Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Fifty Thousand Dollar Diamond Heist 11/12/1949

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Richard Diamond, Private Detective – "Fifty Thousand Dollar Diamond Heist"
Original Broadcast: November 12, 1949
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Date of Release on Podcast: March 9, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Richard Diamond, Private Detective (starring Dick Powell) delivers a quintessential hardboiled detective story packed with rapid-fire banter, high-stakes thievery, and noir intrigue. Diamond becomes enmeshed in the aftermath of a daring $50,000 diamond heist at the police commissioner's home – a case involving murder, double-crosses, and a plot to implicate the wisecracking P.I. himself. The story weaves through tough-guy exchanges, some classic comic relief, and a caper that showcases both Diamond’s wit and resourcefulness.

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Key Discussion Points, Scenes, & Insights

1. Helen’s Morning Call & News of the Crime

[00:54–02:26]

• Helen calls Rick, waking him up with news of a high-profile robbery and murder: $50,000 in diamonds are missing from the police commissioner’s house, and his gardener has been murdered.
• Their exchange brims with humor and flirtatious banter.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “A corpse to fit every pocketbook.” — Richard Diamond [00:00]
    • Helen: “The police commissioner's house was robbed of $50,000 worth of diamonds last night and his gardener was murdered."* [01:53]
• Helen warns Rick, "This thief cuts throats." Rick feigns fear and plans a playfully ominous date for later.

2. A Mysterious Client and Suspicion of a Frame-Up

[02:26–04:55]

• Phineas Burton, a peculiar client with an outsized paunch, offers Diamond a hefty sum to deliver a “valuable package” to Philadelphia, yet refuses to divulge contents or motivation.
• Rick, suspicious, inspects the package (against detective code) and finds five valuable diamonds inside, suspecting an attempt to frame him for the major theft.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “No wonder Basketball had been nervous. At the bottom of the box were five pretty little diamonds, about 10 grand worth of a guess.” — Diamond [05:15]
• Burton calls, pushing Diamond to leave immediately – further raising suspicion.

3. A Police Encounter at Penn Station

[06:10–08:20]

• At Penn Station, Rick is intercepted by his police friend Lt. Walt Levinson and Sergeant Otis, who received a “tip” that Diamond's smuggling the commissioner’s diamonds out of town.
• Diamond comically delivers a “fake” package – filled with dolls as an anniversary joke – diffusing suspicion but signaling that he’s being setup.
  • Diamond to Otis (joking about the dolls):
    • “The Shamas plays with dolls. [...] The other one’s for you. For me? Oh, no.” [07:14]

4. Investigating the Suspects: The Safecracker Trail

[08:20–14:00]

• Walt invites Diamond to partner in solving the case. They examine the murdered gardener, noting the particularly nasty razor wound, and discuss possible suspects.
• Diamond interviews several criminal types, finally being directed to Vince Mayer, a known thief, at a Greenwich Village dive.
  • Notable Quote, Diamond on the murder weapon:
    • “Remind me not to go to his barber.” [08:48]

5. Brawl at Pietro’s and a Key Witness

[11:37–15:10]

• In Pietro’s back room, Diamond confronts Vince Mayer, who has his henchman Joe (AKA “Joe the Barber”) rough up Diamond and leave him in an alley.
• Gene, a streetwise waitress from Pietro’s, rescues the wounded Diamond and brings him to her place to recuperate—offering flirtation and street smarts in equal measure.
  • Gene (comforting Rick):
    • “Gee, does your head hurt, baby?” [14:56]
• Rick suspects that Vince and Joe are behind both the heist and the murder.

6. Double-Crosses and The Set-Up Unraveled

[16:10–21:00]

• After another run-in with Vince and Joe (who threaten him for the diamonds), Rick decides to set a counter-trap.
• Gene confirms Joe’s full name—Franchetti—and his barber nickname, which ties him to the murderous method.
  • Rick:
    • “If he cuts hair, it isn't [silly]. But I'll lay 8 to 1 this guy works on throats.” [18:29]
• Rick hatches a plan using Gene as a distraction, informing Walt of the specifics.

7. Sting Operation at Pietro’s: The Real Crooks Caught

[21:01–23:17]

• At Pietro’s, Rick delivers the diamonds to Vince amid the chaos of Gene’s staged commotion. Walt and Otis swoop in, catch Vince and Joe with the hot diamonds, and dismiss their protests.
  • Vince, realizing the set-up:
    • “This is a frame-up! Diamond, you can't get away with this!” [22:45]
• Joe attempts violence, but Diamond subdues him, restoring justice—and delivering one of his trademark wisecracks.

8. Resolution and Closing Moments

[23:17–27:43]

• Rick collects part of the reward and gives half to Gene for her troubles.
• The episode closes with Rick visiting his girlfriend Helen, where he croons her a love song (“But I Can Dream, Can’t I?”), restoring the romantic equilibrium.
  • Helen:
    • “Rick, I'm blue and I want you to sing to me.” [25:01]
• A final comic twist: Helen’s butler, Francis, confesses he’s been impersonating Diamond in his spare time to impress waitresses—capping the episode on a note of classic OTR zaniness.
  • Frances:
    • “To all the waitresses of Ms. Toppingham’s tea shop, I am Richard Diamond, private detective.” [27:40]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rick, upon being framed:

  • “At the bottom of the box were five pretty little diamonds, about 10 grand worth of a guess. Of course, it may have been that Burton thought diamonds should belong to Diamond. But my bet was on a frame up.” [05:15]

• Helen’s warning about the case:

  • “Now, you stay out of it, Rick. This thief cuts throats.” [02:11]

• Rick’s banter with Walt, about being frisked and the fake package:

  • “Come on, Sergeant, show me a good frisk and I'll recommend you to all my criminal friends.” [07:09]

• After the successful operation, Walt to Rick:

  • “Want a lift, Rick?”
    “No thanks, Walt. I'm going to go home, freshen up.” [23:17]

• Comic closing with Francis’ revelation:

  • “You see, to all the waitresses of Ms. Toppingham's tea shop, I am Richard Diamond, private detective.” [27:40]

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Timeline & Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:54–02:26: Helen’s call and set-up of the case
• 02:26–04:55: Burton hires Diamond, frame-up revealed
• 06:10–08:20: Cops intercept Rick at Penn Station
• 08:20–14:00: Investigation and tough-guy interviews
• 11:37–15:10: Brawl at Pietro’s and rescued by Gene
• 16:10–21:00: The plan forms, setting up the trap
• 21:01–23:17: Pietro’s sting operation, perps busted
• 24:51–27:43: Sweet romantic and comic denouement

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode sparkles with hardboiled wit, quick-fire sarcasm, and playful chemistry between Rick and Helen. The language is crisp, featuring period slang and verbal jabs. Even as the story veers into noir danger—with murder and betrayal—the mood remains breezy and charismatic, courtesy of Dick Powell’s tongue-in-cheek delivery.

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In Summary

“Fifty Thousand Dollar Diamond Heist” exemplifies the classic detective radio drama: complicated capers, charismatic banter, and sharp plotting, all wrapped around the wisecracking brilliance of Richard Diamond. The episode balances crime and comedy, tension and tenderness, never treating its genre roots too gravely but always delivering satisfying sleuthing, witty repartee, and a sense of fun that defined Old Time Radio’s golden age.

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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]. Now here's Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective, Diamond Detective Agency. A corpse to fit every pocketbook.

[B]

Rick.

[A]

Oh, hello, Helen. Baby. Let me sit down.

[B]

Oh, Rick. What's the matter? You sounded like your arches just broke.

[A]

You got the right idea, baby. Oh, but your geography is cockeyed.

[B]

Are you really hurt, Rick?

[A]

Believe it or not, I was trampled by a herd of horses.

[B]

Oh, Rick, you idiot. Now tell me what did happen?

[A]

Okay, one horse. You ruined me for life.

[B]

You went horseback riding. Oh, I don't believe it.

[A]

Yeah, I want to see my bow legs.

[B]

You actually did. Uh. Oh. Took a girl to get you to ride a horse, but it was some slinky blonde.

[A]

No, baby, it was a palomino. And look. Let's get off horses. I. I've had enough to last me. What's with the early call? Early?

[B]

Rick, did you just get in? It's after 11.

[A]

I was dreaming of you, baby. You wouldn't have wanted me to stop, just to get into the office.

[B]

It's probably a whole harem.

[A]

Helen, you got to stop that peeking.

[B]

You read the morning papers.

[A]

They come out in the morning.

[B]

Now, you stopped that. Did you read them?

[A]

I didn't have a bet down. Why? You on the society page again?

[B]

Oh, much more exciting than that. The police commissioner's house was robbed of $50,000 worth of diamonds last night, and his gardener was murdered.

[A]

What?

[B]

I thought that would fetch. You. Better get a paper. The commissioner's statement's written in blood.

[A]

Yeah, and if things don't wind up fast, Tamara's statement will be in Walt Levinson's blood. It'll be his case.

[B]

Now, you stay out of it, Rick. This thief cuts throats.

[A]

I'm scared.

[B]

Are you, Rick? Come over tonight and I'll frighten you at close range.

[A]

Say eight. I'll practice my knee knocking so I'll be in good form.

[B]

And stay in no nightclubs.

[A]

At the sound of the castanets, Francis can open the door. It'll be me and my knees. See you tonight, baby. Bye. Is this the Diamond Detective Agency? Just like it says on the door. Come in and close it gently. My Japanese beetle's still asleep. Asleep? He's got a better union. Sit down, Mr. Burton. Phineas Burton. What can I do for you, Mr. Burton? I want to hire you. If it's agreeable for A hundred a day in expenses. I'm pretty agreeable. Well, that's fine. I have a package I want you to deliver to a party in Philadelphia. You can get a messenger for five bucks or if you're hard up a carrier pigeon for a handful of popcorn. Why a detective? Well, I'm perfectly capable of judging for myself what I need, Mr. Diamond. Now, here's $300. There will be 200 more for you after you make safe delivery of the package. Why? Why? Three letter word meaning why you want to pay me for five days when the trip to Philly and back can be done in a few hours. Mr. Diamond, I simply want you to drop everything else and take this job immediately. And that is my reason for the added payment. Oh, all right. I'll take your money just as soon as you tell me what's in the package, who it goes to and why it's so important that I take it personally. I can't tell you that. Okay, it's your problem. Now, where did I leave my soap chips? Do you have to know? Of course. How can I do any washing without soap? I mean about this package. Oh, no, no. I can recommend another agency who will do it for 25 bucks and no questions. Oh, very well. Mr. Elliot will meet you at the Philadelphia Station information desk at 2 o'clock today. I will wire him your description and he will make the contact. As for the package, it contains some very valuable papers which Mr. Elliot is afraid his wife will try to intercept. I see. And he commissioned me to find the best man I could to bring the package to him. Oh, you must have read my ad. You'll have to leave immediately. Mr. Elliot is very anxious to get the package. You call me at the Astor when you return and I'll send over the rest of the money. A good day. It may be at that. What? Forget it. Burton left the package on my desk with the money. He was a thin guy, had a funny pot that made him look as if he'd swallowed a basketball. He pushed it out the door and waddled after it. When the guy insists on throwing money in my lap, I get suspicious. And when I remembered the robbery of the night before, I got that lousy feeling again. Now, paragraph 4, section B, rule A of the Detectives Code of Ethics says, quote, upon receiving money, to deliver package detective must never open same. It is unethical. Yeah, who's ethical? Well, surprise. No wonder basketball had been nervous. At the bottom of the box were five pretty little diamonds, about 10 grand worth of a guess. Of course, it May have been that Burton thought diamonds should belong to Diamond. But my bet was on a frame up. A frame that cost the real heisters 10 grand out of 50, but was aimed to get them a nice picture to fit the frame. Me. Yeah. Is this Mr. Diamond? Oh, hello, Burton. Something on your mind? Oh, I happened to be in the store across the street and I noticed you hadn't left yet. You will leave right away, won't you? Just as soon as I arrange things. Phineas, remember, it takes an hour and a half to get to Philadelphia. I don't want you to be late. I'll bet you don't. Just to make sure you understand. Oh, yes, yes, yes, I understand. You can dribble your basketball home now. I beg your pardon, Skipper. Bye. Burden's call ended nearly all doubts. I was being framed for all right. And the trap required my leaving for Penn Station right away. I dropped the diamonds into what was left of a quart of milk I had for lunch the day before, put the bottle on the floor by the wastebasket. Then I took the package, rewrapped it, and went out to hail a cab. I made one stop at a toy shop, then headed for Penn Station. As I entered, I saw a pair of familiar figures. Rick. Okay, what's the gag? I got the tip, but even you wouldn't joke about this case. Now, Walt, I might joke about mass murder, but never about the commissioner being. Is he making speeches yet? Yeah, that's okay, Shammas. This is one time when you're one diamond too many. Why, Otis, you're becoming a wit. Why not? You're halfway there. Ah, Lieutenant, he's picking on me again. You deserve it, Otis. Now, shut up. Rick, I know the tip was phony, but the commissioner was there when it came in. I had to act on it. Tip? Well, don't be smug. I've got one, too. A fifth at Hialeah. Now, don't start that it was a tip that you were taking the commissioner's diamonds out of town. Oh, now, Walt. And don't oh, now, Walt me, I said. I knew the tip was phony, but with the commissioner taking scalps all down the line, I did not apologize, Walt. I know. Come on, Sergeant, show me a good frisk and I'll recommend you to all my criminal friends. He's clean, Lieutenant. Now, Rick, let's see that package and then you can go. This. Oh, no, no, I can't. It's secret. Don't play games, Rick, please. All right, but it's going to spoil my surprise. Well, okay. Give me your word it's got nothing to do with this case and I won't bother to open it. No, no, no. I'm hurt. I absolutely insist that you open the package right now. But, Rick, you know I trust you. Lieutenant Levinson. Do your duty. My purity must not be suspicion. Oh, anything to get this over with. You were what? It's only a pair of dolls. You were expecting maybe my gallstones? Oh, dolls. The Shamas place with dolls. Better read the tag, Gordis, before your ears get any longer. They draft you for mule team tag? Sure, but what? To my beloved Otis from his Ricky. Rick. Now, don't be a grouch, Walt. The other one's for you. For me? Oh, no. I'm sorry, Walt. I couldn't resist it anyhow. You spoiled my surprise to Otis. It was our anniversary.

[B]

What?

[A]

Our anniversary. We ain't even related. Oh, you don't remember? Oh, Otis. Well, can it. Can't I go back to traffic? I can't stand much more. Oh, shut up, Otis. Rick, if we weren't such good friends, I'd. Hey, now you're upset. Upset? Why should I be upset? Just because two hoods lift 50 grand a nice from the commissioner? Or because it's dumped in my lap with the murder of the gardener? Or that I'm given 24 hours to break the case and then get a tip that leads me to a friend who decides to play games and wreck my side to be on repair? Now, why should I be upset, Otis? Here you are, Lieutenant. But take it easy. That's a second bottle of bicarb today, Walt. You rate an apology and I make it. I'll do better than that. I'll help you if you'll let me. Well, I can sure use your help, Rick. I haven't got a single lead. You want to look at the corpse first? May as well. Has he got a record? No. And the commissioner swears he was honest. Probably stumbled onto the thieves and they had to put him away. How about the rest of the servants? They were all out. Commissioner and his wife were at a party. They given the entire staff the night off. But I guess perhaps the gardener returned a little early. Yeah. Well, let's go down and take a look at him. I've got a personal interest that makes me want to crack this case. Client. Call him an ex client. I'll explain him later. Come on. Here he is, Rick. Nasty cut. How was it made? Well, it could have been a sharp knife, but it's a safer bet that it was A razor. Remind me not to go to his barber. What safecracker's got enough nerve to pull his job? Wal, I got three guys that could fit the job, but not one of them has ever been known to carry a weapon of any sort, much less a razor. Correction. One dealer. That gardener's playing a lousy joke on us. I suppose this could have been the first time one of them carried a razor. I don't buy that. Neither do you. Give me the names. I want to talk to them. Maybe I can get a lead of some sort. Sure. Here they are. And please, Rick, call me if you get anything. If I can find the nickel. Bye. As far as I could see, I had three things to match up. One, the careless buyer. Two, the safecracker was nerve enough to rob the police commissioner. And three, the reason why I was picked as the pigeon. I gave up the idea of hunting for Burton, the guy who came into my office. He was probably a flunky and not worth running down. So I checked the names I got from Walt, grabbed a cab and headed for the Bronx. The first turned out to be an ex con trying to go straight by working in a Bronx hash house. The second was likely, but he'd kissed his wife with a beer bottle and spent last night in jail. At the third address, down in Greenwich Village, I met a landlady with gin, loaded tonsils and a cute mustache. She tipped me that my third prospect, Vincent Mayer, might be playing pinochle at Pietro's. Which turned out to be a cafe with a 30 foot bar, three tables and a back room. Hey, barkeep. Yeah, What'd it be, Freddie? Milk, no, chaser Milk. Who makes it? Oh, you mean like from cows? Never carry the stuff. Where can I find Vince Mayor?

[B]

Why don't you ask me, handsome?

[A]

Well, hello, baby.

[B]

Now, do I look like a baby?

[A]

No.

[B]

My name's Gene. What do they call you?

[A]

Take your pick. Call me Rick.

[B]

Hey, you talk funny, but you're awful nice. Too nice to be hunting for Vince Mayer. He's a bad boy, Rick.

[A]

Yeah, well, I'm trying to be a hero. Where is he?

[B]

In the back room there. The guy with the light hair. But be careful.

[A]

Thanks, baby. I'll buy you a palace. 80 mojo, 20 clubs, 20 spades and 40 pinocchles. What, no diamonds? Hey. Well, well, well, look who's here. What do you want, Chambers? Vince the Iceman, isn't it? Well, now, let's see. Sing sing, class of 38. Where's your school tie, Vince? The name is Mr. Mayor. To you. Diamond and privates are not welcome here. It's a closed game. Yeah, move on. Give me a reason. You want to play dead? Oh, come on, Vance. You're not going to get upset just because I think you robbed the commissioner. You did, didn't you? I told my story to the cops. I'll bet. But you didn't answer my question. And here's another. Who's your barber? You're asking for it, Diamond. I was brought up right. Now, let's get off this cat and mouse kick. I want some answers, Vince. Do you? That's right, junior, I do. All right, call him, Joe. Hey, hey. What? What? All right, Joe, stop it. Stop it. That's enough, Joe. All right, now drag him out in the alley. Vince, can I? Yeah, yeah, okay. Maybe it'll teach him not to get so nosy. But keep that razor in your pocket. I will. Honest. This is gonna be real fun. Come on, Shammas. Here's where I do some road work on your liver. Here. Mr. Diamond, I only wish my brother could see you. When I came to, I was curled up around a round metal object. I couldn't see and I felt as if I was smothered in a mountain of cotton. And getting out of it was like trying to shovel sand with a pitchfork. I finally managed to move and wished I hadn't, for a company of Bengal Lancers began target practice in my side. So I quit trying and lay still for a long moment. Then a voice came fizzing through the cotton at me.

[B]

Hey. Hey, mister, are you alive?

[A]

If I'm not, you're an angel. And this is a harp.

[B]

Well, I'm sure no angel. And that's the garbage can, so I guess you're not dead.

[A]

Matter for debate, Jeannie. Oh, help me up, will you?

[B]

Sure. Here.

[A]

Can you stand practically anything after this?

[B]

Ooh. Hey, you're hurt pretty bad. Come on, lean on me. My place isn't far. I'll take you there so you can lie down.

[A]

Best offer I've had today. Lead on, angel.

[B]

There, now. How do you feel?

[A]

I never use language like that in front of a lady.

[B]

Oh, I'm no lady. I'm a waitress at Pietro's. I heard the noise in the back room. When you didn't come out, I took a look.

[A]

Ooh.

[B]

Gee, does your head hurt, baby?

[A]

Like all my relatives who are inside digging for gold. With luck, I can open my eyes and they won't fall out.

[B]

You know, we might have had a lot of fun together if you weren't all banged up like this.

[A]

I'll take that remark up with you later, honey. I'm not usually the kind of guy who runs out on fire pretty girls. But I only wanted to get my hands on the gonif who tried to kick my brains out. So I took Gene's number, filed it under for later investigation and stumbled out into the street. My head was clearing, but it was as slow about it as a dummy doing a striptease. Maybe that's why I didn't notice when I came out of the house that I had two guys for company. Hello, Diamond. Huh? Huh? When Pietro told me Jane had run out, I thought I might find you here. She always goes for guys like you. Well, she has taste. I'm glad you came around. I have a few things I want to discuss with you and Joel here. Hold it, Thomas, or I'll show you how easy it is to get rid of your troubles. Oh, now that's a pretty little gun. Aren't you stepping out of character, Vince? You're supposed to be a smart one. You're getting on my nerves. Yeah? Well, put the gun away and I'll quiet you down a little. You want me to mess him up again, Vince? And what's with you? Come to do your job over again? I may at that. Yeah, well, you got 32 teeth, Sonny. Wanna try for none? Why you? I got some questions I'd still like to have answered. Why was I picked as pigeon? Why me? You're getting a little too smart, Diamond. Now, listen, I know you got wise to Burton, so it figures that you still got the package. Now, I got no reasons to give you $10,000 worth of diamonds. I want them back. No, Dandy. I've got big news for you, buster. You're not gonna get em. Don't make any mistakes, Diamond. I'll use this gun if I have to. Nah. Go eat a tombstone. Joe. Yeah. How's your stomach ache? Wait a minute, Joe. Now, diamond, look, you can have a choice. You bring the rocks to me at Pietro's in an hour and we'll forget the whole thing. Or don't, and I'll send Joe with a few friends to call on you. And for the last time, for a few sick minutes, I leaned against the wall, wondering if I wanted to live. One thing I was certain of was that Vince Mayer was never going to get those diamonds back. Or was he? An idea began to percolate in my head to the tune of an old rhyme about a goose in the gander. And I got inspired enough to sit up and forget my aching ribs. When it simmered into a full scale boil, I grabbed a cab, went back to my office and got the diamonds out of the milk bottle where I'd hidden them. Then I headed for the village fast. I was soon banging on the door there like a drummer playing. Bob.

[B]

So I owe you money. Hold your horses. Well, if it ain't my cripple.

[A]

I got the bruises to prove it.

[B]

Come on in. Are you really recovered?

[A]

What? Oh, no, not that much, angel. Then I need some answers. What do you know about Vince and Joe?

[B]

Not too much. Enough to dislike him plenty. That Vince got me canned for leaving Pietro's to take care of you. That's why I'm back home. I know he's a smoothie and he. I think he's a big time jewel thief.

[A]

That much I know. How about Joe the Dog Face boy?

[B]

Ah, him. He's just a punk. I think his real name is Fanchy or Fanchetti. Franchetti or some such thing.

[A]

Franchetti? Yeah.

[B]

I don't know why, but they call him Joe the Barber.

[A]

Oh, Joe the Barber.

[B]

Yeah. Isn't that silly?

[A]

If he cuts hair, it isn't. But I'll lay 8 to 1 this guy works on throats. Thanks, angel. You've tied up my three points.

[B]

What are you talking about?

[A]

Your friend Vince Mayer lifted 50 grand in ice from the police commissioner last night. And his accomplice Joe gave the gardener a shave. You mean murder on the button? The gardener's throat was sliced from life to death. Now, baby, look. How would you like to earn a hundred dollars?

[B]

Sure. Is it legal?

[A]

Well, no.

[B]

I'll take it.

[A]

Now, where is he? Will you tell me? Where's Rick? I know where I'd like him to be. I'm worried, Otis. Seriously. Rick is in this thing up to his ears. You mean he was in on that job? Don't be stupid, Otis. Of course not. Rick's no crook. But he's mixed up in this case someway and I'm worried. He should have called me by now. Gee, hope he hasn't tangled with that razor guy. I thought you hated Rick. Oh, you know, I was just talking. I know, I know. What a mess. Rick in danger and I can't find him. The Commissioner spouting lava all over the city hall. Why the devil did it have to be the commissioner's house? You know, it's kind of funny at that. The commission himself. You knucklehead. For two cents I'd. Maybe that's him. Lieutenant Levinson, Homicide. Walt. Rick. Rick, I was. Where the devil you been? Taking care of some arrangements. Arrangements? Never mind. Just listen. I was picked as a pigeon. And some of those diamonds were planted on me this morning. What? I've traced your hoods. They're Vince Mayer and Joe the Barber Franchetti. Now, you come to Pietro's in half an hour and you'll catch him with power of the diamonds on him. Rick, what is this? Vince had it figured as a double barrel gag, Walt. First, on the cops by raiding the Commissioner's house. Second, by dumping a few of the rocks in my lap. And tipping the police so I take the rap. Why you, Rick? Well, Joe's name Franchetti. You remember, I sent his brother Tony to Sing Sing a few years back. I knew he had a brother, but until now, Joe stayed out of Manhattan. I get it. Okay, what's the play? I'm gonna take the package back to Vince, give it to him in Pietro's. A girlfriend will be raising so much fuss, no one will notice me. Then, as Vince and Joel leave, you nail him with the diamonds. And no alibi for having him, right? You said half an hour in front of Pietro's. Take a peek, angel, through the window. There's my party. The back table. Now you know what to do.

[B]

Yeah, I keep yelling till you get back to me.

[A]

Right as rain. I'll make it a good one.

[B]

I got good lungs.

[A]

Let's go in. Okay, over to the bar.

[B]

Lock Rich.

[A]

There he is now, Joe. I told you he'd show up. Hello, Diamond. You got something for me? That's right, Vince. Okay, let's have it. Hey, what's going on over there? Shut up. Stupid dame. Yeah? Do you want the package or not? Oh, yeah. Give it to me. Come on, Joe, let's scram out of here before that dame brings the cops. Yeah, That's an easy way of getting back to ten grand, ain't it, Vince? Shut up. Come on, take it easy now. Okay, okay. We're okay now. Let's split up. Hold it, Vince. Let's have a look at the package. The cops. Levinson, what are you doing? The package, Vince. Hey, what are we gonna do? Shut up. You got a warrant? Of course. Of course. Otis, take the package. Yellowton, you can't arrest me. I don't even know what's in that package. It was given to me by a friend. No. Don't use the term so loosely, Vince. Why, Walt, what are you doing here? Hello, Rick. I've captured a criminal. No. Yes. And he was carrying a package of his loot. Why, I bet it's part of that diamond robbery. What is all this? Diamond, you just planted that package on me. Me? Why, stranger, you're telling a fib. You just know that's downright immoral to something. This is ridiculous, Lieutenant. He gave me those diamonds and Pietro's not five minutes ago. I didn't lift them from the commissioner. Didn't you, Vince? Why, then I must have made a mistake. You can prove your story, of course. Sure I can. Bartender saw diamond slipping the package. Oh, now, Vance, you think that bartender was going to be watching you when a lovely girl is practically tearing up the joint? Boss, the dame, Yellen, she was a plant. Yeah, but this is a frame up. Diamond, you can't get away with this. Please don't talk to me. I never associate with common criminals. A frame. You dirty, double crossing copper. Look out, Rick, he's got a razor. Oh, my arm. Now don't cry, Joe. This is for you. Oh, wow, what a punch you got Shammas. Well, that does it. Come on, Vince. Otis, load that killer into the car and pick up that razor. Yellowtooth. Want a lift, Rick?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No thanks, Walt. I'm going to go home, freshen up. Yeah, you look like you could use it. I left Walt and headed for my apartment where I grabbed a stomach full of vitamins and planted myself under the hot shower. It felt so good I fell asleep. And if Walt hadn't phoned, I'd have probably become the only man in history to drown in the shower. Walt shocked me wide awake with the news that he was holding a thousand dollar reward for me. I gave him my nicest thank you and made a mental note to drop by and give half of it to Gene to make up for her losing her job. Right about 8 o', clock, after I'd taken care of dividing the reward, I steered for 975 Park Avenue, made it with no trouble and rang the bell to Helen's apartment. Oh, good evening, Mr. Diamond. Ms. Asher's expecting you, sir. She's in the library. Thank you. Francis. How's your health? My health, sir, very good, thank you. Well, now, this may come as a shock, but Francis, about the money I owe you. Oh, don't fret about it, sir. It will. I'm going to pay you what I owe you. You're going? Oh, dear. Perhaps I bet it. Oh, my word. Now, there, there. Francis.

[B]

Richard, is that you?

[A]

It ain't Tom Swift, baby.

[B]

Come on in the library.

[A]

Well, okay, but it'll do you no good, my dove. I'm a cripple, a battle torn veteran.

[B]

I don't want your muscles. Rick, I'm blue and I want you to sing to me.

[A]

Oh, Helen, baby, I don't want to sing.

[B]

I want Rick.

[A]

I'm blue.

[B]

I need cheering up, not. Be nice and sing.

[A]

Well, okay, honey. How's this, huh? I can see no matter how near you'll be, you'll never belong to me. But I can dream, can I, can't I pretend that I'm locked in the bin of your embrace? For dreams are just like wine and I am drunk with mine. I'm aware my heart is a sad affair. There's much disillusion there. But I can dream, dream can I, can I adore you? Although we are oceans apart? I can't make you open your heart but I can dream, can I? Oh, there. Still feeling blue, baby.

[B]

Oh, Ricky, come here.

[A]

Here I am. Oh, now I'm contented you in my arms. My bills paid off. And my bills. Oh, for Pete's sake. I forgot. Francis.

[B]

Francis, what are you talking about?

[A]

Come with me. I'll show you. Now. There he is. Francis. Francis, you all right? Yes, sir. I think so, sir.

[B]

Rick, will you tell me what's going on? In my own home?

[A]

Well, honey, I paid Francis off. And the shock of having to give back my gun and badge undid him.

[B]

Oh, well, are you feeling better, Franc?

[A]

Not very much, Ms. Asher. It's that bad. And license. Will you miss him that much, Francis? Well, sir, to be very honest, there's a waitress in a tea shop down the street with whom I've been, if you pardon expression, having a fling.

[B]

Frances, You?

[A]

Oh, that's not the worst, Ms. Asher. I'm afraid I've been a bit of a fraud with her as well. In fact, with several of the waitresses there. Now, wait, wait. Where does my badge and license enter into it? Did you hock them for crumpets? Oh, much worse. Mr. Diamond. You see, to all the waitresses of Ms. Toppingham's tea shop, I am Richard diamond, private detective. You have just heard Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Helen was played by Virginia Gregg, Gene Tatum, William Conrad, Tom Avery and Bob Carroll. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Tonight's story was written by Herb Purdom and edited and directed by Blake Edwards. See the Richard Diamond Picture Story in the December issue of Movie Stars Parade. 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 same time next week when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Listen tonight to NBC for a star lineup of entertainment. Every Saturday on NBC, you can hear such stellar programs as Hollywood Star Theater, Ralph Edwards, Truth the Consequences, your Hit Parade, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, the Judy Canova Show, Grand Ole Opry, and Songs by Morton Downey. There's always a program of interest on NBC, so keep tuned here. Shortcut to Death with Fred McMurray is next on NBC.

[B]

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