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

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.

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.

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]

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

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

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.

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.

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

Overview

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.

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]

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

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

Conclusion

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.

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

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Summary

Episode Summary: “The Bloody Hat Case”

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Diamond’s Philosophy on Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion

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.

Summary

Episode Summary: “The Bloody Hat Case”

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Diamond’s Philosophy on Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion

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.