “a recurring aberration” (12:17). However, Detective Clover's intuition leads him to suspect hypocrisy when he discovers inconsistencies in Dr. Sinclair's testimony. Notably, she ambiguously mentions, “I lied, didn’t I?” (26:35), raising suspicions about her true intentions.

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Climactic Confrontation

The investigation culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Detective Clover discovers that Henry Baker was murdered in his own home. The sole witness, Henry himself, appears posthumously, revealing that he actually committed the murder by shooting himself. This twist uncovers that Henry orchestrated his own death to protect his philanthropic endeavors and to prevent his brother from seizing his money.

Dr. Sinclair's ulterior motive is unveiled as she attempts to claim Henry's remaining funds, suggesting a deeper conspiracy (21:50). The episode concludes with Detective Clover thwarting her plans, ensuring that justice prevails on the lonesomest mile in the world—Broadway.

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Notable Quotes

• Henry Baker: “I buy little boats in people's hearts. Maybe they'll still be sailing when I'm no longer here to wave them on their way.” (04:20)

• George Baker: “His insane delusion that I want to murder him.” (06:21)

• Dr. Michael Sinclair: “What he says to me is in the nature of a confessional.” (11:00)

• Detective Danny Clover: “I promise. Where are you?” (05:15)

• Henry Baker: “I sold my truck farm and took all the money in savings and started to give it away.” (28:11)

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Conclusion

In "Broadway Is My Beat: The Henry Baker Murder Case," Detective Danny Clover navigates the complex interplay of generosity, greed, and deception on the illustrious yet perilous streets of Broadway. The episode masterfully intertwines suspense with character-driven storytelling, culminating in a resolution that underscores the timeless battle between altruism and avarice. As Broadway sleeps, its secrets remain guarded, awaiting the keen eyes of its dedicated detectives.

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Timestamp Reference

• 03:18: Patrolman Meshikov confronts Henry Baker about disrupting Broadway.
• 04:20: Henry Baker explains his mission to spread kindness.
• 04:46: Henry Baker warns Detective Clover of his impending murder.
• 06:07: George Baker denies intent to commit murder.
• 12:17: Dr. Sinclair discusses Henry’s psychological state.
• 21:50: Dr. Sinclair reveals her ulterior motives.
• 22:38: George Baker aggressively demands Henry’s money.
• 23:13: George offers Detective Clover a suspicious reward.
• 26:35: Dr. Sinclair hints at deceit.
• 28:11: Henry Baker recounts his decision to give away his savings.

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Stay tuned for more gripping detective stories from the golden age of radio with Choice Classic Radio!

Transcript

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[Larry Thor]

The greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook.

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Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank.

[Narrator]

You for [e-mail] Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's my beat. With Larry Thor as detective Danny Clover.

[Narrator]

Broadway. It's a tinseled wilderness of steel and of stone. And the foliage of darkness is thick and unyielding. You make circles and pretend you're not lost. You make circles and walk and try to break through. Then you get the message it can't be done because it's a cage, a big cage. The animal cries you heard were your own. It's Broadway, my beat. At 10 o'clock of a bright December morning, Broadway's music shops open their loudspeakers and Broadway wears a scrubbed face, a new haircut and a flashy smile arranged to look appealing and innocent because Broadway is on its way to con Santa Claus. Then you get a look at yourself in a mirror decked with holly and you know you're doing the same thing, so you drop a coin in the pot.

[George Baker]

Thank you, Danny.

[Narrator]

It feels good inside. And then at 46th street, you see Patrolman Meshikov ad libbing his way through a crowd. But he's got a tight hand on a little guy with gentle and tired blue eyes.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

All right, townspeople. All right, the party's over, so make way for me in Santa Claus, huh, townspeople.

[Narrator]

Me too.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

Patrolmanshikov oh, Danny, I didn't notice you in the round of my appointed duties.

[Narrator]

And your duties.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

This little guy here, you see him?

[Narrator]

I see him. Hello.

[Henry Baker]

Hello.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

This Little guy. He's crazy, Danny. Lost his marbles like meshuggah. You know what I mean?

[Henry Baker]

I'm not crazy. I'm only doing what I have to do.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

You have to do this. You have to give away $10 bills in the middle of Broadway? This is not only a hindrance to the flow of traffic, it smacks also of holes in the head.

[Narrator]

You tell me about it, mister.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

I'll tell you, Danny, even if it breaks my heart. This sweet little character is a potential client for Bellevue. He tells me he's got 50 grand to give away.

[Narrator]

Let him tell me. Humeshikov. Would you like a hot cup of coffee, mister? It's pretty cold out here.

[Henry Baker]

I'd like it. Thank you.

[Narrator]

How about the Automat? Okay.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, very nice.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[Henry Baker]

He's a very nice man, that patrolman Meshikov. He has a kind heart. I tried to give him $10, but he wouldn't take it. Will you take it for him?

[Narrator]

All right. We'll put it in the policeman's fund. After you, mister.

[Henry Baker]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Here, I got a couple of nickels. You want coffee or chocolate?

[Henry Baker]

Chocolate would be nice. You think I'm crazy too?

[Narrator]

You look like a man who worked hard for all that money. Why are you giving it away? Here's your chocolate.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, thank you. I give it away because it's my duty to share it with those who need it.

[Narrator]

Those people in the street, maybe they're just greedy. Here's a place we can stand at this counter. Sugar?

[Henry Baker]

Thank you. Some people buy yachts with money. I buy little boats in people's hearts. Maybe they'll still be sailing when I'm no longer here to wave them on their way.

[Narrator]

You'll be here a long time, Mr. Henry Baker.

[Henry Baker]

No, I won't be here for long because I'm going to be murdered.

[Narrator]

What?

[Henry Baker]

My brother George, he'll murder me because he wants my $50,000. And I want to give it away before he kills me. What's your name?

[Narrator]

Well, Danny Clover. Look, I don't quite.

[Henry Baker]

You're a policeman, aren't you?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Henry Baker]

Then you'll protect me until I give all that money away. You'll do that, won't you, Mr. Clover?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Yeah, I'll do that.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, you're very kind. Kindness is in your face, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

Look, Mr. Baker, you've done enough for today. Why don't you go home and rest? If there's any trouble, call me right away. Just give your name and they'll put you through to me.

[Henry Baker]

I may Call you at any time, anytime. All right. Now I'll go home. Thank you for the chocolate. Mr. Clover was very kind. Danny, there's a Mr. George Baker wants to see you.

[Narrator]

Oh, show him in.

[Henry Baker]

Okay, Danny.

[Narrator]

Right in here, Mr. Baker.

[George Baker]

Thank you. Lieutenant Clover?

[Narrator]

Yes. What can I do for you? Sit down. Thank you.

[George Baker]

I just learned you had a little talk with my brother.

[Narrator]

So?

[George Baker]

So this. I've come to ask you not to have him put away.

[Narrator]

You. You think he should be put away?

[George Baker]

Well, he's mad. Oh, I won't quibble with you. I just know that.

[Narrator]

Mr. Baker, I talked to your brother a long time. I think you can be proud of him.

[George Baker]

Proud? Hardly that. Making a fortune and giving it to drifters. Well, it's his own affair, I suppose. But it's the other thing.

[Narrator]

Which is?

[George Baker]

His insane delusion that I want to murder him.

[Narrator]

Yet you don't want him committed to an institution. Why?

[George Baker]

Well, I'm sorry for him. He means no harm. I try to help him.

[Narrator]

How?

[George Baker]

Well, I arranged that he be taken care of by a doctor.

[Narrator]

Oh, I'm glad you did. What doctor?

[George Baker]

An expensive one. Dr. Michael Sinclair.

[Narrator]

Dr. Michael Sinclair. I see. Oh, pardon me.

[George Baker]

Yes, surely.

[Narrator]

Danny Clover speaking.

[Henry Baker]

He tried again. Danny? He tried to kill me again.

[Narrator]

He did, Henry. When was this?

[Henry Baker]

Just now. Just this instant. He shot at me, but he didn't get me.

[Narrator]

I'm glad to hear it. Henry.

[Henry Baker]

You'll have to do something, Danny. Promise me you'll do something.

[Narrator]

I promise. Where are you?

[Henry Baker]

2150 East 20th Street.

[Narrator]

I'll be right down. Your brother, Mr. Baker.

[George Baker]

What did he want?

[Narrator]

You'll have to excuse me. I gotta get down there. He says there's been another attempt on his life.

[Podbean Announcer]

A gentle knock does it, Mac.

[Narrator]

Shall we try again?

[Podbean Announcer]

If you got time to play. You got nothing important to do here. Point yourself north, kid.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Now we stop rubbing noses, huh? Now we discuss our problem.

[Podbean Announcer]

You think so? I say we play some more, copper, huh?

[Narrator]

Blush to my shoes when I say it. I'm from the police.

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, so I can't bang on you, huh? I gotta throw my hands back against the wall and drop my jaw and say, golly, I gotta do that because you're from the police.

[Narrator]

Do it. It'll make me feel important. Where are you from?

[Podbean Announcer]

From Hare. Landlord. I had cards printed once that said Ben Croft, landlord. They got sticky on a hot day and melted. But I ain't changed. You want a crummy room?

[Narrator]

I want to see Henry Baker.

[Podbean Announcer]

I got a theory. You want to hear I'll tell you. A cop puts you in eight hours a day with the city ordinances and a gun and phony muscle. That gives him 16 hours left to be a grabber. That's why you want to see Baker. Grabber? You an off duty cop?

[Narrator]

Look, I'm working. I'm between card punching time. So when I say a question, you say an answer. What's your interest in Henry Baker?

[Podbean Announcer]

I like him.

[Narrator]

Answer like why?

[Podbean Announcer]

Because sometimes I talk to him. Then I can stand to look in the mirror. Answer.

[Narrator]

Try this. Why didn't you want to let me in?

[Podbean Announcer]

Because people come here, try to get the little guy's dough from him because he's got a crazy idea someone's gonna walk in and kill him.

[Narrator]

Because maybe he isn't kidding. Let's go in here. He did it again.

[Henry Baker]

He's trying to kill me.

[Narrator]

Who? Who was it?

[Henry Baker]

George. My brother. I saw him. He shot at me from the alley.

[Podbean Announcer]

The shot came through the window, but there's no one out here now.

[Henry Baker]

He was waiting for me there outside in the alley. Then he took a shot at me.

[Narrator]

I see. You're sure it was your brother?

[Henry Baker]

I know my brother, don't I?

[Narrator]

Sure you do. What's this sticking out from under the bed?

[Henry Baker]

You mean my suitcase?

[Narrator]

No. Yeah, yeah, your suitcase.

[Henry Baker]

Open it, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

Sure. Holy.

[Henry Baker]

Almost $50,000. Mr. Clover. Have a ten dollar bill. Go ahead, take some. You're my friend and I want to have some.

[Narrator]

I didn't tell Henry Baker that what I'd seen sticking out from under his bed was a gun that had just been fired. I didn't tell him that the window glass had fallen into the alley outside. And I didn't tell him that all that meant he had fired the shot himself from inside his room and through the window. He didn't even know his brother. Couldn't possibly have. I couldn't let him know I saw through his child's game of attempted murder. But I could take the gun away with me and I could call on his doctor. Because a doctor is where you go when someone important to you is sick.

[Automated Voice]

Yes, what is it?

[Narrator]

I'd like to see Dr. Sinclair. Is he in?

[Automated Voice]

I'm Dr. Sinclair. Won't you come in?

[Narrator]

Dr. Michael Sinclair was the least medical looking girl I ever saw. She wore a dress of some metallic cloth that shimmered in the afternoon light. And in her eyes was a kind of grave, mocking smile. And her mouth.

[Automated Voice]

Her mouth, the way you look at me, I wouldn't diagnose as neurotic. Not in the least.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. It's only that.

[Automated Voice]

That what?

[Narrator]

I don't know. You're the doctor.

[Automated Voice]

It's that I'm a woman doctor. And women doctors are rare. Wasn't that it?

[Narrator]

Rare? Yeah, that's it.

[Automated Voice]

And women have the vote. Give their seats to nice old gentlemen in subways get their PhDs in psychology at Hunter College in the Bronx. You feel better now I'm a policeman.

[Narrator]

Dr. Danny Clover. I want to talk to you about a patient of yours, Henry Baker.

[Automated Voice]

What about him?

[Narrator]

He tells me his brother is trying to kill him.

[Automated Voice]

Yes, that's what he told me.

[Narrator]

When did he first come to you?

[Automated Voice]

About two weeks ago. His brother sent him to him. What's your interest in Mr. Baker? Has he committed a crime?

[Narrator]

No. It's only that he's a friend. I want to help if I can.

[Automated Voice]

Yes, he does have a lot of money, doesn't he, Mr. Clover? And he gives it away.

[Narrator]

It's good you're a woman.

[Automated Voice]

Don't be angry. I find greed universal. I have it myself. I just diagnosed you incorrectly, that's all. Or did I?

[Narrator]

You keep records of everything Baker tells you.

[Automated Voice]

Of everything everyone tells me, I record it on tape. New world, new methods. I find it more revealing and more accurate than taking notes.

[Narrator]

May I Hear Baker's recording, Mr. Clover?

[Automated Voice]

What he says to me is in the nature of a confessional. I see no need to trespass on Mr. Baker's privacy. That's a law, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Is it? I'd like to hear the recording, please.

[Automated Voice]

I guess there's no harm done. I'll get it, since you're a friend. Here it is. You'll find, Mr. Clover, that Henry's case is the usual one of sibling rivalry. More intense, perhaps. More outward going, more bizarre.

[Narrator]

How do you play this thing?

[Automated Voice]

Like this.

[Narrator]

Why should he keep imagining his brother's trying to kill him?

[Automated Voice]

That's my problem, Mr. Clover, and I. Shh. That's me. Just as it comes to you.

[Henry Baker]

It began when I sold my truck farm and took all the money in savings and started to give it away. I said to him, george, why do you want to kill me? You want my money, that's why you want to kill me.

[Automated Voice]

It's all like that, Mr. Clover. A recurring aberration.

[Narrator]

You think it's only that, eh? There couldn't be any truth in it.

[Automated Voice]

I strongly doubt it.

[Narrator]

How often do you treat him?

[Automated Voice]

Every day, as a matter of fact. He should have been here an hour ago.

[Narrator]

What?

[Automated Voice]

I called his rooming House. He wasn't there. I called his brother. Not there. Do you have any idea where he might be?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Yeah, doctor, I do. Come on, mister, give me one.

[Henry Baker]

You go away. I gave you two $10 this morning. I remember your face. Here you are, sir. Will you have Henry.

[Narrator]

Henry, come here.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, hello, Mr. Clover. Oh, you're angry at me for giving away money again, aren't you?

[Narrator]

No, no, I'm not angry, Henry.

[Henry Baker]

Shall we have another cup of chocolate? Oh, that would be nice.

[Narrator]

All right, Henry.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, but I. I can't. I. I just remembered I have an appointment with Dr. Sinclair. Would you like to come along?

[Narrator]

All right, Henry.

[Henry Baker]

Oh, she's very pretty. Oh, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

What's the matter, Mr. Clover? His body slumped to the pavement and his face stared up at me. It was a face from which everything had fled terror. The waiting, the protest against pain, the slender knife between his ribs. The blood that nudged from the corner of his lips was the shape of his dying. Suddenly, the crowd was aware that death had touched him. The confusion welled out from near the dead man Eddie then broke itself into the fragments of people shopping for a happy Christmas. And with them, inside the sudden spasms of shock and motion and lost was a person who had just killed a fool friend of mine.

[Larry Thor]

You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Did you know it was Buster Keaton playing Sing It Again's phantom voice these last few weeks? Well, now there's a new phantom riding the airwaves on Sing It Again for identifying him tonight, some CBS listener can win $50,000 in cash prizes, radio's largest jackpot. Phone calls go out from coast to coast. Be ready when Sing It Again comes your way over most of these same CBS stations later tonight.

[Narrator]

You've got to listen close on Broadway. That's the only way you can tell if the sudden sound you just heard was laughter or anguish. Not that it makes a lot of difference. Broadway reacts to clowns and dead men in pretty nearly the same way. And the dead man you saw lying in the blood of his death on a holiday pavement. You tell your family about how the policeman pushed you back, but you saw anyhow. But you didn't tell how somebody came and swirled a mop over the sidewalk because somehow you knew that was his final recognition, the requiem for a man who had just died. But I saw it. I had to stay till the end, until Henry Baker was shrouded and carried away, until Henry Baker was made a matter of official concern. Then I left. I had to go to a place.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah. Oh, it's you. The police fella.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Croft, Me.

[Podbean Announcer]

Then come on in out of the snow and cold and the dismal elements. See, I'm doing the right thing by you. Stick around. I got a bowing and scraping act that'll tug your heartstring to pieces.

[Narrator]

Henry Baker is dead. Did you hear what I said, Croft?

[Podbean Announcer]

I. I heard him say it once more.

[Narrator]

Baker dead.

[Podbean Announcer]

See? Don't pay. Don't pay at all. Good little guy with a good idea. Be nice. The world couldn't stomach him.

[Narrator]

Breaks you up, huh?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, I. I don't show it good, do I? Because I don't know the words. How to talk about it to a high school graduate like you. I ain't being crushed enough. How did he die?

[Narrator]

The world slipped a knife in his back. A real one. I don't want to repeat myself this time, Croft.

[Podbean Announcer]

Who wouldn't want to kill him?

[Narrator]

I don't know you for a lifetime, Croft. So I'd say you might.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, you'd have to say that. That's so you can smile when you draw your pay. You're being a keen police fella.

[Narrator]

Yeah, this keen. How come you got a hat and muffler on? The temperature's fine in here.

[Podbean Announcer]

I've been out. Smell my breath.

[Narrator]

You'll see around Broadway in 46.

[Podbean Announcer]

Uh, nowhere near there.

[Narrator]

Stick around, Croft. Going down to Baker's room. A matter of $50,000 in a suitcase. Where's the light switch? Oh, better under the bed. No suitcase. Maybe found another hiding place. Not in the closet. Maybe in the bureau. Hey, who turned out the lightning? Somewhere I heard it, caught hold of it and wouldn't let it go. Christmas bells banging enough beat rhythm to a dream I never had before. I was in the middle of a room, which was in the middle of a room, which was in the middle of a room. And far away, far, far away was a little man with a blood red ten dollar bill tucked in his coat lapel. Then he did a clever thing. He did a backflip. When he stood up, it wasn't him at all. Her name was. It didn't make any difference. She was dressed in metallic cloth. And her mouth. Her mouth said, I'd better get up. So I did. I looked for Ben Croft and he wasn't there. So the thing for me to do was to get back to the office. So I did.

[Henry Baker]

There's a Dr. Michael Sinclair to see you, Danny.

[Narrator]

Huh? Well, sure. Intertaglia.

[Henry Baker]

Okay, you can go in, miss.

[Automated Voice]

Thank you.

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[Narrator]

It's been so long.

[Podbean Announcer]

How have you been?

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Podbean Announcer]

I'm doing well, Dave.

[Narrator]

Why are you talking that way? Please say one for a compliment or.

[Podbean Announcer]

Two for a question.

[Narrator]

Yeah, this is weird. I think I'm gonna go.

[Podbean Announcer]

Talking with an automated phone tree can feel pretty ridiculous. That's why when you call Pacific Source Health Plans, you'll get a real person to answer all your important questions. Pacific Source Health Plans. This is a real person.

[Automated Voice]

How can I help?

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Service not automated phone trees. Find a plan@pacificsource members first.com.

[Automated Voice]

Thank you for everything. Surprised to see me, Mr. Clover?

[Narrator]

Should I be?

[Automated Voice]

Yes. I'm a very busy doctor, and I know you're a busy, busy man, so I'll come right to the point. I want Henry Baker's money. All that was left of it.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're his widow. Henry never told me. Neither did you.

[Automated Voice]

Nothing quite so cheap as that. Mr. Colburn. Henry promised me his money every visit to my office. He promised me. He said that when he died, he wanted me to have whatever money was left because I was good and kind and helped sick people.

[Narrator]

Henry said all that on a tape recording?

[Automated Voice]

No, no, that was our own secret. When a man says things like that to a girl, a girl doctor, Mr. Clover, she wouldn't record it as if it were a symptom of a wandering mind, now, would she?

[Narrator]

I wouldn't know. I wouldn't want to keep you from your appointed rounds, Doctor. So many people must be crying out for you.

[Automated Voice]

You're saying I don't get the money?

[Narrator]

I'm saying we haven't got it. I'm saying a girl with a bright, shining mind like yours can make her own way in the world without robbing the dead.

[Automated Voice]

I'm saying quite enough. And all of it insulting.

[Narrator]

Ain't it the truth. Thank you, doctor. Happy neurosis, Doctor. I was glad when she went anyhow. She ruined the decor of my office. I made a note to splatter the place with wax roses, then have her in again. Which constituted the mixed up daydream for the day. Right now, there was a man I had to see. George Baker, loving brother and sole living heir of a murdered man. I wondered how he reacted to the news at his home. I found out.

[George Baker]

I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

You don't understand about policemen, do you, Mr. Baker?

[George Baker]

When they intrude upon grief, they're intruders.

[Narrator]

I started to talk about your not understanding policemen. We got a right to make a nuisance of ourselves, Mr. Baker. The public demands it.

[George Baker]

What do you want to know?

[Narrator]

You thought your brother was mad, didn't you?

[George Baker]

I told you that. Of course Henry was mad. He gave away money.

[Narrator]

Money? What money?

[George Baker]

Money that was in a suitcase under his bed.

[Narrator]

Do you have the suitcase?

[George Baker]

Me? You have it.

[Narrator]

Uh, I don't have it.

[George Baker]

Then find it. It's mine. I'm his only living relative.

[Narrator]

Take it easy.

[George Baker]

Take what easy? I want that money. It's mine.

[Narrator]

See What I mean, Mr. Baker? What? See what I mean? You want that money so badly, maybe you'd kill for it. Get out of here. You can't say that to the law without nudging me with your elbow and smiling. You know that, Mr. Baker.

[George Baker]

I'll post a suitable reward. Does that interest you, Mr. Clover? A reward?

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[George Baker]

I know men like you, Mr. Clover. You're greedy. You're holding out for a price. So I'll give it to you. I'll give you 20%, Baker.

[Narrator]

25%. Help me, Baker. I'll.

[George Baker]

No, no, no, no. Don't hit me.

[Narrator]

No, I wouldn't do that. I'll just throw you away. Dog.

[Henry Baker]

Pig.

[Automated Voice]

Filth.

[Henry Baker]

Scum.

[Narrator]

Hey, Danny.

[Henry Baker]

Danny, I'm glad you're back. Patrol and Meshikov picked up Kraft.

[Narrator]

They're in your office.

[Henry Baker]

Hey, Danny. Danny, what's the matter?

[Patrolman Meshikov]

Oh, Danny. I picked up Croft here at the Eagle Tavern. He was spending money like a drunken sailor.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Get out of here, Meshikov.

[Patrolman Meshikov]

Okay, Danny.

[Narrator]

You ran away. Croft, tell me. Bitter, bitter men like you, you always run away.

[Podbean Announcer]

Sometimes things leave a bad taste in your mouth. Sometimes like you. You do that to me. Now you know.

[Narrator]

You slugged me, beat me up. That makes you feel good, huh?

[Podbean Announcer]

It would have, but I didn't have the pleasure.

[Narrator]

Maybe I can arrange it sometime. Just you and me.

[Podbean Announcer]

A pleasure.

[Narrator]

First, tell me about the dough. The dough that flowed like wine.

[Podbean Announcer]

It was give to me. Give to me by a little guy who had a healthier brain than all of us. That includes you and me.

[Narrator]

Baker gave you the money. How much?

[Podbean Announcer]

100 bucks. 10 crispy sawbucks. That makes 100 bucks.

[Narrator]

That made you a big man on Second Avenue.

[Podbean Announcer]

Nah, you haven't got it right, Mr. Clover. Baker gave me the dough. He made me promise to toast his way to heaven when he died. This I was doing when your bull walked in and snuck it up.

[Narrator]

You could have followed Baker up to Broadway. You could have stood in the crowd and slipped a knife into him. Then you could have taken his doe and hidden it.

[Podbean Announcer]

You want to know something, Clover? I'll bear my soul to you. None of that. What you said could I do. It's a weakness with me. How I'm in love with good people.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Yeah. Baker sometime had callers in his room.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

The callers, who were they?

[Podbean Announcer]

You, me, his brother.

[Narrator]

His brother.

[Podbean Announcer]

His doctor.

[Narrator]

His. His what?

[Podbean Announcer]

His doctor. A perfumed doctor with the body of a girl and the legs of a girl.

[Narrator]

Like how often?

[Podbean Announcer]

Like practically every day. It was a thing. A man could look forward to her with a little black case and a smile that said, hey, policeman, where you going? I ain't finished with my confess.

[Automated Voice]

Oh, Mr. Clover. What an exciting surprise for both of us, doctor. Professional visit or social? Perhaps? We could combine them, you and I.

[Narrator]

But not out here. Inside. Doctor.

[Automated Voice]

You won't mind if the place is a mess?

[Narrator]

Not at all. You know, Doctor, I've. I have a problem. I miss my old friend.

[Automated Voice]

That's my laboratory. I allow no one in here.

[Narrator]

But Doctor, how can I get well if you keep secrets from me? Yeah. What are all these little cardboard boxes?

[Automated Voice]

The recordings of my patients.

[Narrator]

Here's Henry Baker's. Mind if I listen to it on the recorder here? Maybe Henry said something on this tape I didn't hear before.

[Automated Voice]

You heard all that was important?

[Narrator]

Not everything, Doctor. Like how it was you who visited him and not vice versa. Like you told me. Practicing psychologists do that. Now they visit the patient.

[Automated Voice]

I lied, didn't I?

[Narrator]

Uh huh. Oh. Closet full of test tubes and bottles. Very medical for a non medical doctor.

[Automated Voice]

Are you always nosy like this?

[Narrator]

Call it an occupational disease. What do you think happened to Henry's money? As a psychologist, your guess might be better than a.

[Automated Voice]

Cops don't go in there.

[Narrator]

Hmm. Pretty bedroom. Planning a trip, Doctor?

[Automated Voice]

No.

[Narrator]

That's good. Because this suitcase, it's kind of shabby for a career girl like you.

[Automated Voice]

Leave it alone, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

And the initials H.B. what do they stand for, doctor? Michael Sinclair, in code. I have bad habits, Doctor. I open other people's mail. And suitcases marked with the initials of Henry Baker. All these ten dollar bills, they could have made Henry so many friends.

[Automated Voice]

He gave it to me. He gave it to me because I cured his fixation.

[Narrator]

They cure it with murder. Now, let's go, Doctor. Grab a hat or something and let's go.

[Automated Voice]

That must be a patient, Mr. Clover. May I answer it?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I'll wait in your laboratory. Tell your patient you're busy. And doctor, his. Remember, nothing fancy. Just tell him to go away.

[George Baker]

I'm sorry, but you don't be sorry about anything. Just.

[Automated Voice]

You can't come in here. Can't I?

[George Baker]

Can't I not see I'm in. All right. Now give me my brother's money.

[Automated Voice]

I don't have it.

[George Baker]

Give it to me. Give it to me or I'll beat you up just as I did that policeman. He wanted that money for himself, like you do. Give it to me.

[Automated Voice]

It's in there. In that room. My laboratory.

[George Baker]

Good.

[Narrator]

Good.

[George Baker]

Very good.

[Henry Baker]

I sold my truck farm and took all the money and savings.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Henry Baker]

And start to give it away. I said to him, george, why do you want to kill me?

[George Baker]

It's Henry. He's alive.

[Narrator]

But I killed him. I killed him.

[George Baker]

I'll kill him again. I'll kill him over and over again. I'll kill him.

[Narrator]

Baker. Baker.

[George Baker]

I'll kill you, Henry. I'll kill you, Henry.

[Henry Baker]

Makes me feel good to give it away to people.

[Narrator]

I'll kill you, Baker.

[Henry Baker]

I'll kill you. These friends, huh? That way, when you leave this world, you'll be remembered. What more could be? A man ask? You should see their faces when I give it to them.

[Automated Voice]

Don't look like that, Danny.

[Henry Baker]

Happy, they look.

[Automated Voice]

You had to kill him.

[Narrator]

Happy.

[Automated Voice]

There was nothing else you could do.

[Narrator]

Yeah. It's okay, doctor. Get your hat. And so it was over. Done. A little man had given away pieces of his heart in kindness until it was shattered finally by violence. And his murderer, his brother. Two bullets had fixed the mask of greed on his face. Michael Sinclair. She had the money. All the time. She cried. And we took it away from her. But it didn't do her any good. Not a bit of good. Broadway is sleeping now. The furious avenue of the night is still. It stretches out in front of you without beginning, without end. Only the sleepwalkers are there. The handful whose lust for a dream or reality is never through. The seekers, the sodden, the huggers. Close of nothing. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway. My beat.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's my beat. Stars Larry Thor as detective Danny Clover and is written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The musical score was composed by Alexander Courage and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. And the program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. The cast tonight included Charles Calvert, Jerry Hsener, Ralph Sedan, Byron Kane, Lou Merrill and Joan Banks. A week to go and Christmas and its problems of shopping and presents grow serious in the minds of most of us. For the lighter approach to Christmas, may we suggest you spend Sunday evening with Jack Benny, Amos and Andy, red Skelton, Charlie McCarthy and Bergen, with Eve Arden and all the other famous CBS Sunday night entertainers. Now stay tuned for Sing It Again, which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. Joe Walters speaking. This is cbs, where you find Broadway as my beat. Every Saturday night, the Columbia Broadcasting System.