Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Bill Kirby Murder Case 10/29/1949

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Richard Diamond, Private Detective – "Bill Kirby Murder Case" (10/29/1949)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective – “Bill Kirby Murder Case”
Date: February 23, 2026
Starring: Dick Powell as Richard Diamond

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Episode Overview

In this classic radio detective story, Richard Diamond, the wisecracking private eye, is approached by Mrs. Kirby, worried about her missing son, Bill Kirby, himself a private detective. As Diamond delves into Bill’s recent strange behavior and disappearance, he becomes entangled in a complex web involving blackmail, a mysterious package, criminal thugs, and ultimately, murder. This Golden Age whodunit highlights Diamond’s mix of humor and grit as he works to bring justice to an embattled family.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Helen’s Picture and Diamond’s Wit

• [00:56–02:02]
  • Diamond’s banter with Helen over a stolen baby photo sets a playful and flirtatious tone.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Helen: “Now, you bring that right over or I'll tell everybody your middle name.” [01:40]
    • Diamond: “If anybody asks about it, I'll say it's me.” [01:35]

2. Mrs. Kirby’s Plea

• [02:07–06:16]
  • Mrs. Kirby arrives at Diamond’s office, deeply worried about her son Bill’s uncharacteristic behavior, a large sum of unexplained cash, and his sudden disappearance.
  • She recounts Bill’s nervousness, arguments with his sister Gloria, the discovery of hidden money, and a mysterious package he asked her to hide.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Mrs. Kirby: “Oh, Mr. Diamond, I'm sure something's happened to my boy. I just know it has.” [05:29]

3. Discovery of Bill Kirby’s Murder

• [07:29–09:52]
  • Diamond visits the 5th Precinct. Banter between Diamond, Sgt. Otis, and Lt. Levinson provides comic relief.
  • Diamond learns Bill Kirby has been murdered, shot with a shotgun and dumped in the river.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Levinson: “We had a killing this morning… Maybe you knew him. Shamus Kirby.” [08:06]

4. Kirby Family Attacked – The Package Revealed

• [10:44–13:30]
  • Mrs. Kirby and Gloria are assaulted by two thugs searching for the package.
  • The “package” turns out to be a single shoe, which contains a mysterious code (numbers inside).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Diamond: “Why would Bill leave a shoe and act like it was so important?” [12:30]
    • Mrs. Kirby: “No, that isn't his shoe.” [12:08]

5. Interview with Gloria and Tracing Bill’s Routine

• [13:30–15:43]
  • Diamond gently questions Gloria for any overlooked clues about her brother’s life.
  • She describes Bill’s regular routine—home, work, stopping for a beer at a Columbus Avenue bar.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Diamond: “You may have been looking for the wrong thing. …Something that might not seem important, but is very important.” [14:23–14:27]

6. Diamond Attacked by Thugs

• [15:47–18:36]
  • On Columbus Avenue, Diamond is ambushed by Bart and Danny—the thugs who beat up Mrs. Kirby and Gloria.
  • He survives a beating, evinces trademark sarcasm even while under threat.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Thug: “Shoot.”
    • Diamond: “Oh, I'm surprised at you, Bart. Give me your SAP.” [17:29]

7. Bar Lead and the Shoe’s Secret

• [18:36–21:19]
  • In the bar, Diamond learns from the bartender of an envelope Kirby left “for the law.” The envelope contains a name and address connected to Continental Shipping.
  • The laboratory and police trace the repaired shoe to a cobbler on Columbus Ave.

8. Showdown at Continental Shipping

• [21:19–24:55]
  • Diamond confronts James Willis (real identity: James Kozlik, ex-safecracker) at Continental Shipping.
  • Willis is confronted by Bart and Danny, and the criminal plot to hijack a gold shipment is revealed; the shoe acted as a secret drop for coded information.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Diamond: “You got the confidential shipping report and put it in that shoe in some kind of code so it could be picked up. Then your dear little boys were going to try to hijack the gold.” [23:13]

9. Climax and Resolution

• [24:55–25:55]
  • Lieutenant Walt Levinson and the police swoop in. Diamond chases Willis out a window, shooting him on the dock.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Diamond: “At 50 yards, a running man can be hard to hit with a .38 sometimes.” [25:12]

10. Aftermath and Reflection

• [25:55–27:26]
  • Back at the station, Diamond discusses the case with Walt and Otis. Continental Shipping issues a reward, but Diamond decides to see Mrs. Kirby, implying she needs the money more.
  • Touching note with Helen, as Diamond admits exhaustion and forgoes his usual song for her.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Diamond: “Kirby was the one who really spotted the play.” [27:21]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That’s because trouble doesn’t usually bother me. There’s too much of it around and everybody’s a stockholder. Then a little old lady walks in with a bucket full of heartache and you realize the hundred a day in expenses is only the difference you carry around to make up for that big, cold world outside.” – Diamond [06:16]
• Otis: “You're greener than a new lawn.” / Diamond: “Let’s see your tongue...be careful who you show it to. Somebody’s liable to think it’s poisonous and kill it with a stick.” [07:29]
• Diamond (after being attacked): “Advertising a popular cigarette and stepping out of thousands of store windows all over the country.” [18:36]

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |---------------|-------------|-----------------| | 00:56–02:02 | Diamond & Helen | Playful banter about the photo | | 02:07–06:16 | Mrs. Kirby’s Consult | Mother's plea and family backstory | | 07:29–09:52 | Police Station | Discovery of Bill’s murder | | 10:44–13:30 | Kirby House Attack | Family assaulted, package recovered | | 13:30–15:43 | Gloria’s Interview | Family routine, bar clue | | 15:47–18:36 | Diamond Attacked | Threat from thugs | | 18:36–21:19 | Bar Interview | Envelope clue surfaces | | 21:19–24:55 | Continental Shipping | Confrontation with mastermind Kozlik/Willis | | 25:55–27:26 | Aftermath | Resolution, reward, and Diamond’s reflection |

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Style & Tone

The episode blends sharp detective wit, fast-paced crime-solving, and heartfelt moments, staying true to the noir detective formula with tongue-in-cheek humor and a surprising amount of warmth.

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For listeners who may have missed the episode:
This installment of Richard Diamond delivers a classic detective experience, with all the hallmarks of Golden Age radio drama—wounded vulnerability, strong women, pulpy violence, comic banter, and a subtle nod to empathy beneath the tough-guy veneer.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail]. Here's Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Diamond Detective Agency surplus. Homicide surplus Hand grenades. Black market embalming.

[B]

Oh, Rick.

[A]

Oh, Helen, what's with you?

[B]

It's what's with you I'm worried about.

[A]

What do you mean, what's with me?

[B]

You know what's with you.

[A]

Now, you stop that. That's my routine.

[B]

I want that which you pilfered from the living room the other night, and I want it back and I want it right away.

[A]

Oh, but, Helen, baby.

[B]

Don't you baby me. Now, you get it down here.

[A]

Well, I can't leave the office. I just got in. I haven't even washed out one sock.

[B]

Rick, it wasn't fair when you stole that picture. And I've been embarrassed about it ever since. Now I want it back.

[A]

Oh, but honey, don't be that way. It looks lovely.

[B]

Can you see it? Well, sure.

[A]

Got it right on my desk.

[B]

Rick, I won't have it.

[A]

Now, look, if anybody asks about it, I'll say it's me.

[B]

You never were a baby. You started with a beard and a low whistle.

[A]

Honey, honey, I had a baby picture just like it once. And believe me, from the way you were facing in the picture, you couldn't tell the difference between us.

[B]

I'm lying on a rug. You probably had yours taken on spikes. Now, you bring that right over or I'll tell everybody your middle name. Helen, I'll see you in 20 minutes or I'll take a full page adding the time you wouldn't. 20 minutes with the picture.

[A]

Bye, Helen. Oh, dandy,

[B]

Mr. Diamond.

[A]

Yes, but I'm afraid you'll have to come back. I've got to take care of something that might mean my whole future as a private detective.

[B]

I'm sorry I won't keep you, but. Well, could you tell me the name of another good detective?

[A]

There aren't any. Goodbye.

[B]

Oh, please. I don't know where to go.

[A]

Oh, now, wait a minute. I. I'm sorry. Something's really wrong, isn't it?

[B]

Well, that's all right, Mr. Diamond. You go on. I'll find someone.

[A]

Now, look, I really didn't know you were in a tough spot. I. I've got enough time to listen.

[B]

Oh, thank you.

[A]

Who recommended me?

[B]

My son. Oh, I've heard about you for several years. My name's Kirby, Mrs. Lenoir. Kirby.

[A]

How do you do, Mrs. Kirby? Just how did your son know me?

[B]

Well, he didn't know you well, only by reputation. He was a private detective also.

[A]

Kirby. Bill Kirby?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, now tell me what's worrying you, Mrs. Kirby?

[B]

Well, I don't know quite where to start, William. Bill has been acting strangely for the last month or so.

[A]

What exactly do you mean by strangely?

[B]

He's changed. He's begun to act nervous and irritable. When his sister. I would try to find out what was wrong, he'd get angry. He got steadily worse. And then one morning, Gloria.

[A]

Gloria?

[B]

My daughter. Bill's sister.

[A]

Oh, go ahead.

[B]

Well, she went into his room. He was asleep, so she started to hang up his trousers. When she turned them upside down, a lot of money dropped on the floor.

[A]

Oh, what do you mean a lot of money?

[B]

Gloria said there must have been several thousand dollars. Mostly hundred dollar bills.

[A]

Did he have another source of income? I mean, besides the private detective business?

[B]

Oh, no, no. At least nothing I know of. We're not wealthy, Mr. Diamond. Bill supports us with what he makes and Gloria works as a secretary in a law firm. And I try to keep my house in order. Of course, I haven't been terribly well since the children's father died 10 years ago.

[A]

I see. Then what happened?

[B]

Well, Gloria started to put the money back in Bill's trousers and he woke up. They had a terrible argument. Bill accused her of snooping and she accused him of doing something illegal. The next day, Bill packed his clothes and left the house. He took a small apartment on 110th Street.

[A]

Uh huh. Now what is it you want me to do?

[B]

Who isn't? There's more to the story. Bill continued to send me money to keep the house going, much more than he'd ever contributed before. I went over to his apartment several times and asked him about the money. And every time there'd be an argument.

[A]

Did he give you any kind of an excuse?

[B]

No, he just said he'd run into a good thing and that as long as it was helping out with the house, I shouldn't ask any questions.

[A]

All right, then what happened?

[B]

Three days ago, Bill came over to the house. I could tell he was terribly worried about something. He gave me a package, told me to hide it until he came for it and not to open it. Then he disappeared. He didn't go to his office or his apartment and I haven't heard from him since.

[A]

Did you call the police?

[B]

Well, I didn't want to. He's mixed up in something. Oh, Mr. Duncan, I'm sure something's happened to my boy. I just know it has.

[A]

Look, Mrs. Kirby, I admit it sounds a little fishy, but you never can tell. Maybe it's a Dane, a girl. Could be a lot of things. Where do you live?

[B]

984Amsterdam Avenue. Oh, thank you.

[A]

Now, you go on home, take it easy. I'll let you know if anything turns out all right.

[B]

I'm sorry. I don't usually cry like this. Oh, Mr. Diamond. About your fee.

[A]

Mrs. Kirby.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Do you cook?

[B]

Why, yes. I'm considered quite a good cook.

[A]

Well, if I do anything for your son, I'm a sucker for corned beef and cabbage. Now, go on home and I'll keep in touch with you.

[B]

Goodbye, Mr. Diamond. God bless you.

[A]

I'm afraid he knows me too well. Goodbye, Mrs. Kir. Funny how you can run into a situation like that any other time. It's got to be a hundred today in expenses. But that's because trouble doesn't usually bother me. There's too much of it around and everybody's a stockholder. Then a little old lady walks in with a bucket full of heartache and you realize the hundred a day in expenses is only the difference you carry around to make up for that big, cold world outside. I put my merit badge away, grabbed Helen's picture off the desk and headed for 975 Park Avenue.

[B]

Well, you're late. I was just going to call the papers, but I wasn't quite sure how you spell your middle name. It's C, H, O.

[A]

Here's the picture.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I didn't know you had a mole in your.

[B]

Rick, aren't you coming in?

[A]

No, no, I'm not. I'm mad. Won't even let me keep your little baby picture. Now, about that moment.

[B]

Now, you stop that. Why can't you come in?

[A]

Well, I got a client. Right after I talk to you, I got to go down to the Fifth Precinct and do some checking.

[B]

Will I see you tonight?

[A]

If you'll tell me about the mole.

[B]

No, Rick.

[A]

See you at 8. Bye. Mole? A Sam. A baby. I left Helen and started down Park Avenue. Every private detective must get a license before he can operate and the police department has to issue it. So I headed for the 5th Precinct Police Station. When I walked in the squadroom, I spotted Sergeant Otis looking like he was headed for the elephant's graveyard. What's the matter with you, Otis? You're greener than a new lawn. Oh, hello, Shamus. I don't feel so good. No, As a matter of Fact, you don't. A little pudgy around the shoulders. Ah, come on, lay off that. Tell you, I feel sick. Let's see your tongue. Oh. Mm. Well, how's it look? I don't know. But be careful who you show it to. Somebody's allowed to think it's poisonous and kill it with a stick. Hello, Walt. Oh, no. Okay. I'm too tired to be scared off today. Who's dead and where? Not today, Walt. And what are you so tired about? We had a killing this morning. I've questioned every suspect in the whole state. Nothing. Who got dead? Maybe you knew him. Shammas Kirby. What? How the devil did you know that? Just a guess. Guess. My.38. Do you know something? I don't know anything, Walt. Kirby's mother was just at my office. Oh, yeah? Oh, you don't have to get sore. I'm not sore. Just wondering who's gonna tell Mrs. Kirby. Otis went over there a little while ago. He saw the sister. The mother wasn't home yet. Oh, that's why he looks so bad. Yeah, I guess so. Wouldn't you? Okay. Where's the body? Downstairs. Want to take a look? Not especially. I told his mother I'd do something for him, and right now I don't seem to be able to think of a thing. Get the killer. Help me. Okay, let's go down and take a look. Right over here. Been in the river? Yeah. Put four slugs in him first, though. What kind of a gun? 12 gauge shotgun. Used a deer load. Anything on him? Just the usual identification. Okay, let's put him back. I don't know why he got knocked off. No motive, no nothing. The mother has quite a story. Yeah, she told me your son. Oh, no. Yeah, and here comes Malicious. Hey, we just got a call. Kirby's mother and sister just got beat up something awful. What? Come on, Walt, this is crazy. First the son gets it for no apparent reason. Then the rest of the family get beat up. I think I can tell you why the mother and sister got beat up. Why? Probably the package Kirby left with his mother. What package? I'll tell you about it on the way over to the car. Okay, Otis. Okay. Come on. Step on it, Lieutenant. Yeah, yeah. This time you can use the siren. Oh, boy.

[B]

Hello, Mr. Diamond. Come in.

[A]

Hello, Mrs. Kirby. The doctor tells us you won't allow them to take you to the hospital.

[B]

No, I'm not leaving my house. Take more than two cheap hoodlums to drive me out of my house.

[A]

Well, the doctor says you'll be all Right. But I think the hospital might be safer for a few days. This is Lieutenant Levinson, Mrs. Kirby.

[B]

How'd you do?

[A]

How do you do? I know you don't feel much like talking.

[B]

Oh, no, that's quite all right. I'll be glad to help in any way that I can.

[A]

Were they after the package your son left with you?

[B]

Yes, but I didn't give it to them. I almost did when they started to hit Gloria. But I knew they had something to do with Bill's death.

[A]

And you knew the package was important, too?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Where is the package, Mrs. Kirby?

[B]

In the bread box. In a bread wrapper.

[A]

Pretty cute. Otis. Yeah, Lieutenant? Go in the kitchen and bring me the loaf of bread in the bread box. You want some sardines, too, Otis? Just the bread, please. Oh, okay. Mrs. Kirby, the two men who came here, do you think you could identify them?

[B]

Oh, yes. It would be hard to forget them.

[A]

You're sure you don't have any idea what kind of trouble your son was in?

[B]

No.

[A]

Here's the bread, Lieutenant. Yeah, Well, I'll be. Hey, it's a shoe. Is this one of your son's shoes, Mrs. Kirby?

[B]

No, no, he wears much smaller size. No, that isn't his shoe.

[A]

I don't get this. Nothing in it. Just a shoe. A big one. What size is it? Hey, what's the matter? Well, the shoe size on the Inside it says 6B and then five numbers after it. If that's a 6B, Otis wears matchboxes. Oh, yeah, Otis. Okay.

[B]

I don't understand. Why would Bill leave a shoe and act like it was so important?

[A]

Because it probably was very important. You think these numbers could be? Let's see. Well, if these numbers do mean anything, it sure isn't going to be easy finding out. Here's something, Walt. Yeah? Mm. Shoe's got new heels on it. It's been half sold. Otis, y' all turn. Take this shoe down at the station, give it to the lab, see what they can find out, and then get the boys out and check every shoe repair shop in the city. I want to know where the shoe was half sold. Okay, Mrs. Kirby. You're sure you can't think of a thing that might give us a tip about your son?

[B]

No, nothing, Mr. Nyman.

[A]

Rick, I'm going down to the station, find out about that shoe. Then I'll send our rogues gallery over so Mrs. Kirby can try and pick out the two guys who worked her over. Oh, check with me if you find out anything, will you? Right, Walt.

[B]

Mr. Diamond, there's no reason for you to go on with this case. My son's dead. You can't help him. Now, I'm sure your business is very important, Mrs. Kirby.

[A]

I said I'd do something for your son. Well, I was a little late. Now I'm gonna do something for me. There's a killer loose and two slobs who beat up women. I'm a little unhappy, Mrs. Kirby. So I've got to square this beef the only way I know how. First, I'd like to talk to your daughter. Now. Now, look, Gloria, it's tough and I don't like to stick my big nose in when it is. But you want something done about it, don't you? Yes. Then think real hard. Can you tell me anything about your brother that might be connected with his death? No.

[B]

No, Mr. Diamond, I've thought and thought and thought. I just can't understand it.

[A]

You may have been looking for the wrong thing. A reason or a motive. That's not what I want.

[B]

What do you want?

[A]

Something you might not even realize. Something that might not seem important but is very important. Now, try to think. When you first began to suspect that your brother was in trouble, did he mention any names, talk about any places?

[B]

No, not that I can remember.

[A]

What did he do when he wasn't at his office?

[B]

Oh, please.

[A]

Please. I don't know. I just don't know. Okay, okay. I'm sorry.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mom. And I appreciate what you're doing, Mr. Diamond. Right now it's hard for me, but I'll try.

[A]

Okay? No places, no names. Did he have a girl?

[B]

No, he didn't have a girl. He led a fairly simple life. Had a regular routine.

[A]

Routine?

[B]

Mom used to worry about it sometimes. Said he didn't have enough fun to know anybody.

[A]

What kind of a routine was this?

[B]

Well, usual thing around the house. In the morning, he'd go to work. On his way home, he always stopped at a bar on Columbus Avenue for a beer and home dinner. Read until 10:30 or 11, go to bed.

[A]

Nothing else?

[B]

No. He did that every day. At least up until the time when he started acting funny and I found all that money.

[A]

I see. Well, thanks. I'll let you know if anything turns up. Gloria.

[B]

Thank you, Mr. Diamond. I hope you. Yeah.

[A]

I left the Kirby house and walked out on the street. It was getting near 6 o' clock and a light breeze was blowing the night in. It was turning cold, so I flipped my collar up and started for Columbus Avenue. In the bar that Bill Kirby used to Stop in for a beer. I turned down 88th Street. Picked up speed to shake the chill out of my ankles. Hey, you. Yeah, you, Diamond. So what? So where's this shoe? Oh, you're gonna find it harder working me over than a couple of women working you over maybe. Yeah. Killing you. Everybody dies. Easy. Give me the shoe. Where's your friend? Move in this alley, I'll give you an introduction. I'm busy. You're gonna be busy getting dead if you don't get in the alley. I got my gun in my pocket. I bet you shrink four feet when you aren't carrying it. What? Okay. Did you get him? Yeah, but it don't look like he's got the shoe on him. Yeah, but he knows where it is. Tell me, boys, is it fun beating up women? More fun beating up those gumptures, ain't it, Danny? Sure. You want to tell us where the shoe is, Shammas? Right now it should be in the police lab. Hey, Danny, you think this Cap City took it out of the house? I don't know. I couldn't see Diamond. I still think the old dame gave it to you when she went up to see you at your office this morning. What did you kill her son for? Who said I killed him, friend? Kirby got smart about the shoe like you did, he got dead for his trouble. How do you feel about your future friend? Pretty good. The cops will figure that shoe out. Not unless they know what they're looking for. He ain't got the shoe on him, Bart. I think he's telling the truth. Let's go tell the boss. Yeah. What do we do with the gums?

[B]

Shoot.

[A]

Oh, I'm surprised at you, Bart. Give me your SAP. Hey, now wait a minute. For what? Okay. You gonna knock him off? I get a salary for killing. The boss ain't paying me to knock this guy off. I want to save him in case he thinks I should later on. Lets go. It isn't easy coming out of a fast beating. When a guy works you over slow, you don't go to sleep right away. Not until he wants you to, anyway. Then he taps you with a good one and that's it. When he does it in a hurry, the first one's enough to stun a dragon. But for some reason he decides you need a few more. And, friend, that's when coma sets in. When I finally pulled myself out of it, my watch said 7 o' clock and my head felt like a balloon with rice in it. I finally came around to a reasonable way of thinking and Headed for the bar on Columbus Avenue. Yes, sir. What?

[B]

Holy Ike.

[A]

Give me anything with nerves in it and tell me where your phone is. Sure. You're a mess. Yeah, I know. Been advertising a popular cigarette and stepping out of thousands of store windows all over the country. Now, where's your phone? Right over there, the end of the bar. Hey, he wonders you put some plasma in this drink. Oh, that was a Jim Dandy. Lieutenant Levinson, Homicide. Walt. Rick. Rick, where the devil you been? Playing patty cake for the two gonips who worked over Mrs. Kirby and her daughter. Well, we've been trying to get you, Otis. Been calling blondes all over town. Mrs. Kirby and her daughter identify the two hoods. First name's Bart and Danny. Yeah, Bart Franchetti and Danny Miller. We have a pickup out on them now. They hurt you bad? Oh, I'll make it. But I'm gonna ache for a while. What did you find out about the shoe? We really got some fast action on those half soles. Figured if Kirby picked them up in a shoe repair shop, it must have been somewhere in his neighborhood. We were lucky. We were right. Little shoe shop on Columbus Avenue. Columbus avenue. What address? 695. Why? Because I'm in a bar right across the way. Huh? Can't see the shoe store now because it's too dark. But Kirby's sister told me used to come in here for dinner. He could have watched it then. Stay there. I'll be right over. Here you are, mister. Thanks. Say, did you know Bill Kirby, the Shamas? Oh, sure. What do you mean, did I know him? He's pretty dead. Oh, no. He came in here every day, didn't he? Yeah, yeah, for a beer. But come to think of it, I ain't seen him since he left. Left you what? Nothing. Nothing at all. Now, wait a minute. If Kirby left you anything, let's have it. If Kirby's dead, I'll turn it over to the cops. You want the badge? Oh, well, okay. Why didn't you say so? I got in the cash register. He told me if anything happened to him to turn it over to the law. Okay. Here. Just an envelope. Thanks. What is it? A name and address. Look, Lieutenant Levins will be here in a few minutes. Tell him I've gone to this address. 18 North River. That's down near the docks. Yeah. And tell him I've gone to find a guy named James Willis.

[B]

Continental shipping. Mr. Lund. One moment, please. Continental shipping. Mr. Willis. Who's calling? One moment, please.

[A]

Honey. Is Mr. Willis in?

[B]

Yes, the emergency Hospital's on the second floor.

[A]

I always go around this way. It makes people notice me. Which is Mr. Willis's office, dear?

[B]

Right over there. But I'm afraid you can't.

[A]

Here's the badge, baby. And don't ring him.

[B]

Yes, sir.

[A]

Yes. Well, well, well, well. James Willis. When did you change your name from Kozlik? Now look, Diamond, I've got a good job here. I never could have gotten it if the company had known I was James Kozlik and I'd done time in the shipping business. Huh? What's an old time safecracker like you doing in the shipping business? You're not a cop anymore, Diamond. You helped put me away once. But I've quit the rackets and I'm doing fine in a legit way. Now you can leave. What does your company ship? We're in export and import firm. We ship and receive everything. Now get out. What does your company import that might interest two professional thugs like Bart and Danny? What? I don't know what you mean. Where do you have your shoes fixed? Little place on Columbus Avenue. I don't know what you're talking about and I don't intend to sit here and listen to you and your riddles. Ms. Williams, will you please have one of the watchmen sent in to show Mr. Diamond out?

[B]

Yes, sir. But two gentlemen wish to see you. They say it's very important.

[A]

Well, I can't see anyone.

[B]

Well, I think maybe you better. They seem very deft, Ms. Williams.

[A]

I don't.

[B]

What's the matter, Mr. Willis?

[A]

Diamond go.

[B]

My hair.

[A]

Tell her to show the gentleman in or I'll make Sitting Bull look like a piker. Go on. Send the two gentlemen in, Ms. Williams. Okay. I'm going over here behind the door. You be a good boy. You nearly pulled all my hair out. What's the difference? The way things look, the state might have to shave your head anyway. Hey, Willis, we want to talk to you. What's the matter? You sore cause we came up here? Yeah, what's with the guy? He just sits there holding his head. Good evening, boys. Hey, hey, look who's here.

[B]

Yeah, it's the shammis.

[A]

And he looked pretty. You fools. You two blundering fools. Now wait a minute. If you're worried about diamond, we'll take care of him. I told you I could never be seen with you. You know how we're all watched when the gold shipments come in. Oh, that's it. That's what the shoe was all about. You smart one. Shut up. I've Got to think you got the confidential shipping report and put it in that shoe in some kind of code so it could be picked up. Then your dear little boys were going to try to hijack the gold. Well, well, well. I mean, I shut them up. No, no. Are you crazy? That's secretary saw him come in. Take him out the same way. I'm going to be stubborn. Yeah. Oh, okay. Isn't it silly what a little.38 can do? Let's go. All right. But look, as long as I'm probably going to end up in the river, would you mind telling me one thing? Yes, I do. No, that's swell. That's really swell. Kirby recognized you going into that shoe store. He remembered you had a record. So he probably tailed you, found out where you worked and went back to take a look at that shoe. He found the same thing wrong that I did. The numbers weren't his shoe size. And he probably thought it was crazy when you left only one shoe. So he took the shoe. You always were a pretty smart cop, Diamond. Danny. Yeah, boss? Before you kill the smart cop, pull his hair out. Pull his hair out by the roots. Now take him out of here. Was Kirby blackmailing you, Ellis? Yes. Being stupid. He didn't know what the shoe was for, but he knew it was worth something. Now, Please, Danny, get Mr. IQ through that door. Move. Okay. I'm looking for a Mr. Willis, miss. It's funny, Shammas. You boys are in for a big surprise.

[B]

Oh, Mr. Willis must be free. Here they come now.

[A]

Just keep walking, Shamus. Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Oh, are you gentleman cruise, Mr. Willis? Yeah, fat Saguan, and he'll see you. Thank you. Let's go, Shammas. Oh, one more thing. Yeah. Now what? Duck, Rick. Thanks, Walt. And you take it easy, Bart. I ain't going for no gun.

[B]

I ain't doing nothing.

[A]

Please don't shoot, Walt. James Willis is really James Kozlik. I'm going in after him. Well, here, Cat. You'll need a gun. Is he in there? Out the window. I went over to the window fast and spotted my man just dropping down off the fire escape. The building fronted on a long dock and Willis had 50 yards to go before he could find cover. Then I said that stupid thing, Willis, in the name of the law, stop. Well, he didn't stop in the name of the law. So I rested my arm on the windowsill and led him about 2ft. At 50 yards, a running man can be hard to hit with a.38 sometimes. You get him, Rick. Yeah. See you down at the station. How do you like it, rick? No cream, 12 lumps. Say, I had a phone call from the president of Continental Shipping where that Willis guy worked. What do you make this coffee out of? Gunpowder? He says there's always been a standing reward of $1,000 for the apprehension of any person attempting to rob their shipment. Uh huh. Hey, Diamond. Ms. Asher phone. She wants you should call. Thanks, Otis.

[B]

Thanks.

[A]

What's wrong with you? You heard him, Otis. He said thanks. Okay. He must be sick. More coffee, Rick? Yeah, I'll have another cup.

[B]

Hello?

[A]

Hi, honey.

[B]

Rick, where are you? I thought you were coming over.

[A]

Well, baby, I've got to stop by and see a nice old lady named Kirby. Her son got killed.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry. Will I see you later?

[A]

No, I don't think so, honey. I'm. I'm a little tired.

[B]

All right, Rick.

[A]

Well, don't sound too unhappy. I'll see you tomorrow night.

[B]

Well, all right, but you always sing to me and I wanted you to sing tonight.

[A]

Well, I haven't gotten any letters from the apartment building next door yet, so I'm gonna lay off one week and see if the tenants miss the singing.

[B]

All right, Rick, I'll see you tomorrow night.

[A]

Goodbye, baby.

[B]

Bye, Rick.

[A]

Well, I think I'd better get over to Mrs. Kirby's wall. Well, don't you want your coffee? Yeah, give it to Otis. What are you going to tell Mrs. Kirby? I mean about her son and the blackmail? What are you going to tell Continental Shipping? Well, you caught him, you get the thousand. Oh, Mrs. Kirby's pretty broke. Uh huh. Kirby was the one who really spotted the play. Yeah, but if I say anything about the blackmail. What blackmail? Huh? Oh yeah. Come to think of it, that. That was another case, wasn't it? See you later, Walt. Rick? Yeah? Oh, nothing. Be a good boy. You have just heard Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Helen was played by Virginia Gregg, Lieutenant Levinson by Ed Begley. Also in our cast were Wilms Herbert, Stephen Dunn, Peggy Weber and William Johnstone. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Richard diamond is written by Blake Edwards and directed by Richard Sandel. Dick Powell soon will be seen in the screen version of the best selling novel, Mrs. Mike. Now this is Eddie King inviting you to be with us again at the next week when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private Detective. Saturday night brings some of the week's best radio entertainment when you tune for the stars on NBC. Stay tuned every Saturday for a great lineup of programs including Hollywood Star Theater, Ralph Edwards, Truth of consequences. Your Hit Parade, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, the Judy Canova show and Grand Ole Opry. All the best on NBC. Welcome to your Peloton Pilates era. Built on precision, backed by results and trusted by over 2 million members. Experienced instructors with true Pilates expertise, offering classes for every level from foundational to powerfully challenging. Choose from 10 to 45 minute sessions with little to no equipment, anytime, anywhere and with the cross training swivel screen, you can move seamlessly from cardio to mat press. Pilates Small moves, big impact. Find out [e-mail] Pilates.