Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway Is My Beat: The Ted Forstek and Ruth Ballard Murder Case
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, host Choice Classic Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with the enthralling mystery of the Ted Forstek and Ruth Ballard murder case. Starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover, this episode delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Broadway, unraveling a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and tragedy.

Crime Scene Investigation

The story begins with Detective Danny Clover responding to a harrowing crime scene on the Manhattan side of the George Washington Bridge. Officer Murray briefs him on the grim discovery:

Detective Danny Clover [01:57]: "Ruth Ballard, is she dead, Mr. Ballard?"

Officer Murray [02:03]: "Like I said, I'm not a doc, but it wasn't robbery."

The scene depicts the brutal shooting of a young couple, Ted Forstek and Ruth Ballard, hinting at a motive rooted in personal vendetta rather than theft. Clues such as tire marks and scraped paint from a Model A car suggest a hasty escape by the perpetrator.

Interview with Mr. Ballard

Detective Clover visits Mr. Ballard, Ruth’s father, to gather more information. Mr. Ballard paints a poignant picture of his relationship with Ruth:

Mr. Ballard [05:28]: "It's hard, Mr. Clover, to be a father. To take care of a girl properly... I didn't do so good, did I, Mr. Clover?"

The conversation reveals that Ruth was actually Mr. Ballard's stepdaughter, whom he had adopted. He expresses deep remorse, feeling responsible for not providing Ruth with a better life.

Interview with Mr. Forstek

Subsequently, Clover turns his attention to Ted Forstek’s father, Mr. Forstek, uncovering a strained father-son relationship:

Mr. Forstek [07:17]: "I'm glad for Ted. He's a good boy."

Mr. Forstek reveals that Ted was involved with the Adonis Club, a social group for young men, and hints at his son's association with questionable friends. The detective suspects that Ted's involvement in the club may have led to his tragic fate.

Workshop at the Adonis Club

Detective Clover’s investigation leads him to the Adonis Club, where he confronts George Kilbert, the club's manager. Kilbert’s evasive and defensive demeanor raises suspicions:

Detective Danny Clover [10:37]: "Where were you last night, George?"

George Kilbert [11:01]: "I said a girl. Because up there in that lover's lane, it's known that girls are sometimes killed."

Despite Kilbert’s attempts to deflect, Clover remains persistent, ultimately booking him for suspicion of murder. Kilbert’s volatile reaction only deepens the detective’s conviction of his involvement.

Interrogation of Evelyn Sherman

The plot thickens as Clover brings in Evelyn Sherman, a neighbor connected to Ted. During her intense interrogation, subtle clues begin to surface:

Detective Danny Clover [24:50]: "He didn't have him."

Evelyn Sherman [25:26]: "Yes, I loved him because he was someone a woman could love and be jealous of."

Clover meticulously pieces together the evidence, revealing that Evelyn harbored deep-seated jealousy towards Ted’s affection for Ruth. The discovery of personal items and Evelyn’s emotional instability point directly to her as the perpetrator.

Confrontation and Conclusion

In a climactic confrontation, Detective Clover accuses Evelyn Sherman of orchestrating the murders out of unreciprocated love and envy. Evelyn’s facade crumbles under the weight of the evidence:

Detective Danny Clover [25:37]: "So you killed the girl. Shot her four times in your fury."

Evelyn Sherman [25:43]: "I didn't mean I didn't mean to kill."

The narrative crescendos as Evelyn confesses, revealing the tragic culmination of jealousy and heartbreak that led to the double homicide.

Closing Narration

The episode concludes with a reflective narration that encapsulates the relentless nature of Broadway’s allure and the personal demons that lurk within:

Detective Danny Clover [26:09]: "Broadway the gaudiest, the most violent the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway My Beat."

This poignant ending underscores the timeless themes of love, loss, and the darker side of human emotions that Detective Clover navigates in his quest for justice.

Cast and Production Credits

• Detective Danny Clover: Larry Thor
• Sergeant Gino Tartaglia: Charles Calvert
• Supporting Cast: Lillian Byeff, B. Benadari, Jerry Hausner, Lou Merrill, Jack Crucian, Anthony Barret
• Produced and Directed by: Elliot Lewis
• Musical Score by: Alexander Courage
• Presented by: United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service

Conclusion

Broadway Is My Beat masterfully intertwines suspenseful investigation with rich character development, offering listeners a captivating journey through a tragic crime on Broadway. With its meticulous attention to detail, memorable dialogues, and emotional depth, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring charm of old-time radio detective stories.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Danny Clover [01:57]: "Ruth Ballard, is she dead, Mr. Ballard?"
• Mr. Ballard [05:28]: "It's hard, Mr. Clover, to be a father..."
• George Kilbert [11:01]: "I said a girl. Because up there in that lover's lane, it's known that girls are sometimes killed."
• Evelyn Sherman [25:26]: "Yes, I loved him because he was someone a woman could love and be jealous of."
• Detective Danny Clover [26:09]: "Broadway the gaudiest, the most violent the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway My Beat."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot points, character interactions, and emotional undertones, making it an engaging read for those unfamiliar with the original broadcast.