Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Bloody Hat Case 07/02/1949

Summary

Episode Summary: “The Bloody Hat Case”

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective – The Bloody Hat Case (07/02/1949)
Release Date: November 24, 2025

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Overview

In this engaging installment from the golden age of radio, Dick Powell is back as Richard Diamond, the wisecracking, ever-resourceful private detective. In "The Bloody Hat Case," a night out turns deadly when a fight and a mysterious gunshot lead to a tangled web of deceit, blackmail, and murder. Diamond must unravel the truth behind a bloodstained hat, a missing murder weapon, and a frame-up that threatens to send the wrong man to jail.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Diamond’s Philosophy on Trouble

• Diamond’s monologue sets the stage. Work for the average man means avoiding trouble, but for Diamond, he's “in a class by myself”—his job is trouble.
  • Quote [01:33]:

    “If you spotted me on the street, you'd probably figure me for an average working man, but you'd be wrong... Nothing in this world but detective. You probably say, so what? ...But there's one little thing that puts me in the class all by myself.” – Richard Diamond

2. The Barroom Brawl & The Setup ([03:02]–[06:10])

• Two men, George Watkins and Bertram Kalmus, and a flirtatious encounter with a mysterious woman quickly turns violent in a nightclub, ending with Watkins injured and being spirited off by the woman.
• Critical Event:
  Watkins is taken back to the woman’s apartment, where things escalate, and a man is shot—Watkins flees.

3. The Bloody Hat and the Gun ([06:32]–[10:37])

• A cab driver, Hennessey, brings Diamond a bloody hat and a .38 found together. Both appear to be evidence from a violent altercation.
• The hat has “BK” initials; Diamond’s interest is piqued by this puzzling evidence—especially since there’s a gun, blood, but no body.
• Quote [07:32]:

  “It's got blood all over the inside.” – Hennessey

4. The Hat Shop Clue ([10:37]–[11:23])

• Diamond’s investigation at a Fifth Avenue hat store reveals the hat was sold to Bertram Kalmus.
  • Sharp, rapid-fire banter with the hat clerk adds comic flair.
  • Quote [10:38]:

    “Now, come on, bright eyes. Who bought the hat?” – Richard Diamond

5. Questioning the Kalmuses ([12:23]–[15:05])

• At the Kalmus residence, Diamond spars flirtatiously with Mrs. Kalmus, learns details on Bert’s whereabouts, and introduces the hat as evidence.
• Bertram Kalmus denies ownership of the hat, but panics and contacts Diamond privately to change his story: it is his hat, and he lent it to Watkins after the barfight.

6. Connecting with Watkins & The Arrest ([15:24]–[16:42])

• Bertram confides Watkins is nervous and possibly involved in something bigger.
• At Watkins' hotel room, police are present—Watkins is under arrest for murder after a woman (the “apartment blonde”) reported him.
• Quote [17:41]:

  “What's the charge, Walt?” / “Murder.” – Richard Diamond & Lieutenant Walt

7. Watkins’ Version of Events ([17:57]–[20:10])

• Watkins confesses to shooting the man in the apartment—but denies killing the woman, claiming he fled immediately.
• Diamond uncovers details about a “flat champagne” noise Watkins heard.
  • Quote [19:38]:

    “...I did hear something, but it slipped my mind until now... It sounded like someone had opened a bottle of flat champagne." – George Watkins

8. Crime Scene Investigation & Crucial Clue ([20:32]–[22:33])

• At the scene, Diamond finds a wad of wadding on the floor—suggesting a blank was used in the “murder weapon.” This points to a setup to frame Watkins.
• Notably, the killer left easy-to-find evidence—a sign of amateurish staging.

9. Diamond's Confrontation & The Killer’s Motive ([22:33]–[27:14])

• Diamond confronts Mrs. Kalmus about her husband's finances and the case’s holes.

• Bertram Kalmus interrupts with a gun, intent on killing Diamond and his wife to cover up his crimes.

• Revealed Motive:
  Bertram was embezzling money from the company, plotting to kill and frame Watkins (his boss), aiming to take over as president.

• Major Revelations:

  • The murder weapon used blanks (to frame Watkins) while Bertram killed using a gun with a silencer from the kitchen.
  • The dead man and woman were paid to act out the fight; things escalated into a double murder.

• Diamond’s deductive clincher:

  • Bertram didn’t know the dead girl's name was Nan Phillips—yet found her mailbox, revealing his prior knowledge.

• Quote [26:08]:

  “...Not once at any time did anyone mention the dead girl's name. But you knew it and found it on the mailbox.” – Richard Diamond

10. Dénouement: The Wrap & The Real Culprit Exposed ([27:14]–[28:09])

• Mrs. Kalmus helps disarm Bertram as the police arrive.
• Bertram confesses his entire plot.
• Diamond lays out his deductions:
  • Kalmus’ timeline didn’t fit his alibi.
  • Financial anomalies and the bloodless state of Bertram upon returning home corroborated guilt.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You're an amateur, Bertram.” – Diamond’s direct accusation as the plot unravels [25:55]
• The Reveal:

  “The gun that Watkins thought he killed the man with was loaded with blanks, wasn't it? ...I killed the guy from the kitchen with a silencer.” – Diamond & Bertram [26:36–26:51]

• Mrs. Kalmus, to Bertram (after his confession):

  “Is that where you got the money for all those things you've been buying for me?” [25:34]

• Diamond’s signature wit with Mrs. Kalmus:

  “Let's just say you're waiting for a sacrifice to move you to second base.” – Mrs. Kalmus [13:22]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:02] – Nightclub brawl sets the case in motion
• [07:32] – Diamond receives the bloody hat and gun
• [10:38] – Hat store clue: hat sold to Bertram Kalmus
• [14:09] – Confrontation with Bertram; initial denial
• [15:24] – Bertram admits hat is his, offers an alibi
• [17:41] – Watkins arrested for murder
• [19:38] – Watkins’ mention of "flat champagne" sound—key clue
• [22:06] – Discovery of gun wadding—evidence for blanks
• [25:55] – Diamond accuses Bertram directly; confession begins
• [26:49] – True plot revealed (blank gun, real silencer)
• [28:09] – Closing: Case solved; justice served

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Tone & Style

• Language: Very much vintage noir—Diamond delivers rapid-fire wisecracks and sardonic patter, even in danger.
• Atmosphere: Tense and moody with bursts of humor, flirtation, and classic radio melodrama.
• Character Dynamics:
  • Diamond as the intuitive, witty detective
  • Mrs. Kalmus: glamorous, sharp, possibly dangerous
  • Bertram: calm under pressure until cornered, then unravels
  • Police: skeptical but open to Diamond's hunches

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Conclusion

A case built on duplicity, jealousy, and ambition, this episode features all the trademarks of noir radio: framed innocents, false alibis, and a detective's nose for the smallest clue. Diamond’s astute observation exposes a murder plot, clears the innocent Watkins, and brings the real killer, Bertram Kalmus, to justice. All delivered with vintage banter, atmospheric tension, and a memorable closing serenade.

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For those who missed the episode, this summary highlights all the essential twists, the mood, and the narrative mechanics of one of Richard Diamond’s most cunning cases.

Transcript

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[Richard Diamond]

Here's Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Hello there. My name's Diamond. If you spotted me on the street, you'd probably figure me for an average working man, but you'd be wrong. I fit the description, all right, because I break my back six days a week to keep my piggy bank nice and stuffed. But my occupation puts me in a class by myself. I'm a private honey. Nothing in this world but detective. You probably say, so what? The average working man comes under the heading of a lot of different jobs, and you'd be right on that count. But there's one little thing that puts me in the class all by myself.

[George Watkins]

Trouble.

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. And Mrs. Average John Doe work six days a week to keep clear of it. I put in the same time playing footsies with it. It's a kind of silent partner with references dating all the way back to the year one. People get in trouble every second and I count on a small percentage to come to me to get them out of it. The rest, odds and good advertising. As an example, take the other night in a little bistro over on 48th Street. A couple of guys sitting at a back table were getting set for a special brand of trouble, the big kind that you find under the heading of murder.

[George Watkins]

Oh, Bird, old boy, this is turning out to be a wonderful evening.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[Richard Diamond]

George.

[George Watkins]

Yes. Hey, who's a blonde over there in the booth?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I've never seen her before, but she's cute.

[George Watkins]

Yeah, she. Sure. Good evening, baby.

[Bertram Kalmus]

George, George, take it easy. Maybe she's waiting for someone.

[George Watkins]

Oh, don't be silly. Look, she's smiling. Let's ask her over to the table.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I still think she's waiting for someone. If you want to take the chance, go ahead, you ask her.

[George Watkins]

All right, I will. I said, good evening.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Good evening.

[George Watkins]

My friend and I noticed you were sitting alone and we wondered if you'd join us.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Oh, I don't believe I can, you see.

[George Watkins]

Oh, please, just for a few drinks.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

No, really. Thank you just the same.

[George Watkins]

Well, if you say so. But I'll be unhappy for the rest of the evening.

[Richard Diamond]

Hi, baby.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Tony.

[Richard Diamond]

Sorry I took so long, but. Hey, who's this guy?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Not Tony.

[Richard Diamond]

I said, who's the guy?

[George Watkins]

If you'll excuse me.

[Richard Diamond]

No, you wait a minute, George.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Come on. I think we'd better leave.

[Richard Diamond]

This guy a friend of yours?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes, he is. Was this guy making a pitch now?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

No, he only asked me over for a drink.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, he did, huh?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Now, wait a minute, pal.

[George Watkins]

Please, I made a mistake. I'm sorry.

[Richard Diamond]

So you made a mistake.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I don't like jokers that try and pick up my girl. Hey, wait a minute. You didn't have to slug him.

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe you'd like to do something about it.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Maybe I would.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Loud enough. Well, that's the first time Tony ended up on the short end of a fight in a long time.

[Bertram Kalmus]

You all right, George?

[George Watkins]

Yes, I think I cut my head.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Yeah, you're bleeding all over the place. You better get out of here, mister. I saw the manager duck in the back room. He's probably calling the car.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Let me give you a hand.

[Richard Diamond]

George.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Take my hat and wear it over the cut until you get home.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I'm getting out here too. You want me to drop you off?

[George Watkins]

What about your boyfriend? He's still unconscious.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

He was that way when I met him. You want the lift or not?

[George Watkins]

What about you, Bert?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Oh, I'll be all right. Now, go on. Let her take you somewhere so you can get cleaned up. I'll grab a cab and head for my place. I'll call you in the morning.

[George Watkins]

But I don't.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Now, stop arguing. You can't afford a scandal.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

All right, come on, honey, let's go.

[George Watkins]

Well, this very nice apartment.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

You better go get cleaned up. Back through that room. I'll get a couple of drinks.

[George Watkins]

I can sure use a drink. I won't be long.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Take your time. Yes, Tony. Get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Where is that, darling?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Come on, get out of here.

[George Watkins]

Why, you cheap little I'll beat it out of you.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Take your hands off me.

[Richard Diamond]

Take your hands off her.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'll kill the both of you.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Help. There's a gun in the desk.

[Richard Diamond]

A gun?

[Bertram Kalmus]

All right, I'll wring your little neck.

[Richard Diamond]

You shot him.

[George Watkins]

I did.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

You better get out of here.

[George Watkins]

Yeah, but what about you?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Go on, get out while you can. I'll think of something.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes, leave the gun.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I'll throw it in the river or something, huh? All right, now, go on, beat it. You just killed a man.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, come in.

[George Watkins]

Hiya, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Hennessy, what did you do, wreck your cab?

[George Watkins]

Nah, it's done in the front. Hey, that's a warm magazine you're reading there. Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Listen to what it says here about women's bathing suits, huh? 1949 suits allow maximum exposure to sun. Note plunging neckline note. Who's gonna miss it if it plunged in? The Lord wind up with the bends.

[George Watkins]

Yeah. Mr. Diamond, would you mind shoving it in the drawer?

[Richard Diamond]

The picture distracts me not at all. No, I don't blame you, Hennessy. Thanks. Now, what's on your mind? This. A hat? Yeah. Well, I don't think I can do you much good. What did you bring it to me for?

[George Watkins]

I found it in the gutter over in Flatbush.

[Richard Diamond]

So what? Some guy loses a hat. Don't tell me you want me to find him.

[George Watkins]

No, I just got to worrying a little. You see, I found this beside.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, a.38. Well, let's have a look. Take a look at the hat, too.

[George Watkins]

It's got blood all over the inside.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, and initials on the inside. BK Gun's been fired. You can still smell the powder in the barrel. Why didn't you take this to the police?

[George Watkins]

I didn't want to get mixed up in it.

[Richard Diamond]

You see, I got to pick up.

[George Watkins]

As many fares as I can. I ain't got nobody to drive my cab for me, and I didn't want to spend the day answering questions down at headquarters, you understand.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you'll probably have to anyway. I'll have to notify them.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yeah, well, I. I thought maybe you.

[George Watkins]

Could find out who owned the hat and maybe solve the case before you notify him. You see, that way I wouldn't have to spend too much time. I could just tell them I found it and beat it.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I can't withhold evidence. It'd take away my license. And if you did, they'd lock you up.

[George Watkins]

Okay, I. I just thought.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I can check the hat store before I get to the Fifth Precinct.

[George Watkins]

Yeah, well, Won't that be a tough job? There's a lot of hats store here.

[Richard Diamond]

This hat's got a label. Besides, when someone finds a bloody hat with a.38 lying next to it, I get interested. Particularly when there isn't a corpse to go with it.

[George Watkins]

Yeah, well, I gotta go, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks a lot.

[George Watkins]

You got a free ride anytime you want it.

[Richard Diamond]

I may take you up on that. So long, Hennessy. Well, there you are. What did that tell you? When you're working with trouble, something always shows up. Sometimes it's just a routine case. A guy knocks off his wife and he comes to you because he suddenly found out that he had that lonely feeling. Or maybe you get a real screwy one. A taxidermist that got tired of stuffing animals and went to work on a neighbor. Or then you get one that gives you the same feeling you get when you pick up a poker hand and the first four cards you look at are all spades. Well, I was holding two cards. A hat with blood on it, a gun that had been fired, and all I needed to fill out the hand was a body. By all rights, I should have taken the evidence right down to my friend Lieutenant Levinson at Homicide. But I didn't have anything to do. So I decided to see what kind of pieces I could fit into the puzzle. The label in the hat was from a store on Fifth Avenue. It wasn't far from my office, so I walked it. Yes, sir? Something I can do for you? Yeah, stop munching your sen. Sen. And tell me if this hat is from your store. Well, let me see it. These glasses are not telescopes, you know. Yeah. Here. Well, if you're planning to return this merchandise, sir, I can assure you the store will not accept it. You've been bleeding on the sweatband. Look, Rosebud, I just want to know if the hat is from this store. It most certainly is. It's one of our custom models. Who did you sell it to? If you found this hat, we will be glad to return it to its owner. We are not supposed to give out the names of our clients. I have a small badge here that should cut this conversation down to a few words. See? Oh. Now, would you mind telling me, to whom did you sell this hat? Well, just because you're a detective, I am not impressed. However, under the circumstances, I'll give you the buyer's name. You're a real sport. I suppose you wear a shoulder holster, too? Or is that bulge your tailor's fault? Come here. I really keep a midget in there. You don't say. Yeah, he spits through the lapel at stupid hat clerks.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Oh, really?

[Richard Diamond]

Now, come on, bright eyes. Who bought the hat? Well, if you'll just hold your horses. That's the new line if I ever heard one. Come on, Bubbles. Here it is. This hat was sold to a Mr. Bertram Kalmus. We make all his hats for him. Well, bully for you. What's his address? 430 Sutton Place. Now, will that be all, sir? Yes, that will be all. And thank you. You've been a brick through the whole ugly mess. I left him watering his gardenia and headed for the residence of one Mr. Bertram Kalmus. The apartment house was about 10 blocks away. And with the money I had in my pocket, all taxicabs started looking like iron claws with four wheels. I walked.

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[Mrs. Kalmus]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

How do you mean that?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Yes. I don't want any.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, and I've got a pretty good sales talk.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I never buy anything unless I have a demonstration.

[Richard Diamond]

My middle name is Semper Paratus. Like the Coast Guard. I'm always prepared.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I suppose I could top that, but I'm getting tired of trying to close the door on your foot. What is it you want?

[Richard Diamond]

I hate to admit it, but I'm looking for Bertram Kalmus.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

My husband.

[Richard Diamond]

Good for him. Is he in?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

No, but he will be any minute. What's it about?

[Richard Diamond]

This hat I believe is his.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

What blonde's apartment did it turn up in?

[Richard Diamond]

It was found in a gutter in Flatbush.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Well, Flatbush is a little out of his territory. But the gutter sounds familiar. It's that stain all over it.

[George Watkins]

Blood.

[Richard Diamond]

Does your husband bleed a lot?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Not recently. We've been getting along. Are you from the Police?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm a detective.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Come in.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd hate to be selling brushes.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I'd have slammed the door on your face.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, then I made an impression.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Let's just say you're waiting for a sacrifice to move you to second base. Won't you sit down?

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks. What happens when I round third?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

That depends on your batting average, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Mrs. Kalmus.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

That fits.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, getting back to a very dull subject. Does this hat belong to your husband?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I don't know. It looks like one of his. Has it got any initials in the band?

[Richard Diamond]

MM BK when did you find it? I didn't. The cab driver picked it up this.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Morning, and it isn't my husband's blood. He left about a half an hour ago to do some shopping, and he was very bloodless.

[Richard Diamond]

No cuts on his head?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

No cuts. He came in around 2 this morning. He'd been drinking, but he wasn't caught up. Oh, there he is now. I hope we can discuss baseball another time.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I got all the things you wanted in it.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Bert, this is Mr. Diamond. He's a detective.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes. Well, how are you?

[Richard Diamond]

Fine, Mr. Calvins. Tell me, is this your hat?

[Bertram Kalmus]

My hat? Let me see it. Why, no. No, it isn't.

[Richard Diamond]

The hat store on Fifth Avenue says he sold it to you.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I can't help what they say. That's not my hat.

[Richard Diamond]

Are you sure?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Darling, it was found in the gutter.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I don't care if they found it on a Yale man in the Harvard Club. It's not mine.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I guess I'll have to take your word for it.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Wait, wait. Isn't that blood on the hat?

[George Watkins]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, goodbye, Mrs. Kalmus. Mr. Kalmus. Nice meeting you both.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'll see you to the door.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I can do it.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I know you can, dear. Coming, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Bye. Back again, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, goodbye, Mr. Gomez. Where.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Where can I call you?

[Richard Diamond]

What?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I can't explain now. Where can I call you in about a half an hour?

[Richard Diamond]

My office. It's in the book.

[Bertram Kalmus]

You'll hear from me. But please, please don't do anything until then.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay. Half an hour, then I go to the police with this hat.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Mr. Diamond, this is Bert Kalmus.

[George Watkins]

Yeah.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes, I couldn't say anything to you in front of my wife. That is my hat.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I thought so. Why did you deny it?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I was out with a pal last night. There was a fight over a girl. I didn't want to mention it in front of my wife.

[Richard Diamond]

How did the blood get on the hat?

[Bertram Kalmus]

My friend Got hit on the head and I loaned him my hat to cover up the wound.

[Richard Diamond]

What was it doing in a gutter in Flatbush?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I really don't know. My friend left with the girl and I went right home.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, who is this friend of yours? I think something may have happened to him.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, I called him this morning and he seemed very nervous about something and he asked me to come over. I'm in the lobby of this hotel right now.

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, he's probably just worried about the girl he picked up. As long as the blood on the hat was from a cut on his head, I don't think there's too much to worry about.

[Bertram Kalmus]

No, no, Mr. Diamond, I. I think it's more than that. He's my employer and I know him pretty well. I do wish you'd come over.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all right, Mr. Calamus.

[George Watkins]

What's the address?

[Bertram Kalmus]

The Wits at Hotel hell on East 54th Street. I'll meet you in the lobby.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't ask me why I started getting that lousy feeling when all I had was a bloody hat, a gun and a pretty good explanation for one of the items. But there it was, that jammed up feeling in the pit of my stomach like I just swallowed a whole pineapple. Something was wrong and I wanted to find out what. So I hurried over to the Witsu Hotel and met Kalmus in the lobby.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'm glad you came, Mr. Diamond. I just put in a call to George's room and someone else answered.

[Richard Diamond]

So what?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, the man asked a lot of questions, like who I was and why I. What did I want with George.

[Richard Diamond]

And. Oh, I. I take it George is your friend of last night?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes. George Watkins. He's the president of the firm I work for.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let's go up. When someone starts asking questions like that on the phone, it begins to sound like the police have moved in. Come on.

[George Watkins]

Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, hello, Walt. Rick, what are you doing here?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Fair question.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll answer yours if you'll do the same for me. I came up to see you, Mr. George Watkins. So did I.

[Bertram Kalmus]

What's the matter? Is George in some kind of trouble? Who's this guy?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, he's a friend of Watkins. Works for him. Oh, yeah? Well, come on in. George.

[Bertram Kalmus]

George, what's going on here?

[George Watkins]

You better let the lieutenant tell you, Bert. I can't think anymore.

[Richard Diamond]

What's the charge, Walt?

[George Watkins]

Murder.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Murder?

[Richard Diamond]

We got a call from a girl last night who said a man named.

[Bertram Kalmus]

George Watkins killed someone in her apartment.

[Richard Diamond]

When we got over there, we found.

[George Watkins]

A girl there too.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Oh, well, you must have the wrong man, Inspector.

[Richard Diamond]

George Woods, Lieutenant.

[Bertram Kalmus]

And I'm sure you think George wouldn't, but he just confessed.

[Richard Diamond]

George.

[George Watkins]

Yes, Bert. I killed the man. But I didn't kill her. The man came in and tried to strangle her. She told me to get the gun in the drawer, and when the man wouldn't let her go, I shot him.

[Richard Diamond]

That isn't what the girl told us.

[Bertram Kalmus]

She said she took this gun home, this guy home after he'd been in a fight. And when they got to her apartment, he made a pass just as her boyfriend came in.

[Richard Diamond]

Then Watkins shot him and ran out. We figured he got excited, and when he had time to think about it, he went back and killed the only other witness.

[George Watkins]

I didn't kill the girl. I never went back there at all. I came straight here.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, Mr. Kalmus here was with him up until the time he left with the girl. Is that right, Mr. Kalmus?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Why, yes, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, there was a previous fight and Watkins got that cut on his head. Mr. Kalma's loaned him his hat to cover the wound.

[Bertram Kalmus]

That's right, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

And, oh, by the way, Walt, what caliber Was the murder weapon?

[George Watkins]

38.

[Richard Diamond]

But we haven't found the gun yet. Here, check this one with ballistics. How'd you find this? Cab driver named Hennessey brought it in to me this morning. Found it lying with a hat. Do you ever see this gun before, Watkins?

[George Watkins]

No, I. I told you, I don't own a gun.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, what time do you figure he killed the man and the girl? The coroner fixed the time of death about 1 o' clock this morning. How long were you at this girl's apartment, Mr. Watkins?

[George Watkins]

Why, about five minutes before her boyfriend came in. I shot him and left immediately.

[Richard Diamond]

And you don't remember taking your hat or the gun?

[Bertram Kalmus]

What are you getting at, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

This is an open and shut case. He admits killing one of them, but.

[Bertram Kalmus]

He won't admit the other killing because he knows it was premeditated.

[Richard Diamond]

Just a hunch, Walt. Just a hunch. Mr. Watkins, would you mind telling me just what happened after the girl's boyfriend started choking him?

[George Watkins]

Well, I grabbed a gun out of the dresser near the kitchen and I shot him. And the girl told me to get out, that she'd take care of things, so I dropped the gun and ran.

[Richard Diamond]

Did you hear anything else? Anything unusual? No.

[George Watkins]

But yes, now that you mention it, I did hear something, but it slipped my mind until now.

[Richard Diamond]

What did you hear?

[George Watkins]

Well, I don't know whether I can describe it or not, it sounded like someone had opened a bottle of flat champagne.

[Bertram Kalmus]

What are you getting at, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, wait a minute, Walt. When did you hear this noise?

[George Watkins]

Right after I shot the man. I remember wondering if someone hadn't opened a bottle in the kitchen.

[Richard Diamond]

Is that where the noise came from?

[George Watkins]

Yes, I think so.

[Richard Diamond]

All right if I go over and case the scene? Wall?

[George Watkins]

We've done that.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but you weren't looking for something. Why don't you come with me, Mr. Calamus? I'd like to talk with you. What's the address, Walt? 16 West 113th Street.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Now, look, don't worry too much, George. I can handle the business. And in the meantime, I'll do everything to get you off.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks, Bert. Now, you wait a minute, Rick.

[Bertram Kalmus]

If you think you know something.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt. Yeah.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

Kalmus and I went downstairs and took a Cab over to 16 West 113th Street. It was a middle class apartment house in Flatbush, a four story brownstone. I let Kalmus pay the fare and we went in. I wonder what Floyd's on.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, she'll tell on the mailboxes. Yeah, here it is. Nan Phillips.

[Richard Diamond]

206. Well, let's go up. Oh, what do you do for Mr. Watkins?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'm his vice president. That's why I took him out last night. I wanted to interest him in a new account. I just can't imagine him killing anyone. But I guess people do funny things when they lose their heads.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, 206. Oh, here it is. Yeah.

[George Watkins]

Hello. Oh, no.

[Richard Diamond]

Good afternoon, Sergeant Otis. What do you want, Diamond? Well, I want to stand out here in the hall and count the hairs in your five o' clock shadow. Now, let us in. The lieutenant said it was all right. Okay, comic. Mr. Kalmus, meet Sergeant Otis. How are you? Hello, Sergeant Otis. Make like a policeman and point out the circumstances in this killing, will you? Well, I don't know why I should sham us, but if the lieutenant sent you over, I guess I'll have to. Two bodies is over there by the window lying pretty close together. The killer, that Watkins fellow, was standing about here in the center of the room with his back to the kitchen door. Yeah, he shot them both from about here. Hey, what are you looking for? Oh, I like to get out on my hands and knees. It's cooler. And it won't do you no good to start looking for fancy clues. The guy already confessed. Well, well, well, well.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Hey, what do you got there?

[Richard Diamond]

Just a wad. So you got some wadding from the murder gun. You better give it here. Sure, but hang on to it, Otis, and be sure to give to the lieutenant. Maybe you haven't noticed, but murder guns don't throw this much wadding. Unless you can kill someone with a blank cartridge, why don't let it throw you. Mr. Kalmas, I've got some things to do. Can I drop you somewhere?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Well, no, thanks. Now that Mr. Watkins can't take care of the office, I better go down and check over some things. But I'll keep in touch with you, Mr. Damon.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, you do that. Now, wait a minute, Diamond. Oh, stop trying to figure it out, Otis. You'll snap your wig. I was getting close to something. I wanted to tie the ends together before it caught up with me. I had a big fat hunch that Watkins had been framed. Good. And the more I found out, the more it looked like a killer was still loose. The whole setup had been screwy from the first. Why would a guy lose his hat and drop his gun in the same place? Or if he threw them both away, why wouldn't he burn the hat and throw the gun in the river? Nobody's frightened enough to lay them side by side in the gutter. I learned a lot since this morning. And I was certain of one thing. The killer tried to make it look good, but he was an awful amateur. I knew something else, too. Amateurs can be awfully mean sometimes when you corner them. I put in a call to Walt and told him what I had. And then I asked him to give me half an hour and and meet me at Mrs. Kalmus flat. I grabbed another cab, and 20 minutes later I was sitting on a long couch next to Mrs. Calmus. It's easy to get that crowded feeling, even on a long couch. You just both sit on the same cushion.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Comfy?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yeah. What kind of perfume is that?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

My sins.

[Richard Diamond]

Past or future tense?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

A rounding second. What brought you back, Mrs. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I. I want to ask a couple of questions.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Past or future tense?

[Richard Diamond]

What time did your husband get in last night?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I told you, about two o'. Clock. Why?

[Richard Diamond]

Do you know if he knows a girl named Nan Phillips?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I really don't know.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, all right. Just a few more questions and then we'll get back to that perfume.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I'll think ahead.

[Richard Diamond]

You said you'd been getting along with your husband. Would you mind explaining that?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Certainly. I like nice things, and lately he's been buying them for me.

[Richard Diamond]

What's your husband's salary?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

About 15,000 a year.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. Could he afford to buy you these things?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

He Told me he was getting a raise and he'd gotten a big advance. What's this all about?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Maybe I'd better tell him.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Good. I didn't hear you.

[Richard Diamond]

I did.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

What are you doing with that gun?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'm going to use it. I found Mr. Diamond making passes at my wife and I shot him. Are you crazy?

[Richard Diamond]

Don't ask him that. He's allowed to start thinking about it. You can't shoot me and get away with it. Calmness. What are you gonna do with your wife? She won't back you up.

[Bertram Kalmus]

No. No, I guess she wouldn't. All right, both of you, get up and walk downstairs to my car.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

What are you doing?

[Richard Diamond]

Your husband killed two people last night, Mrs. Calmus. Now he's gonna try and cover because he guessed I knew how it was done.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

You're not gonna kill me, too?

[Bertram Kalmus]

Moving, Bert, please.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Why did you kill anyone, Bert?

[Richard Diamond]

He wanted to frame his boss. I bet when the company checks, they'll find out he's had his hand in the pill.

[Bertram Kalmus]

They won't find out, Mr. Diamond. With Mr. Watkins book for murder, I'm next in line for president. I'll be able to fix the book so it will look like he took the money, too.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Is that where you got the money for all those things you've been buying for me?

[Richard Diamond]

You shot the man and the girl from the kitchen with a silencer, didn't you, Bertram?

[Bertram Kalmus]

That's right. I knew you were onto something when you discovered that Wade from the blank cartridge.

[Richard Diamond]

I was onto something a long time before that. Yeah.

[Bertram Kalmus]

All right. Come on over to that gray sedan. And remember, I've still got this gun in my pocket.

[Richard Diamond]

You're an amateur, Bertram.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Is that right?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. I knew you had something to do with it. When we got over to the girl's apartment, I didn't know what floor it was on. And you looked in the mailboxes.

[Bertram Kalmus]

That's the best way to find an apartment, isn't it?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but not once at any time did anyone mention the dead girl's name. But you knew it and found it on the mailbox.

[Bertram Kalmus]

All right, stop right here. Open the door, Gene, and get in. First, the front seat, please. Get in. All right. Now you, Mr. Diamond, you're going to drive.

[Richard Diamond]

You know, I left my license in my other suit.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Stop stalling.

[Richard Diamond]

I had to do something to stall for just a second, because over Bertram's shoulder I spotted a prowl car sliding up to the curb and good old Walt was climbing out. Bertram, would you mind answering just one question? What is It? The gun that Watkins thought he killed the man with was loaded with blanks, wasn't it? Sure.

[Bertram Kalmus]

I killed the guy from the kitchen with a silencer.

[Richard Diamond]

The whole thing was rigged, huh? The man and the girl were supposed to stage that fight. And Watkins was supposed to shoot the guy with the dummy slug.

[Bertram Kalmus]

You said one question. Now get in the car.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, Thomas.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Don't move.

[Bertram Kalmus]

What? Why, you.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Duck, Rick.

[Bertram Kalmus]

That was a close one.

[Richard Diamond]

You're so right. Walt, take his gun. I think you'll find it's the one that Watkins fired the branks from.

[Bertram Kalmus]

How is he?

[Richard Diamond]

On his way. Hey, Bertram. I'll go call the wagon. Bertram.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Yes?

[Richard Diamond]

You want to tie the ends together?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I paid the girl and the man to stage the fight. I told them I wanted to frame George and blackmail him.

[Richard Diamond]

So you framed him with a double murder instead. Why?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I've been stealing money from the company. How'd you know it was me?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, knowing the girl's name, for one thing. And your wife told me you'd gotten in about two. You told me over the phone you went straight home after the fight in the cafe. The killing took place about one. Watkins said he'd been at the girls for five minutes, about 15 to get to her place. So that meant you all left the cafe around 12:30. It doesn't take an hour and a half to get. Hey, Bertram.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Huh?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I don't think Bert can hear you.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, well, it was a pretty dull story anyway. Well, the wagon got there and I briefed Walt on everything that had happened. They took Mrs. Calmus home and released Watkins. It was a stinking hot afternoon, and I needed something cool to bring me down to normal. So I headed for 975 Park Avenue. A tall lemonade with a mind of its own and a curvaceous redhead with the same gimmick. Yes? Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Diamond. Afternoon, Frances. Ms. Asheron? Yes, sir. She's in the study reading. Thanks, Francis. Oh, how about something cool?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Yes, sir.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Right away, sir.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Hi.

[Richard Diamond]

Hi. Wow. You look cool enough. That's a nice get up.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

You like it? It's the newest thing.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I saw it in the magazine. What do you do if it shrinks?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Oh, silly.

[Richard Diamond]

No, no. I'm concerned you might get rated.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Don't you like it?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

What do you think of me?

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, you're adorable.

[George Watkins]

You're beautiful.

[Richard Diamond]

And you're cute.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Hey, that sounds like a song.

[Richard Diamond]

Come here.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

No, Sing it.

[Richard Diamond]

It's cute. That's too hot.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I'm rather cool.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I was only lukewarm until I spotted that playsuit.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Go on. A, you're adorable.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, but then I want to play. Get it? Play playsuit.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

That was dandy.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yeah, it is.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I know.

[Richard Diamond]

Go on.

[George Watkins]

A, you're adorable.

[Richard Diamond]

B, you're so beautiful. C, you're a cutie full of ch. D, you're a darling. And E, you're exciting. And F, you've got feathers on your arm.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Oh, Rick.

[George Watkins]

G, you look good to me.

[Richard Diamond]

H, you so heavenly. I, you're the one I idolize. J, we're like Jack and Jill. K, you're so kissable. L is the love light in your eyes.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

M. So. Want me to finish?

[Mrs. Kalmus]

I love you.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you're sweet. Come here.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Just one moment, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, Francis?

[Bertram Kalmus]

I'm not going to be embarrassed again.

[Richard Diamond]

Here's your lemonade. Thank you, Francis.

[Bertram Kalmus]

Oh, it's nothing, sir.

[Mrs. Kalmus]

A, you're adorable.

[Richard Diamond]

B, you're so beautiful. 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, Byron Cain, Lorraine Tuttle, Paul Freeze and Wally Mayer. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. 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 is NBC, the national broadcasting company.