Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Elaine Tanner Case 02/12/1950

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective: "Elaine Tanner Case" (Original Air Date: February 12, 1950)
Airdate: May 18, 2026 (Rebroadcast)

Theme:
This episode follows wise-cracking private eye Richard Diamond as he’s hired to find a missing showgirl, Elaine Tanner. What appears to be a simple missing person’s case quickly spirals into a deadly game involving murder, a stolen rare book, and double-crosses among suspects. A classic "hard-boiled" detective yarn filled with sharp dialogue, intrigue, and a twist ending emblematic of Golden Age radio crime dramas.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Case Begins: Diamond is Hired

• [00:00–03:00]
  • Richard Diamond is summoned by millionaire Morris Clinton to find Elaine Tanner.
  • Clinton’s intentions appear mysterious, setting a tense tone.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Clinton: "I have my own reasons for not wanting anyone else involved in this." [06:19]

2. The Boarding House & First Shooting

• [01:38–04:49]
  • Diamond investigates Elaine’s last known address, a run-down boarding house.
  • The cagey manager avoids giving info but is eventually bribed.
  • As Diamond checks the girl’s abandoned room, shots are fired at him from a neighboring house.
  • Diamond connects that only Morris Clinton knew he’d be at the boarding house, adding suspicion.

3. Confrontations and Murky Motives

• [04:49–09:21]
  • Diamond confronts Clinton, who denies involvement and tries to call off the investigation.
  • Clinton unexpectedly offers Diamond a $1000 bonus to continue, showing just how high the stakes are.
  • Clinton’s chauffeur, Christopher, becomes a person of interest after a violent visit to Diamond’s office.
    • Christopher pulls a gun, knocks Diamond unconscious, and steals Diamond’s revolver.

4. Murder at the Boarding House

• [11:46–15:48]

  • Police summon Diamond to the morgue: the boarding house manager has been shot dead.
  • The murder weapon is Diamond’s pistol, left at the crime scene and covered in his fingerprints.
  • Detective Lt. Levinson (Walt) helps clear Diamond of suspicion after reviewing alibis and circumstances.

  Notable Exchange:

  • Walt: "He had one of your business cards in his hand... He was shot while standing at the phone." [12:25]
  • Diamond: "Will you have Otis come visit me and bake a cake with a file in it?" [13:22]

5. The Search for Elaine: Blue Falcon Nightclub

• [17:55–20:30]
  • Diamond traces Elaine’s connection to her former workplace—the Blue Falcon Nightclub.
  • A line-girl, Gladys, reveals suspicions and provides Elaine’s current address.
    • Gladys drops hints:
      • "She was acting funny before she quit... She’s seeing that old guy Clinton, and Chris is in on something."' [19:09]

6. The Double-Cross: Elaine, Chris, and a Hidden Book

• [20:44–23:14]
  • Diamond locates Elaine and impersonates a co-conspirator.
  • Chris arrives—it's revealed Chris and Elaine are partners, having double-crossed Clinton by stealing a rare book.
  • Clinton arrives, insisting:
    • "My book! Where’s my book?" [23:14]
  • A shootout leaves Chris wounded, and the authorities are called for the final sweep.

7. The Reveal: The Value of the Book

• [23:50–25:16]

  • At Helen’s apartment, the police call: The “book” is an original Francis Bacon manuscript, stolen years prior.
  • Clinton had bought it through criminal channels. Chris and Elaine planned to resell it.
  • Diamond gets a $1,500 reward for recovering the rare manuscript—more than his original fee.

  Notable Quote:

  • Walt: "The book was worth $30,000. Was stolen 18 years ago from the Fine Arts Library in Washington." [24:40]

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Diamond’s wisecracks: Ever the sardonic protagonist, Diamond delivers classic lines:

  • "Take your hands away from that phone. Oh. Oh. Gun. You know how I hate 'em." — Diamond to Christopher [08:57]
  • "I got mixed up in a handball game." — Diamond, explaining his injuries [10:26]
  • "You great big ham." — Diamond to Walt, after the fake arrest scene [15:53]

• Climactic Confrontation:

  • Chris: "Hold a cushion over the gun, nobody hears the shot." [22:44]
  • Clinton: "My book! Where's my book?" [23:14]

• Comic relief:

  • Otis: "Oh, you crazy shamus." [10:17]
  • Diamond, regarding the reward: "Helen, put your ear next to the receiver... Say that again!" [24:58]

• Musical finale: Diamond croons a humorous novelty song after the case closes, restoring the episode's lighthearted touch. [25:30]–[27:20]

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|-----------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Diamond is hired, the case begins | | 01:38–04:49 | Boarding house investigation, shots fired | | 04:49–09:21 | Confrontations with Clinton and Christopher | | 11:46–15:48 | Boarding house manager found murdered | | 17:55 | Arrives at Blue Falcon Nightclub | | 18:27 | Info from Gladys; Elaine’s new address | | 20:44 | Diamond confronts Elaine and Chris | | 23:14 | Final showdown: Clinton arrives | | 23:50 | Clinton's true motive and book's value | | 25:30–27:20 | Musical ending and celebration |

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Episode Tone & Style

• Language: Fast, snappy, detective pulp style; filled with wisecracks, double entendres, and witty banter.
• Atmosphere: Shadowy, dangerous, with a rhythm of suspense, humor, and classic noir fatalism.
• Notable Style:
  • Diamond’s flirtatious rapport with women and tongue-in-cheek irony with the police.
  • Seamless blend of mystery, suspense, and musical comedy at the episode’s close.

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Summary

This episode of "Richard Diamond, Private Detective" is a classic hard-boiled detective adventure: A search for a missing woman plunges Diamond into a queasy underworld of stolen treasure, murder, and betrayal among thieves. Wry jokes and tense shootouts keep the listener on edge as Diamond uncovers a plot revolving around a priceless stolen manuscript—all leading to a twisty, satisfying conclusion with both justice (and a musical number) served.

For lovers of classic radio mysteries and sharp private eye banter, “The Elaine Tanner Case” is a showcase of genre-defining detective fiction.

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 donating. @ChoiceClassicRadio.com. The National Broadcasting Company presents Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Walk this way, Diamond. If I do well, I tell my friends. Hey, this is the morgue. Yeah, wise guy. You should feel right at home here. Otis. Oh, hello, Rick. Hiya, Walt. What goes here? I want you to take a look at someone. You know who this is, Rick? Oh, the poor little devil. He was murdered, huh? Yeah. Shot right in the back. Here's another exciting half hour with Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. You want something?

[A]

How do you do? Are you the manager of this little haven of rest, A boarding house?

[B]

Boarding house. Ironic. Ironic.

[A]

I heard you both times.

[B]

What do you want? What do you want?

[A]

Information. Information. Your move.

[B]

You nuts or something? Huh? You nuts?

[A]

I'm looking for a girl.

[B]

What's the matter? Read the sign. Read the sign. It says rooms. Parents, rooms. Beat it. Beat it.

[A]

You know, if you ever get around to running at 33 and a third, you'll save a lot of breath.

[B]

Smart guy. Real smart. Now I got to work at work.

[A]

Wait a minute, now, wait. Here's $5 if you can tell me about a girl named Elaine Tanner.

[B]

For 10 bucks, I couldn't tell you a thing. Don't know. I don't know her.

[A]

She lived here.

[B]

So It's a secret for me. A secret? Now?

[A]

Yeah. Take a look at this snapshot. A man and a girl. Do you know the girl?

[B]

Mister, I got maybe 10, 20, 30 different people every month. Every month. They come, they go, they pay rent. That's all I care. They pay rent.

[A]

All right, all right. Did this girl ever pay rent here?

[B]

Maybe I remember her face. I never remember. No names. No names.

[A]

Is anybody living in her room?

[B]

Now, why you want to know, huh? Huh?

[A]

Well, I'll tell you a secret. But the girl is my sister. When we were little kids, my mother and father ran away from home to become acrobats in a circus. This broke up my sister and she left, too. Now Mama and Papa are back, and I want the whole stinking family together again so we can take the light out of the window.

[B]

Sure, for 10 bucks. For 10 bucks, maybe I'll show you her room.

[A]

All right, you're in business. Here's your 10.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

The fingers are mine.

[B]

This way. Down this way.

[A]

How long does she live here?

[B]

Oh, not long. Not so long. Maybe two weeks.

[A]

Then What?

[B]

Then comes an old guy one day. Yeah, an old guy. And.

[A]

And what?

[B]

She goes away with him. And you know what else?

[A]

Yes, I know what else? The old guy was the same guy in the snapshot I showed you a minute ago. He was with a girl.

[B]

Sure, sure. Okay, okay.

[C]

Look around.

[B]

Look around. She ain't any of them draws. She ain't. Oh, that cupboard.

[C]

She ain't.

[A]

She ain't no place. Now, tell me, did she leave anything here at all?

[B]

Just junk. Junk. Newspapers, magazines, Newspapers.

[A]

So she was a bookworm. Well, okay, I guess that's it. Let's go. Let's get out of here fast.

[B]

Who they shooting at?

[A]

Who's that house next door where the shots came from?

[B]

People.

[A]

Thanks.

[B]

They shooting at you? They shooting at you?

[A]

No. Anybody who wants to get rid of you?

[B]

Nobody. Nobody. Oh, mister, please go Now.

[A]

Now look, look, there's 20 bucks more if you do me a favor.

[B]

I do you one favor and get shot at. Who knows what will happen for 20, huh? Who knows?

[A]

Twice as much fun. Now, look, go through the stuff she left here.

[B]

I told you, there wasn't nothing.

[C]

Nothing.

[A]

Well, go through it anyway. If you find anything that might give me a lead, call me up here. Here's my card.

[B]

Which? A diamond. Private. Hey, it says you are dick.

[C]

A dick.

[A]

Strictly private. Now, is it a deal?

[B]

20 bucks.

[A]

Now, there'll be more if you find something for me.

[B]

Okay? Okay. No, no, please. Beat it. And don't come back here no more. No more. Window glass cost. No.

[A]

I knew it wouldn't do me any good to look at the house where the shots came from. Because whoever played me for a clay pigeon would get out fast. Now, only one person knew I was likely to visit that boarding house. The man who sent me there. And his name was Morris Clinton. Vocation, multimillionaire avocation or hottie wolf. And an old one at that. But why should he take a shot at me thinking like that? Figured out to a heart to heart talk with Clinton, so I went to see him. But if he knew anything, he played it straight. Shooted you. But that's ridiculous. Well, I agree. I agree, Clinton. But look at my side of it. This morning you sent your chauffeur to my office to bring me here. Then you hired me to find a girl for you. A girl named Elaine Tanner. And she wasn't there, right? Right, she wasn't there. Just an empty room in a boarding house. That's all the information I could give you about her. I'll even buy that. I've Worked on less information before. But here's my point, Mr. Clinton. I was shot at. I'm used to it, but I don't like it. I told you, I know nothing about that. Believe me, Mr. Diamond, I know nothing about it. I do believe you. We'll just say someone doesn't like my poking around that boarding house. Have you got any idea who that might be? No, I haven't. I swear it. Okay, okay, I'll wrap it up right now. As I said, I've been shot at before. But you've been so pleasant, Mr. Clanton. From here the price goes up. You don't want to go on with the case? Not at these prices. All right, forget it then. I gave you a hundred dollars this morning.

[B]

Keep it.

[A]

Forget you ever saw me. Oh, you're so sweet. It'll be a pleasure. Diamond, Just a moment. Yeah? What has happened is between you and me. Oh, oh, yes, but. Yes? Oh, I will have to report those shots all right. Sure. The police don't like to have people taking pot shots at each other. It makes for confusion in a big city. Wait, diamond, wait. Something else, Mr. Clinton. I have my own reasons for not wanting anyone else involved in this. I'm sure you and I can come to an agreement. Oh, well, it's just possible, Maury, that you and I may not see wallet to wallet. What. What would you say if. If I offered you a thousand dollars bonus to. To keep on the case? Offer or suggestion? I'll. I'll make it a deal. Put it on paper, a check, and I trust you. Okay, Clinton, if you feel that way about it, post date the check a week from today. If I don't show up with Elaine Tanner by then, the check is yours again. Uncashed. Very well. There you are. Thanks. So long, Mr. Clinton. I'll keep in touch. Where are you going now? Back to my office to wait for a phone call from the little guy at 118 Parker Avenue. Oh, well, hello there. Did you hear everything you wanted to? I. I beg your pardon. So I was just coming and asked Mr. Clinton if I should drive him anywhere this afternoon. Oh, I'm in here right away, Mr. Clinton. Excuse me, Mr. Diamond. Yeah, sure. So long, Christopher. The minute I left Clinton and Chris, I began to get that lousy feeling again. The only thing that made me feel anywhere near normal was the thought of the thousand bucks that would be mine Seven days For a thousand bucks, I'd stand up for target practice for the big mole. I didn't have much to go on, just the Knowledge. That old man Clinton wanted me to find Elaine Tanner. And that somebody who up to now it proved to be a bad shot, didn't want me to find her. With that peaceful thought in mind, I sat in my office hoping for a call from the little manager of the boarding house on Parker Avenue. I'd been waiting about an hour and then. Ah, save your knuckles and use a fire axe. Come on in. Hello, Mr. Diamond. Well, well, well, Christopher. All your driving finished for the day? Mr. Clinton sent me to see Mr. Diamond. This is the second time today. What's he trying to do, make dear friends of us? Not exactly, Mr. Diamond. He wants that check back, right. He's changed his mind now. From what I know of him, it needs it. He wants to call off the whole thing. Something happened? Elaine Tanner show up? No. Oh, and he sent you to get the thousand dollar check back? That's right, Mr. Diamond. I know an easier way. Why doesn't he just stop payment on the check? I'm only carrying out Mr. Clinton's orders. Are you? Why do you ask that? It seems a little offbeat, Chris. This morning he hires me, then he fires me, then he hires me, now he fires me. Monotonous, isn't it? May I have the check, Mr. Diamond? Not before I call Clinton and ask him a few things. You just don't seem to understand, do you? I want Mr. Clinton to explain. Take your hands away from that phone. Oh. Oh. Gun. You know how I hate him. No need to be afraid of this one unless you get stubborn. Let's give Clinton a rein. Keep your hands on top of the desk, palms down. So we're gonna play table tilting?

[B]

Maybe.

[A]

And stay sitting. Listen, Craig, how do you like your hair parted? Diamond on the side or right in the middle? When I opened my big blue eyes, my office was dark and the neon light on the hotel across the street flashed the news that it was dark outside too. I'd been out cold for a long time. When the room stopped spinning. I reached out, grabbed a piece of it, pulled myself up, went to the water cooler, splash myself alive. I started toward the light switch. When this time I was going to be ready. I got behind the door and waited.

[B]

Hey, what's the idea?

[C]

Hey, let go.

[B]

Oh, for the love of my.

[A]

Go. Sergeant Otis. Who you expect? Gorgeous George? Maybe.

[B]

Go. My neck.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry, Otis. I. I guess I just can't resist you. You crazy shamas. Hey, it's dark in here. It was a lot darker a couple of minutes ago. Hit the light, will ya? Yeah. Thanks. I got enough troubles. And the first thing I see when I wake up is you. Holy mackerel. Whatcha been doing with your head, Diamond? I got mixed up in a handball game. Oh, yeah? Some friends needed a ball. It's hard work, but you get used to it. Oh, got worked over. Well, them bum jokes you pull catch up with you sometimes. Yeah, I would. Hey, wait a minute. What are you doing here? I come to get you. Lieutenant Levinson wants to see you. Go back and describe me. That's all he gets tonight. I think you better come, Shammas. It's important. I think you better go, Otis. That's important. Now, look, Lieutenant Levinson sends me over to get you. There's something he wants to ask you. All I know is name, rank and serial number. Now go back and tell Walt. I don't want to play games, Shammas. I got news for you. Murder ain't a game no more. That's all Otis would tell me. But I didn't like the way he kept looking at me. All the way to see Levinson. Then we got to headquarters. Not to Walt's office, but down the long marble corridor that led back to other places. He wants me to bring you back here, Diamond. Where to? The morgue. The morgue? Yeah, you heard of it? I heard of it. What's this all about? You'll see. In here, Shamas.

[B]

Lieutenant.

[A]

Back here, Otis. Come on, then. Hello, Rick. Well, how's the other head? Look, I'll let you know when it speaks to me. Yeah. Meantime, I want you to take a look at someone. In here? Yeah, in here. You know who this is, Rick? Oh, the poor little devil. Poor devil? What do you know about him? Well, he was manager of a boarding house. Cheap walk up on Parker Avenue. That we know. What else he was murdered, huh? Shot right in the back. Rick. Unless I knew you were tied in, I wouldn't have you here. Want to talk about it somewhere else, Walt? Sure. Come on. Before I answer any more questions, Walt, how'd you tie me in? He had one of your business cards in his hand. He shot while he was standing at the phone in the hallway of that boarding house. Did he call you, Rick? I didn't get a call from him. Got any idea why he wanted you? Maybe, maybe not. All depends on what? Quoth Listen, I will in my office. Wait outside, Otis. And I'm busy. Get it? Sure. Sure, I get it. Wait a second, rick. Here's a gun.38 police special. Take a good look at it. I've seen it before. It's mine. How did you get it? Ballistic support says this gun killed the little guy back there. Did you check it for fingerprints? Yeah, and they were all yours. Will you have Otis come visit me and bake a cake with a file in it? Oh, cut it out, Rick. I know you didn't kill him, but I've got to tell the commissioner something. He's funny that way. I was in my office when the guy was shot. I was out cold. You got any proof for you or the commissioner? For the commissioner. You listen. On the way to where, have Otis bring the car on front. We're gonna make a call on a guy named Morris Clinton and his errand boy, Christopher. On the way out, I told Walt the whole thing how Christopher caught me off base, put me out, and then must have taken my gun to kill the little manager. But neither of us could come up with an answer to why. Why murder? To keep me from finding Elaine Tanner. What was the connection between Clinton the chauffeur and the girl? I thought maybe Clinton would give her the answers when he learned there was a murder tabbing at his door. So you want to see Christopher, Lieutenant Levison? If you don't mind, Mr. Clinton. No, no, that's all. I'll call him real loud, Mr. Clinton. Of course. Christopher. Christopher. You're sure he's here, Mr. Clinton? Yes, yes, I am. Of course, Lieutenant. Call again. Christopher.

[B]

Christopher.

[A]

I don't think he'll hear you. Why not? I'm not deaf, Mr. Diamond. Rick, is that Christopher?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, this is Chris all right. And I owe him a haircut. Now, lay off, Rick. I'll handle this. Christopher. Yes, sir. Where were you about 2 this afternoon? Why, right here, working on the car. Correction, Working on me. I beg your pardon? Oh, come on, come on. Let's have it straight, Mr. Clinton. What about this? Christopher is right. Yes, he's right. Oh, you're scared stiff, Clinton. You're lying. I'm not. I. I wanted to go into town to. To keep an appointment. And the fuel pump on the car was stopped up. I had to take it apart. Oh, sure. And while you fix, Clinton stood right over you. As a matter of fact, he did watch. And it took all afternoon to fix it? No, but when it was finished, it was too late for Mr. Clinton's appointment. He decided not to go. How about that, Mr. Clinton? Yes. Yes, Lieutenant. Christopher. Christopher hasn't been out of my sight all afternoon. That's good enough for me. All right, diamond, let's go. What, are you crazy? No, that's why I'M putting the cuffs on you. I thought there was something fishy about your story. Gun taken away from you. People coming to see you, hiring you, firing watch. Your stomach has gone to your head. Never mind my stomach, Otis. Yellow 10. Put the cuffs on the Chalmers, cuffs on him. Close your mouth. Otis, put the cops on Diamond. I've been waiting for a chance like this to comb you out of my hair for good. Otis, the cops. Yes sir, Lieutenant. All right, Shams, hold them out. Mr. Clinton, thank you very much. Goodbye. Come on diamonds. Go Lieutenant. Otis, I told you to close your mouth.

[B]

I gotta breathe.

[A]

Oh shut up. Come on, Walt. Outside Diamond. Get going you big bubblehead. What's the idea of making like a cop with me? I kinda liked it. How'd I do? What? Good performance, huh? Good performance. Oh you big ham. You great big ham. Well, Lieutenant, are we gonna put the shammus in the jug? Shut up, Otis. Take the cuffs off him. What? Here. Ought to start working. Oh, you're right. Rick Clinton was scared stiff and for some reason he backed Christopher's alibi. Well, I've. I've got an idea. You better have. If I don't have something to tell the commissioner, I'll have to give up my ideas about a pension. I. I'm going back that boarding house. Why? Well, the manager was going to call me. It's just possible he got a hold of a lead on Elaine Tanner, but Christopher killed him before he had a chance to tell me. That makes sense. Have you got a man there? Yeah, a hat. Oh good. I'll see you later, Rick. On please, for the sake of my stomach, don't slip up. You're my only suspect without an alibi. Thanks Walt. See you later. Yeah. No, Walt. What? Bottoms up on the bicarbonate. That's all the stuff there was in the basement. Diamond. Thanks, Mahaffy. Everything neatly bundled. But this one pile. A little guy must have gone through it. Got any idea what you're looking for? No. Give me a hand, will you? Sure. Hmm. Newspapers, magazines. I'm happy. Uh huh. No one's been in here since the murder. Nobody. I've been on the door. The manager had nothing on him. Only your card. That's funny. Very funny. He wouldn't have tried to call me if he hadn't found something. Maybe he came across something in this pile of stuff, didn't take it out and then find something. Yeah, yeah. This she for withholding tax statements. The kind that come on the bottoms of paycheck made out to Elaine Tanner, paid by the Blue Falcon. Nightclub? That ain't parking here. That's where I'm going.

[B]

Yeah, sure.

[A]

No, I remember a kid that named Tanner.

[B]

Yeah, used to work here in the line.

[A]

Thanks, bartender. Where's she now? Well, mister, me, I know from nothing about her. But she was good friends with one of the dolls in the line. Gal named Gladys. Where can I find this Gladys? Dressing room. Straight back, turn left and knock on the door. Huh? Well, they dressed that way for the show anyway. I'll keep both eyes closed. Sure. Straight back like I said. And first turn left.

[C]

What you want with her, handsome? I should get off here.

[A]

You temp me, sweetheart, but give me a rain Jack.

[C]

Who waits for rain? But why you want to see Elaine?

[A]

Maybe I want to tell about some oil wells that came in.

[C]

Yeah, you don't look like the type talks about oil.

[A]

Well, honey, honey, don't let the tassels on my shoes fool you.

[C]

Oh, you're cute. Yeah, I know where Elaine is.

[A]

Want to give information? Sure.

[C]

Oh, you've got a one track mind.

[A]

Maybe I can't switch it over yet.

[C]

Okay, so I'll get a couple of days older. Meanwhile, anyhow, I never did like her, so I don't mind letting you know.

[A]

Know what? Perhaps.

[C]

Well, maybe a month ago she quits this job, this dump.

[A]

All right, she quits. Go ahead.

[C]

Yeah, but before she quits she's acting funny. Like the night we're going home together.

[A]

Walking along.

[C]

This is the last time I take this walk. So gonna fly to him from work. I'm quitting. Well, if you like to eat grass, go ahead. I won't eat grass. Ever had a real mink coat, Gladys? I could have, but his lawyer settled out a court. I'll have one. They'll do all right. You thinking about that guy Clinton who comes in the club? Uh huh. Honey, there's wolves and there's wolves. I wanna pick one with teeth. He likes me. Sure. Every time he sees you, he's gotta push his eyes back in his head. Chris is working for him. His chauffeur. So this is new. So what? Money, lots of it. Shakedown. Oh now look honey, they can give you trouble for that. Not a shakedown. This is safe and sure. Chris figured it. He figured it and I. And what? Nothing. Just forget it. Come on, let's get some coffee. And that's all she says.

[A]

Now where can I find her?

[C]

Oh, I'll tell you where I think she is. Here's the address. I wrote it down.

[A]

Thanks Gladys. I'll see you again.

[C]

Yes. See more of them?

[A]

Is that possible?

[C]

This costume's for the first show. We save up for the second.

[A]

I'll be here for the last show.

[C]

Oh, what you said. So long, handsome.

[A]

A little while after Glattus gave the address, I was buzzing at an apartment door. I kept my fingers crossed and then uncrossed them when the door opened.

[C]

Yes?

[A]

Hello there, Elaine.

[C]

Who are you?

[A]

Well, the name's Hangtooth. Elmer Hangtooth.

[C]

Huh?

[A]

I better come in.

[C]

Hey, hey, what's the idea?

[A]

Can't hear a thing you say. Honey, my hearing aid just shorted out.

[C]

Now listen, wise guy.

[A]

Oh, Elaine. Elaine, Chris sent me.

[C]

Chris?

[A]

Yeah, he said to tell you everything's okay. The heat's off.

[C]

How about that private eye, Diamond?

[A]

Richard Diamond?

[C]

Yeah, that's the one.

[A]

Honey, you'll never be any closer to him than you are right now.

[C]

I was afraid he'd quirt. Hey, when's Chris coming?

[A]

Soon, I hope.

[C]

I've never seen you before. That right?

[A]

Well, you're young and life's full of surprises.

[C]

Uh huh. I like surprises.

[A]

Nice.

[C]

Chris work you in on the deal?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I did him a favor. Took care of Diamond. Like doing it too. By the way, what goes with Ewan? Clementine?

[C]

Honey, we had a common interest. Oh, books, dearie, books. He had one I wanted when I finished with him. I could have walked out with the furniture.

[A]

Yeah, I guess you could, baby. I guess you could.

[C]

Think so?

[A]

Why not?

[C]

What did you say your name was?

[A]

Well, her name's Oppenhocker. Harold Oppenocker.

[C]

What? That's not what you said before.

[A]

Oh, so you have been listening. The real name is Diamond. Richard Diamond.

[C]

I see. A kidder, huh?

[A]

If that makes you laugh, this ought to bring back mahjong. Here, take a look at my license. My membership card. The Hopalong Cassidy Club. My Flash Gordon Beanie.

[C]

You dirty shamus. You stinking copper.

[B]

Easy baby, Easy baby, easy.

[C]

Let go, you dirty. Let's go.

[B]

Let it go. Simon.

[C]

Chris. Chris.

[A]

Jackpot. Chris and Elaine all at once. Simon, get your hands off or get them off.

[C]

No.

[A]

That's better. Now we lay. Before I fill him full of holes, tell me what he's doing here.

[C]

He said just sent him. Chris.

[A]

Sure he would. Elaine, you ready to get out of here?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Hand me a cushion from the sofa. Wanna take a nap, Chris? I'll laugh at your funeral. Shammas. Hold a cushion over the gun, nobody hears the shot. Better not. Chris. Elaine, start out. I'll be right behind you.

[C]

Yeah, all right. Chris.

[B]

Got the book?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

What book? Shut up. Get going, Elaine. Chris, let's talk this over. Bunny, you just finished talking. Diamond.

[B]

Elaine.

[A]

What?

[B]

You want to give me my book? Give it to me.

[A]

Clinton.

[B]

Clinton, duck.

[A]

Get out of the way.

[B]

Diamond, you.

[A]

Oh, Chris. Well, I. I owed him that partner's hair. All right, Elaine. Just creased. I wouldn't think of depriving the hot seat of such a good customer. My book. Where's my book?

[B]

I want it. Give me my book.

[A]

Sure, sure, Mr. Clinton, but I'm afraid you'll have to explain to the police first. A telephone call to the 5th Precinct brought Walton Otis to my rescue. Otis used the siren. Loved it. I told Walt the book old man Clinton kept screaming about. Had me a little confused that I wouldn't be able to relax until he found out just where it fitted in the case. He promised to find out the answers as soon as he took Chris, Elaine and Clinton back to the fifth Precinct. I told him to call me at Helen's.

[C]

Rick, what about that check for a thousand dollars? Is it any good?

[A]

Well, the check's post dated. I doubt if Mr. Clinton will honor it now. It's too bad. We. We could have celebrated.

[C]

So all you got for your trouble was a hundred a day in expenses?

[A]

I'll get it. Grant's Tomb. The general speaking. Yeah, Walt? Yeah. You sitting down? Why? You can tear up that check Clinton gave you. He won't honor it. He's mad about having to go to jail. Oh, I was way ahead of you about the check. Why did Clinton go to jail? What did he do? You know that book he was yelling about? What about it? Well, it's an original Sir Francis Bacon manuscript. How would you know? I hate to admit it, but Otis told me what it was. You know, Otis is a biblio. Excuse me, Lieutenant. It's bibliophile. Shut up, hammerhead. Okay, so I work for nothing. Rick. Yeah? The book was worth $30,000. Was stolen 18 years ago from the Fine Arts Library in Washington. Old man Clinton bought it from a fence. That's why he couldn't go to the police. Oh, so Chris and Elaine hijacked it, huh? Probably had a sale for it. Rick, there's a 1500 reward for that book. So what? It's yours. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute, Walt. Helen, put your ear next to the receiver.

[C]

Oh, all right.

[A]

Well, say that again. Say what again? What you just said. Did I say anything? Well, sure you did. Are you sure? Oh, now cut it out, Walt. Say it again about the reward. Oh, that. There's a 1500 reward for the book. Thanks, Walt. Bye. Bye. Well, baby.

[C]

Well, we're gonna celebrate after all. Fifteen hundred dollars. Oh, Rick. That calls for a real celebration.

[A]

Sure.

[C]

Well, don't go away, darling. I'll be right back. I won't be long. Oh, Rick, there's a new song on the piano. Why don't you try it?

[A]

Okay. I set my pajamas and put on my prayers that's pretty silly but my baby kissed me good night. And I am glad to relate that by the time I got home I was feeling great. I climbed up the door and opened the stairs. I set my pajamas and put on my prayers. I turned off the bed, crawled into the light and all because you kissed me good night. Next morning I awoke and scrambled my shoes. I shined up an egg Then I toasted the news. I buttered my tie and took another bite. And all because you kissed me good night. By evening I felt normal so we went out again. You said good night and kissed me. I hurried home and then I climbed up the door and opened the stairs. I set my pajamas and put on my prayers. I turned off the bed, crawled into the light and all because you kissed me good night. By evening I felt normal so we went out again. You said good night and kissed me. I hurried home and then I lifted the preacher Called up the phone Spoke to the dog and threw your maw a bone. Twas midnight and yet the sun was shining bright And I called you Kiss me good night.

[C]

Oh, that was lovely, Rick. Well, how do I look?

[A]

Oh, my, my. Wonderful. What are you dressed up for?

[C]

For the celebration.

[A]

Oh, that's right. Yeah. Come on, let's go.

[C]

Oh, where are we going, Rick?

[A]

Oh, the Blue Falcon nightclub. We'll be just in time for the

[C]

last show, the Blue fal. Oh, but why pick that play?

[A]

Oh, but they've got a wonderful floor show.

[C]

Yes, but the costumes are. Oh, they're nothing.

[A]

Oh, what you said. You have just heard. Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Ed Begley played Lieutenant Walt Levinson. Also in the cast were Wilms Herbert, Francis Robinson, Ted Osborne, Gene Bates and Paul Dubov. Music was under the direction of Frank Wirth. Today's show was written and directed by Russell Hughes. Dick Powell currently may be seen in the motion picture version of the best selling novel, Mrs. Mike. This is Eddie King inviting you to be with us next Sunday at this same time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. What's on NBC today? Ezio Pinza, dynamic singing star, plays his first starring dramatic role. Today on theater Guild on the air with Madeline Carroll and Linda Darnell co starred. And you'll also want to listen to the Phil Harris, Alice Fay show and the Adventures of Sam Spade right before theater guild. Don't forget, it's the openza on theater guild on the air today. It's all great entertainment today on NBC. Your tune for the stars on NBC.