Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Fred Sears Murder Case 06/19/1949

Summary

Richard Diamond, Private Detective: "Fred Sears Murder Case" (06/19/1949)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Air Date: November 10, 2025
Original Broadcast: June 19, 1949

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Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, private detective Richard Diamond finds himself embroiled in the contentious marriage of Fred and Mary Sears. What begins as a routine case of suspected infidelity swiftly turns into a tangled murder investigation after Fred Sears is found dead—in Diamond's own office. With a colorful cast including a bitter socialite wife, a prominent playboy, and a venomous gossip columnist, Diamond races against time to uncover the truth behind the murder before the police shut down his business. The episode is a classic blend of noir banter, sharp wit, and a twisting plot, set in the smoky, glamorous world of postwar New York.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Outline

1. Introduction to Richard Diamond and his World

• Diamond introduces himself with his characteristic sardonic wit, describing life as a private eye in New York.
• Quote (Diamond, 01:16):
  "Oh, sure, it gets a little grimy, but you gotta expect that. I'm a shamus, private eye, gumshoe..."

2. Domestic Strife: The Sears Household

• The episode opens with a heated breakfast argument between Fred and Mary ("Helen" in this dramatized exchange—her real name is Mary) Sears over money and accusations of infidelity.
• Quote (Mary Sears, 02:33):
  "I need some new clothes... will you put down that paper and listen to me?"
• Fred accuses Mary of seeing Lorne Oliver, a notorious nightclub owner, further fueling marital discord.

3. Richard Diamond Hired

• Fred Sears arrives in Diamond's office, seeking evidence to divorce his wife on grounds of infidelity (06:16).
• Diamond's reluctance is overcome by Sears’ substantial retainer.
• Quote (Diamond, 06:33):
  "If you want me to swallow my pride, it'll take a $200 retainer and a hundred a day in expenses."

4. At the Stork Club: Meeting the Players

• Diamond and his girlfriend, Helen Asher, dine at the Stork Club to surveil Mary Sears.
• Key players converge: Mary (with Fred), Lorne Oliver, and gossip columnist Jimmy Cello.
• Tensions erupt into a public argument. Diamond stands up for Mary, resulting in Fred firing him and Diamond literally feeding Fred his own $200 check (13:06).
• Memorable moment (Diamond, 13:06):
  "You can have it back. Here, eat it."

5. The Murder

• The next morning, Diamond is awoken by a call from Lt. Walt Levinson—Fred Sears has been found murdered in Diamond’s office (14:39).
• Immediate suspects include Mary Sears, Lorne Oliver, and Jimmy Cello, all of whom had both motive and opportunity.

6. Investigation and Alibis

• Diamond methodically checks each suspect’s alibi:
  • Lorne Oliver: Claims to have been with Mary until late; both say they were together and only briefly out to fetch the papers around 2am.
  • Jimmy Cello: Claims to have been at a party, verifiable by witnesses.
• Diamond grows suspicious when Mary and Lorne’s versions subtly conflict (20:24-20:39).

7. A Brush With Danger

• While leaving Mary’s apartment, Diamond is knocked out by Herman, Oliver's thuggish associate, in an apparent warning (21:24).

8. Finding Herman and a Second Murder

• Diamond and Levinson track Herman to his apartment, only to find him shot dead. The morning newspaper lies nearby—Cello’s column torn out (23:29).
• Key realization (Diamond, 23:29):
  "Then Herman's your killer. Swell. Who killed Herman?"

9. The Unraveling: Newspapers, Alibis, and Blackmail

• In a tense sit-down at the police station, Diamond reveals that only the columnist (Cello) could have supplied the damning article before the murder time, since proof copies ("galley sheets") precede street editions.
• Cello's motive: jealousy over Mary Sears (formerly Mary Carroll, an ex-flame) and an attempt to frame Oliver for Sears' murder (26:29).

10. The Killer Revealed

• Diamond confronts Cello, explaining the sequence:
  • Cello used Herman as a hitman, supplied the proof-sheet clipping to be planted as evidence, then killed Herman to cover his tracks.
  • Quote (Diamond, 26:29):
    "Only one man could have gotten that column before 1 a.m.—the man who wrote it. He tore it out of the galley sheets..."
• Cello is exposed and apprehended.

11. Coda: Return to Lightness

• The episode ends on a gentle note, with Diamond and Helen sharing a musical moment and light banter after the ordeal—a classic touch in Richard Diamond stories (28:09 onwards).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Diamond’s Banter:

  • (02:34) "Here's 10 bucks. Buy yourself a bathing suit."
  • (06:16) "Will I like the view?" (on tailing Mrs. Sears)
  • (13:06) "You can have it back. Here, eat it." (shoving check in Sears’ mouth)

• Confrontations:

  • (12:12) Cello: "Wait a minute. I don't like that. Why don't you ask your husband about North Africa sometime, Mrs. Sears?"
  • (25:03) Diamond: "So you couldn't have been together last night? Look, Diamond. What is this?"
  • (26:29) Diamond: "Only one man could have gotten that column before 1am—the man who wrote it..."

• Wit & Noir Atmosphere:

  • (21:24) Diamond, after being knocked out:
    "You don't look so good. It matches the way I feel."
  • (28:09) Closing serenade:
    "The evening breeze caress the trees tenderly..."

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening Narration & Introduction: 01:01–02:04
• Sears’ Marital Conflict: 02:04–03:49
• Diamond Accepts the Case: 06:08–07:39
• Encounter at the Stork Club: 09:17–13:18
• Discovery of the Murder: 14:39–15:17
• Interviewing Suspects: 16:10–20:58
• Diamond Attacked (Herman): 21:24–21:57
• Finding Herman Dead: 23:29–24:17
• Climactic Confrontation (Cello Exposed): 25:03–27:03
• Denouement/Musical Finish: 27:24–29:26

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Summary

This episode of Richard Diamond, Private Detective, exemplifies the fast-talking, quick-witted, and twist-laden world of old-time radio noir. Diamond’s investigation weaves through jealousy, scandal, blackmail, and murder, ultimately revealing the columnist as the killer, thanks to a clue only a newspaperman could provide. The episode effortlessly blends sharp dialogue, complex characters, and a satisfying resolution—capped, as always, with a touch of romance and song.

Perfect for fans of classic detective fiction, snappy repartee, and Golden Age drama.

Transcript

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[Richard Diamond]

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].

[Narrator]

Here'S Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello there. My name's diamond, and I'm known along the big street as a guy who manages to keep his nose pretty clean and still make a few bucks while I'm doing it. Oh, sure, it gets a little grimy, but you gotta expect that I'm a shamus, private eye, gumshoe. To the guy who hasn't ever been worried because he tripped over a corpse in his breakfast nook, I'm known as a private detective. And to some guys I'm known by a lot of other names. Not the kind you'd find in a book on manners and social usages, but there are times when you might turn up on your desk calendar under the heading of what I must do today. Who hires me? How do I make a living? Well, maybe this will give you an idea.

[Helen Sears]

Fred, why don't you eat your toast? It's getting cold.

[Fred Sears]

Why don't you stop worrying about the temperature of my breakfast? I'm trying to read the paper.

[Helen Sears]

Did anyone ever tell you how charming it is to have breakfast with you every morning?

[Fred Sears]

Yeah, my ulcers.

[Helen Sears]

I'd like to go shopping today. Will you leave me some money, Fred? Did you hear me, Mary?

[Fred Sears]

I'm reading.

[Helen Sears]

Well, stop reading and listen to me for a minute. I need some new summer clothes and I want to go shopping today.

[Richard Diamond]

Here.

[Fred Sears]

Here's 10 bucks. Buy yourself a bathing suit.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, that's very funny. I need more than $10. I want 500.

[Fred Sears]

What kind of a bathing suit are you gonna buy?

[Richard Diamond]

Mink?

[Helen Sears]

I'm not going to buy a bathing suit. I need some new clothes. Will you put down that paper and listen to me?

[Fred Sears]

Well, I see you made Jimmy Cello's.

[Richard Diamond]

Column again, my darling. What?

[Fred Sears]

What prominent socialite is fighting with her wealthy husband and crying on the shoulder Of a big time playboy after the arguments.

[Helen Sears]

Is that. That's supposed to be me?

[Fred Sears]

Can you remember five minutes in the past five years when we haven't been fighting?

[Helen Sears]

Are you accusing me of running around with some playboy?

[Richard Diamond]

Running around is right.

[Fred Sears]

I expect one of you to be the first to do a four minute mob.

[Helen Sears]

How dare you?

[Fred Sears]

How dare me? Why, you little tramp.

[Richard Diamond]

Tramp?

[Fred Sears]

Yeah, tramp. Everybody in town knows you're seeing Loren Oliver.

[Helen Sears]

All right, so I've been seeing him. We're. We're just friends.

[Fred Sears]

Well, that kind of friendship is grounds for divorce in this state.

[Helen Sears]

Why you dirty.

[Fred Sears]

I'm sick of this whole rotten mess and I'm gonna do something about it.

[Helen Sears]

You're gonna do something about it while you conceited, pompous. You're gonna do something, are you? Well, you better hurry up because I've got some ideas of my own. Lauren.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah? You're married.

[Helen Sears]

I gotta talk to you.

[Richard Diamond]

What time is it?

[Helen Sears]

10 o'. Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, still the middle of the night. Call me back later.

[Helen Sears]

I can't wait. Fred found an item about us in Jimmy Chello's column this morning. He stormed out of here like he was going to kill somebody.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you're just a gal who can recognize the symptoms.

[Helen Sears]

Well, that's a nasty line.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want at 10 in the morning, Longfellow? Look, honey, I'll take care of Chello. And if that husband of yours gets out of line, I'll take care of him too. You see what I mean? If things like that didn't happen, I'd be out of business. I'll lay you 8 to 5 that before 3 o' clock this afternoon, one of those charming people will be walking into my office begging for help.

[Fred Sears]

Yeah.

[Helen Sears]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, hello, Helen. Baby. Hi.

[Helen Sears]

You gonna take me out tonight?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, sure. I'll be over later. We'll have a quiet evening.

[Helen Sears]

No, no, I want to go dancing tonight. If you don't take me, I'll throw a tantrum.

[Richard Diamond]

But baby, I don't have the cash. I'm tapped this week.

[Helen Sears]

Well, if you won't let me take you borrow it from Francis. You told me yourself he was good in a bench.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but he's already black and blue from those three lunches at Lindy's. Besides, he's not only your butler, but he's a darn good businessman. He wants security.

[Helen Sears]

Well, I'll give it to him.

[Richard Diamond]

He's already got my badge, my book on the 10 Best Ways to sneak through Transoms, complete with illustrations and my.

[Helen Sears]

Gun haven't you got something else?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but I'm saving the right eye in case of an emergency. Keyholes, you know. Look, honey, let's go take in a quiet movie.

[Helen Sears]

I want to get dressed up and go to a nightclub. It's summer. The flowers are blooming and the fox has left his lair.

[Richard Diamond]

His what?

[Helen Sears]

I've been hibernating all winter and I want to get out into some nice smoke filled dance floor.

[Richard Diamond]

Why, Helen?

[Helen Sears]

Why, Helen? Nothing, please.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, hold it. Someone's knocking at my chamber door. Come in.

[Fred Sears]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Pull up a chair. I'll be right with you.

[Helen Sears]

Who is it?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm afraid to look. I haven't paid the light bill.

[Fred Sears]

This is a detective agency, isn't it?

[Richard Diamond]

You, sir, have just won yourself a new economy home size murder sampler complete with a matching set of bodies. Me? No.

[Fred Sears]

I haven't got time to listen to your bright remarks. Diamond. I want to hire you.

[Helen Sears]

What did he say?

[Richard Diamond]

He doesn't like my bright remarks. You won't even admit they're bright.

[Helen Sears]

What else?

[Richard Diamond]

No, something about wanting to.

[Helen Sears]

Something about what?

[Richard Diamond]

What was that last statement, sir? It sounded rather cozy.

[Fred Sears]

I said I wanted to hire you.

[Helen Sears]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll call you later, baby. Bye. Wait a minute now. Mr. Sears. Mr. Sears. What can I do for you?

[Fred Sears]

I want you to follow my wife.

[Richard Diamond]

Will I like the view.

[Fred Sears]

She's running around with another man.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if they're just running around, don't worry about it. When they get tired and slow down that things start to pop.

[Fred Sears]

There was a veiled article in Jimmy Cello's column this morning about my wife and this man.

[Richard Diamond]

I know Cello.

[Fred Sears]

So do I. But I'm not interested in cello at the moment.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what do you want? Enough on your wife so you can get a divorce? Yes. Well, that comes kind of high. I don't like cases like this and I usually turn them down. If you want me to swallow my pride. It'll take a $200 retainer and a hundred a day inexpensive.

[Fred Sears]

I'll write you a check.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, just like that, huh?

[Fred Sears]

I am quite wealthy. That's why I want the divorce. Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

There you are. Yes, sir, there I am. Now, what's the man's name that your wife is seeing?

[Fred Sears]

His name is Lorne Oliver.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, this is turning into a family gathering.

[Fred Sears]

You know him?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. Runs the Monarch Club. That's right. What's your wife's name? And we're gonna get a look at her. Mary Sears.

[Fred Sears]

You can see her tonight at the Stork. We'll Be there for dinner, nine o'.

[Richard Diamond]

Clock. I'll be there. Oh, incidentally, that comes under the heading of expenses. In case you have a short memory.

[Fred Sears]

I have a good memory, Mr. Diamond. You can send me the bill.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, address and phone number.

[Fred Sears]

45 East 65th Street.

[Richard Diamond]

45 East 65 Evergreen.

[Fred Sears]

417-934-1793.

[Richard Diamond]

Now I've got to be going.

[Fred Sears]

Goodbye, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Goodbye, Mr. Sears. Yeah?

[Helen Sears]

What'd you hang up on me for?

[Richard Diamond]

Honey, this is because you always give me an argument. You never want to go anywhere. I'm getting tired of shows and hot dogs. I want to go dancing and I don't mean Roseland. I want to go to the Stork. I'm a growing boy and I like to see the bright lights and throw my money around.

[Helen Sears]

Rick. You. You.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll pick you up at 8:30. And this time don't wear slacks. You're an idiot. Bye. Idiot. Yes, that's the way it goes. Just as I told you. The word private in front of detective means you're married to all the troubles in the world and that includes everything. So if a guy turns up who's unhappy with his wife, you listen to him howl. And if he's got enough money, you take the job. It's for better or for worse. And until Mr. Sears came in, it was decidedly one sided. I'd teach cooking to a bunch of headhunters for a fee like the one he'd given me. When I looked at his $200 check, I started getting that big, big man complex again. So I closed the office and went back to my flat. We'd probably be up late and Helen always had some extracurricular activities. After, we'd get back to her place, you know, roasting marshmallows, fast game of canasta or an exciting round of image on the living room rug. Anyway, I always got home pretty late in the a.m. so I spent the rest of the afternoon taking a nap. At 6 o' clock I got up and dressed and at 8:30 I picked up Helen. Wow. And at 9 o' clock we were sitting at the Start Club Bar. Right on schedule.

[Helen Sears]

Rick, when are you gonna ask for a table?

[Richard Diamond]

Honey, the drinks come pasta here.

[Helen Sears]

But I want to dance.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no, no, no. Mustn't overdo it, lover. How do you know? Maybe some mountain climber will ask you on a 20 mile hike tomorrow. Think of your feet. I am.

[Helen Sears]

I want to move them around that dance floor. Rick, I know you. You do something, you do it all.

[Jimmy Cello]

The way yeah, let's.

[Richard Diamond]

Nick.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, now you stop that. You're on a job and you don't want to go in there because you've got to watch somebody.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Helen Asher. How are you, darling?

[Helen Sears]

Hello, Lauren.

[Richard Diamond]

How have you been? Oh, couldn't be better. Why don't you ever stop over to my club? I'd like to show you around. She just brought a Seeing Eye dog. Oh, hello, Diamond.

[Helen Sears]

You two know each other, don't you?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes. How did we make such a grisly mistake, Oliver? I don't know. I tried taking penicillin for it, but it didn't do much good. Well, it probably helped out in the other things. Why don't you try hanging yourself? You always did think you were a pretty funny man, didn't you, Diamond? It's easy being a comic. You just find an idiot for an audience. How do you like the performance? Stinks. Pardon me, Helen, but I see some people I know. You'll excuse me, won't you, Diamond? Oh, sure. Yes. But the next time you drop around, bring some airwig, huh?

[Helen Sears]

Rick, even if you don't like him, you shouldn't say those things. He's liable to start a fight.

[Richard Diamond]

He wouldn't take a swing at a midget if he was riding an elephant.

[Helen Sears]

I wonder who his friends are. They don't seem to be too glad to see him.

[Richard Diamond]

Their name's Sears.

[Helen Sears]

Is that who you're watching?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, the wife.

[Helen Sears]

I don't know whether I approve or not. She's very attractive.

[Richard Diamond]

Isn't she, though? Rick, this is business, baby, business. I'm only drooling because I haven't had anything to eat since this morning.

[Helen Sears]

Well, then let's get a table. You've seen her. You've observed what she's doing. Now let's get something to eat.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait a minute. Here comes somebody else I know.

[Helen Sears]

Where?

[Richard Diamond]

Standing at the check room.

[Helen Sears]

The little man.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Here comes.

[Helen Sears]

Who is he?

[Richard Diamond]

Name's Cello. Jimmy Cello. Writes a gossip column.

[Helen Sears]

I read it all the time.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Jimmy. Well, well, well.

[Jimmy Cello]

The Broadway shamus. Who's the lovely redhead?

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond, Helen, meet James Cello. But be careful what you say. Jimmy, Helen Asher.

[Helen Sears]

Hello, Mr. Cello.

[Jimmy Cello]

How do you do? This an item?

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, if I don't get us a table soon, she's going to make me give back her sorority picture.

[Jimmy Cello]

Oh, speaking of tables, I see some people I know. Nice meeting you, Ms. Asher.

[Helen Sears]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Cello]

Goodbye, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye, Jimmy.

[Helen Sears]

Rick, he's going over to see a table.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Walter. Hi, doll. Hi. Well, well.

[Jimmy Cello]

Good evening.

[Fred Sears]

What do you want, Cello?

[Jimmy Cello]

Oh, I just dropped by to see how the happy little family was getting along.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, just drop away. Nobody asked you.

[Fred Sears]

Yeah, why don't you do that? And take Oliver here with you. Nobody asked him to stop by either.

[Helen Sears]

Keep your voice down.

[Fred Sears]

This is my table, and I don't like a lot of crumbs lying all over it.

[Richard Diamond]

Who's a crumb?

[Jimmy Cello]

Come on, Lauren. I guess Mr. Sears has forgotten a few things.

[Fred Sears]

I haven't forgotten a thing, Cello. When you print one thing in that lying sheet of yours, and I'll have you sued for libel.

[Jimmy Cello]

Listen, Sears, if I did print anything, they'd put you away so far they'd have to pipe air into you.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, do go on, Mr. Cello. This is getting interesting.

[Richard Diamond]

You'd better get out of here, Cello. No, no, no. Go on, Cello. What have you got on, old money bag?

[Fred Sears]

He's a lying, dirty gossip monger. He doesn't have a think.

[Jimmy Cello]

Wait a minute. I don't like that. Why don't you ask your husband about North Africa sometime? Mrs. Sears, just a minute.

[Fred Sears]

All right, now pick yourself up and get out of here, Cello.

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe you're right.

[Helen Sears]

I've got a column to get out.

[Jimmy Cello]

It'll be all about you, Sears, in big tight.

[Fred Sears]

Go on, get out.

[Richard Diamond]

How about me? You gonna throw me out, too?

[Fred Sears]

You can bet your life I am.

[Helen Sears]

I'm getting out of here.

[Fred Sears]

You stay right where you are.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't talk that way to marry.

[Fred Sears]

I'll talk any way I like to my wife.

[Richard Diamond]

Go on.

[Helen Sears]

Maybe better leave. Here come the waiters.

[Richard Diamond]

Now I'm gonna push his fat slob's face in.

[Helen Sears]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Fred Sears]

All right, all right. Come on, break it up. Break it up. Come on. Hey, waiter, give me a hand. Take your hands off me, diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, calm down, Mr. Sears. I'll kill that slob, Oliver. You shut up or I'll pull your pants up over your head and shove you in a glass like a breadstick.

[Fred Sears]

I don't like people meddling in my affairs, Diamond. You're fired.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm what?

[Fred Sears]

You heard me. Now take your filthy hands off me.

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, well, they were lily white before I palmed that check of yours this morning. You can have it back. Here, eat it.

[Fred Sears]

I'll have you in jail for this, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Why, it isn't every day you get to eat a $200 check.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, Rick, let's get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I'm sorry, baby, but that's what happens when you go to work for a hyena like Sears. You think he's a nice Guy because he laughs so much. If you find out later, it's only because he chewed your leg off. We left Sears still spitting out pieces of the check I'd shoved down his throat and headed for Helen's apartment. I was sore. When I get hot under the collar, I don't make for good company. So I dropped her off with a kiss and went back to my flat and climbed in the sack. I smoked a dozen cigarettes before I got to sleep. When I finally did, it must have been with a big smile on my face. All night I kept dreaming that Lauren Oliver and Fred Sears were beating themselves to death with hot paper sacks. Yeah, Diamond. No, this is Sunshine Market, Lux. Popovers are specialty. Now, you stop clowning and get over here right away. What? Lieutenant Levinson. Oh, wow. Where are you? I'm in your office. Yeah, what? If any clients come in, give them a good sales talk. Tell them how many people you've killed or something. There's a guy in your office now. Prospect? Depends on what you're talking about. I think his name is Fred Sears. Tell him to go home. He canned me last night. I don't think he'll listen. All right, all right. So he's sore. He's got a right to be. He's dead. Stop acting like an idiot, Walt. You know I didn't have anything to do with it. I know you didn't. But we find a stiff in your office and we get a report that he fired you last night, but you had a fight with him. I gotta tell the commissioner something. Rick. Limbs. Sergeant Otis is teething. Now, you stop that.

[Helen Sears]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you know about the killing? The coroner just left. He said that Sears had been dead about eight hours. The cleaning woman found him at nine this morning and called us. That puts the time of the murder around 1am we found this clenched in the dead man's hand. What is it? An article torn out of the morning papers. Here, read it. Jimmy Cholo's column. Read it. All right, I will. Don't yell at me. Fred Sears, wealthy import export man, is having troubles. He's finding it hard to explain about his past doings in North Africa. And at the same time, he's finding it just as hard to explain his wife's interest in the local playboy nightclub owner, Lorne Oliver. He got so mad at the Start Club. Oh, I was there. I was there. He got so mad at the Start Club last night that he took a poke at your columnist and then tried to beat up Lauren Oliver. Will this lead to a rematch between Oliver and Sears. We're having a whole bunch of them picked up. Walt. Walt, before you do that, give me a couple of hours, will you? Try to dig up your killer. I can't. You know what we've got to do. It's routine. The commissioner's already having fits every time he hears my name. Now, look, Walt, I got a business to protect. And if he finds out the stiff was killed in my office, he'll probably haul in my license. Yeah. One hour, Rick. That's all I can give you. I got a job too. Thanks, Walt. I suppose you've got an alibi for one o' clock Call Helen. We were toasting marshmallows. Well, I had three good suspects. Lorne, Oliver Cello, the columnist, and Mrs. Sears. One of the three was built just right for the electric chair. An hour isn't much time to dig up a killer. So I grabbed a cab and headed for Loren Oliver's office in the back of his club. Yeah, I come in. How are you, Oliver? Oh, what do you want, diamonds? Not particular about who comes into my club. Oh, I'm surprised you can operate with that kind of policy. People probably see you in here every night. I think I'll have you thrown out. Where were you at one o' clock this morning? None of your business. Herman. Yeah, boss? Come in here and show a guy out of my office. Oh, we get rough, huh? Yeah. Okay, okay, I'll let you tell the cops who knocked off Fred Sears. Hey, this is the guy. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wait a minute. Did you say someone knocked off Red Sears? That's right. But don't start crying about it. It makes me feel so helpless. I'll tell my story to the cops. They'll get a lot tougher than I will. You won't get tough at all, Mac. Oh, stop flexing, Herman. You'll snap your girdle. Well, I guess it doesn't make much difference as long as Sears is dead. I was with his wife from about 12 o'clock to. Well, it was a long time after one. Where were you all that time? At my place. Now take a walk, Shammas. You got my alibi. One more question. Did you go out at all? Yeah, I went out and got the late papers. So what? I like to read. Okay, okay. You don't mind if I stop by and see Mrs. Sears, do you? No, go ahead. I'll see you later. Oh, Herman. Yeah? You can let the air out now. Your muscles are lovely. Well, Oliver had a good story for check, so that left me with two more stops Cello's newspaper office was the closest. So I grabbed another cab and 10 minutes later I was sitting at his desk.

[Jimmy Cello]

You don't think I had anything to do with it, do you?

[Helen Sears]

Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Wherever you had won this morning.

[Jimmy Cello]

I was covering a party at Richard Gray's. I was with friends from about 11 o' clock till after 3. You can check. Come on, check.

[Richard Diamond]

Look. Poison pen. Sears had your column from the late edition clenched in his hand.

[Jimmy Cello]

He did, huh? Well, you don't think if I was gonna kill a man, I'd leave anything like that around?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know.

[Jimmy Cello]

Now, obviously someone is trying to make it look like I did it. Have you talked with Oliver and Sears wife?

[Richard Diamond]

Oliver's got an alibi and I'm headed for Mrs. Sears place right now. You know the address? Yes.

[Jimmy Cello]

45 East 65th. But Mrs. Sears couldn't kill her husband. I know her too well.

[Richard Diamond]

No. Well, thanks, Cello. I'll check your alibi. If it stands up. Then I'll have to really go to work on Mrs. Sears.

[Helen Sears]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Mrs. Sears? Yes. Oh, you look even better up close.

[Helen Sears]

What's on your mind?

[Richard Diamond]

You mean write this minute?

[Helen Sears]

Well, aren't you nice? Don't crowd me, though. I can keep up a pretty good average in this league.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd say about a thousand. May I come in?

[Helen Sears]

I think so, if you keep talking. I like to hear nice things now you deserve them.

[Richard Diamond]

But I can think of some nice things to say about a panther.

[Helen Sears]

We'll talk about my family some other time. Can I buy you a drink?

[Richard Diamond]

It's a little early. Unless you got some milk.

[Helen Sears]

Milk?

[Richard Diamond]

Where's your husband?

[Helen Sears]

Oh, you know about him, huh? Oh, I'm sorry. This looks as though it might work into quite a friendship.

[Richard Diamond]

Where is he?

[Helen Sears]

I haven't seen him since last night. Why? Is he a friend of yours?

[Richard Diamond]

He's been using my office. Oh, yeah. He died there last night.

[Jimmy Cello]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Everybody is so surprised.

[Helen Sears]

But how? Who did it?

[Richard Diamond]

That's what I'm trying to find out, lover. Where were you at 1am that's none of your business. Okay. Let the law drag it out of you. Goodbye, dear.

[Helen Sears]

Wait a minute. All right, I'll tell you. I was with a man named Oliver. Lorne.

[Jimmy Cello]

Oliver.

[Richard Diamond]

How long?

[Helen Sears]

From about 12 o' clock to. Well, much later.

[Richard Diamond]

That's what Oliver says. Did you go out at all?

[Helen Sears]

Just to get the papers.

[Richard Diamond]

That checks with Oliver's story too. Did you go out alone?

[Helen Sears]

I. No, I. I went with Lorne.

[Richard Diamond]

He says he went out alone.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, well, yes. Yes, he did.

[Richard Diamond]

I thought you said you went out with him.

[Helen Sears]

Well, that was later. Lorne was the one that went out to get the papers.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay. What time is it?

[Helen Sears]

About two.

[Richard Diamond]

When you both went out or when Lauren went out to get the papers by himself?

[Helen Sears]

When Lauren went out.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes. Now. Now I see. Well, I. I'll. I'll see you later.

[Helen Sears]

I come back again.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'll do that. After you get over crying for your late husband.

[Helen Sears]

I'll keep my emotions down to a minimum.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll bet you will. I left her standing in the middle of the room looking after me like a vegetarian with an eye on a green salad. I closed the door and started down the hall for the elevators. For some reason, I never seem to get where I'm going. Hello? While you're still tuned in, Diamond, I'll give you some advice. Stay away from Mrs. Sears. Now, I want you to be sure.

[Jimmy Cello]

And get the point.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick. Rick, Come on, snap out of it. Go away. Come on. You don't look so good. It matches the way I feel. Here's a new line. Where am I, Walt? In Mrs. Sears apartment.

[Helen Sears]

Hello, handsome.

[Richard Diamond]

She heard the scuffle in the hall, came out, found you and called me. Swell. Who did it? I didn't see him, but his voice sounded like a thug that Lauren Oliver keeps around a patty cake with.

[Helen Sears]

Oh, that was probably Herman. Lauren is so jealous.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, your hour is up. And now I'm going to haul them all in, including Ms. Herman. Oh, do you know Herman, Walt? Sure. Herman Sharp got a record a mile long. Walt, if a guy wanted to hire a killer, where would he go? You know all the stoolies as well as I do. Yeah. Mrs. Sears, what was the fight about last night at the Stork?

[Helen Sears]

Oh, a columnist Main named Cello threatened my husband that he was going to print something in his paper. He said something about North Africa and Fred hit him.

[Richard Diamond]

North Africa? This is really getting mixed up. Was your husband ever in North Africa?

[Helen Sears]

Yes, during the war. He was a captain in the army.

[Richard Diamond]

What? Can you get me this Herman Sharps address? He's the boy I want. Sure, but I'm coming along. Have your boys pick up Cello Oliver and take them both down to the station along with Mrs. Sears here.

[Helen Sears]

Well, you don't think I had anything to do with it, do you?

[Richard Diamond]

I've known Jimmy Chello a long time. About five years ago, he used to run around with a little dancer named Mary Carroll.

[Helen Sears]

Sure he did. I married Carol, but I broke up with him when I met Fred.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, well, you'll See him at the station. You can pick up where you left off. Come on, Walt. We went down fast and climbed into the prowl car. Walt put in the call, got Herman's address over the two way radio. Twenty minutes later, we were standing in front of Herman's door. It was an old apartment house on the Lower east side. I started for the door, but Walt had other ideas. Rick, we can't go in there. Why not?

[Fred Sears]

Because I haven't got a search warrant.

[Richard Diamond]

You gotta go in if you want to crack this case. Not without a search warrant. Search warrant for what? To go in. What do you want to go in for? I don't want to go in.

[Jimmy Cello]

You do.

[Richard Diamond]

Do what? Go in. Well, go ahead. I haven't got a warrant. What are you looking for? Herman Sharp. He's probably in there. He is? Sure. Well, what are we waiting for? Oh, what did I do that for? For that. What? Herman Sharp. Oh, is he dead? Yeah. Been shot. What are you looking at? Newspaper on the floor. This morning's cello's column's missing, been torn out. Then Herman's your killer. Swell. Who killed Herman? Don't you know? I'm going to start that again. Walt, go on back to the station. I'm going to check something and make a phone call. I'll be down in half an hour and point out your killer.

[Fred Sears]

Now, calm down. Calm down, everybody.

[Richard Diamond]

This is ridiculous. I want my lawyer. You'll get one later.

[Jimmy Cello]

Relax, Oliver. They can't hold it much longer. How do you feel, Mary?

[Helen Sears]

I don't like this any more than you do.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, good afternoon and happy Father's Day. Rick, where the devil have you been? Made a phone call to Washington, Walt. Mrs. Sears, did you know that your husband had a dishonorable discharge from the army?

[Helen Sears]

Why, no.

[Richard Diamond]

You knew it, didn't you? Cello?

[Jimmy Cello]

That's right, but I kept it quiet. He got it for running a black market.

[Richard Diamond]

What's this got to do with the death of Sears? Oliver, you told me you went out to get the papers last night. That's right. What time was it? A little after two. You know what time the late edition comes in? How about you, Mrs. Sears?

[Helen Sears]

What Lorne says is correct.

[Richard Diamond]

How about it, Lorne? Were you the one to go out and get the papers? Yes. Then, Mrs. Sears, why did you tell me this afternoon that you also went out to get the papers?

[Helen Sears]

Well, I married.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't say anymore. You don't have to. The stories don't check. So you couldn't have been together last night? Look, Diamond. What is this? Oh, now you look, Oliver, you're both liars. But that doesn't make either one of you the killer. Oh, but Rick Cello's alibi checks right down the line. Sure it does, because he was at that party. But the killer wasn't. We know that.

[Fred Sears]

He couldn't have been.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but the man who hired the killer to knock off Sears was.

[Jimmy Cello]

What are you talking about?

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond. Oliver, where was your hired gun? If last night. You mean Herman? Yeah. Well, I don't know. He was with me until 6 o'.

[Helen Sears]

Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

Then he left. Walt, when you find Herman's gun, ballistics will probably say that it was the one that did the job on Sears. Herman? Yeah, Cello. You hired Herman to kill Sears and then you killed Herman.

[Jimmy Cello]

You're out of your mind. I didn't even know this Herman.

[Richard Diamond]

We found the newspaper next to Herman's body. It had your column torn out of it.

[Jimmy Cello]

That doesn't pin anything on me. It just shows you that Herman probably stuck that article in Sears hand after tearing it out of a newspaper.

[Richard Diamond]

That's you. That's what you wanted. To make it look like. You knew Herman. You knew about the clipping, so you killed him and tore the column out of this morning's newspaper.

[Jimmy Cello]

Of course I knew about the clipping. You told me about it this morning in my office.

[Richard Diamond]

That's right. But you were the only one I told about it.

[Jimmy Cello]

You couldn't convict Jack the Ripper on that kind of evidence.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm afraid he's right, Rick. Jello, what time does a late edition come out?

[Jimmy Cello]

About 2 o'.

[Richard Diamond]

Clock. Walt, what time is Sears killed? Around 1 SE. Yeah, yeah. The killer couldn't have gotten hold of that column at one o'.

[Jimmy Cello]

Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

The papers weren't even out on the street. Well, then how did he do it? Only one man could have gotten that column before 1am the man who wrote it.

[Helen Sears]

Jimmy.

[Richard Diamond]

He tore it out of the galley sheets. The proofs that are made up before the paper goes to press. Cello hired Herman, gave him the clippings and then went to the party.

[Jimmy Cello]

Oh, you're doing great, Diamond. Keep it up.

[Richard Diamond]

You're still in love with Mary Sears. You were jealous of Oliver, so you hired Oliver's boy Herman, figuring the cops would pin Sears murder on Oliver. I'm a doin.

[Jimmy Cello]

You're a good liar and a rotten detective.

[Richard Diamond]

You knew I'd go to see Mary Sears, so you sent Herman to beat me up and make it look like Oliver was behind it. What? You tried to frame Oliver all along the line. Why you Cheap little scandal snooper. I'll fix it so you wait a minute.

[Fred Sears]

All right, break it down. Come on, break it down.

[Jimmy Cello]

Break it out.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, Walt. What is it, Rick?

[Helen Sears]

Bye. Oh, good evening, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Evening, Francis. Ms. Acheron?

[Helen Sears]

Yes, sir. She's in the library. She's a little tired from last night. I think she's taking a nap.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'll walk on my tippy toes. How about a glass of warm milk, Francis? I'm a little tired, too.

[Helen Sears]

Yes, sir. Right away, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, look at the little baby. Oh, he's in Dream Rain. Poor little tired baby. The evening breeze caress the trees tenderly the trembling trees embrace the breeze Tenderly hello, baby.

[Jimmy Cello]

Dance.

[Richard Diamond]

All right. Closure with your eyes Then you and I came wandering by how wonderful and lost in our sight were we.

[Helen Sears]

Ricky.

[Richard Diamond]

The shore was kissed by sea and mist Tenderly Ricky. I can't forget how two hearts met.

[Helen Sears]

Breathlessly Ricky, come here.

[Richard Diamond]

Your arms opened wide and closed me inside Ricky, come here. What is it, dear?

[Helen Sears]

Just what's this? Here's your milk, mister. Oh, my goodness. Now, this time I refuse to blush.

[Narrator]

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, High Averback, Joan Banks, Parley Bear and Sidney Miller. Music was under the direction of David Baskerville. 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 Detective. This program has come to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the national broadcasting Company.

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