Richard Diamond, Private Detective: Ralph Chase Case 05/15/1949

Summary

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Richard Diamond, Private Detective: "The Ralph Chase Case" (05/15/1949)

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Aired: October 20, 2025 (original show: May 15, 1949)

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a quintessential hardboiled detective yarn featuring Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Called to the opulent yet tension-filled Chase mansion on Long Island, Diamond is hired by patriarch Ralph Chase to prevent his stepdaughter Elizabeth from marrying her shady suitor, Murray Lang. What begins as a typical assignment rapidly turns deadly: an attempted murder, blackmail, and a subsequent corpse send Diamond scrambling for answers amid a household brimming with secrets and motives. The story unfolds with sharp wit, classic noir banter, and a web of familial intrigue and desperate ambition.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting The Scene – Tensions in the Chase Household

[00:57–05:40]

• Characters Introduced:
  • Richard Diamond, private detective
  • Ralph Chase (client, Elizabeth’s stepfather)
  • Elizabeth Chase (stepdaughter, recently on probation)
  • Chris (Elizabeth’s brother, a drunk)
  • Murray Lang (Elizabeth’s boyfriend, gambler, ex-con)
• Family Conflict:
  • Ralph is concerned Elizabeth plans to marry Murray Lang, who he suspects is after her inheritance.
  • Acrimonious exchanges reveal distrust and simmering resentment, especially over Ralph’s control of the estate.

Notable Quote:
"You're just a cheap, no good gangster and your methods are too well known to frighten me." – Ralph Chase to Murray Lang [02:29]

2. The Job and Arrival at the Mansion

[06:19–08:16]

• Ralph hires Diamond for $100 a day to "keep Elizabeth out of trouble".
• Diamond provides hardboiled commentary: "If they built another one like it, Long Island would sink."

3. The Attempted Murder

[08:16–09:14]

• Upon arrival, a shot is fired at Ralph Chase through the French windows.
• Diamond takes charge, scanning the grounds for clues.

Notable Moment:
"You pull the diamond, the Sage diamond. You can start earning your money right now." – Ralph, still shaken but sardonic [08:49]

4. Family Motives and Suspects Emerge

[09:20–11:05]

• Ralph outlines the inheritance: Elizabeth gets half on marriage; Chris must wait until 35 due to perceived irresponsibility.
• Elizabeth’s probation for a lethal hit-and-run further complicates matters.

5. Snooping and Bludgeoning in the Garden

[12:24–13:28]

• Diamond witnesses Elizabeth and Lang in the garden, suspects a secret rendezvous.
• As Diamond returns, he’s ambushed, sapped on the head, and badly beaten.

Notable Quote:
"I was halfway through the rose bed when I spotted them. It was Elizabeth and the man in the darkness...Murray Lang was my best guess." – Diamond [12:24]

6. Murder of Murray Lang

[14:45–15:54]

• Diamond regains consciousness to find Murray Lang shot dead in the garden, a .32 caliber pistol beside the body.

7. The Investigation Intensifies

[16:03–19:05]

• Diamond contacts his police pals, notably Lt. Levinson ("I get stomach trouble every time you call" [16:35])
• Questions fly: Was the murder about money or revenge? Suspicion falls on Elizabeth due to her missing gun.

8. Confronting Elizabeth

[19:05–20:53]

• Diamond confronts Elizabeth in her room; she admits the .32 is hers but swears innocence.
• She claims the gun was stolen and pleads for Diamond to find the truth.

Notable Exchange:
"Maybe this is it." (Diamond produces the gun)
"Where did you get that gun?" – Elizabeth
"It was lying in the garden beside your boyfriend's body." – Diamond [19:53]

9. Piecing Together Motives – The Twist

[21:36–23:14]

• Diamond discusses the case with Chase, asking who stands to inherit if Elizabeth goes to jail (answer: Chase himself).
• Diamond catches Chase in a lie about the earlier “shooting” attempt, suspecting he staged it.

Key Deduction:
"To smell fresh gunpowder like that, the gun would have to have been fired outside the room. You staged it so I'd think someone was trying to kill you." – Diamond [23:44]

10. The Final Confrontation

[23:56–24:51]

• Chase tries to escape with a .45 and force Diamond to hand over the murder weapon.
• A standoff ensues; the police intervene just in time.

Memorable Lines:
“You kill Lang with your stepdaughter's gun, and you're gonna collect the money if she goes to prison.” – Diamond to Chase [24:03]

11. Resolution and Epilogue

[26:07–28:59]

• The police clarify the case: Chase murdered Lang to frame Elizabeth and retain the estate.
• Diamond visits Helen, battered but safe, closing with a soft musical interlude and romantic banter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Richard Diamond’s wit:
  • "I never get so loaded I look like that..." [15:50]
  • "I always bleed like this on warm nights. Big pores." [16:02]
• Lt. Levinson’s exasperation:
  • "I get stomach trouble every time you call. Go ahead." [16:35]
• Chase’s failed bravado:
  • "You're trying to catch me up in something." – Chase
    "Oh, you are so right now..." – Diamond [23:32]
• Romantic coda:
  • "Why do I care how much it may storm? I've got my love to keep me warm." – Diamond, singing to Helen [27:22+]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:57–02:24] – Family dispute/Introduction of key players
• [08:16–09:14] – Attempted shooting of Ralph Chase
• [12:24–13:28] – Diamond discovers secret meeting, is attacked
• [14:45–15:54] – Diamond finds Murray Lang's murdered body
• [16:35–18:00] – Police called, Diamond and Lt. Levinson’s banter
• [19:05–20:53] – Confrontation with Elizabeth
• [23:44–24:51] – Diamond's denouement; Chase revealed as murderer
• [26:07–28:59] – Comfort at Helen's, closing song

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Final Thoughts

With crisp dialogue, layered suspects, and a classic locked-mansion mystery, this episode delivers everything an old-time radio detective fan expects—twists, character chemistry, and a satisfyingly resolved whodunit. Dick Powell’s Richard Diamond balances punchy wisecracks with sharp investigative insight, making "The Ralph Chase Case" a standout in the series.

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Transcript

[Richard Diamond]

Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Elizabeth]

Podbean, Podbean, Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Ralph Chase]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Richard Diamond]

To launch their podcasts.

[Elizabeth]

Launch your podcast on podbean today.

[Ralph Chase]

My school uses Podbean.

[Richard Diamond]

My church too. I love it. I really do. 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. It's five o' clock in New York City and the big neon signs light up the dark office that overlooks Broadway. On the corner of 53rd street, behind a secondhand mahogany desk, relaxing in a swivel chair, is the leading figure of the Diamond Detective Agency combination stockholder, office boy and clue chaser. He is Richard diamond, and his mind is on a lovely redhead named Helen Asher as she sits on a couch talking about things he likes to hear. At this moment, however, another scene is taking place in the wealthy district of Long Island. A long black convertible is just pulling up to an old English mansion and a curvaceous blond steps from the car. She is met at the door by her brother.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, good evening, my dear sister. You're looking simply ravishing.

[Elizabeth]

How would you know the difference? Oh, drop dead, you disgusting excuse for a man. Why don't you sober up for five minutes and take a look at yourself?

[Richard Diamond]

I did once. Oh, by the way, our dear stepfather would like to see you in the study.

[Elizabeth]

Tell him to go.

[Richard Diamond]

I already did. Now it's your turn.

[Elizabeth]

I don't want to. Get out of my way, Chris.

[Richard Diamond]

Suit yourself. But Murray Lang's in there with him.

[Elizabeth]

Murray. Hmm?

[Richard Diamond]

Did I start your heart going pitty pat?

[Elizabeth]

Oh, shut up.

[Richard Diamond]

You better go in and protect your money, darling. Bye, jailbird.

[Elizabeth]

Sop.

[Ralph Chase]

I don't care what your plans are. They concern my daughter. And that's enough for me to put a stop to.

[Elizabeth]

Me.

[Ralph Chase]

You're not gonna put a stop to anything. You can't intimidate me, Lang. You're just a cheap, no good gangster and your methods are too well known to frighten me. Come in.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, hello, Liz.

[Elizabeth]

Hello, Murray.

[Ralph Chase]

I'm glad you're here, Elizabeth. Mr. Lang and I were just discussing your future.

[Elizabeth]

I'm surprised you put up with it this. Murray. Come on, let's leave my dear stepfather until he simmers down.

[Ralph Chase]

Elizabeth, I want to talk to you.

[Elizabeth]

Well, I don't want to talk to you. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Murray.

[Richard Diamond]

Listen to what he has to say. Maybe you'll get a laugh out of it.

[Elizabeth]

Well, what is it?

[Ralph Chase]

I've just been talking with Lang about your intention to marry him. I have advised him that if such a thing were to take place, it would result in the most serious of consequences.

[Elizabeth]

Is that all?

[Ralph Chase]

No, that is not all. When you got into your trouble with the police, my dear stepdaughter, you were paroled in my custody. If I should report to the board that you had violated the terms of your probation, you would most certainly go to.

[Elizabeth]

Why, you. What's the matter? Aren't you satisfied with the salary you collect for taking care of Mother's estate?

[Ralph Chase]

How dare you, you little snake.

[Richard Diamond]

You look bigger behind a desk.

[Elizabeth]

Well, just yell and scream all you want to. After Monday, you better start looking for another source of income.

[Ralph Chase]

You know very well it's not the money. But your greasy boyfriend here would certainly like to get his hands on it.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, you, I don't give a hang if you are a midget. I'm not gonna stand here and listen to you.

[Elizabeth]

Laurie.

[Richard Diamond]

No, baby, I won't take it.

[Ralph Chase]

I'll wring his scrawny little neck. Go on, lad, go on. It would give me the greatest of pleasure to call the police and have you locked up.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll fix it so you won't have a head to call anyone with.

[Elizabeth]

Murray, leave him alone. Can't you see that's what he wants?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes. Well, Mr. Lang.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, Liz. Let's get some fresh air.

[Elizabeth]

I want to say one more thing. Just remember, Father, my probation expires Monday. After that, you won't control any part of my income. So you better start getting packed.

[Ralph Chase]

And if I report you to the probation board in the morning?

[Elizabeth]

I wouldn't. If you do that, you'll not only stop being my guardian, but you'll stop breathing. Get out.

[Ralph Chase]

Get out, both of you.

[Elizabeth]

Come on, Murray.

[Ralph Chase]

Try to intimidate me. I'll make them both.

[Richard Diamond]

Sorry.

[Ralph Chase]

Detective. Detectives. Private detectives. Yes, yes. Ah, here's one.

[Richard Diamond]

Full page.

[Ralph Chase]

Anne must be doing very well. Richard diamond, private detective. If you've got a case, share it with me. Richard Diamond. Seven. Seven.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Ralph Chase]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

That's right.

[Ralph Chase]

I want to hire you for a few days.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you saw the ad? Well, it just so happens I'm available.

[Ralph Chase]

I can't tell you much over the phone. Too many extensions in the house. But it's about my daughter. I'm afraid she's going to get herself into some serious trouble.

[Richard Diamond]

And how old is she?

[Ralph Chase]

20.

[Richard Diamond]

Tell her to wait a year.

[Ralph Chase]

My name is Chase, Ralph Chase. I live at 82 Maple Drive, Sands Point. Will you come out this evening?

[Richard Diamond]

$100 a day and dibs on the ice box.

[Ralph Chase]

I'll see you about 8. Goodbye, Mr. Diamond.

[Elizabeth]

What was that all about, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Got a job, baby.

[Elizabeth]

When do you start?

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, yes, you're right.

[Elizabeth]

No, Rick, you can start it in the morning. You can't break another one tonight.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, come on, Helen, baby, a job's.

[Elizabeth]

A job and a date's a date. I won't let you break this one.

[Richard Diamond]

Your car downstairs?

[Elizabeth]

Yes, but I can drive. My cell phone. Please, Rick, you promised you wouldn't break another one.

[Richard Diamond]

Keys in it?

[Ralph Chase]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth]

Look, I want to hire you to protect me for this evening. I've been receiving mysterious phone calls and I'm in fear of my life. Really, you've got to take the job. Old friends come first.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll have to get home and shave before I start working. You mean you'll take it after 12:30. Bye, baby.

[Elizabeth]

You beast.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you must be getting tired from driving that big car around all day. Grab a cab, honey. It'll give you some rest. I'll take good care of your car.

[Elizabeth]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Want a buck for the cab, huh? No, no. On second thought, you only live about 25 blocks, Walker. Do you good, Rick. Deep breathing all the way up Fifth Avenue. Nothing like it. Bye, baby.

[Elizabeth]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

On the way to the car, I thought about Helen, the most wonderful girl in the world. Money looks. But she had one bad fault. She wanted to get married. I got into the big sedan and headed for my apartment. I'd been up late the night before with a blonde singer and I was feeling tired. Funny how things change. My nights in college were just as busy. But at one o' clock the next afternoon I was out playing football. I faced facts pretty well, so when I got home, I took a nap. I slept until 7 and got up and dressed. I drove Helen's car out to Long island and at 8 o' clock sharp I was ringing the doorbell of the Chase mansion. It was a big house, all right. If they built another one like it, Long island would sink well to someone at me chamber door. My name's Chris.

[Elizabeth]

Boo.

[Richard Diamond]

Blow your booze some other direction. Your breath would wither a lung. My alcoholic exhalations are composed of the finest ingredients. You must have a weak stomach. Look, if you'll just stagger out of the way, I'd like to see Mr. Chase, dead or alive. What? Nothing. I was just thinking out loud. Well, go right ahead. And after your talk with my stepfather, you can find me in the bar. You'll probably wind up like I am. That's the sweet thought. Where can I find your stepfather? Probably in the library, lying in my money. I left him leaning against the front door, gagging on the fresh air. I wandered down a long hallway and a big sitting room furnished with enough antiques to make the Metropolitan Museum give up and shame. There was something about the place. A heavy quietness like a bar of gold in a dark room. A shot had come from up ahead and I tried a couple of doors before I found the room. Mr. Chase. Mr. Chase.

[Ralph Chase]

In here. In here.

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Chase.

[Ralph Chase]

Yes, yes, come in. And shut the door.

[Richard Diamond]

I looked over at Ralph Chase crouching behind a desk. He got up slowly, all five feet of him, and I tagged him for a guy who would give $1,000 for every inch you could put on his legs. He looked like he could afford to be a mile high. The tall French windows were open at the back of the room and you could still smell burning cordite.

[Ralph Chase]

Someone tried to shoot me from the garden.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I heard the shot.

[Ralph Chase]

You must be Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

That's right. Don't you think you better shut the French doors and pull the drapes before someone takes another shot?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes, yes, very good idea. You pull the diamond, the Sage diamond. You can start earning your money right now.

[Richard Diamond]

You're a little excited, but I'll start to work.

[Ralph Chase]

All right. Be careful. He might still be out there.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I doubt it. I can't see anyone out here.

[Ralph Chase]

Oh, he just missed me. You can see where the bullet hit the wall. I jumped and hid behind the desk.

[Richard Diamond]

Didn't you hear him on the porch?

[Ralph Chase]

No. He must have stood in the soft grass that surrounds the garden.

[Richard Diamond]

That's a good 10ft from the house. You're lucky he didn't move in closer. He probably wouldn't have missed. Got any idea who it was? Of course.

[Ralph Chase]

It was Murray Lang.

[Richard Diamond]

Murray Lang, the gambler?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Do you know him?

[Richard Diamond]

I used to be on the force. Set him up six years ago on a larceny rat.

[Ralph Chase]

Then you know what he's like. He was in the house this afternoon. We had an argument and he threatened me.

[Richard Diamond]

An argument with your daughter?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes, about my daughter. How'd you know?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you told me she was getting herself into trouble. She couldn't have picked a better playmate than Lang to get there with.

[Elizabeth]

Father, we heard a shot.

[Ralph Chase]

Not really.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, let's go. He's not dead.

[Ralph Chase]

My stepchildren, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, wow. Lovely.

[Ralph Chase]

I'm quite alive. So you can both stop looking so unhappy.

[Elizabeth]

Does it show?

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, sis. Let's find the guy who fired that shot. I want to give him a few pointers. Where's Murray Lang? Mistress?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes. He's the man you want. I'm sure he.

[Elizabeth]

Don't be absurd. Mary left three hours ago. What are you, a cop?

[Richard Diamond]

Does it show?

[Elizabeth]

You're wearing too much cologne. Come on, Chris.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, she's nice.

[Ralph Chase]

That's Elizabeth. The boy's her brother. Chris.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd hate to draw straws.

[Ralph Chase]

I married their mother and raised those two brats. After she died, the courts appointed me executor of this seat.

[Richard Diamond]

They don't like you handling their money, is that it? Yes.

[Ralph Chase]

Since they've been old enough to ask for 50 cents to go to a movie, they've condemned me for watching their interests.

[Richard Diamond]

You. You said you were worried about your stepdaughter. Tell me about it.

[Ralph Chase]

I'll make it brief. Hate long explanations. Elizabeth got into some trouble with the police. Hit and run. She'd been drinking. The man died. Liz was sentenced to a year in Fulton, but I got her off on probation.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want me to do? Drive around with her and spoil her aim?

[Ralph Chase]

Monday, the probation expires. She says she is then going to marry this hoodlum Mary. Language.

[Richard Diamond]

And you don't want that because you think he's after her money.

[Ralph Chase]

Exactly. When she marries, the will reads that I shall, as executor, turn over half of the estate to Elizabeth.

[Richard Diamond]

What about Christopher?

[Ralph Chase]

He looked irresponsible when he was born. His mother left instructions that he should not receive his share until he is 35. That's another eight years.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, your stepdaughter's old enough to know what she's doing. I can't see how you can stop her.

[Ralph Chase]

That's what I want you to do.

[Richard Diamond]

And if I do? You'd be in a pretty good spot.

[Ralph Chase]

What do you mean?

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Diamond, you continue as executor.

[Ralph Chase]

I can understand you thinking something like that, but believe me, as much as I dislike my stepchildren, I wish to keep them in line for their late mother's sake.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, Mr. Chase, I'll take a look around outside. Maybe I can come up with something that'll point out the would be killer if it was Lang. You can stop worrying about Elizabeth. Sing Sing doesn't boast a wedding chapel. I went out through the French doors and started looking around on the soft grass that bordered the garden. I had a fat hunch, so I stopped looking and started wandering. I was halfway through the rose bed when I spotted them. It was Elizabeth and the man in the darkness. I couldn't make him out, but Murray Lang was my best guess. They went up a narrow path to one of those Chinese pagodas at the far end of the garden, and I stepped up close enough to give my ears a workout. It was Lang, all right. I don't care what you think. I didn't take a shot at the old man.

[Elizabeth]

Then who did? He's got a policeman in there now, and he's going to start trouble.

[Richard Diamond]

Let him. I'm clean if it was that lushed up brother of yours.

[Elizabeth]

Chris hates him, but he'd never tried to kill him.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, then stop hounding me. Maybe you took a shot at the old boy, Murray. You got a good reason. I'm tired trying to buck the whole Chase household. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Elizabeth]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Ralph Chase]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Richard Diamond]

To launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Elizabeth]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Richard Diamond]

Love me. Let's take off tonight and get married. Tell the old man to go to the devil.

[Elizabeth]

You can certainly wait till Monday.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but he won't. He's gonna cause some kind of trouble.

[Ralph Chase]

And get you tossed into Folsom.

[Richard Diamond]

He's not gonna give up all that money just because you're through with your probation. He probably cooked up that shooting just.

[Ralph Chase]

To get the cops here.

[Elizabeth]

Murray, what's going to happen to us?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, ask your stepfather. He's been doing your thinking for you.

[Elizabeth]

I don't have to. We'll get married Monday, okay?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm staying clear of this place till then.

[Elizabeth]

But what if there's more trouble? I haven't got anyone to turn to.

[Richard Diamond]

You worry about it, baby. I got a police record that makes yours look like a merit badge. I was a target in the moonlight. So I started back up the walk to the house. As I passed a hedge, I noticed a funny looking plant that was shoving its way out of the foliage. I'm sorry I did that. It was the Johnny Jump up variety. Black. The guy on the other end of the SAP gave it to me right over the eyes. And I went down like a crapshooter making a pass. I rolled over and watched the moon melt and run down in my eyes. Something warm and sticky spread over my face and turned the night red. Yeah, I was bleeding again. I guess I showed signs of recovering, so he started all over. This time he used his foot in my side. Oh. Oh. A couple more kicks in the ribs and in the right place and he could have whipped up a fast course of nola. I felt tired, so I rolled up in an old rose bush and went to sleep. When you finally start coming around, it's like swimming your way out of an acre of mud. If you've taken enough beatings before you diagnose things in a hurry. The pain in your head is where you got sapped. The ache in your ribs is where he booted you. And the thought in your mind is something about an eye for an eye. If you've got one left. I sat up slowly and looked around. No one in sight. My watch said 10 o'. Clock. I'd been out for an hour and I was feeling lonely until I started to get up. I made it to one knee and looked down at the best reason I could think of for staying home nights. It was Murray Lang, and you couldn't blame him for staring. He wasn't impolite, just dead. Something on the walk beside him gleamed in the moonlight. I took out my handkerchief and scooped it up. It was a little nickel plated. 32. You could still smell the fresh powder in the barrel. I put it in my pocket and stumbled back to the house. Chris opened the door. Well, you shouldn't drink so much.

[Narrator]

I never get so loaded I look like that.

[Richard Diamond]

Try it sometime. It might be an improvement. I told you once before not to do that. Now tell me, where were you 10 minutes ago? I was in the bar. Who was with you?

[Narrator]

Red and green Midgets.

[Richard Diamond]

And I'll let go of my collar. Okay. Where's the phone? In the hall. Hey, what's going on? Who beat you up? Nobody. I always bleed like this on warm nights. Big pores. Homicide, Sergeant Hooders talking. Who taught you? How did you set up nights with a parrot? Oh, very funny. Only one guy could think up a lousy joke like that. What do you want, Diamond? A picture of you. I'm going to show some doctors that mercy killing has its points. Now let me speak to the lieutenant. Comic Homicide. Lieutenant Levinson. Hello, Walt. This is Diamond. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Let me get the bicarbonate. What's the matter? I get stomach trouble every time you call. Go ahead. All right. I got a killing for you. I know it. I know it. Why can't you be a good boy and stop finding corpses? I'm out at Sands Point, 82 Maple Drive. I think I've got the murder weapon in my pocket. Who's dead? An old friend, Murray Lang. And you better step on it. There's a drunk staggering around the place and he's allowed to spot the body and put it in a cold shower to sober it up. All right, we'll be right out. Hold the fort. So Mr. Lang's dead, hmm? You better stop sneaking up on people, buster.

[Narrator]

And you'd better stop telling me what.

[Richard Diamond]

To do in my own house. Mr. Diamond. You sobered up pretty quick. I heard what you said about finding the murder weapon. May I see it? No. Stays in my pocket until Homicide gets here. Whose gun is it? It's a 40 pound broadsword. Now stop trying to look like a Chicago muscle man or I'll start slapping you.

[Ralph Chase]

No, you are. Diamond, I've been looking for you. I. Scott, what happened to your face?

[Richard Diamond]

Someone was giving away hints.

[Ralph Chase]

Chris, did you have something to do with this?

[Richard Diamond]

Hardly. Mr. Diamond has a decided advantage over me. He has muscles. I'll be in the bar.

[Ralph Chase]

What's happened? Where's Elizabeth?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know, but her boyfriend's got troubles. He can't explain. The hole in this chest. Lang.

[Ralph Chase]

What do you mean?

[Richard Diamond]

He's out in the garden. Someone shot him.

[Ralph Chase]

Is he dead?

[Richard Diamond]

If he's not, he's trying awful hard.

[Ralph Chase]

Then we'd better call the police.

[Richard Diamond]

That's been taken care of. What kind of a gun do you own, Mr. Chase?

[Ralph Chase]

You don't see.

[Richard Diamond]

No, I don't. I just dig around till I come up with something. What kind of a gun do you own?

[Narrator]

Are you.

[Ralph Chase]

45? Now, wait a minute, Diamond. If you've got any ideas about this murder, you'd better wait until the police get here.

[Richard Diamond]

Now look, Chase, I've been insulted in your house, had the air let out of my ego by your beautiful stepdaughter and beat up in your garden. That's a full night's work. And now I'm on my own time. Where can I find Elizabeth?

[Ralph Chase]

I don't know. She may be up in her room or.

[Richard Diamond]

Where is it?

[Ralph Chase]

End of the hall, head of the stairs, first door.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks.

[Ralph Chase]

Beginning to rain. What about Lang's body?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if he catches cold, call me. I went down the long hallway to the foot Of a massive staircase. The only light was the one burning in the room I just left. I looked over at my over my shoulder and saw Mr. Chase framed in its dim glow, watching me. In that moment, I thought, who? Chase reminded me of a triangle hat. His hand and his vest. And Napoleon had a twin. I went up the stairs two at a time.

[Elizabeth]

Yes?

[Richard Diamond]

Pardon me for barging in, but some guy in the garden just beat all the bashfulness out of me.

[Elizabeth]

How dare you. You get out of my room.

[Richard Diamond]

You better put on something a little warmer, honey. That thing would start a Harry Carey epidemic in Boston.

[Elizabeth]

What do you want?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, what did you do after Lang left you in the garden? What big ears. I overheard everything you said.

[Elizabeth]

I see someone pushed your face around. It's an improvement. Did Murray catch you eavesdropping?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if he did, he won't have much time to gloat.

[Elizabeth]

What do you mean? If you've done anything to wrong.

[Richard Diamond]

Are you getting ready for bed a little early?

[Elizabeth]

I don't know what you want. I don't have to answer any of your ridiculous questions. Now, if you don't turn around and get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

What's the matter, baby? The drawer empty? Hmm. Lose something?

[Elizabeth]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe this is it.

[Elizabeth]

Where did you get that gun?

[Richard Diamond]

It was lying in the garden beside your boyfriend's body.

[Elizabeth]

Beside it?

[Richard Diamond]

That's it, lover. Now sit down and relax. Murray did like Jimmy Fiddler's gossip column. Didn't you hear anything after Murray left you?

[Elizabeth]

Oh, no. I was crying. I ran back to the house, came up here.

[Richard Diamond]

Is there another way back to the house besides the path that Murray took?

[Elizabeth]

Yes. One that leads to those outside doors. I came right to my room. Please leave me alone.

[Richard Diamond]

This is your gun, isn't it?

[Elizabeth]

Yes, but I didn't do it. I didn't. Murray and I were going to be married Monday.

[Richard Diamond]

Ballistics will probably show it's the one that did the job. You better tell me everything you know.

[Elizabeth]

I don't know anything. I didn't shoot Murray. Someone stole my gun from the drawer. Oh, please find out who did it. If they hold me, I'll go to prison anyway. Please, Mr. Diamond, please.

[Richard Diamond]

It's gonna be tough if this is the gun. I'm pretty sure it is. You could still smell the Potter when I Potter.

[Elizabeth]

What's the matter, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Huh? Oh. Oh, nothing, nothing. Look, you stay in your room. Maybe I can do you some good. I promise you'll stay here.

[Elizabeth]

Sure. I'm not going anyplace.

[Richard Diamond]

And try and snap out of it. Sometimes you keep losing until there's nothing left to play with. Breaks the jinx. I went downstairs and started looking for Chase. As I passed the door leading to the garden, I stopped cold. A flash of lightning turned the garden flat white. Someone was standing over what was left of Murray Lang. Well, like the view.

[Ralph Chase]

Oh, Diamond. I was just looking at the body.

[Richard Diamond]

I talked with your daughter. She says the gun that killed Lang was hers.

[Ralph Chase]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Claims I had an argument, but Bord admits she shot him.

[Ralph Chase]

Oh, no. I can't believe it. Certainly she had no reason.

[Richard Diamond]

Unless. Unless what?

[Ralph Chase]

Well, unless she found out Lang was just up for her money.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, that's. That's possible. Anyway, if she did do it, I still can't figure who worked me over.

[Ralph Chase]

Maybe it was Lang. You told me yourself he didn't like you.

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe it was Elizabeth.

[Ralph Chase]

Oh, no. It would have to be somebody very strong. She might have kicked you, but never could she have hit you hard enough to crack your head open like that.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Tommy, when does Elizabeth come into her money?

[Ralph Chase]

Why, it's the end of the probation. The court set it aside until she was cleared of all charges.

[Richard Diamond]

Who gets it if she goes to prison?

[Ralph Chase]

Well, I'm the sole executor of the state. But she's not going to jail. She didn't do this thing. I'll get the best counsel in the country.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm sure you will. Tell me something, Chase. It's pretty obvious that my face got pushed around. But how did you know? My ribs got the same treatment.

[Ralph Chase]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

It doesn't show. It just hurts. Why, I.

[Ralph Chase]

Well, you told me. What are you getting at, Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

You'd have to reach pretty high to SAP me. But if you were mad enough, you could make it.

[Ralph Chase]

This is absurd. I'm going inside, and when I get.

[Richard Diamond]

Grouchy, it's better to listen. I'm liable to use you to make the flowers grow.

[Ralph Chase]

Go ahead, Mr. Diamond. I'm listening.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, everybody in this house has some sort of motive for killing. With Elizabeth. It could be the old story of a woman's scorn. With your lushed up stepson. He could want to put the blame on his sister so he'd get more than his share of the estate. And we certainly know you stand a profit if Elizabeth goes to prison because you retain custody of the family fortune.

[Ralph Chase]

I'm getting wet, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Everybody's story's weak, but only one of them doesn't stand up. You said earlier this evening someone tried to shoot you from outside your library.

[Ralph Chase]

Of course they did. You heard the Shot and saw the bullet hole.

[Richard Diamond]

That's right, I did. But you told me he was standing outside the room by a good 10ft. Nothing to say, Chase?

[Ralph Chase]

You're trying to catch me up in something.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you are so right now. When I walked into that room, I could still smell burning cordite. To smell fresh gunpowder like that, the gun would have to have been fired outside the room. You staged it so I'd think someone was trying to kill you.

[Ralph Chase]

Is that all, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Outside of the slip you made about kicking me in the ribs. Now let's go inside.

[Ralph Chase]

I don't think so, diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. Oh. That the.45 you were telling me about?

[Ralph Chase]

Yes. Go ahead, make a try for it. I'm going to show you how it works.

[Richard Diamond]

You kill Lang with your stepdaughter's gun, and you're gonna collect the money if she goes to prison. Oh, you're a slo.

[Ralph Chase]

My stepdaughter could easily kill two men tonight.

[Richard Diamond]

You're in a spot. You can't shoot me with that.45 and make it look like the same person killed Lang, too. So you've got to get the.32 in my pocket.

[Ralph Chase]

Give me Elizabeth's gun, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

You try and get it, Chase.

[Ralph Chase]

Why you. Rick, are you out there?

[Richard Diamond]

Better give it up, Chase. That's the law. He eats little men like you, Rick.

[Ralph Chase]

Stay right there, Diamond. Another killing won't matter if you try and stop me. For pig's sake, if you're out there, Rick, at me. I'm getting soaked. Just keep your mouth closed, Diamond. I'm getting out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

You'll never make a Chase. They'll pick you up inside of an hour.

[Ralph Chase]

Not if you're too dead to tell them. Yes, that's it. If I kill you, I'll eat. At least have.

[Richard Diamond]

You should watch your step, Chase.

[Ralph Chase]

Keep your head down on Tammy.

[Elizabeth]

Somebody smashed.

[Ralph Chase]

Shut up, Otis, and get out from under that bench.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, over here. Walt.

[Ralph Chase]

What's going on, Rick? Who's doing all the shooting?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, he took turns. He was just going to kill me. When he tripped over the body of his first victim. I used this.32 in my pocket, shot him twice. He's dead, Lieutenant. Give me my baking soda, Elis. He yelled at him. Don't look so unhappy, Rick. He was going to kill you. Oh, I'm not unhappy. I'm just sore that I didn't have time to take the gun out of my pocket. I ruined a darn good coat. The three of us went back in the house, and Otis took Christopher up to bed so he could sleep it off. Walt listened to the story as I told it to Elizabeth. She cried a little and thanked me with her eyes. Walt went downstairs to clean things up, and I sat by her bed until she went asleep. She didn't even wake up when I kissed her goodbye. I guess it was better that way. I said goodbye to Walt and Otis and headed for 975 Park Avenue. I was late. My face could use a mile of bandage. I hoped Helen wouldn't mind.

[Ralph Chase]

Yes. Oh, my goodness.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Francis. Tell Ms. Asher I brought a car back. Oh, how bad a wreck was it, sir? Give me a glass with a backbone, will you, Francis? Yes, sir. Right away, sir. Ms. Ash is in the study. Ah. Thank you. Thank you. Hi.

[Elizabeth]

Well, it's about. Oh, Rick, not again.

[Richard Diamond]

Mm. Your poor little face. Yeah, my poor little face.

[Elizabeth]

Well, you just stretch out on the couch and I'll get you a nice tall drink.

[Richard Diamond]

Francis is already on his way. Oh.

[Elizabeth]

Feel better?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Oh, yes. Got a pillow?

[Elizabeth]

I'll hold your head up. How's this? Like some music to go with it?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. Turn on the radio.

[Elizabeth]

You comfortable?

[Richard Diamond]

Mm. How about you? Uh huh.

[Elizabeth]

That music sounds like San Francisco. Francisco. Remember the top of the mark?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Fun, too.

[Elizabeth]

Mind if I turn off the light? The glow from the fire is enough.

[Richard Diamond]

You're cute.

[Elizabeth]

Better?

[Richard Diamond]

Much. The snow is snowing the wind is blowing But I can weather the storm a little high why do I care how much it may storm? I've got my love to keep me warm Me I can't remember a worst December Just watch those icicles. For what do I care if icicles. For I've got my love to keep.

[Elizabeth]

I like your singing, too.

[Richard Diamond]

Off with my overcoat off with my glove I need no overcoat I'm burning with love My heart's on fire the flame grows higher so I will weather the storm why do I care how much it may store? I've got my love to keep me warm.

[Elizabeth]

That was nice.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, why did you turn the radio off?

[Elizabeth]

This is nicer. Come here, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, honey. Honey, you're reading my mind.

[Ralph Chase]

Here's your drink, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, my goodness.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the fourth of a new series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell. Helen was played by Virginia Gregg, Lieutenant Levinson by Ed Begley. Also in our cast were Willems Herbert, Betty Moran, Jay Novello, Jack Edwards, and Tom Avery. Music was under the direction of David Baskerville. Richard diamond is written by Blake Edwards and directed by William P. Rousseau. Even here in America, we're liable to have a few misconceptions about freedom. Many of us regard it as an outright gift with no strings attached. Well, that isn't quite so. All of us have received a heritage of liberty, a legacy of freedom forged in other days. Remember that the liberty you enjoy is a precious legacy, a legacy that can be lost through disuse. Don't ignore freedom. Work at it. For freedom is everybody's job. 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 program has come to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.