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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Charles Walsh & Bob Wells 07/09/1949
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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 donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com. Here's Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Hello there. This is Diamond. I have a little office on Broadway at 53rd Street. And if you happen to be in the neighborhood sometime, you might notice a sign on the door. It reads Diamond Detective Agency. Yeah, that's how I make a living, such as it is. I sit at my desk behind that door and wait for someone to come in and hire me. Eventually, trouble works its way into someone's life and gives him a shove in my direction. He tells me about it and I listen with the attitude of a father confessor. When he's done, I dry my eyes and tell him what I think. What I think really doesn't matter because it's just a shortcut to a hundred dollars a day in expenses. Sure, you can hire a guy for less money, but when I work, it's for a price I figure I'm worth. It's got to be that way because sometimes the work's a little dirty and I have to swallow a lot of pride. I get mixed up in everything from simple divorce to muscle bound homicide. And when trouble can't find me a client, it starts working on yours truly and I wind up in a corner. I guess trouble figured I was just about due for a squeeze play because one night last week, two lifers in the state pen started working me into their plans. Walt. What about it, Wal? Shut up. Wait until the guards pass. Okay. Drag out the cards like we was playing. Sure. Is it set for a night? Yeah, I got the car and everything. Yeah, we'll head for Florida and get across to Cuba. Oh, will I be glad to get out of this stir. Three lousy years. Yeah, I got eight behind me. I used every minute figuring how I'm gonna take care of a guy. Oh, Walsh, you're not gonna start that again. Forget it. Be glad you're getting out. You knock off that guy and you'll never make it to Cuba. Look, I figured this whole thing out. I paid out a lot of dough just to make it come off. And when it does, I'm gonna kill an ex cop and you're gonna help me. Me? Yeah. Unless you want to rot here. Oh, you're out of your mind. If this break comes off, it'll be the neatest trick in years. And you want to louse it up by knocking off some guy on the outside. You can stay here and rot if you want to. The only way I take you along is you help me to get a guy named Diamond. Yeah, but you waste a lot of time in New York. They'll have the roads covered by then. Look, just because this diamond guy knocked off your brother in that bank job, you see? You bust out of here. It's on my terms. Make up your mind. It's getting late. Okay, give me the layout. Yeah, what is it, Otis? We just got a call, Lieutenant. Two prisoners busted out of Sing Sing. Killed two guards. Who are they? Big Time Bob Wells and Charles Walsh. Charles Walsh? Yeah, lifeless. I know, I know. Diamond helped send him up before I took over this department. Otis, get diamond on the phone. Diamond? Yeah, Diamond. Who'd you think I meant? Little Red Riding Hood? Yellow tennis. Oh, Diamond. Otis, bring me my bike. Cabinet overs. Someday I'm gonna get good and sore. What did you say? Not, Ah, nuts. Now what's the matter? His office don't answer. Give me that phone. We'd better find him before Walsh does. Maybe he's over at Helen Asher's house. All right, Otis. Stop standing on one foot. You can leave. Miss Asher's residence. Hello, Francis? This is Lieutenant Levinson. There's diamond there? Why, no, sir. But Miss Asher expects him. Wait a moment, sir. Here's Miss Asher. It's Lieutenant Levinson for Mr. Diamond, Miss Helen. Oh, thank you, Francis. Hello, Walt. How are you, Helen? I was looking for Rick. I was just talking to him. He should be here in about 20 minutes. Why? Will you have him call me right away? Something wrong? No, no. Just tell him. Tell him an old friend of his is in town and I have to talk to him about it. All right, Walt. I'll tell him. Thanks, Ellen. It'll be at least 20 minutes. He's walking over from his office. Okay, Diamond. Hold her right there. Start walking over to that sedan. Don't you know it's not polite to point? Look, laughing boy, I got a big gun in my pocket. Well, I'm proud of you. I thought it was a crossbow. Get moving. Okay. I'd never seen him before. He was a tall guy with a scar in his chin. He walked me over to the sedan and opened the door. He moved in close and shook me down. He relieved me of and motioned me into the front seat. I slid in and he started to follow. So I kept one leg out in front of me and kicked him in the face. I couldn't get enough leverage to cool him, but he gave me enough time to get out the other door and start making like a miler. I looked over my shoulder and saw him climb out holding a bloody nose. I knew he wouldn't take a shot unless he got close enough to make it count. So when he started after me, I ducked into the subway. I found a dime and went through the turnstile. A train was getting ready to pull out, so I pushed my way on just as the Garnet came down the stairs. He certainly wasn't happy to see me go. He didn't even wave goodbye. Wait a minute. You wait. Oh, nuts. Away from me like call like. Yeah, yeah. You and your swell ideas. What's the matter? I waited for diamond outside his office like you said. I started hustle him in the car and he kicked me in the face. I think my nose is broken. You stupid. I told you to be careful. Yeah, sure you did. You think I like getting booted in the nose? Look, if you want diamonds so much, you get them yourself. Maybe you can tell me how you're gonna get to Cuba without me, huh? Oh, well, what do you want me to do now? I still want Diamond. Yeah, but he jumped the subway train. How am I supposed to find her? I found out he's got a Damo. Run Park Avenue. Pick her up. Bring her over here. Pick her up? I give you the chair for kidnapping. I use her to get Diamond. Pick her up if you want to get out of the country. Yeah, but a snatch. I busted you out of store. I can bust you right back in. I'll pick her up. Her name is Helen Asher. She lives at 975 Park. Well, what if someone else is there? What if there is? You want me to stop over making a fort for bridge? Get him out of the way and bring the dame to me. Hello, Otis. Well, Diamond, Lieutenant's been looking all over the city for you. I bet you've been a nervous wreck. I wouldn't care if you fell off the George Washington Bridge shammas. Why, Otis, after all we've been to each other. Nuts, you better go on in and see the lieutenant. Sure. Hey, sergeant. Yeah? When are you gonna get some new shoes? If yours turn up anymore in front, you'll have to ski to work. Hello, Walt. Rick. We've been looking all over for you. Why don't you cops get on the job? It's getting so it isn't safe for a citizen to walk the streets at high noon. What are you yakking about? Well, I leave my office to go to see Helen and some goon tries to hold me Up. Well, you're lucky you didn't get it right then. Do you know who busted out of jail last night? Go on, scare me. Charles Walsh. He swore if he ever did bust out, he'd get you. Well, that explains something. What happened? This character tries to hustle me into a car, so I shoved my foot in his face and beat it into a subway. But it wasn't Walsh. Might have been Bob Wells. He busted out with him. I can tell you in the minute. I got a file on him. Sure. Otis, bring in the file on Bob Wells. By the way, Lieutenant. Oh, Walt, do you mind if I use your phone now? Go ahead. I better call Helen, tell her I'm gonna be a little late. I just talked to her and asked her to have you call. Where is everybody? Yes, Francis. Oh, Mr. Diamond, please hurry over here. Something's happened to Ms. Asher. What are you talking about? Ms. Asher's been kidnapped. What? Yes, sir. A man came in and made Ms. Asher go down to his car at the point of a gun. He also hit me over the head. Was he a tall man with a scar on his chin? Yes, sir, that's right. We'll be right over. What? I think the guy that tried to push me around is kidnapped. Helen. Oh, no. They pulled a gun on her and Slug Francis. We better get over there. Now, if Charles Walsh is loose and he's trying to get me, then snatching Helen is a sure way to get me to come around. Hey, where's that file on Bob Wells? Wait a minute, Otis. Yellowtown. Haven't you got that file on Wells yet? Yes, I was just bringing it in. Well, step on it. Otis is bringing it in. Here, look at it. Let me see it. Hey, now, wait a minute. Shut up, Otis. This is the guy, all right. He's the one who tried to pick me up. May I take one of these pictures, Walt? Sure, but what are you gonna do? I'll see if I can find him. You go on over and talk to Francis. See if this is the same guy who took Helen. I'm gonna go down to Skid Row and talk to a wise old owl who knows about things like this. I got out of the 5th Precinct in a hurry and grabbed a cab for Skid Row. I knew an old deadbeat down there who had a line on every crook in the underworld. And there was just a chance he could tell me where Bob Wells was hiding out. His name was Williber Truitt, and he hung out in a shabby dive called the Parrot. Hello, Bobby. What? Egan you at the piano, strike up a chorus of my body for the wandering boy has returned. Look. Well, I would rise and bow from the waist as befits the occasion, but I fear that some sterno I accidentally came in contact with has rusted my spine and I am forced to remain in a sitting position. I haven't got time to listen to the routine. Wilbur, I'm looking for someone. Here, take a look at this picture. Ever see this guy? Unless I have my morning constitutional, Buck, I can bring nothing into focus but a large bottle and a straw. Waiter. Waiter, give me a bottle. You have arrived in the nick of time. I get that wonderful warm glow when you ask for a whole bottle. A snap comparison would be that of a happy mother smiling blissfully at a nursing babe. Okay, Wilbur. Now tell me, do you know this man? One sip of strength and I shall have the eyes of a carrot stuffed feline. Now. Yes, I can see the gentleman clearly. In fact, my vision has so greatly improved, it begins to take on the functions of an X ray. For instance, I can readily perceive that the man in question is addicted to false stimulants. And his low brow and squinty eyes tell me that he is indeed a person of some doubtful character. You're looking in the mirror. Now. Here. Here's this picture. Oh, yeah, Mr. Bobby Wells. The description is flexible. Nowhere I can find him. Up until yesterday he was residing at an institution upstairs, State Sing Sing. I believe it is very possible that he is hiding out in one of his old haunts on 23rd street, but I couldn't say for sure. Oh, why not? This bottle you purchased entitles you to one of my best guesses. To be absolutely accurate, I would need further inducement. It's the risk, Bucko. Bring me another jug. Bartender. Ah, bless you. Try looking in a rooming house at 533 W. 23rd St. Now, if you don't mind, I shall forget the necessity for long conversations and begin to concentrate on the work ahead of me. Goodbye, bucko. And stop in again, say, tomorrow morning if you wake up. Feeling charitable, I left Wilbur trying to figure the best way to parlay the two bottles and headed for the address he'd given me. It was a typical apartment house of the district. A four story building with a high premium insurance policy. I asked the landlady if a Bob Wells lived there, and she told me a man answering his description had taken a room there that morning. She told me he'd gone out a few minutes before and she let me into his room. I told her to keep a lookout and warn me if he showed. Then I started looking. I tore the place apart, but I didn't come up with a thing. I spotted the phone and started to call Walt. And that's when I saw it. A pad lying by the base of the phone with a heavy imprint left. From the writing on the top sheet I pulled an old trick. I took a pencil and rubbed the lead lightly over the imprint and up came one telephone number. I dialed it and waited. Ironberg's Delicate ass. Oh, is Bob Wells there? Bob Wells. Thanks. Well, it's like that. One minute you think you got a lead hot enough to melt your change purse and the next you find yourself looking like a tree surgeon in Death Valley. But in my business it takes a conventional three to strike you out. So I found the address of the delicatessen and 15 minutes later I was standing between a smoked herring and a three foot salami talking with Mr. Weinberg. What can I do for you, sir? Oh, I talked with you, oh say 20 minutes ago about Mr. Bob Wells. Bob Wells? Oh yes. Never heard of him. Take a look at this picture. Maybe you know the face, not the name. It's familiar. Yes, I think I seen him somewhere. Think hard now, this is important. Are you a policeman? Detective. How about it? Oh yeah, yeah. So long as you're a cop. Sure, I remember him. He came to my store last night. I remember because I had already closed and the kept pounding on the door. Finally I let him in. He was very rude. He bought a lot of groceries, but very rude. Have you seen him again? Sure. I came in this morning about locks and bagels. Stell Road. Where's your phone? In the back. Has this Mr. Wells done something? He left Sing Sing without saying goodbye to the warden. Now look, I'm going in the back and use your phone. If Wells happens to come in while I'm back there, stall him and come back and tip me off. I'll do my best. But he better not be rude. Homicide of Don Levenson Hey Walt, I'm in a Delicatessen over on 24th Street. Airwig. I traced Wells this far, found out he's been buying food here, probably for Walsh. You think Walch is hiding somewhere in the neighborhood? Yeah, that's my guess. They probably took separate places so they could move in a hurry if one hideout got hot. I'll be over there right away. Good. Make yourself comfortable, honey, but no yelling or I'll have to stuff up that pretty mop. I don't understand this. Why did you kidnap me? I've been having a hard time getting in touch with your boyfriend, Diamond. Figure if his girl's in trouble, he'll come. Look, I. I don't have a boyfriend. Sure, sure, Play it straight. But you watch. Tonight I call your butler and tell him we got you. If diamond wants you a lie, he comes to a spot I got picked out and he comes along. I don't know any Diamond. Ain't she cute, Bobby? Yeah, cute. Want me to fix her so she forgets how to lie? No. I don't care if she claims Diamond's her uncle. Go on down to Delicatesse and get some food. I'm getting hungry. Okay, but I still think we ought to be getting out of town in one hour. I call this dame's house at 12 o'. Clock. I meet diamond in the park, then we get out. Why do you want to see this Diamond? We're old friends, baby. He sent me up for life and he shot my kid brother full of holes. I just want to see that diamond gets everything that's coming to him. You talk too much. You got some bad habits yourself. Now get that food. And if you're too lazy to walk downstairs, I'll show you a shortcut. Three floors straight down. You can jump for it. Okay? Okay. Good evening, gentlemen. What can Weinberg do for you? Hey, Lieutenant, that chopped liver sure looks good. Keep your fat hooks off of that. Otis. Walt. Oh, yeah, Rick, back here. The storekeeper is watching out for Wells. If he shows, he'll come back here and tip us. I parked the squad car two blocks over. I didn't want Wells or Waltz to think something was up. Where's Otis? Otis? I'll be right with you, Lieutenant. I'm just buying something to nibble on. His nibble would grind up a whole cow. If Wells comes in and spots a cop, he'll take off like a jackrabbit. Hold it, Walter. It's Mayor. That guy coming across the street looks like Wells. Oh, Otis. Get away from that door. I can't hear you, Lieutenant. Our man's coming in the store. Get away from the door. He is? You want me to hide? No, you idiot. Just play it smart like you didn't know him. But get away from the door so he'll come in. Oh, okay, Lieutenant. Leave it to me. Walt. Duck. Good evening. What can Weinberg do for you? I'll have a couple of sandwiches. Hey, try the salami. It's great, huh? Oh, yeah, thanks. Yeah, make it salami, coleslaw, pickle beer. Nice night. Listen, idiot, Mustard he's doing fine, Walter. Relax. You live around here? Oh, no. Just ain't a sick friend. Maybe that salami ain't such a good idea if your friend's sick. You know, I had an uncle with ulcers. He couldn't touch the stuff. It's too much garlic. Ketchup? No, my friend's got a cold. Oh, well, then I don't guess it'll hurt him. But you know, the best thing for a cold is good mustard plaster. And now you take the. Here's your sandwiches, sir. 60 cents. 60. Here you are. Thanks. Thanks. Hope your friend gets better. Yeah, yeah. Come on. How did I do, lieutenant? Well, one thing is sure, he thought you were too stupid to recognize him. Can you still see him, Rick? Yeah, yeah, he crossed the street and he's starting to walk west. I'll tell him. He knows you good. When you spot the place, call me here. Think I should throw a net around the neighborhood? Not till we spot the hideout. Right. Hey, diamond, they got your girl. How you gonna get her out? They'd probably use her for a shield. That's a good point, sergeant. And believe me, I've been thinking about. Here's the sandwiches. Swell. Hey, you only got two. Oh, there was a cop in the delicatessen. Cop? Yeah, big stupid one. Listen, I. I told him I'm getting food for a sick friend, see, and he starts giving me all kinds of. Remember, you weren't tailed? Tailed? No. Who tailed me? Cop. Stayed in a delicatessen. Okay. Here, honey, have a sandwich. I'm not hungry. Suit yourself. Here, Bobby. Oh, thanks. Hey, when are you gonna put in that call of this dame's butler? Right after we eat. Then we go to the park and wait for Mr. Diamond. Yeah? I'm in a drugstore across from the building that Wells went in. It's about a block away. Nifty drug block west on your side of the street. I'll wait inside. We'll be right down. Come on, Otis. The lieutenant hasn't spotted. Okay. Thanks for the bagel, Weinberg. That's all right, officer. Come back again when you can pay for it. Come on, Otis, move your big feet. Okay, okay. Hey, you got any brilliant ideas how we're gonna get Helen out of there in one piece? No, I gotta admit, I'm stuck. Why don't you get that bear trap mind of yours working and make yourself a hero? Well, maybe we could start a fire in the building. It'd have to come out. Oh, swell, swell. There's nothing I'd like better than a well Done, girlfriend? Well, I was trying. Yeah. Hey. Hey, wait a minute. What's the matter, Otis? Remind me to kiss you on both cheeks. Hey, what are you doing? That's a firebox. I'm turning in an alarm there. Oh, we're gonna start that fire? No, but Walsh and Wells won't know there isn't one. When the trucks come and the firemen bust in the place, they'll think it's burning down around their ears. Yeah, Maybe then they won't watch Helen too close, huh? That's the idea. Now, here's the nifty drugstore. Yeah. Rick, I've been worrying about something. Yeah, I know. How do we get Helen out? Yeah. Well, relax. Otis came up with a solution. Otis? Yeah, he turned in a fire alarm. Now, when the trucks get here, you can tell them what's up and they can go in the building and make like it was on fire. Well, won't Walsh know it's a phony? If he can't smell smoke, the chief can tell him it's blazing in the basement. When they hit the street, we can get enough firemen to shield Helen and then take Walsh and Wells. I'll call a precinct and have the block surrounded. We'll need lights if they make a break for it. Which apartment house are they in? That one across the street. After I call the boys, we better go over and find out which room they're in quietly clear the rooms on both sides in case the shooting starts before we expect it. Yes. Garlic upsets my stomach. How about that call? Yeah, right. What's your phone number, baby? It's in the book. Oh, she gonna be troubled, Bobby. He wants your number now. Come on, we ain't got all night. All right. Evergreen, 54308. That's better. Gotta be more careful, Bobby. Her lips bleeding? Yes. Hey, Walsh, what's that? Sirens. Maybe that's the cops. If somebody tailed you. I told you I wasn't tailed. Wait, I'll go see. That's fire trucks. They're coming down a block. I don't smell no smoke. Hey, they're pulling up in front of this building. The joint must be on fire. Let's get out of here. Maybe it's the building next to us. Nah, they're bringing their hoses right in front of the door of this joint. I'm getting out. Sit still. Maybe it ain't a big one. We can't go busting out in the street. Well, maybe it ain't a big one, but if it is, I don't want to end up like a pound of spare ribs. Oh, shut her up. Why you. Why now. Come on. Hey, what's that? Yeah, what is it? Fire department. We're back here from the building. What are we gonna do with the dime? Shove her in that closet. Just a minute. We'll be right with you. Hurry up. There's a fire in the basement. Sneering at gas main. The whole place may go up any second. Did you hear that? Step on it. Okay, they better step on it. Down these stairs we can find our way. Hey, there's a couple of prowl cards. Yeah, separate. We'll meet at the other place. Okay, Walsh, that's far enough. It's the shammis. Get him. Waltz. Don't reach for it, Walsh. I owe you something. Diamond. You all right, Rick? Yeah. Walt. He's a worse shot than his brother. Where's Wells? He made a break for it, but he won't get through. All right. Well, you can't get through. Drop your gun. You won't take me, copper. Well, that's what I forgot about, Walt. He's pretty dead. Come on. I want to find out what happened to Helen. Well, Walt and I went up to the room and found Helen in the closet. We took her downstairs and she cried a little on my shoulder. I like that. Makes me feel so protective. Walt cleaned things up and dropped Helen and me off at her place. An hour later, Helen got back to normal and we relaxed on the couch and forgot about Wells and Waltz. How do you feel now, baby? Daddy, I want to get Francis to fix some dinner for you. Oh, no, I'm not very hungry. You can have some if you want. No, no. Want to play some canasta or something? But you always said it was a bad 200 game. Yeah, it is. Well, I forgot my jacks, silly. Want a neck? Ooh. What you said. Come here. No. Hello? No. I'm mad. Mad? What for? Because those two thugs ruined a wonderful evening. What's the matter? Want me to go? You idiot. Of course not. I had a big surprise planned. You did? Yes. Believe it or not, I had two wonderful seats for South Pacific. Now it's too late to go. Oh, no. Oh, yes. Oh, well, I'm sorry, baby. I'd love to have seen it. Me too. Well, I'm not exactly. It's your pinza. But I'll try to make it up to you. Oh, Rick, that's a wonderful idea. What'll it be? Some enchanted evening. Oh, really? Me, me, me, me A Some enchanted evening IO may see a stranger you may see a stranger across a crowded room. Rick, what's the matter? I was just trying to make like Pinsa. But, honey, it's safer for you to make like Diamond. Oh. And somehow you know. You know even then that somewhere you'll see her again and again. Oh, you're not Pinsa. But it's wonderful. Thanks. Some enchanted evening. Someone may be laughing. You may hear her laughing across a crowded room. And night after night, as strange as it seems, the sound of her laughter will sing in your dream. Rick. Who can explain it? Who can tell you why? Ricky Fools give you answers Wise men never try. Oh, honey, what's the matter? I was just falling in love with myself. Come here. You never let me finish. Do you mind? Oh, no. And I'm sure Mr. Pinser doesn't either. 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, Paul Fries and Larry Dobkin. Music was under the direction of Frank Wirth. Richard diamond is written by Blake Edwards and directed by William P. Rousseau. Now, this is Eddie King inviting you to be with us again at the same time next week when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detect. This program has come to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.