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

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.

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).

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..."

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

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.