Broadway Is My Beat: The Johnny Hill Murder Case 11/10/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Broadway Is My Beat: The Johnny Hill Murder Case"

Introduction

Broadway's My Beat transports listeners to the vibrant and shadowed streets of New York's Broadway during the early 1950s. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode delves into the mysterious murder case of Johnny Hill, a notorious Chicago hooligan whose presence on Broadway becomes the catalyst for a gripping detective story.

Discovery of the Murder

The episode opens with Detective Danny Clover observing the bustling yet enigmatic atmosphere of Broadway at night. As the city transitions into darkness, Clover becomes aware of a murder in progress.

• Detective Danny Clover (00:51): "Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world."

Clover's keen observation skills are immediately put to the test when Finch, a room service attendant at Hotel Haddon, reports finding the dead body of Johnny Hill.

• Finch (02:07): "I walked in to deliver the drinks, noted that the drapes were drawn, noted that the spread had not been drawn back, noted that he hadn't taken off his shoes. I noted that he was dead."

Initiating the Investigation

Upon receiving the call from Finch, Detective Clover springs into action, marking the beginning of his investigation into Johnny Hill's murder.

• Detective Danny Clover (02:43): "Homicide. Danny, Call just came in."
• Finch (02:51): "F I, N, C, H, Allen Finch. Don't forget it."

Clover's first move involves interviewing Finch to gather initial details about the crime scene, establishing Finch as the first witness and key player in the unfolding mystery.

Interview with Benny Fain

Clover's investigation leads him to Benny Fain, a man previously acquainted with Fangue Hill. Benny provides vague and unhelpful responses, heightening the tension and complexity of the case.

• Finch (06:18): "Go away."
• Clover (06:20): "What's the matter with you, Benny?"

Benny's reluctance to cooperate suggests deeper layers to the murder, prompting Clover to delve further into the underbelly of Broadway's nightlife.

Visit to the Griffin Club

Clover's pursuit of leads takes him to the Griffin Club, an exclusive establishment frequented by former hooligans turned affluent patrons. Here, he encounters Mrs. Crane, the vice president responsible for managing memberships.

• Mrs. Crane (07:53): "I'm Mrs. Crane, Vice President in charge of accepting and rejecting."
• Detective Danny Clover (08:01): "We were having a lovely time till you walked in. You turned it sour, but I recall that's the way you are."

The interaction reveals tensions within the club and hints at possible motives surrounding Johnny Hill's interactions there.

Autopsy Revelation

A pivotal moment occurs when Finch reveals unexpected information about Johnny Hill's death. Contrary to initial reports of a shooting, Finch discloses that Hill was actually poisoned.

• Finch (24:06): "Johnny was dead before he was shot."
• Detective Danny Clover (24:35): "Johnny was poisoned to death with the same poison that killed Nick Joiner."

This revelation shifts the investigation from a straightforward homicide to a more intricate case involving multiple victims and potential suspects.

Confrontation with Finch

As the investigation progresses, Clover becomes suspicious of Finch's role in the murders. A tense confrontation ensues, uncovering Finch's true motives and actions.

• Detective Danny Clover (27:12): "If I would have poisoned a big man like Johnny Hill, and if someone would have come along and taken all the credit for it by emptying his gun into Johnny."
• Finch (27:57): "I didn't say that, Mr. Clover."

Through a series of probing questions and psychological manipulation, Clover exposes Finch as the mastermind behind the murders of both Johnny Hill and Nick Joyner.

Conclusion

The episode culminates in Finch’s unraveling, as Detective Clover pieces together the puzzle of deceit and betrayal. Finch's dual role in poisoning and framing Nick Joyner highlights the complexities of human nature and the dark undercurrents of Broadway's seemingly glamorous facade.

• Finch (28:25): "Finch. Helen Finch. F I N C H Finch."

Clover's relentless pursuit of the truth ensures justice for the victims, reaffirming his dedication to maintaining order in the chaotic world of Broadway.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Danny Clover (00:51): "Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." [00:51]
• Finch (02:07): "I walked in to deliver the drinks... I noted that he was dead." [02:07]
• Finch (24:06): "Johnny was dead before he was shot." [24:06]
• Detective Danny Clover (27:12): "If I would have poisoned a big man like Johnny Hill..." [27:12]

Insights and Themes

This episode masterfully intertwines themes of deception, power, and the duality of appearances versus reality. Detective Danny Clover embodies the quintessential detective archetype, employing intellect and intuition to navigate the treacherous waters of Broadway's elite circles. Finch's character serves as a reminder of how personal ambitions and insecurities can lead to catastrophic decisions.

Final Thoughts

Broadway Is My Beat: The Johnny Hill Murder Case offers listeners a captivating glimpse into the Golden Age of Radio's detective storytelling. With its richly developed characters, intricate plot twists, and atmospheric setting, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio dramas.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world.

Broadway's My Beat. With Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover.

Broadway takes its nighttime out of the river. The autumn mists rise from the water, scurl down the furious avenues of the city and moisten the shadows. And for an instant, Broadway is stunned. Night has come too swiftly. It's suddenly November, and the people of the time clock go home to dinner in darkness. And I watched it from my window at headquarters. The crowd fragments, breaking off here and there to try its luck in this doorway. And that wiped my hand across the frosting glass and considered it. That's why I didn't hear the man when he came in. Huh?

[Finch]

The man's lying dead.

[Narrator]

Who are you? What are you talking about?

[Finch]

I'm Finch. Room service. Hotel Haddon Finch.

[Narrator]

What are you trying to tell me about a man lying dead in the penthouse Hotel Haddon?

[Finch]

I walked in to deliver the drinks, noted that the drapes were drawn, noted that the spread had not been drawn back, noted that he hadn't taken off his shoes. I noted that he was dead.

[Narrator]

How could you tell?

[Finch]

He didn't move when I tapped him on the shoulder. He didn't breathe, either inhale or exhale. That's being dead.

[Narrator]

And you notified the manager?

[Finch]

Did you hear me say I did that?

[Narrator]

No.

[Finch]

No, of course you didn't. I'm reporting it directly to the police. So it'll be on the records that I found the man. Finch found him. Finch. F I, N, C, H. Allen Finch. You tell the papers that.

[Narrator]

Danny Clover speaking.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Homicide. Danny, Call just came in.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Penthouse Hotel Haddon.

[Narrator]

You gonna take it right away? Titaglia Finch.

[Finch]

F I, N, C, H, Alan Finch. Don't forget it.

[Podbean Representative]

What do you wanna. Oh, it's you, Daddy. I'm glad it's you.

[Narrator]

Makes you happy, huh? Maro.

[Podbean Representative]

Yeah, come on in. That comic on television, he kills Me? You ever watch him, Danny? You should. You should. Look.

[Finch]

Look.

[Podbean Representative]

He kills me.

[Narrator]

Where is he, Marl?

[Podbean Representative]

The dead one? He's in the bedroom. Come on, I'll show you.

[Narrator]

If you could tear yourself away from the comic.

[Podbean Representative]

Ah, Danny, don't be like that. How many laughs does a house dig get in a day? I mean, for free. There he is, Danny, on his 20 buck a day bed.

[Narrator]

Shut the door.

[Podbean Representative]

The television is for free, too, Danny, in every room. We can cop a look in between, you know.

[Narrator]

Shut the door.

[Podbean Representative]

Whatever you say, Danny.

[Narrator]

Who was he?

[Podbean Representative]

Here, I'll hold up his head so you can look at him. Looks different, huh? We've been waiting a long time to see him like this, huh, Danny?

[Narrator]

Johnny Hill.

[Podbean Representative]

The same. A little punctured, but the same Johnny Hill.

[Narrator]

Tell me about it.

[Podbean Representative]

A lady was bidding a gentleman good night at the door while lost in a kiss, she heard shots. She told me so on the phone.

[Narrator]

Did she see anyone leave this apartment?

[Podbean Representative]

It was all too frustrating. She didn't see a thing because her eyes were filled with tears. She told me boyfriend scurried away. Didn't want to get caught in a mess. The lady. Web.

[Narrator]

Any ideas, Morrow, on who put so.

[Podbean Representative]

Many holes in him except everybody who ever wanted Johnny Hill, dad. Johnny Hill, king of the Chicago hooligans. Wanted for all the small print in the book. Who's to put the finger on who wanted him dead?

[Narrator]

Look, more, I wanted it.

[Podbean Representative]

You wanted it. Who didn't want it, Danny? Tell me so I can get him a free room in this classy fleabag.

[Narrator]

After that, there wasn't anything much. Morrow said he was going back and look at the comic. Except now the comic was through and there was a cowboy instead, which was even better, Morrow assured me. And when the boys from Technical came, they were on Morrow's side. When I asked everybody why the cowboy carried three guns, they sneered at me, so I left. Then it was legwork. Find out why a hoodlum from Chicago had come to New York to die. Ring doorbells, ask a man in a midnight blue dinner jacket what he knew about the death of Johnny Hill and have him back into five more midnight blue dinner jackets. Alibis. Then the nightclub circuit. Start where the COVID charge is $10 and the upholstery genuine and ask questions, get no answers. Then to the joints of plastic leather and no dance floor, no minimum. And get no answers. Then to the dives of the open collar and the biggest beer in town for a dime. And in one of them, there's a man, his name Is Benny Fain? He's not happy.

[Finch]

Go away.

[Narrator]

What's the matter with you, Benny?

[Finch]

Nothing.

[Narrator]

He used to help us out. What happened?

[Finch]

I'm not stolen no more, that's all. Go away then.

[Narrator]

Because you don't want to tell me about Johnny Hill.

[Finch]

Yes, go away.

[Narrator]

Suppose the boys around got to know you used to work for me, Benny. What about Johnny Hill?

[Finch]

Yesterday. That's when he hit town.

[Narrator]

Where'd he go?

[Finch]

There's people watching us, Danny.

[Narrator]

There's nobody watching us. Where'd he go?

[Finch]

He checked in at the Hat. They went to where they all go, Danny. The Griffin Club. Please go away, Danny.

[Narrator]

That's all you know.

[Finch]

I swear on the missus.

[Narrator]

The Mrs. Is doing time at the state reformatory.

[Finch]

But you'll be out in 10 years. The Griffin Club, Danny.

[Narrator]

The Griffin Club was a polite brownstone mansion that peaked at the park through white lace curtains needle pointed with aqua griffons, its decor, late prohibition, its membership, lovely ladies and equally elegant gentlemen. Their amusement, conversation of latter day hooligans who have become quality folk. I knew that because when I walked in, the tinkle stopped, the whisper of silk took over and I was looked at as if I were a cheap wine spilled on the fawn colored rug. A lady rose quickly to wipe away the stain I was making in their drawing room.

[Mrs. Crane]

I'm afraid you've made a mistake. We are only for members. We suggest the wise right out.

[Narrator]

Don't you know me, Betsy?

[Mrs. Crane]

Ah, you're full of them, aren't you?

[Podbean Representative]

Mistakes.

[Mrs. Crane]

I'm Mrs. Crane, Vice President in charge of accepting and rejecting.

[Narrator]

Oh, sure you are, Betsy.

[Mrs. Crane]

All right, so I know you. You're running out of your class, aren't you, Danny?

[Narrator]

I don't think so. Johnny Hill made me a member.

[Mrs. Crane]

We were having a lovely time till you walked in. You turned it sour, but I recall that's the way you are.

[Narrator]

I said Johnny Hill and you didn't even drop your fan. Drop it, Betsy. So I'll have to pick it up for you.

[Mrs. Crane]

He's in Chicago, Uh, in the morgue.

[Narrator]

But you know that, don't you, Betsy?

[Mrs. Crane]

He finally made it. I'm glad for Johnny.

[Narrator]

You'll tell him before that. He did all the normal things for him. Checked in at the Haddon penthouse, came here, then back to the Haddon, died in his bed. Normal for Johnny.

[Mrs. Crane]

I'll tell my friends how it was. Thanks, Danny. They've been itching to know.

[Narrator]

And you'll tell me the things that Johnny did here, won't you, Betsy? For Old times sake.

[Mrs. Crane]

Grab a handful of canopies, Danny. Take some to your friends because we're through reminiscing. Wait. I'll get you a brown paper bag.

[Narrator]

I couldn't go without you, Betsy.

[Mrs. Crane]

You've got nothing. Not on me, not on the club.

[Narrator]

Only a murdered Johnny Hill. You know how these things work, Betsy. Hold you on suspicion day, month long as you want. What happens to your Vice presidency then?

[Mrs. Crane]

It took me a long time. It's mine. No part of it belongs to anyone else.

[Narrator]

Sure. Think how hard you worked for it, Betsy.

[Mrs. Crane]

I rocked myself to sleep thinking about it. All right. Johnny came in here about 4 o' clock last night. Alone for a while? Alone for about an hour. He nibbled at the caviar, the entertainment. And he got bored. Called Nick Joyner.

[Narrator]

Nick was here?

[Mrs. Crane]

Johnny called him, didn't he? Johnny calls people come. Used to. They played cards and something must have happened because they started calling each other names. So I called Johnny's boy to break it up. He came, he did.

[Narrator]

Johnny's boy. Who is it now?

[Mrs. Crane]

Harry Bishop.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Mrs. Crane]

1923. East 47. I've been awfully good to you, Danny. It didn't cost you a cent, not a penny. Clutch it close to you because that's all you get. Goodbye forever, Danny.

[Finch]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

You Harry Bishop? Let's go inside. Let's go, Harry.

[Finch]

You sound like law. Later, law.

[Podbean Representative]

The mood will come to me and I'll call you.

[Narrator]

It's that inside? Inside. Better. You got a permit for this gun? Gun, Harry? On the bed.

[Finch]

Holy smokes. A gun.

[Narrator]

You shoot Johnny Hill with it, you.

[Finch]

Have yourself a sniff, see? Hasn't been used since the mowed down ducks in Lake Michigan. I duck hunt with a.38. The Ducks appreciate it. I wonder how that gun got here. I thought it was in Chicago.

[Narrator]

I'll ask you again, Harry. Did you shoot Johnny with it?

[Finch]

You lost your mibs. Johnny was done with a.45.

[Narrator]

How would you know that? It wasn't in the papers.

[Finch]

Nick carried a.45. Nick Joiner, the guy who shot Johnny.

[Narrator]

You're sure of it, huh?

[Finch]

Johnny was killed with a.45, wasn't he?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Finch]

See? Nick Joyner.

[Narrator]

What happened at the Griffin Club last night?

[Finch]

A card game with peckled cards. Johnny dropped maybe 50 G's. Nick won it with peckled cards. Maybe Johnny wasn't going to stand for it. Maybe Nick beat him to it.

[Narrator]

You took Johnny home after the game?

[Finch]

Back to the Hat and tucked him in.

[Narrator]

Where's Nick?

[Finch]

I'll find him.

[Narrator]

That's why the gun, Harry, you're going to take care of Nick. Where's Nick?

[Finch]

Leave him to me.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[Finch]

If we go, you're never gonna find Nick.

[Narrator]

Come on, Harry. I'm booking you on a weapons charge.

[Finch]

You're taking me in, huh?

[Narrator]

Where is he?

[Finch]

Where else? Hotel Haddon.

[Narrator]

Under an alias. What alias?

[Finch]

Markle Merkel. Something. I don't know. I can save you the trouble, cop. I owe it to Johnny.

[Narrator]

And you'll be held for homicide.

[Finch]

Then you'll have to catch me.

[Narrator]

I already did. Turn off your radio and let's go, Harry.

[Podbean Representative]

Imagine Nick Joyner living under an alias. Merkel. Merkel. The things a guy will go through to get a room.

[Narrator]

You didn't know about it, huh? Moral?

[Podbean Representative]

So help me, Danny. Not till you told me. This is a big hole. I can't keep my eye on everything that crawls into it. So help me, Danny.

[Narrator]

All right, you didn't know.

[Podbean Representative]

You think Nick's the one that got to Johnny? I asked you a civil question. The least you can do. Yeah, yeah. 1218. A room reserved for shoe salesman. Usually must be slow in shoes. Maybe Nick's out. Maybe.

[Narrator]

You got a pass key?

[Podbean Representative]

Sure, Danny. I got everything. But maybe next. Whatever you say, Danny. See Nanny's house there. Another room, this one with bath. All rooms with bath. Nick, I am sorry to barge in, but guess who. Hey, Danny's in the shower. Nick. Nick. Hey, Nick.

[Narrator]

Open it. Maura, tell him we're here.

[Finch]

Nick. Nick.

[Narrator]

Nick can't hear you, Mara. He can't hear anything anymore. Nick is dead.

You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. How's for trying to sing it again this Saturday night? $5,000 in cold hard cash and $10,000 in fine prices are waiting for the CBS listener who can solve the new Phantom voice mystery. Dan Seymour will be on hand with those coast to coast phone calls. And Alan Dale, Judy Lynn, Bob Howard and the Riddlers will be making music. It's an hour of fun and song to entertain you and perhaps pay off every Saturday night on most of these same CBS stations. Here, sing it again this Saturday, won't you?

Broadway stands on a street corner and raises its collective coat collar against the coming of winter's night Tries to find warmth in the blaze of neon or in the ashes of a summer night's dream. For a time, Broadway warms its hands with memory Tasting its glow, watching it flicker, watching it die. Then it goes looking Somewhere else. And the Trans Lux screams in its ear. Murder. It screams. Gangster dead in swank hotel. Nick Joyner found dead. Broadway is happy. Broadway is daring. It goes right ahead and accepts the substitute grins. It found what it was looking for. And at police headquarters the next day, the probing over the murder of two men, Johnny Hill and Nick Joyner. And assisting at the probe, a man with an apple in his mouth.

[Finch]

Good.

[Narrator]

What?

[Detective Danny Clover]

I was merely remarking that this apple is.

[Finch]

Mmm, mmm. Good.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Try on a bite, Danny.

[Narrator]

Some other time, Roger.

[Detective Danny Clover]

I will save you a piece of wax paper look for around the water cooler, Danny. That way you'll keep cool.

[Narrator]

Anything else you're saving for me, Gino?

[Detective Danny Clover]

No, nothing. Oh, you mean, uh huh. You didn't have to mention it, Danny. I was coming out with it anyway.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You're forgiven. If I don't forgive you, who should I? All right, Danny. All right. In the matter of the killing of Johnny Hill, hailing from Chicago, you'll tell me, huh? Well, it goes without saying, established by technicals, said Johnny Hill was undone by a revolver, caliber.45. I know that they've checked on the bullets. Found them to stem from a gun owned by Nick Joyner, hailing lately from this city.

[Narrator]

That means that.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Permit me to finish your thought, Danny. That means that without a shadow of a doubt, or as Mike Schreck, the bald headed miracle detective from Philadelphia would have it, it means that Johnny of Chicago was undone by Nick of this city because of an argument over a friendly game of cards. You know, Danny, Mike Schreck coined a phrase for such cases. Open and shut.

[Finch]

That Shrek.

[Narrator]

Now you'll tell me about Nick Joyner.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Or need you ask, Nick Joyner was undone by a poison. The title of which can be found in any child's chemistry magazine.

[Narrator]

What else?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Ah, Danny, we found someone who might be sorry Nick is dead. That's what else.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Detective Danny Clover]

His missus. Mrs. Claire Joyner of 902 Benton Road, Forest Hills. You know, I think I'll pen a note to Shrek about this.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Well, it's a riddle to his liking. Denny. Look, if Nick killed Johnny, who killed Nick? All Johnny's friends are in the cooler or in Chicago. That leaves a large question mark, you know. You don't mind if I write to Shrek about it, huh, Danny? Bye, Danny.

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[Finch]

If you know your party's extension, press or say 1 to leave a message in our company mailbox, press or say 2.

[Narrator]

So spoiler alert, it will be full representative.

[Finch]

Would you speak to your mother in that tone?

[Narrator]

Speak to a real human being.

[Podbean Representative]

You shouldn't need to shout into the void to get your health insurance questions answered. Pacific Source Health Plans. This is a real person. How can I help you? Human service, not automated phone trees. Pacific Source Health Plans. Can you come back? Oh. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Narrator]

Sorry about what?

[Podbean Representative]

I thought you were the door to door tea salesman. The jewel truck is across the street and I was going to tell him. Who are you?

[Narrator]

Danny Clover. Police.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, please come in. In here. Please sit down.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Podbean Representative]

I'm afraid I haven't very much time. Nick is.

[Narrator]

I know.

[Podbean Representative]

I want to see him just once more. He's at the mortuary. I feel I ought to see him.

[Narrator]

How long has it been since you and your husband lived together?

[Podbean Representative]

I don't know exactly how to answer that, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

A month? A year?

[Podbean Representative]

No longer than that. Once Nick brought home a black gown, strapless and cut. Well, you know, I put it on, I looked like a housewife looking ridiculous in a strapless gown. Nick left.

[Narrator]

Then he moved out?

[Podbean Representative]

No, he moved out just a month ago. It's been three years since he bought me the gown.

[Narrator]

You knew about.

[Podbean Representative]

About Nick's business affairs. That he was a thief, that he was a hoodlum. I knew about that.

[Narrator]

It didn't matter.

[Podbean Representative]

I'll tell you something, Mr. Clover. Nick would go out and something would happen to him. Maybe he'd beat a man with a gun. He'd come home and stare at me. He needed me so he could feel ashamed.

[Narrator]

You still love him?

[Podbean Representative]

While he was here, I was glad he's gone. But I'm not sorry. Nick wasn't the kind of man who could live very long. But I had him for part of the time that he did.

[Narrator]

Mrs. Joiner.

[Podbean Representative]

No, please. You understand, Mr. Clover, long ago Nick wanted me to move someplace. You know, Park Avenue, place like that. But Park Avenue? Well, it was like the strapless gown.

[Narrator]

Did you ever meet any of Nick's friends?

[Podbean Representative]

Nick didn't have any friends. He had people he had fun with.

[Narrator]

Like who?

[Podbean Representative]

So many of them. Women of Course, lots of them. But he never felt ashamed before. Any of them.

[Narrator]

But wasn't there someone? Someone special?

[Podbean Representative]

Ms. Lisbon was special. I saw her once. I saw her walking on Broadway with Nick. On Broadway, Mr. Clover. And she only saw Nick.

[Narrator]

Ms. Lisbon.

[Podbean Representative]

Paulette Lisbon. Nick told me about her. She stayed at the hotel. Hadn't I believed? Maybe she poisoned Nick.

[Narrator]

Maybe.

[Podbean Representative]

And I'm sorry for her. She doesn't know what she killed.

[Narrator]

The woman turned away from me, walked over to the hall mirror, adjusted a wisp of colorless hair under her hat, smoothed her gloves, looked once at her face, looked away, then walked out for one more time with Nick. She'd left the door open. I closed it for her. At headquarters, there was a file on Paulette Lisbon. Kansas City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Paris, the Italian Riviera. The girl who opened the door for me at the Hotel Haddon was the sum of all the places in which she'd been whispered to, clothed in silk. The sum of all the hands that had stroked the shadows on her throat, the edges of her mouth. All there was in the room was Paulette Lisbon.

[Podbean Representative]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

For what?

[Podbean Representative]

For the way you look at me. I thank you, Ms. Lisbon. Nick looked at me like that. Sometimes other men makes a girl feel good. I mean, good.

[Narrator]

You like Nick?

[Podbean Representative]

He brought me pretty flowers. These on my neck, on my arm. Those boxes on the dressing table. Sure, I like Nick.

[Narrator]

Then maybe you'll help us find his killer.

[Podbean Representative]

You really want him? The killer, I mean. So many people are celebrating. Nick's dying all over town. I know because I've been invited.

[Narrator]

You're not going? No.

[Podbean Representative]

No, I think Nick would like me to grieve a little. After that, I'm on my own. He told me so lots of times.

[Narrator]

He was poisoned. Maybe you can tell me why.

[Podbean Representative]

I can give you a lot of whys, but don't ask me who.

[Narrator]

You'd tell me if you knew?

[Podbean Representative]

Cross my heart and hope to die.

[Narrator]

Who needed him, dad?

[Finch]

You.

[Podbean Representative]

The citizens, the people of the country. My Nicky was a stain that brings us to you. I needed him alive. Girl like me doesn't know where her next Nick is coming from. Would you open it for me, Danny? Please? This robe. The guest might whisper.

[Finch]

Ms. Lisbon, I. Oh. Oh, it's you. I know you.

[Narrator]

Come on in French.

[Podbean Representative]

Yeah.

[Finch]

You don't keep a promise. I even spelled my name for you.

[Podbean Representative]

What'd you bring me this time, Finch?

[Finch]

Oh, you'd be so pleased, Ms. Lisbon. I stole her from the kitchen. Uncle Pheasant. And this cool wine. I stole it for you. There's no charge.

[Podbean Representative]

Well, there's some bills on my dresser, Finch. Help yourself.

[Finch]

Oh, you know I don't do it for that Ms. Lizard. You know, you just help yourself to these goodies.

[Podbean Representative]

Have some, Danny. It's on the house. It always is with Finch.

[Narrator]

No, thanks.

[Finch]

They killed your Mr. Joiner, didn't they, Ms. Lisbon? He had to be brave to kill a man like Mr. Joiner.

[Podbean Representative]

If you like it that way, you.

[Finch]

Just call me to clean up the mess when you're through. Bye, Ms. Lizbeth.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, there are so many. Many kinds. All different. Sure you won't have some, Danny? A funeral feast?

[Finch]

No.

[Podbean Representative]

Then throw it away for me, will you, Danny? Please. Out the window was fun. Lots of fun.

[Finch]

Danny.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Dr. Sinski. Come on in. What's on your mind?

[Finch]

Got a cigarette, Danny?

[Narrator]

Oh, here you are.

[Finch]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Light?

[Finch]

No, I wouldn't think of it. I carry my own matches. A very strange thing just happened, Danny.

[Narrator]

Like what?

[Finch]

I just finished an autopsy on Johnny Hill.

[Narrator]

Nautopsy. What for? He was shot to death. What do you need a natopsy for?

[Finch]

Because he wasn't shot to death.

[Narrator]

What are you talking about? Of course he was shot.

[Finch]

Of course he was. With three.45 caliber bullets. But that's not what killed him.

[Narrator]

Look, please, Danny, let me have my.

[Finch]

Minute of glory, huh? Thank you. I happened to see the photographs taken of Johnny by our boys. Why, I asked myself, is this a little blood from a man who's been shot by a large caliber bullet? Then at the morgue, I examined Johnny. Very little blood on his clothes.

[Narrator]

So you performed an autopsy just to prove my point.

[Finch]

Johnny was dead before he was shot.

[Narrator]

What?

[Finch]

Johnny was poisoned to death with the same poison that killed Nick Joiner. Know anybody who didn't like those two fellas? Danny.

[Podbean Representative]

Here he is. Danny.

[Narrator]

Oh, sit down.

[Podbean Representative]

Me?

[Narrator]

Him. You leave Morrow.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, Danny, I lend you my office. Be polite.

[Narrator]

Out.

[Podbean Representative]

Okay. Okay.

[Narrator]

I said you can sit down.

[Finch]

I'm not in the habit of sitting down. Room service, am I, Finch? Room service?

[Narrator]

Tell me about yourself, Finch.

[Finch]

I told you. Room service.

[Narrator]

I mean, how you live, your friends, what you do outside of the hotel.

[Finch]

You're interested?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I am.

[Finch]

Well, thanks. Yeah, that's it. How do I live? Oh, I work eight hours, read a lot, go out to the movies a lot. Write letters to newspapers. They printed some of them.

[Narrator]

Spell your name right, always.

[Finch]

I have such a simple name to remember. Maybe that's why everybody forgets it.

[Narrator]

What about your friends?

[Finch]

Ah, I've tried that. People don't measure up?

[Narrator]

Does Ms. Lisbon measure up? She's beautiful.

[Finch]

I'd like her to admire me, but really doesn't matter.

[Narrator]

Don't you care what people think about you, Finch?

[Finch]

Used to bother me. I used to try when I was younger. I took physical culture exercises and correspondence courses and Personality. But I never finished. I don't know somehow.

[Narrator]

Well, I don't know now. You don't care.

[Finch]

Ah, people are stupid. They don't know what goes on inside of other people.

[Narrator]

Me?

[Finch]

Why are you asking me these things, Mr. Cleveland?

[Narrator]

Because I admire you.

[Finch]

Oh, thank you. Thank you. Oh, see? Let me show you something. I have it right here in my coat pocket. It's a letter I'm writing to the Times. Read it.

[Narrator]

Tell me about it.

[Finch]

It's about those two men who were murdered in this hotel. Society ought to thank whoever did it. Give him a medal. Don't you think so, Mr. Clark?

[Narrator]

Think what?

[Finch]

Give him a medal. Whoever poisoned those two men.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's one way of looking at it, finch.

[Finch]

You know, Mr. Clover, you and I think alike. You can understand a man. I think we can be great friends.

[Narrator]

Uh huh. I think I would have hated Nick Joyner myself.

[Finch]

Yeah, that's right. That's right. Tell me about it.

[Narrator]

Well, if I would have poisoned a big man like Johnny Hill, and if someone would have come along and taken all the credit for it by emptying his gun into Johnny.

[Finch]

Oh, what kind of courage did that take, killing a dead man?

[Narrator]

Maybe Nick didn't know Johnny was dead. He probably just thought Johnny was sleeping.

[Finch]

Oh, that doesn't make any difference. Nick got all the glory for killing.

[Narrator]

Johnny, and you couldn't stand that, could you? You wanted that glory. You killed them both, didn't you? Johnny and Nick.

[Finch]

What's that?

[Narrator]

Poisoned Johnny because of how important it would make you feel inside yourself. You could walk the streets and look at the people and know they didn't know how important you are.

[Finch]

I didn't say that, Mr. Clover.

[Narrator]

And Nick messed it up for you, so you had to kill Nick.

[Finch]

No, no, no, no, no. That's not right, Ms. Glover.

[Narrator]

You said they were both poisoned. How'd you know? I just found out.

[Finch]

Now listen to me.

[Narrator]

You reported the first murder to me yesterday. You took great pains to give me details. But you didn't say he was shot because you didn't know he was.

[Finch]

You've got to listen.

[Narrator]

No, you listen to me. Think about it, Finch. Alan Finch kills two big, notorious gangsters.

[Finch]

Look, Mr. Blake, about it, Finch.

[Narrator]

Your picture and all the papers, your name and all the headlines.

[Finch]

Alan Finch.

[Narrator]

Not just letters to the editor.

[Finch]

Pictures, headlines, personal interviews about how I did it.

[Narrator]

Sure, of course.

[Finch]

Maybe a picture of Ms. Lisbon and me and she'll be crying.

[Narrator]

Let's go tell the papers about it. Finch.

[Finch]

Finch. Helen Finch. F I N C H Finch.

[Narrator]

It's the happy time on Broadway. It's after the movies Nobody wants to go home. It's a place strung against the night Like a phosphorescent alley they're heaped here. The golden girl, the bright eyed kid the man with the promises and the guy who believes him. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway. My Beat.

Broadway's My Beat Stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover with Charles Calvert as Tartaglia. The program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with musical score composed and conducted by Alexander Courage. Included in tonight's cast were Howard McNear, Marlo Dwyer, Gigi Pearson, Adrian Martin, Lou Merrill and Jack Crucian. We Americans have a valuable heritage, a heritage of individual freedom that includes the freedom to worship as we wish at the church or synagogue of our own choice. By attending church regularly, we can gain the moral and spiritual strength to meet the many problems which confront us today. Help support your church and attend regularly with your family. Dan Cubberly speaking. This is cbs, where yours truly, Johnny Dollar, brings adventure. Saturday nights on the Columbia Broadcasting System.