Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Harry Baker Case 09/03/1949

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Harry Baker Case (09/03/1949)
Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview of the Episode

This vintage detective episode plunges listeners into a web of love affairs, kleptomania, murder, and jewel theft. “The Harry Baker Case” sees private eye Richard Diamond drawn into an apparent suicide on Long Island after witnessing a wealthy woman’s shoplifting at a department store. What begins as a lighthearted excursion turns into a layered investigation involving blackmail, homicide, and a clever frame-up for murder.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. A Satirical Fashion Introduction (00:55 – 02:03)

• Richard Diamond opens with a bit about men’s “bold look” fashion, poking fun at the outlandish styles for comedic effect, before transitioning to “that little murder” he got mixed up in.
• Quote:
  “Imagine walking down Fifth Avenue, decked out in a new bright purple non shrinking suit, pastel shirt, yellow maybe hand painted tie and argyle socks. Got it? What do you think? Pretty bad. About the only thing I can think of that's more gruesome is that little murder I got mixed up in last week.”
  — Richard Diamond (01:28)

2. The Baker Household and a Sinister Plot (02:03 – 03:57)

• Harry Baker and his secretary/lover, Connie Loring, discuss plans to get rid of his wife, with the help of a hired crook, Nat Fox, for $500.
  • Connie is impatient; Harry wavers, but she insists he must go through with it.
  • Connie has already arranged the timing with Nat Fox at the department store.
• Quote:
  “If you're going to start changing your mind just when it looks like we can have all these things, I'm through.”
  — Connie Loring (03:00)

3. Diamond’s Banter with the Police (04:21 – 07:10)

• Lighthearted exchanges and insults between Diamond, Lt. Walt Levinson, and Sergeant Otis, highlighting Diamond’s mischievous, teasing rapport with the police.
• Diamond fakes involvement in a new corpse just to rattle Walt.

4. A Shoplifting Incident at the Department Store (07:34 – 12:04)

• Helen Asher (Diamond’s girlfriend) and Diamond go shopping; Helen spots Mrs. Lillian Baker shoplifting stockings.
• The store clerk is dismissive, but manager Mr. Pennywig explains they are aware: Mrs. Baker is a wealthy kleptomaniac, watched discreetly and her infraction bills are quietly paid by her husband.
• Milieu of light social comedy amid growing intrigue.

5. The Jewel Robbery and Suspect Nat Fox (12:04 – 15:00)

• Immediately after Mrs. Baker’s exit, a jewel theft of $300,000 is discovered.
• Suspicion swings between Mrs. Baker and a professional thief, Nat Fox, who's found in the store. Diamond searches him for jewels, finds only gum wrappers—a known tactic, suggesting an accomplice would retrieve the hidden loot.
• Quote:
  “The thief chews a lot of gum, palms some jewels and sticks them in the gum. Then he sticks the gum under something, and the confederate comes along later and scoops it up. If the thief gets spotted at the scene, he's clean. Just like Fox was when I searched him.”
  — Richard Diamond (13:55)

6. Suicide or Murder? The Baker Estate Visit (16:12 – 19:49)

• News arrives: Mrs. Lillian Baker has died in an apparent suicide by jumping from a balcony.
• Diamond and Lt. Levinson visit the Bakers; Harry Baker appears distraught, claims he found the stolen jewels under his wife’s mattress and confronted her, leading to her breakdown and death.
• Diamond finds the jewels sticky with gum, connecting them to the earlier theft.
• Introduction to Connie Loring, Harry’s secretary—and secret paramour.

7. Unraveling the Conspiracy (20:01 – 25:25)

• Diamond goes to Nat Fox’s apartment and finds him murdered (two bullets to the head), tying the case together: someone with the Bakers wanted to silence Fox.

• Back at the department store, Diamond identifies Connie as having been present after Mrs. Baker, implicating her as the accomplice.

• Diamond confronts Baker and Connie with the store clerk as a witness, catching Connie in lies about her whereabouts.

• Revelation: Connie and Baker are exposed. Connie picked up the gum-hidden jewels, killed Fox for silence, and helped Baker stage his wife’s “suicide.” The physical improbability of Mrs. Baker climbing and jumping due to arthritis, confirmed by Dr. Bischoff, seals the case.

• Quote:
  “She had arthritis, Mr. Baker. And Dr. Bischoff said she could barely walk upstairs, let alone climb over a four foot railing. He also told me that under the conditions, her age and everything, she couldn't have lasted more than a year. You were in too much of a hurry.”
  — Richard Diamond (25:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• (04:23) Otis’ recurring insult:
  “You turn my stomach.”
  — Otis

• (10:16) Diamond on the store clerk:
  “Don't ever put Ms. Phillips in the toy department. She's so nearsighted, she's liable to think the electric train is the 8th Avenue subway and climb on it at 5:00.”
  — Richard Diamond

• (26:07) Humorous ending as the case closes:
  After solving the case, Diamond is subjected to Helen’s gift-giving for Frances—“the bold look” in men’s fashion—which he finds hilarious and ghastly.

• (27:08) Crooning out with show tune lyrics:
  Diamond serenades Helen with “Younger than Springtime,” poking fun at the episode’s earlier fashion riff and the show’s playful tone.

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Segment Timestamps

• Fashion Satire & Case Intro: 00:55–02:03
• The Conspiracy Unfolds (Harry & Connie): 02:03–03:57
• Police Station Banter: 04:21–07:10
• Shoplifting Scene: 07:34–12:04
• Jewel Robbery Discovery: 12:04–15:00
• Mrs. Baker's "Suicide": 16:12–19:49
• Diamond Investigates Nat Fox: 20:01–21:01
• Store Clerk ID & Final Confrontation: 22:10–25:52
• Comic Fashion Epilogue: 26:13–28:34

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Original Language & Tone

The episode is peppered with Dick Powell’s sardonic, half-serious wisecracks, perfectly blending classic detective grit with dry humor. Dialogue between Diamond and Levinson (and Otis) delivers tongue-in-cheek exchanges that keep the episode light even as the body count rises.

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Final Thoughts

This "Richard Diamond" outing is rich in classic noir elements—infidelity, greed, double-crosses—wrapped in arch repartee and even musical frivolity. Diamond’s clever deduction, the playful passing of suspects, and the ultimate exposure of a lovers’ conspiracy make the episode a standout for fans of Golden Age detective drama.

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Key Climax:
“She had arthritis, Mr. Baker. … She could barely walk upstairs, let alone climb over a four foot railing.” (25:32)

Closing Zinger:
“Seersucker spats. And they were lovely.” (28:34)

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A Golden Age comic crime caper, smartly scripted and wittily delivered.

Transcript

[Richard Diamond]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] here transcribed is another in.

[Narrator]

NBC's great parade of new shows. And now, Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello there. This is Diamond. If you happen to wake up some morning and spot something walking in front of your house and it looks like Santa Claus of jaundice, don't turn the hose on him. He's not on fire. He's just wearing the newest thing in men's fashions. They call it the bold look. And it's supposed to be the masculine answer to Dior's new look for women. It's an answer all right. Like walking up to your best girlfriend and slicing her down the middle with a broadsword. Now, if you haven't seen it yet, just close your eyes and try and picture yourself in the bold look. Imagine walking down Fifth Avenue, very casual, decked out in a new bright purple non shrinking suit, pastel shirt, yellow maybe hand painted tie and argyle socks. Got it. What do you think? Pretty bad. About the only thing I can think of that's more gruesome is that little murder I got mixed up in last week. It started in a house out on Long Island. A guy named Harry Baker was getting involved with his private secretary.

[Connie Loring]

Here are the papers you wanted, Mr. Baker.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, thank you, Connie. What time is Mrs. Baker going shopping?

[Connie Loring]

She didn't say. This afternoon sometime.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Where is she now?

[Connie Loring]

In her room.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Come here, Connie.

[Connie Loring]

Harry, no. Supposing she comes down.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I didn't see you last night. I missed you.

[Connie Loring]

I got hold of the man you wanted. His name's Nat Fox. He wants 500 for the job. Oh, what's the matter? That's what you wanted, wasn't it?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Connie, I had a lot of time to think last night and. Well, I'm not sure. I don't know if this is the thing to do.

[Connie Loring]

You don't know? Oh, Harry, we've gone through this a dozen times and I won't go through it again. If you haven't got the backbone, my.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Dear, you know it's not that.

[Connie Loring]

No, I do not. Sick and tired of living this way. Not being able to be seen with you, watching you being pushed around by that old shrew. Oh, I'm not going through the whole thing again.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Please, Connie, can't we wait for a while? My wife's well past 60, sooner or later.

[Connie Loring]

And in the meantime you live off the skimpy little allowance she doles out to you. No, Harry, no. I want us to live like two normal people. If you're going to start changing your mind just when it looks like we can have all these things, I'm through.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now, Connie, wait a minute.

[Connie Loring]

No. If you want me, then you've got to go through with it.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, you know I want you. I love you more than anything in the whole world.

[Connie Loring]

Get that old biddy out of the way or I promise you, you'll never see me again.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

All right.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, don't look so worried, darling. Nothing's going to go wrong. I already fixed it with this Nat Fox. He'll be in the department store the same time as your wife. Oh, Harry, think of the wonderful life we can have. All that money's gonna be ours. We can go to Europe and live the way we should.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes. I don't know. I'm a little worried about this Nat Fox. I'll give him the $500, but if he finds out what happened, he'll be in a good position to blackmail us.

[Connie Loring]

Don't you worry about Mr. Fox. He's my favorite. You just leave everything to me.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, well, well. Hello, Otis.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What do you want, Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

I thought I'd drop in and see the lieutenant. Aren't you glad?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You want me to make you feel good, or do you want the horrible truth?

[Richard Diamond]

The truth, Otis. I'll steal myself.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You turn my stomach.

[Richard Diamond]

I couldn't without a bulldozer.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Ah, very funny.

[Richard Diamond]

When you got to go on a diet. Sergeant, you're beginning to look like Dumbo with a goiter. Hello, Walt. Oh, no. Who's dead this time? I. Don't be silly. I just came down to talk. See how you were? I don't believe it. Say something without corpse in it. Your smile is like the first dawn of an Indian summer. You said Indian. So what if you said it? He's dead. All right. If that's the way you feel about it, goodbye and good luck. Oh, now, wait a minute.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Stop being an idiot.

[Richard Diamond]

That's all right, Walt.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I understand. Now come back here.

[Richard Diamond]

You know very well I'm glad to see you. And you think just because I come down to see you, I've gotten mixed up in some kind of a murder. Oh, a fine friend. Now you stop acting like that. You're a worse ham than Otis that did if. I'll never send you a good dead body again. Is that a promise? Is what a promise? That you'll never send me a good dead body again. Oh. Want me to break the law, huh? Hold out police evidence? Of course not. You know, I was only kidding. Just like the police force, making fun of a corpse. I have never made fun of a corpse. So that's what's the matter.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Too serious? That's what's ruining your stomach. Oh, now stop that.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You know what's wrong with my stomach?

[Richard Diamond]

I've been working too hard, that's all. The next time I find a corpse, you'll want to take a vacation. This precinct is more corrupt than I thought. What do you mean, corrupt? Just what I said. I find you a corpse and you won't even look at it. You want to go on a vacation? I don't want to go on a vacation. I look at the corpse.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What corpse? The one you wanted me to look at.

[Richard Diamond]

There you go, acting like I've gotten mixed up in another killing. Trying to make it look like the corpse is mine.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, it's not my corpse. It isn't? No. Well, whose is it? You know. You tried to frame me with it. I did not. Don't you try to shove that body off on me. Yeah, what is it? Oh, hello, Helen. It's for you, Rick. Thanks. Hi, baby. Hold it a minute, Walt. You better do something about that body. Hmm? Oh. Oh, yeah. Otis put in a general alarm. Diamond's found another killing. Oh, wait a minute. No, Walt. It's your killing, remember? Oh, yeah. Forget about the general alarm, Otis. I've got. Oh, Diamond. Sure, Helen, I'll meet you at the store. Sure, sure. I love you. Bye, Walt. What a funny look. You're all red.

[Connie Loring]

Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, you're turning blue. Well, I gotta go shopping with Helen. I hope you find the body.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Bye, Lieutenant. I'm still waiting, Sergeant. Yeah, Lieutenant. Shut up.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know why I do that to Walt, but I always get such a kick out of tying him up in knots. When he takes the bait, he goes for it hook, line and sinker. It's a good thing Helen called and asked me to go shopping with her. He might have blown his fuse. I don't generally like the idea of shopping, but she said it was Francis birthday and any kind of an afternoon with Helen could always work its way into a wonderful evening.

[Connie Loring]

What do you think I ought to get him, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll get him some shirts or something. Hey, look at these.

[Connie Loring]

Rick, get away from that counter.

[Richard Diamond]

What's the matter? My hips too big? Oh, I wonder if these come in baby blue.

[Connie Loring]

Rick, now stop that. People are looking. Is there something I can do for you? You Seem to be interested in the lingerie. Is there something I can show you?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm looking for something for a birthday.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, well, then may I suggest a nightgown, perhaps? We have some lovely numbers.

[Richard Diamond]

This is for Butler.

[Connie Loring]

Butler?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, then you were thinking of getting something for the lady too?

[Richard Diamond]

No, just seeing whether the baby blue went with my eyes.

[Connie Loring]

Well, really.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, come on, Helen.

[Connie Loring]

Rick, she must think you're crazy.

[Richard Diamond]

Five minutes more and there wouldn't have been the slightest doubt. This is fun.

[Connie Loring]

Rick, that woman. That woman, the elderly one over there with the mink stove. Oh, hell, I just saw her put a box of stockings in her purse without anyone seeing her.

[Richard Diamond]

You. You saw it?

[Connie Loring]

Yes, but the clerk didn't. And she left the counter without paying.

[Richard Diamond]

I know.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You know?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, sure. Spotted her five minutes ago. Not a very good shoplifter.

[Connie Loring]

That's stealing. Shouldn't we tell the manager or something?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, the store detectives are sure to have her spotted.

[Connie Loring]

Why don't they arrest her?

[Richard Diamond]

Point of law, baby. They can't put the arm on her until she steps out of the store. Now, look, she's going out the front door. Just watch.

[Connie Loring]

She's out. She's just standing there on the sidewalk.

[Richard Diamond]

That's funny. They must have spotted her. She was too careless.

[Connie Loring]

Look, that big car's pulling up and she's getting in. They're driving off.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, maybe the Star Dicks were looking out the window.

[Connie Loring]

Well, I'm gonna tell that clerk I remember her description.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, clerk.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes?

[Connie Loring]

Oh, did your husband decide that they did go with his baby blue eyes? He's not my husband, and that's not why I called you.

[Richard Diamond]

She thinks yellow goes with my complexion better.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, now stop it. Rick, that woman who was just at your counter. Which one? We've only had about 600 this morning. Now, don't be flip with me. The elderly woman who was just here looking at the stockings, the one with the beautiful mink stone. It was beautiful, wasn't it? Then you noticed her?

[Richard Diamond]

Of course.

[Connie Loring]

That was Mrs. Baker, one of our best customers. Well, Mrs. Baker is a shoplifter. Oh, you must be mistaken. I tell you, I saw her steal some sacking. I tell you, you were mistaken.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, look. Look, I was gonna stay out of this, but what Asher says. It's true. I saw her too.

[Connie Loring]

Ms. Asher?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, you have an account with us, don't you, Miss Asher? Until you started telling me I was mistaken about that woman. Oh, just one moment. Oh, Mr. Pennywig. Mr. Pennywig.

[Richard Diamond]

What are you doing?

[Connie Loring]

I'm calling the manager. The manager? Yes, Ms. Asher. I would prefer to have him explain it to you.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, Ms. Phillips. What is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'll tell you what it is. Don't ever put Ms. Phillips in the toy department. She's so nearsighted, she's liable to think the electric train is the 8th Avenue subway and climb on it at 5:00'. Clock.

[Connie Loring]

I beg your pardon, Mr. Pennywig, this is Ms. Helen Asher.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, how do you do, Ms. Asher? I heard a lot about you.

[Connie Loring]

You're going to hear a lot more.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, is something wrong?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, yes, Something is wrong. Ms. Asher here spotted a woman stealing some stockings. And when she reported it to your clerk here, she said she was crazy. I saw it too.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Is this true, Ms. Phillips?

[Connie Loring]

Yes, sir. It was Mrs. Lillian Baker. Oh, I was just trying to do the store a favor. But since you don't seem to think that the customer means anything around here, I'll see that my account is closed down.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, now just one moment, Ms. Asher. May I talk with you in private?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't see why. Come on, baby. I know a joint on Broadway where we can get things without the lip that goes with it. Come on.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, please, Ms. Asher. It's about the shoplifter, Mrs. Lillian Baker.

[Connie Loring]

You can tell me right here.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I must rely on your integrity to keep this a secret. You see, we know that Mrs. Baker stole those stockings. She steals something nearly every day.

[Connie Loring]

What?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

She's very wealthy, very eccentric and very much a kleptomaniac. Her husband handles all her affairs, and he's instructed us to watch her and send him the bills for the goods she steals.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, can't you break her the habit? Her husband must lock his pants in the family vault every night.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes. She's under a doctor's care, and he advises letting her continue, but without her knowing that anyone else has found out her secret. She's quite old, you see, and her husband assures us that discovery might be very disastrous.

[Connie Loring]

I see. Well, I'm very sorry. I didn't know.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm not. This pixie behind all the unmentionable can get a person steamed up enough to cause a minor explosion.

[Connie Loring]

I was just doing my duties, Mr. Pennywig.

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Pennywig. Now what?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, what is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Pennywig? We've had a jewel robbery. What? You?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Three of our most priceless gems are missing. Oh, dear.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Mrs. Baker.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know, sir. We watch her very closely when she's looking at jewelry. But five minutes after she'd gone, we.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Discovered the loss Was it of any consequence?

[Richard Diamond]

Was it $300,000 worth? Hey, wait a minute. Who else was in the jewelry department? Oh, several people. I'm so upset. Take a look over there. Where? Over there. The man in the wide pinstripe near the linen counter.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Excuse me. I've got to go call Mr. Baker.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, wait a minute. Maybe Mrs. Baker didn't lift those rocks. That man over there, was he in the jewelry department? Why, come to think of it, yes. Oh, wait here.

[Connie Loring]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Nat. What are you doing? Take it easy. I just want to see what you got in your pockets. Well, well, Richard Diamond. You must think you're still on the force. Someone just lifted some stones out of the jewelry department. You still in the racket? In a store like this? Are you crazy? No, but I thought maybe you were. Now, let's see your pockets. You ain't no cop. Go on and peddle your papers. Pretty silly with a broken arm.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Okay, okay.

[Richard Diamond]

You don't have to get rough. I'm clean. That's better. Turn them inside out. Hey, what's going on here? Oh, meet Nat Fox, one of the better known jewel thieves. Yes, he was in the shop about the time Mrs. Baker was. Oh, I've quit the rackets. I. I just like the look now and then. Oh, well, at least he hasn't got them on him. Oh, now what have we hear? Gum wrappers.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I like to chew gum.

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, well, you chew a lot of it. Better call the law, Mr. Pennywig.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Or if you say right away, go to the devil. Rick, he's getting away. Stop him.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, relax, relax. We can always pick him up. I want to take a look at your jewelry department. Nat Fox didn't have the jewels on him. But as he did have a lot of gum wrappers, the first thing I wanted to do was to case everything in the jewelry. It was an old stunt. The thief chews a lot of gum, palms some jewels and sticks them in the gum. Then he sticks the gum under something, and the confederate comes along later and scoops it up. If the thief gets spotted at the scene, he's clean. Just like Fox was when I searched him. Well, I looked under everything, on everything, in everything. There was a lot of gum, all right, but no jewels in any of it.

[Connie Loring]

Where? Couldn't someone have picked it up already?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, it's the only thing I can come up with. Unless this Mrs. Baker really did steal them.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, the police will be here in a few minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

No. Clerk. Yes, sir? Can you remember who was in the jewelry department when you discovered the Jewels were missing. Well, this Mr. Fox and Mrs. Baker had already left, but I believe there were several women.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, there weren't any men, just several women.

[Richard Diamond]

Uh huh huh. Thank you. Come on, Helen. The robbery detail can take it from here.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, thank you very much for your help, Mr. Diamond. Oh, where can the police get in touch with you if they want to ask any questions?

[Richard Diamond]

They know me. And if you ever need any guidance, just look me up in the book on the private detective. Can't miss it. The one with the biggest ad. Helen and I got out of there just as the prowl cars were pulling up at the curb. I stuck my tongue out at a few old friends and climbed into her king size convertible. We took a couple of turns around Central park and she dropped me off the 5th. Pretty sinked in. My dear old buddy, Lieutenant Levinson.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Don't you dear old buddy me. You get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Temper, temper, temper. I will not be subjected to any more of your fiendish humor.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I won't go through another one of these routines of yours for promotion.

[Richard Diamond]

I promise I'll be good.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, no you don't.

[Richard Diamond]

That's the most dangerous thing you could say. Yeah, what is it?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Suicide, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

See?

[Narrator]

See?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Look what happens. It already has happened, Lieutenant. She did it 20 minutes ago.

[Richard Diamond]

I wasn't talking to you, melonhead.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now give me the dope.

[Richard Diamond]

You got him.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You shut up. Yeah, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, not you, bird brain. Let's have the report.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, Mrs. Lillian Baker jumped three floors from a balcony. Husband Harry Baker made the report. Port Washington, Long island. Thank you, sergeant.

[Richard Diamond]

What did he say? Mrs. Lillian Baker? Yes, he said Mrs. Lillian Baker. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get out to Long Island. Well, let's go grab my coat.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Now wait a minute.

[Richard Diamond]

What makes you think you're coming along? And why in blazes are you interested.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

In Mrs. Lillian Baker?

[Richard Diamond]

If you know something, by heaven, I'll.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, you're turning blue again. Come on, I'll tell you. On the way, I briefed Walt on what had happened back at the store when Helen and I saw Mrs. Lillian Baker lift the hosiery. We reached the Baker Estate about 3 o' clock in the afternoon and drove up a long circular driveway to the big house. The husband, Mr. Harry Baker, met us at the door.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh. Oh, please come in, gentlemen.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You. You'll have to forgive me, gentlemen, but I'm still a little upset. My wife was a sick woman, but I never expected her to do anything like this.

[Richard Diamond]

Where's the body out in the garden.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Right this way.

[Richard Diamond]

Have you any idea why your wife committed suicide, Mr. Baker? Oh, yes.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

There's the body. You don't mind if I go back inside, do you?

[Richard Diamond]

I want to ask you some questions. Then you can. I understand that your wife was a kleptomaniac. Is that right, Mr. Baker? Why.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, yes. How did you know?

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Diamond here saw her steal something from the store today.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

You mean the jewels?

[Richard Diamond]

No, no. I mean the stockings. Did she steal the jewels?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, yes. I. I found them under her mattress. After the store called and told me of the loss. She was a sick woman. She's been stealing things for years. But she didn't think anyone knew about it. I had an arrangement with the stores that I could take care of all the things she took. But those jewels were too much. I had to confront her with the evidence. And she broke down completely when she discovered we knew her secret.

[Connie Loring]

Harry.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, wow. This is My private secretary, Lieutenant Levinson. Richard Diamond.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, Miss Constance Loring. Lieutenant Levinson. Mr. Dime.

[Connie Loring]

How do you do?

[Richard Diamond]

Pretty good. I'd like to tell you about it sometime. Don't dead bodies make you a little nervous? Ms. Loring?

[Connie Loring]

What?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Ms. Loring was here when my wife jumped. She's already gotten over the initial shock. She's been in the library calling some of my firms to tell them I won't be at work for a while.

[Richard Diamond]

How long has she been here?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, all afternoon. She's been taking some dictation with her hat on.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, well, you see.

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, forget it. Tell me, did your wife jump from that balcony, Mr. Baker?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Three floors. About a four foot railing around the balcony.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

If you think that there's been any foul play, you can check with her doctor. He'll tell you she could easily take her own life if her secret was discovered.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd like to talk to him. What's his number?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Evergreen 54469. Dr. Leonard Bischoff.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks. While you're calling him, Rick, I'd like to see those stolen jewels, Mr. Baker.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Certainly. Right this way. Phone's right over there on the stand. Mr. Diamond, would you open the safe of the lieutenant, Connie? Mr. Loring.

[Richard Diamond]

Doctor Bischoff, please. Richard Diamond. Yes. Hello, Dr. Bishop. This is Richard Diamond.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Here they are, Lieutenant. You can easily see why I wouldn't, or should I say couldn't pay for them.

[Richard Diamond]

Is the store coming over to pick them up?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

No, I told them I would bring them down.

[Richard Diamond]

What's this all over them?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, I. I don't.

[Richard Diamond]

They're all sticky. Got something all over them. That's probably gum, Walt. Gum? Yeah, the kind you chew. By the way, Baker, you were right. Dr. Bischoff says your wife was a sick woman. But he didn't think she'd care to such extremes.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, we never know what we will do under such stress.

[Richard Diamond]

No, I. I guess we never do. Walt, can I use the car for about an hour? It'll take you that long to clean up things around here. Well, you got something? Yeah.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Mr. Diamond, if you think.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't think, Mr. Baker. I find out. Walt. Yeah? Die. I went out fast and climbed in the prowl car. I grabbed the two way radio and put in a call to Sergeant Otis. He gave me the address I wanted. And ten minutes later I was rolling up in front of an old brownstone where Nat Fox, the not so ex jewel thief, was now living. I went up and knocked on his door. Well, there was nothing like finding out. Well, what do you know.

[Connie Loring]

Mr. Baker's residence.

[Richard Diamond]

Let me speak to Lieutenant Levinson, dear.

[Connie Loring]

He's right here.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello? What? I'm over at Nat Fox's place. Now don't say anything.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Right.

[Richard Diamond]

You remember I told you I spotted him right after the theft and shook him down?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, he's through giving the police department headaches. What do you mean? He can't explain the two bullet holes in his head. I called the station and had them send over the wagon. Then I took off for the department store. I was sure that Mrs. Baker hadn't jumped. And I was pretty certain that whoever had knocked off Nat Fox was in on the Baker killing.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, hello again, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Have you heard?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

We found out who stole those jewels.

[Richard Diamond]

Nat Fox.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I know. It was Mrs. Baker after all. Mr. Baker called us back and said that he'd found the stove.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, that's dandy. Well, I'm going to take your clerk who was in the shop at the time of the robbery.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Take him?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, I want him to identify someone. I'll have him back in about an hour.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, well, I suppose it'll be all right. George. Yes, sir. I want you to go along with Mr. Diamond here. He wants you to identify someone. It's official.

[Richard Diamond]

I guess it's official all right. When you point out a thief and the killer, it's always official.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

What took you so long? Walt, this is the clerk from the department store where the jewels were stolen. How are you? What's he here for? I want him to see if he can identify someone. Oh. Where are Baker and his lovely secretary? In the library. Come on now. Look, George, I want you to stand outside this door until I call you. Then I want you to come in and see if you've ever seen anyone in the room besides myself and the lieutenant. I'll do my best, Mr. Diamond. That's all I want. Come on, Walt.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What are you up to?

[Richard Diamond]

Surprise. Well, Hello.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, hello, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Come in. Thanks. How are you, Connie? I see you've taken off your hat.

[Connie Loring]

You're very observing.

[Richard Diamond]

I sure am. Why did you kill your wife, Mr. Baker? What? All right, I'll word it a little different. Mr. Baker, why did you kill your wife?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Are you insane?

[Richard Diamond]

Everybody asked me. Then maybe I should say a good doctor.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Maybe you should.

[Richard Diamond]

Like Dr. Bischoff.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Maybe he's the best in town.

[Connie Loring]

Mr. Diamond, you're being ridiculous. I was with Mr. Baker when his wife jumped.

[Richard Diamond]

You shouldn't have said that. Makes you an accessory.

[Connie Loring]

What do you mean?

[Richard Diamond]

I mean you're lying. If you try and tell me Mrs. Baker wasn't killed. She jumped over a four foot railing. Yeah.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

What are you getting at?

[Richard Diamond]

How old was your wife, Mr. Baker?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Close to 70. Why?

[Richard Diamond]

Pretty good health. Physically.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, yes, of course.

[Richard Diamond]

You say you were in the house and neither one of you gave Mrs. Baker a push off that balcony?

[Connie Loring]

Connie, of course.

[Richard Diamond]

Are you sure you weren't out putting two bullets in the cheap thug named Nat Fox?

[Connie Loring]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick. What is this? Who has the money in the family, Mr. Baker?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, my wife did.

[Richard Diamond]

And who does it go to? In event of a death, to me, naturally. Naturally, Walt, Mrs. Baker couldn't have taken those jewels. She was too much of an amateur. Helen and I spotted her swiping stockings at 50 paces. Whoever did lift those rocks was a professional thief.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, why couldn't my wife have hired Fox to do the job?

[Richard Diamond]

Who said anything about Fox doing the job?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Why, you did.

[Connie Loring]

Harry.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Shut up.

[Richard Diamond]

Uh, I just said that Nat Fox was dead and that I thought Connie killed him.

[Connie Loring]

I didn't kill anybody.

[Richard Diamond]

You were just coming back from it when you bumped into us. You hadn't even taken your hat off and you were still carrying your purse.

[Connie Loring]

I was just going out.

[Richard Diamond]

Let me see that purse.

[Connie Loring]

You stay away from that.

[Richard Diamond]

Anything in it? Oh, no gun, but she probably threw it in the river. Nice handkerchief.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I'll sue you, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Look at the handkerchief, Walt. Sticky.

[Connie Loring]

Give me that.

[Richard Diamond]

Sit down, lover.

[Connie Loring]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought there was a chair there. It's sticky all right. Walt, that's gum and gum on the jewels.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

She must have Picked them up?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, right after Nat Fox stuck them somewhere.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Y' all both crazy. She was here with me all day.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. George. Yes, Mr. Diamond?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Who's this person?

[Richard Diamond]

You just relax. I want to find out what's going on too. Well, George.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

That girl was in the shop right after Mrs. Baker.

[Connie Loring]

That's a lie. I wasn't. I wasn't. I didn't kill anybody.

[Richard Diamond]

One of you hired Fox to steal the jewels. Then you picked them up and brought them to Baker here. You killed Fox to keep his mouth shut.

[Connie Loring]

I did not. Yes, she did, Harry.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

We might as well tell them. You're right. But I didn't kill my wife. I can't get first degree murder.

[Connie Loring]

Why, you dirty old man. You did kill her. You told me you were going to. You were up there and you pushed her off.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Try to prove it. She jumped.

[Richard Diamond]

No, she didn't. There was a four foot railing all around that porch.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Well, she could have climbed it.

[Richard Diamond]

That's right, Rick, she could have. But you should keep in touch with her, Doctor. Mr. Baker, when I was in the store today, I spotted your wife with a cane.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Cane?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes. Dr. Bischoff said she didn't want to tell you about it because she didn't want you to worry.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Didn't want me to worry about what?

[Richard Diamond]

She had arthritis, Mr. Baker. And Dr. Bischoff said she could barely walk upstairs, let alone climb over a four foot railing. He also told me that under the conditions, her age and everything, she couldn't have lasted more than a year. You were in too much of a hurry. Okay, Walt, you run with the ball from here on. I got a date.

[Connie Loring]

Rick, you didn't tell me what you did after you left me this afternoon.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I just fooled around with Walt for a while to kill the time. By the way, what did you finally get for Francis?

[Connie Loring]

Oh, I got him something in the newest fashion. It's called the bold look.

[Richard Diamond]

What?

[Connie Loring]

It was pretty ghastly, but he loved it.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, tell me what you got him.

[Connie Loring]

Well, a purple suit.

[Richard Diamond]

Non shrinkable?

[Connie Loring]

Yes. How did you know?

[Richard Diamond]

It figured. Go on.

[Connie Loring]

A green shirt, one of those hand painted ties. Rick, where are you going?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, I can't stand it.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, that's wonderful. What is it, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

What is it? I thought you were supposed to be bugged on South Pacific.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, is that what it's from?

[Richard Diamond]

Yep. Goes on next to closing right after Fink's Mules.

[Connie Loring]

It does?

[Richard Diamond]

You better get those tickets again. See what it's all about.

[Connie Loring]

Well, give me a preview.

[Richard Diamond]

You'll hate Me in the morning.

[Connie Loring]

There's an answer for that.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Younger than springtime are you Softer than starlight are you warmer than winds of June or the gentle lips you gave me Gayer than laughter are you Sweeter than music are you angel and lover Heaven on earth are you to me and when your youth and joy Invade my arms and fill. Hey, what's that?

[Connie Loring]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

That standing in the corner.

[Connie Loring]

Oh, Frances. That's Frances.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, what are the odds?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, yes, sir, it's me.

[Connie Loring]

Now, Rick, be careful what you say. That's the new bold look.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, turn it off. It's getting biddiest.

[Connie Loring]

Don't you like it, sir? Now, Rick.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Francis, I. I think it's. Yes, it certainly is.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

I think it's rather gay, don't you, sir?

[Richard Diamond]

The gayest.

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Oh, my goodness.

[Connie Loring]

I forgot something.

[Richard Diamond]

Does it look like a stomach pump?

[Connie Loring]

Forgot something?

[Lieutenant Levinson]

Yes, Miss. The outfit wouldn't be complete without them.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, hurry up. I'm going to black out any minute.

[Connie Loring]

What did you forget, Francis? The spats.

[Richard Diamond]

Spats?

[Connie Loring]

Yes, sir. Seersucker spats. And they were lovely.

[Narrator]

You have just heard transcribed. Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Starring Dick Powell. Helen was played by Virginia Gregg, Lieutenant Levinson by Ed Begley Oliver. Also in our cast were Wilms Herbert, Lorene Tuttle, Joseph Kearns, Peter Leeds and Joe Forte. Music was under the direction of Frank Wirth. Richard diamond is written by Blake Edwards. Dick Powell soon will be seen in the screen version of the best selling novel, Mrs. Mike. 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.