Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Betty Moran Case 05/29/1949

Summary

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Richard Diamond, Private Detective: "The Betty Moran Case" (Original Air Date: 05/29/1949)

Episode Overview

This episode of Richard Diamond, Private Detective plunges listeners into a complex case involving blackmail, murder, and betrayal among New York’s high society. When socialite Betty Moran kills her blackmailer and then herself—at least according to official police theory—her husband, William Moran, hires Diamond to peel back the layers of a supposed closed case. It’s a snappy detective ride through bumbling policemen, Skid Row bars, hired guns, and a deadly ferry confrontation.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Richard Diamond’s Worldview & Set-Up (00:47–01:47)

• Diamond introduces himself with characteristic wit—he’s in it for the money, not the stress, and his partnership with “human nature” guarantees ongoing business.
• Listeners are dropped into a scene already thick with tension: a blackmail confrontation in the Moran apartment.

Quote (00:47, Richard Diamond):
"My name's Diamond and I'm in business for a very simple reason. I like money. Oh, sure, I could do better, but I don't believe in straining myself."

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2. The Murder-Suicide Scene (01:47–03:31)

• Helen Asher (Betty Moran) is being blackmailed by Mac Grayson; the negotiation sours, and they argue. A gunshot rings out.
• Newspaper headline summarizes the result:
  Mac Grayson shot dead by Betty Moran—who then takes her own life.

Quote (03:31, Newspaper-Extra):
"Mac Grayson shot to death in blackmail plot. Socialite Betty Moran kills gangster, then takes own life."

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3. William Moran Hires Diamond (04:13–06:17)

• William Moran visits Diamond, asserting his wife was driven to suicide.
• Reveals a phone call that morning threatening further blackmail, believes it's part of a larger ring.
• Moran wants Diamond to find the second blackmailer.

Quote (05:13, William Moran):
"She was a very wealthy woman, Mr. Diamond. Before she married me, she was rather wild... there were some letters."

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4. Diamond Consults Lieutenant Levinson (07:16–10:03)

• Diamond slyly needles his police friends, especially Sergeant Otis ("You've been eating well for a week!") and exchanges quips with Levinson.
• Levinson insists the case is closed: Betty killed Grayson, then herself.
• Diamond remains suspicious, especially after hearing about blackmail.

Quote (08:12, Lieutenant Levinson):
"Rick, that guy pestered us all morning. But there's no proof of blackmail or anything else. Except two people got killed."

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5. Trail Leads to Skid Row (10:03–15:41)

• Diamond’s tip leads him to Wilbur Truitt, a philosophical drunk and Grayson’s only known associate.
• For the price of a bottle, Truitt yields that Grayson’s friend is Leo Fink (13:16).
• Another thug also sought Fink's address—danger is close behind.

Quote (13:44, Wilbur Truitt):
"Mr. Mac Grayson, a very unsavory character who reached a sudden demise last evening, dealt in smutty pasts and made them pay off by milking his victims. He has only one friend, a Mr. Leo Fink."

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6. Another Murder – Fink’s Death (15:41–17:46)

• At Leo Fink’s apartment, Diamond collides again with Homicide; Fink has been shot.
• Diamond and Levinson banter in typical fashion—neither immediately trust the other with information.
• Weapon was a Luger, and suspicion increases.

Notable Exchange (16:00–16:27):
Levinson: "You know who's dead?"
Diamond: "Sure, I know who's dead. Who do you think is dead?"
Levinson: "The guy's name is Fink. Leo Fink."
Diamond: "Why didn’t you say that in the first place?"

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7. The Hired Gun – A Brush With Death (17:54–19:37)

• On the street, Diamond is waylaid by a thug ("Louie") with a Luger. Diamond turns the tables and learns he was hired by a "Mr. Jones" to kill him—payoff at the Staten Island ferry (19:02–19:17).
• Diamond plans to intercept the real mastermind at the ferry.

Quote (17:56, Wilbur Truitt as Louie):
"Turn around and get going. I can run if it would help... Take your time. You haven’t got too much of it left."

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8. Key Evidence & The Ferry Showdown (19:37–23:59)

• Diamond confirms Betty Moran could not have committed suicide as evidence suggested: both the glass and gun had her right-hand prints, making the official story impossible.
• Confrontation on the Staten Island ferry: Diamond corners William Moran, who flees to the engine room.
• Under pressure and wounded, Moran confesses:
  • He set the blackmailers on Betty.
  • He killed his wife and staged the scene to look like suicide.
  • He ordered the killing of Leo Fink and nearly of Diamond himself.

Quote (24:16, William Moran):
"I shot my wife. I came here just after she shot Grayson... She was standing at the bar with her back to me, mixing a drink. She dropped the gun by Grayson's body, so I picked it up and shot her. Wiped my prints off and put hers on it."

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9. Resolution & Aftermath (25:58–28:30)

• Case resolved, Diamond heads to 975 Park Ave and a gentle, playful scene with girlfriend Helen Asher.
• Light banter, music, and a relaxed, intimate end provide contrast to the dark case.

Quote (26:43, Helen Asher):
"You know I don't play well—I just pick."
Diamond: "You should be glad you don’t play the guitar. With those beautiful nails, you’d saw it in half."*

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Diamond’s sardonic humor (00:47, 08:01, many other moments):
  "I'm in partnership with a shill called human nature. And with him on my side, it just figures that people are going to get in trouble."

• Verbal sparring with Sergeant Otis and Levinson (07:19–07:43, 16:00–16:27):
  Classic for fans of the series.

• Philosophy of the drunk Wilbur Truitt (13:02–13:44):
  "They tried to frighten me the first night. But I just kept right on with one bottle after another. And it finally drove them to drink."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Richard Diamond introduction and philosophy: 00:47–01:47
• Betty Moran's deadly confrontation: 01:47–03:31
• William Moran hires Diamond: 04:13–06:17
• Police banter, skepticism about blackmail: 07:16–10:03
• "Alley of despair"—Diamond interviews Wilbur Truitt: 11:30–14:21
• Discovery of Fink's murder: 15:41–16:39
• Diamond nearly killed, turns the tables: 17:54–19:17
• The big reveal and final confrontation: 21:25–24:49
• Romantic wind-down with Helen: 25:58–28:30

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Tone & Style

Throughout, the episode maintains Richard Diamond’s trademark wisecracks and noir flavor. Dialogue is sharp, playful, and laced with dry humor even while navigating dark themes of murder and betrayal.

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Conclusion

"The Betty Moran Case" showcases the Golden Age radio detective at his best—deft with both his wit and his pistol. The story blends high-society intrigue, police procedural, and suspense, all carried by a fast-talking, clever private eye who always gets his man…and sometimes the girl.

Transcript

[William Moran]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows.

[Richard Diamond]

Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Announcer]

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

[Richard Diamond]

My name's diamond and I'm in business for a very simple reason. I like money. Oh, sure, I could do better, but I don't believe in straining myself. I might make a few bucks more, but so what? You work harder, your back gets weaker, and you take that extra couple of bucks and spend it for a brace to keep you from folding in the middle. No, I got a little one room office that leans out over Broadway. And I'm very happy. Sometimes I get a case that lasts a week, 100 bucks a day in expenses, and I make enough to pay the rent, take my girl Helen Asher to dinner a couple of times and rest my feet on the desk like a prosperous businessman. I'm in partnership with a shill called human nature. And with him on my side, it just figures that people are going to get in trouble. Like the character who's ringing the doorbell of an apartment on the east side he's built just right for more trouble than he can handle.

[William Moran]

Well, hello, Mrs. Moran.

[Helen Asher]

You say that like you're really glad to see me.

[Wilbur Truitt]

I'll let you know as soon as we can talk business.

[Helen Asher]

Did you bring a rubber hose along?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Why? Are you going to be hard to.

[Helen Asher]

Get along with this time?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yes. Where's your husband?

[Helen Asher]

He went out. I tried to convince him the window was the quickest way to the street, but he's old fashioned. He took the elevator.

[Wilbur Truitt]

You're drunk.

[Helen Asher]

You can't get a vet out on me. Want a drink?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Just get the 500. I don't want to be around when your old man gets back.

[Helen Asher]

You couldn't afford that, could you?

[Wilbur Truitt]

No. I don't think you could either, baby. Now let's stop playing games, Mrs. Moran.

[Helen Asher]

I've got a big fat surprise for you, Mac.

[William Moran]

Keep it in small bills.

[Helen Asher]

That's funny. That's your surprise?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah.

[Helen Asher]

Yeah. You don't get the money, you get something else.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Stop yelling. You'll have the whole building up here in a minute.

[Helen Asher]

They'll be up anyway, Mac. A gunshot makes people curious.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Now wait a minute. You don't have to pull a gun.

[Helen Asher]

You don't have to do anything. And I'm breaking myself of one habit right now. I'm through paying your dirty blackmail.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Now you know I got my orders. If I don't collect, someone Else will be around. Come on, give me the gun.

[Helen Asher]

Sure. A piece of the time. I need a drink. Well, here's to nothing, Betty, old girl. Extra, extra.

[William Moran]

Read all about it. Mac Grayson shot to death in blackmail plot. Socialite Betty Moran kills gangster, then takes own life.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Read all about it. Paper I can.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, paper, mister.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, I'll take a chair.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Oh, thanks.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Wealthy wife of William Moran kills. Well, I have to call Mr. Moran. No sense to lose a good source of income.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Come in.

[William Moran]

Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Over here.

[William Moran]

This clothesline. I couldn't see you. Do you always do your laundry in your office?

[Richard Diamond]

Free soap. Pull up a chair, Mr. Moran.

[Wilbur Truitt]

William Moran.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh.

[William Moran]

Nice pair of argyles.

[Richard Diamond]

One of my old clients sends them down from Sing Sing.

[William Moran]

Have you read the morning papers, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

I haven't had time. Took some throw rugs down to the Laundromat before I started on the socks.

[William Moran]

My wife died last night.

[Richard Diamond]

What did you eat for breakfast?

[William Moran]

Why, pancakes and eggs.

[Richard Diamond]

Why, you must eat a whole pig when you're not in mourning. How did she die?

[William Moran]

She was shot to death.

[Richard Diamond]

Couldn't she get two people for a pyramid club?

[William Moran]

She was being blackmailed.

[Richard Diamond]

It's usually the other way around. The victim shoots the blackmailer.

[William Moran]

She did that. His name was Mac Grayson. I want you to find the other man behind this blackmail ring.

[Richard Diamond]

What makes you think there was more than one?

[William Moran]

I received an anonymous phone call this morning. It was from a man who said he was a friend of Mack Grayson. He made it perfectly clear that he was going to continue with the blackmail.

[Richard Diamond]

You know what they had on your wife?

[William Moran]

She was a very wealthy woman, Mr. Diamond. Before she married me, she was rather wild.

[Richard Diamond]

I get that way sometimes.

[William Moran]

There were some letters.

[Richard Diamond]

Why don't you go to the police?

[William Moran]

As far as they're concerned, the case is closed. They say it's a murder and a suicide, and that's that. But I want to get the people who drove my wife to suicide.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Mr. Moran. But if you want me to try and dig up your blackmailers, my fee is rather high. I want to start sending my laundry out.

[William Moran]

Money is no object.

[Richard Diamond]

That's the nicest thing you could have said. A hundred dollars a day and a fifth of plasma.

[William Moran]

Plasma, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

A hundred proof. I never know what I'm going to run into in a case like this. I may bleed a little.

[William Moran]

You can reach me at evergreen 45021. I'll write your check.

[Richard Diamond]

Here, use my pen. It's getting an inferiority complex. Do you know anything more about this man who called you this morning?

[William Moran]

Only that he said he was a friend of Mac Grayson's. There you are, Mr. Diamond. This should be enough of a retainer.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes, yes. And that's all you know.

[William Moran]

I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

[Richard Diamond]

You've been a brick. I'll get the rest from Homicide. Thank you and goodbye, Mr. Moran.

[William Moran]

Goodbye, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

And good luck.

[William Moran]

Oh, I'm sorry I knocked down some of your Washington there. Well, I'll be hearing from you.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, that's the way it goes. One minute you're washing socks, the next you got enough money to stake out a claim on every night spot from Mott street to Harlem. Unless a particular blackmail ring likes to kill private detectives. I had a hunch the assignment might run into overtime. So I put in a call to a lovely redhead named Helen Asher Francis. The butler answered and I told him to pass the word along that I might be late for my date. I hung up before Helen could get on the pipe and start screaming at me like a wounded eagle. I locked the office, went down to 5th Precinct and an old friend, Lieutenant Levinson, he was in charge of the homicide detail and could tell me about the late Mrs. Moran and her victim. When I walked in, Sergeant Otis was polishing his billy. Hello, Otis. The lieutenant in?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Well, Richard diamond, the all American gumshoe.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you're just jealous because that club you've got is a better shape than your head.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Lieutenant Diamond's out here.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Okay, send them in.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Tell me, Shammas, how does one get to be a great big private detective? Seven box tops.

[Richard Diamond]

You have to observe things, Otis, my boy. For instance, one look at your shirt and I can tell you've been eating well for a week. Why don't you either get it cleaned or stick it in a pressure cooker? Hello, Walt.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now wait a minute, Rick. If you've got a body somewhere, take it to another precinct.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm a little short right now, but maybe I can dig one up.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yeah, that was a swell one. Is this just a social visit or am I a dreamer?

[Richard Diamond]

It's about the Moran suicide. You handle it?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Uh huh.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

One of the neighbors called us. They're both debtor than Otis on a double date.

[Richard Diamond]

What about the Grayson guy she knocked off?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Cheap thug. Couple of convictions. He. Oh, don't tell me Moran's been to you with that blackmail story.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, yeah, he seems to think Grayson was working with someone.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Rick, that guy pestered us all morning. But there's no proof of blackmail or anything else. Except two people Got killed.

[Richard Diamond]

Give me a quick rundown.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I don't know why you're interested. I think Moran drummed up the blackmail theory just to cover that his wife was running around with another man.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm interested because Moran gave me a fat 200 bucks in advance to get me in the spirit of the thing.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, if you want to be bored, here are the photographs of the deal. Here's Mac Grayson. Bullet entered his chest just below the 10th rib. Gun was a.32. Same one that the Moran dame used on herself. Enough powder burns on the shirt to show that she was standing pretty close when she gave it to him.

[Richard Diamond]

She'd have to be not to miss him.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You can see she was lying about 10ft from Grayson near the bar. Probably needed a stiff shot before she knocked herself off. That's the highball glass on the floor near her head. And that's the.32 she used about six inches from her right hand and only her prints on it.

[Richard Diamond]

Powder burns on the girl?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Sure, all over her temple. We did the paraffin test on her hand, too. She fired the gun, all right.

[Richard Diamond]

Did Grayson have any friends?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

He never tied him up with anyone except an old wino that hangs out on Skid Row dump called the Parrot Club. Name's Wilbur Truitt.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Mm.

[Richard Diamond]

Now. Well, thanks, Walt.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now, look, the dame killed the guy and then shot herself. What more do you want?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll let you know.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Wait a minute. I know that gleam in your eye. I always get a sour stomach from it. You've got something, you better tell me.

[Richard Diamond]

You're a cynic, Walt. Have you. Have you talked to this Wilbur Troitt?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

We questioned him this morning.

[Richard Diamond]

Got a tail on him?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Sure, but he won't take us anywhere. Now, what are you cooking up?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, maybe you think there's something to Moran's blackmail story.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, don't be an idiot.

[Richard Diamond]

Then what are you tailing Truitt for?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Because I can't take a chance. Blackmail's a federal rap. And if Moran keeps stirring up trouble, I want to be able to prove he's nuts. Now, you look here. I want to know what's on your mind.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll send you a letter.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, Otis.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Get me my bicarbonate, man. Shut up.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Goodbye.

[Richard Diamond]

I went through the squadroom and out into the hall. I used the payphone for the door and put in a fast call to my client, William Moran. I had a hunch, and Moran's $200 retainer in my pocket gave him an A priority on it. Yes, Mr. Moran?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

That's right.

[Richard Diamond]

This is diamond. Mr. Moran. I've got a lead on someone who knew Mac Grayson.

[William Moran]

Let's find Mr. Diamond. Who is it?

[Richard Diamond]

A guy who hangs out on skid row named Wilbur Truitt. Ever heard of him?

[Wilbur Truitt]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, he might have been the one who phoned you this morning. I think I'll go down and find out.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Good, good.

[William Moran]

You'll keep in touch, won't you?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, as long as I'm on the case. Goodbye, Mr. Moran. I left the Fifth Precinct and headed for Skid Row. If you've never seen the street, it's a liberal education. In the misery of human being. Even the sun winds up with a hangover if it shines on the place too long. The Parrot Club was a cellar with a low ceiling And a drink of wine for 10 cents a glass. The smell of stale alcohol was so strong. That if you opened the door to air the place out, the walls would probably cave in. I found Wilbur Truitt sitting at the bar with a dirty towel around his neck. He held the towel and the glass of wine in one hand. And with the other he pulled the towel, lifting his hand and the glass up to his mouth. You must have been an engineer.

[Wilbur Truitt]

I learned this little stunt in grammar school, bucko. I started missing my mouth 30 years ago. So I use this towel as a sort of alcohol pulley. It cuts down the element of risk. Hate to spill a drop.

[Richard Diamond]

You know a guy named Grayson?

[Wilbur Truitt]

It's the shakes, buck. Oh. I am completely exhausted after a night of revelry. And my hand waves like it was flagging down a caravan of whiskey trucks. Look, friend, but after one or two pick me ups. I am perfectly capable of lifting the glass by myself. And come nightfall, I'm in excellent condition to entertain my little friends. Most cowards let the little fellows frighten them. And they end up in Bellevue. But I like them. They worried me at first. But when they found out how much I drank, they began to show the strain. And the shoe was on the other foot, so to speak.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no.

[Wilbur Truitt]

They tried to frighten me the first night. But I just kept right on with one bottle after another. And it finally drove them to drink. Now my deities have hallucinations. We are rapidly building up a thriving community. What were you saying, bucko?

[Richard Diamond]

Something about the evils of self indulgence, but I've forgotten now. Good.

[Wilbur Truitt]

In that case, I will. Can't you buy me a drink?

[Richard Diamond]

No. Sure. Waiter, bring the bottle.

[Wilbur Truitt]

You just gave me cold chills. If I lick your hand, it's only a sign of fond endearment.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay. Now, do you know a guy named Grayson?

[Wilbur Truitt]

I knew there was a catch. Are you a cop?

[Richard Diamond]

No.

[Wilbur Truitt]

In that case, I trust you. Besides, you are holding that lovely bottle.

[Richard Diamond]

What about Grayson?

[Wilbur Truitt]

First, a small glass of truth serum.

[Richard Diamond]

First, Grayson.

[Wilbur Truitt]

I can't stand to look, so I will turn my back on the bottle and tell you what I know. Mr. Mac Grayson, a very unsavory character who reached a sudden demise last evening, dealt in smutty pasts and made them pay off by milking his victims. He has only one friend, a Mr. Leo Fink. Now, please, I'm beginning to spit out wads of cotton.

[Richard Diamond]

Where does this Fink live?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Oh, you are indeed a heartless rogue.

[Richard Diamond]

I was once.

[Wilbur Truitt]

You aren't by any chance a spy from the Purity league?

[Richard Diamond]

You get the bottle when I find out where leo Fink lives.

[Wilbur Truitt]

1122Nd Avenue. Now, please.

[Richard Diamond]

Now. Here you are.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Don't struggle with the cork, bucko. I have just acquired the strength of an unclops Samson. And as I gaze upon this ruby goblet, I am reminded of the fact that you are not the first to come seeking the whereabouts of one Leo Fink.

[Richard Diamond]

Huh? Play it back in English.

[Wilbur Truitt]

A thug with the disagreeable habit of twisting my ascot approached me not 10 minutes before you came in seeking the same information.

[Richard Diamond]

Did you give it to him?

[Wilbur Truitt]

I had to. One more pull on my tie, anticipation would have been a thing of the past.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks, Wilbur. Here, buy yourself another jug.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Bless you and good morrow, cousin. Here's to my love. Oh, true apothecary, thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.

[Richard Diamond]

I left Wilbur with his first love and walked out on the street. I grabbed a cab and headed for Leo Fink's address. All the way over I kept thinking how wonderful fresh air really was. When we finally got there, I paid off the cabby and looked at my watch. It was 4:30 and the city was turning soft and mellow. As the sun started giving up behind the tall buildings. I got that lousy feeling again. When I looked across the street, a prowl car was parked at the curb and it looked like Homicide's private limousine. Something was wrong. I went up to Fink's apartment in a hurry.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yeah, what do you want?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Shammas?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, good afternoon, Sergeant. I'm taking the census. How long ago did you die, sir?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Very funny. Diamond Otis.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Who is that?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Diamond, who else?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I didn't ask for a quick quiz on well known personalities. Let him in.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Shame on you. Orders. You'll never make an Eagle Scout.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Hello, Rick. What do you want?

[Richard Diamond]

I bet he's dead.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You'll bet who's dead?

[Richard Diamond]

You know who's dead?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Sure, I know who's dead. Who do you think is dead?

[Richard Diamond]

The guy I came up here to see.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, who did you come up to see?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I think it's a guy who's dead.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Don't you know?

[Richard Diamond]

No. I asked you.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, I'm telling you.

[Richard Diamond]

You told me nothing.

[Announcer]

Look, why are you up here?

[Richard Diamond]

Because I'm looking for a guy.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What guy?

[Richard Diamond]

I think it's the guy who's dead.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Who's dead?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, he's on third. Don't you know?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I think I know, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

You shut up.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Of course I know.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all right. All right. If you're going to hold out on your old power.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. How did we get into this thing?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Otis, here's your bicarbonate, all mixed. All right.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now let's start again.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, who's dead?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, let's not have two bodies up here. The guy's name is Fink. Leo Fink.

[Richard Diamond]

Why did you say that in the first place?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Because I don't have to do anything I don't want to do What? Lieutenant Levinson. Now what are you doing up here?

[Richard Diamond]

I came up to see Leo Fink, that's all.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, he's in the other room. If he spills anything, don't believe it. He's been dead for 10 minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

That's too bad. He knew Mac Grayson. Yeah.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

How did you find out?

[Richard Diamond]

That sweet old gentleman you sent me over to, Wilbur Truitt.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, you got something out of him, huh? What else did he tell you?

[Richard Diamond]

Nothing. But we struck up quite a friendship. I'm gonna go back over and see what another bottle of wine will do to his memory.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I'd better haul him in.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't do it, Walt. Don't do it. I can find out things a lot quicker. Shh. I got a system.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Okay, but keep me posted. I've got to clean up here.

[Richard Diamond]

How did Fink get it?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Two bullets in the head. No idea. Who gave it to them? They used a Luger, I think.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, have you questioned Otis?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, go on, get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, tell me, did you check the prints on that highball glass next to Mrs. Moran to find out whether they were from her right or left hand?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now, what difference does it make? Now, you wait a minute.

[Richard Diamond]

No, I can't. I'm behind schedule now.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Bye, Otis.

[Richard Diamond]

I went downstairs in a hurry and started back to skid Row and Wilbur Truitt. I turned a corner and had a quick change of heart.

[Wilbur Truitt]

That's far enough, Shammas.

[Richard Diamond]

Wow, look what I picked up.

[Wilbur Truitt]

All right, get into this alley.

[Richard Diamond]

Why don't you put that cannon away? Shows up like a pair of gums at a dentist convention.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Turn around and get going.

[Richard Diamond]

I can run if it would help.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Take your time. You haven't got too much of it left.

[Richard Diamond]

Stop nudging. You got a cold barrel.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Don't you like it?

[Richard Diamond]

No, but it helps. A lesson in the manly art of self defense. Next time, don't get so close with a gun. Well, what do you know? A Luger.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Okay, so? So I'm a butterfingers. You got the gun. Now what are you gonna do?

[Richard Diamond]

I got a mean streak and it shows up when someone tries to kill me. I'm gonna ask a couple questions, and if you don't answer them, you'll wish you'd picked on an octopus. Now get up. Oh, you're a big one. Now, who sent you after me? I don't know. Who sent you after me?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Honest, I don't know.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Wait a second.

[Richard Diamond]

All right.

[Wilbur Truitt]

The guy told me on the phone his name was Jones.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. First name's John.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Wait, wait. I know it's a phony, but he was recommended.

[Richard Diamond]

You get paid for your work, don't you?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah, but this one I collect after the job.

[Richard Diamond]

Where? I thought you'd gotten over that stubborn street.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Okay. The 8 o' clock ferry to Staten Island. He's gonna slip me two bills.

[Richard Diamond]

And you don't know his right name?

[Wilbur Truitt]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Did you know Mac Grayson?

[Wilbur Truitt]

I heard of him, but I never met him.

[Richard Diamond]

Are you as handy with a.32 as you are with that Luger? Forget it. Next question. Who killed Leo Fink?

[Wilbur Truitt]

That's a pretty big one.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, I'll word it differently. Who killed Leo Fink?

[Wilbur Truitt]

I'll take the beating.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, well, I got a hunch this Luger of yours will check with ballistics. Come on. Homicide still up in Fink's apartment. Nuts. What did you say? Okay, I hustled Louie up to Walt and left him handcuffed to Sergeant Otis. They deserved each other. Louie said he was going to be paid off at 8 o'. Clock. And my watch said it was a quarter after seven. That gave me 45 minutes to check at Homicide and still catch the ferry to Staten Island. The fingerprint man at the 5th Precinct put the prints from the highball glass under a microscope and told me what I wanted to know. My hunch had Been right. So I grabbed a cab, and 20 minutes later, I was paying for my ticket. At the ferry landing, a thick, wet fog was beginning to roll in off the river, and by 8 o' clock, it was hard to even see your watch. Someone was playing a piano in the lounge as the ferry began to move slowly across the river. I didn't know who I was looking for, but I figured if there was going to be a payoff, it would be outside. I leaned against the rail and took out a cigarette.

[William Moran]

Got the match, mister?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, yeah, right here. Thanks.

[William Moran]

Lousy night.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. He wasn't my man. When he struck the match. I could see his dirty work clothes and his factory badge. I started down the other side of the board. Finding a killer in that fog was like looking for your car keys in a mine shaft. I reached the bow of the boat, and right then I knew I was about to score. I get a tight feeling in my stomach when I start closing in on danger. I spotted the dark outline at the rail, so I pulled my hat down and walked up beside him. He was hunched over with his arms resting on the rail.

[William Moran]

Terrible night.

[Richard Diamond]

Mm.

[William Moran]

Be awful if you had to find someone in this fog.

[Richard Diamond]

Not if he found you first.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yeah.

[William Moran]

I like the name Louis Osgood.

[Richard Diamond]

Have you heard of it? I like the name Moran. William Moran. Who are you? Just an employee, Diamond. You get a gold star.

[William Moran]

Well, what do you want? Have you found the blackmailers?

[Richard Diamond]

Now, stop playing Alice in Wonderland. I just pushed around. Your hired gone. If Louis Osgood, he had enough to say to put you away for a long time.

[William Moran]

He couldn't have. He didn't know that.

[Richard Diamond]

Didn't know your name. Who murdered your wife, you or Louis Osgood?

[William Moran]

Why do you say murder? The police said it was suicide.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I got news for you, buster. Homicide just changed its mind. I checked and found out that the highball glass near her head was covered with prints from her right hand.

[William Moran]

What does that prove?

[Richard Diamond]

It proves that to take her own life, she'd have to have fingers a foot long. The prints on the gun were also from her right hand. You're gonna tell me that your wife shot herself while holding a highball glass in the same hand?

[William Moran]

That's not my problem, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

But I think it is. If Louis Osgood didn't shoot her, that leaves just one suspect. You. Now, let's take a walk back to the cabin. I want to keep an eye on you for Homicide. All right.

[William Moran]

This is where I leave you, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, come here. I hadn't thought he'd make a break. But as long as he had a gun and knew how to use it, I could understand why he did. I got my gun out and took off after him. I expected him to go over the side and in the fog and he'd have a good chance. But when a guy gets cornered, he does funny things. I never would have spotted him, but he threw open a door and framed himself in the light from the inside. I must have caught him because I saw him start to fold and stagger through the door. I took my time getting there. A wounded man with a gun can get pretty mean sometimes. The door swung back and forth with the motion of the boat and I could hear the sound of the engines. He'd gone down in the engine room, so I dropped to my knees and went in after him. A long polished ladder led down to the big diesel's blow. And I knew I'd hit him with the first shot because there was a bright red trail of blood leading down the ladder and behind the churning machinery.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Moran.

[Richard Diamond]

Moran.

[Announcer]

Come on out.

[Richard Diamond]

You can't get out of here. Come and get me, Diamond.

[William Moran]

I don't like being slapped around. And I'm gonna see that you get yours.

[Richard Diamond]

He was somewhere off to my left and keeping himself hidden. A catwalk circled the engine room, so I pulled an old stunt. I took a wrench off the wall and tossed it down the metal ladder. I watched for his gun flashes. When I spotted his position, I got down on my stomach and crawled along the catwalk until I was directly over his head. He was sitting in a lot of blood and he didn't look like he had long to go. Come on, Diamond. I know you're down here. Surprise. Look at the birdie. What? Don't try it. Sorry, Moran, but this just wasn't your night. You want to tell me about it?

[William Moran]

I shot my wife. I came here just after she shot Grayson. She was standing at the bar with her back to me, mixing a drink. She dropped the gun by Grayson's body, so I picked it up and shot her. Wiped my prints off and put hers on it.

[Richard Diamond]

Why did you do it?

[William Moran]

I hated her. She had money. I found some letters and turned them over to Mac Grayson. The well known blackmailer. I wanted him to drive her crazy until she drank herself into a sanitarium. Then I'd have her money. I never guessed she'd kill Grayson. But when I did, I saw a chance to kill her and make it look like suicide.

[Richard Diamond]

You should never have called me. The police were satisfied.

[William Moran]

I had to find Leo Fink. He knew I'd hired Grayson and he was gonna blackmail me.

[Richard Diamond]

So when I dug up the little wine of that new Fink. You hired Louis Osgood to bump Fink and me. Is that right? Hey. Hey, Moran. Oh. Well, it was a dull conversation anyway. Lousy night. The captain came and helped me carry him up to the deck. Back at the ferry landing, I called Walt Levinson and told him the whole story. I didn't wait around. I just hung up in the middle of his lecture on good behavior and started walking. A stiff breeze was kicking up and pushing the fog back where it came from. After a good round of murder, a guy likes to relax. And I knew just the place to curl up and get my fur brushed. I grabbed a cab and headed for 975 Park Avenue. And the only girl in the world who looked better than her $10 million bank account.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Frances. Is Ms. Asher in?

[Wilbur Truitt]

Yes, sir. She's in the library.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks. Get me a glass of milk, will you, Francis?

[William Moran]

Milk?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Right away.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, that's a B flat.

[Helen Asher]

Rick, where have you been?

[Richard Diamond]

Sailing, sailing over the bounding main. Move over.

[Helen Asher]

You were supposed to have been here at 8:00'. Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, what's an hour if you tack it on to the end of the evening?

[Helen Asher]

Well, I'm glad you've been keeping out of trouble. I can't stand it when you wander in all beat up.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Mm.

[Helen Asher]

You smell nice. What kind of cologne is that?

[Richard Diamond]

Gunpowder.38. What? Oh, nothing. What's this?

[Helen Asher]

You were playing a new song again.

[Richard Diamond]

You were just dandy.

[Helen Asher]

Well, you know I don't play. Well, I just pick.

[Richard Diamond]

You should be glad you don't play the guitar. With those beautiful nails, you'd saw it in half. You're ridiculous. Oops. Oh, that wasn't a B flat.

[Helen Asher]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Mm.

[Helen Asher]

Who do you love?

[Richard Diamond]

I won't tell.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

I love you, baby.

[Helen Asher]

Then let's get married.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, these are pretty good lyrics.

[Helen Asher]

Now stop that.

[Richard Diamond]

Again. This couldn't happen again.

[Helen Asher]

I hate you.

[Richard Diamond]

This is that once in a lifetime. This is that moment divine.

[Helen Asher]

You never sing when I want you to.

[Richard Diamond]

What's more, this never happened before. Though I have waited a lifetime for such as you to suddenly be mine. No comment.

[Helen Asher]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Mine to hold as I'm holding you now and yet never to part. Mine too. Hey, what's the matter? Don't go.

[Helen Asher]

You want to sing? Go ahead.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what did you have in mind?

[Helen Asher]

I won't tell.

[Richard Diamond]

You're not being original. That's my line.

[Helen Asher]

Well, I'm mad.

[Richard Diamond]

Come here. Come here.

[Helen Asher]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Come here. Huh? Helen, still mad?

[Helen Asher]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let's get you mad again. It's so much fun making up mine again. What's the name of the song again? It Never Happens Again. Amen. Oh, good.

[Wilbur Truitt]

Now, Ricky, here's your milk. Mr. Diamond. Oh, my goodness. You never warned me.

[Announcer]

You've 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 Tal Avery, Herbert Butterfield and Jack Petruzzi. 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. Now NBC brings you a three way cavalcade of grand comedy with Phil Harris and Alice Fay, Fred Allen and Henry Morgan, all following in fast succession over most of these NBC stations. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.