Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Ruby Idol Case 12/03/1949

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives – Richard Diamond, Private Detective: "The Ruby Idol Case" (12/03/1949)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Ruby Idol Case
Original Air Date: December 3, 1949
Date of Release: March 30, 2026
Starring: Dick Powell as Richard Diamond
Featured Cast: Virginia Gregg (Helen Asher), Ed Begley (Lt. Levinson), and others
Summary Prepared by: Expert Podcast Summarizer

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Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives features a suspenseful and witty installment from "Richard Diamond, Private Detective." In "The Ruby Idol Case," Richard Diamond becomes embroiled in a deadly mystery centering around a reputedly cursed Egyptian idol, an anxious client fearing for his life, and a set of priceless rubies. The story takes listeners from a cozy evening at home to a web of paranoia, murder, and double-crossing—all culminating in a dramatic, clever twist.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Cozy Start Turns Mysterious

[00:50–02:19]

• Richard Diamond is invited to relax at Nina Leeds's apartment, bantering with her and houseman Francis.
• Amid a lighthearted start peppered with humor, Diamond’s peace is interrupted by Leland L. Leeds, a nervous, unannounced visitor.
• Leeds claims to be in mortal danger and begs for Diamond’s help.

Quote:
"Please, Mr. Diamond, don't give me away."
—Leland L. Leeds [02:54]

2. The Plea for Help

[03:35–04:13]

• Leeds, anxious and paranoid, arranges a secret meeting at his home.
• He insists his life is threatened, offering Diamond $100 a day.

Quote:
"Tomorrow morning may be too late. I'm supposed to die."
—Leland L. Leeds [02:43]

3. A Troubled Family and a Legendary Idol

[04:13–10:41]

• Diamond visits the Leeds home and meets Nina Leeds (the sister), Dr. Miller (the family’s brain specialist), and George Brodine (a museum friend).
• Leeds is described as mentally unstable, obsessed with the value and curse of a family idol (allegedly the lost idol of King Tut).
• The idol is dramatically revealed to be “worth $100,000” and cursed to kill whoever possesses it on the new moon.
• Leeds’s paranoia is apparent, but he shares the idol’s backstory and warns Diamond of its danger.

Quote:
"At this moment, you are holding $100,000 in your hand."
—Leland L. Leeds [08:41]

Quote:
"It seems that on the first night of the new moon, after one has gained possession of the idol, he will die."
—Leland L. Leeds [09:28]

4. The Sudden Death

[11:16–13:06]

• After Diamond leaves, Leeds tracks him down, tries to warn him again, but is fatally struck by a car in a clear hit-and-run.
• With his dying breath, Leeds entrusts Diamond with the idol.

Quote:
"Mr. Diamond... the idol… they didn't want me to tell you, so... so they followed me and ran me down… it's in my coat pocket..."
—Leland L. Leeds [12:32]

5. The Rubies Are Revealed

[15:31–16:46]

• Back with Helen, Diamond inspects the idol and discovers its true secret: precious pigeon blood rubies cleverly hidden as eyes.
• Helen and Diamond realize the idol is genuinely valuable, explaining the motive for murder.

Quote:
"I think it's a pigeon blood. Why, it's worth a fortune!"
—Helen Asher [16:17]

6. Attempted Murder & Roadside Recovery

[17:26–20:18]

• On his way to inform the Leeds family, Diamond survives a staged car accident meant to kill him.
• He narrowly avoids further danger and contacts the police from a roadside gas station.

7. The Confrontation and Unmasking

[20:18–24:43]

• Diamond returns to the Leeds house, informs Nina of her brother’s death.
• As suspicions swirl, George Brodine is provoked by Diamond to reveal his guilt by trying to seize the idol at gunpoint.
• The plot is unraveled: George, the museum collector, killed Leeds for the rubies.
• The police arrive, and George is apprehended after a brief scuffle.

Quote:
"For a museum collector, that's a pretty modern gun."
—Richard Diamond [23:12]

Quote:
"I took them out of the idol."
—Richard Diamond, revealing he outwitted the killer [24:02]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Comic Levity Amid Darkness
  Diamond’s sarcastic, wisecracking style provides ongoing comic relief:

  "Try breathing. Expand your chest. Take a lung full of... It does wonders. Keeps you around for days."
  —Richard Diamond [02:46]

• The Idol’s Legend and Leeds’s Obsession

  "You think I'm crazy. But I saw it! I tell you, I saw it!"
  —Leland L. Leeds [07:38]

• Surreal Twist: All Just a Dream
  In a meta-twist, it is revealed that Diamond fell asleep reading a detective magazine; the whole adventure was a dream.

  "You were having a big fat nightmare. I came down from upstairs and you were asleep on the couch with Gory Detective."
  —Helen Asher [24:57]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Start/Banter at Apartment: [00:50–02:19]
• Leeds’s Plea for Help: [02:19–04:13]
• Visit to the Leeds Home: [04:13–10:41]
• Leeds’s Breakdown & Idol Legend: [07:11–10:41]
• Leeds Killed by Car: [11:16–13:06]
• Discovery of the Rubies: [15:31–16:46]
• Car Accident Attack: [17:26–20:18]
• Return to Leeds House, Confession, Arrest: [20:18–24:43]
• Dream Reveal and Closing Song: [24:50–27:41]

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Conclusion & Episode Tone

“The Ruby Idol Case” blends witty banter, classic noir intrigue, and a twist ending that gently parodies detective fiction tropes—ultimately exposing the whole affair as a dream. Diamond’s wisecracking, sardonic persona, combined with sharp pacing and comic secondary characters, keeps the story lively even as it deals with murder and greed. The tone is intelligent, playful, and quintessentially Golden Age radio.

For listeners:
You get the full flavor of classic detective noir—with surprises both in the story and in the meta-narrative, all delivered with Dick Powell’s trademark charm.

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Note:
Adverts, intros, and outros have been skipped for this summary.
For even richer Golden Age radio, check out other episodes from Choice Classic Radio Detectives!

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].

[Narrator]

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

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Diamond. Evening, Francis. You look like you're going out. Yes, sir. Ms. Asher wants me to go down

[Leland L. Leeds]

to the delicatessen for some cool cut.

[Richard Diamond]

Where is Ms. Asher?

[Leland L. Leeds]

In the study, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'll see you later. Francis, why don't you bring back some roll mop? Roll mop, sir. Herring with the bends. Very toothy.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Yes, sir.

[Richard Diamond]

Ali, Ali. Oxen free.

[Nina Leeds]

Red. Hi.

[Richard Diamond]

Hi. Well, get the silk thing there.

[Nina Leeds]

Lounging pajamas.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. I guess we're going to stay in, huh?

[Nina Leeds]

Huh? I just sent Francis out for some food.

[Richard Diamond]

I met him at the door.

[Nina Leeds]

Look, I've got to do a few things in the kitchen. Why don't you stretch out on the couch and take it easy until dinner's ready, okay?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm pretty tired. Might rock out a little sleep.

[Nina Leeds]

Might do you some good. Here. Read a magazine if you want to stay awake.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, swell. Gory detective. Who sends you these things? The corpse of the month.

[Nina Leeds]

Pretty bad. I won't be long. Okay.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no. The Case of the Bloody.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

It was going on 11:00 the fog encircled the old house like a thin, wet blanket. The figure of a man crept stealthily across the gravel of the garden path. These riders really drape it up.

[Nina Leeds]

Hmm.

[Richard Diamond]

Hmm.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

What? How did you get in here?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I followed you from your office. You left the door unlocked when you came in. Well, now, look, I know I shouldn't have come into someone else's house, but this is a matter of life and death.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, stop pulling down the blinds.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I don't want anyone to see us talking.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you're on the eighth floor. Who's chasing you? Herd of monkeys?

[Leland L. Leeds]

Please, please, you must listen.

[Richard Diamond]

Now look, if you got troubles, come to my office in the morning.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Tomorrow morning maybe. Too late. I'm supposed to die.

[Richard Diamond]

Try breathing. Expand your chest. Take a lung full of.

[Nina Leeds]

No, no, I.

[Richard Diamond]

It does wonders. Keeps you around for days. You better get out of here.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Please, Mr. Diamond, don't give me away.

[Nina Leeds]

Please.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, baby. Wait a minute. Duck him at that desk.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, bless you, Mr. Diamond.

[Nina Leeds]

Yeah? I thought I heard you talking to someone. Talking? Oh, no, no.

[Richard Diamond]

Must have been reading out loud. This is swell literature. The Case of the Grizzly Ghost.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, I like to keep up on the exploits of a private detective. You don't Tell me anything about your cases.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm modest. Hey, you got your coat on. Where you going?

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, Francis just called. He's had a flat tire. I'm gonna pick him up in the other car.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't you want me to do it?

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, I'm not gonna let you out of this house. I'll be right back.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay.

[Nina Leeds]

Read the Grizzly Ghost. It's not bad.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye, baby.

[Nina Leeds]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Spider man, you can come out now.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, thank you.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, what the devil's going on?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I told you, my life's in danger. I need help.

[Richard Diamond]

Tell me about it.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I haven't time now. Come to this address in about an hour. My name's Leeds. Leland L. Leeds.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, for Pete's sake.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I must get back before they miss me. I don't want them to know I got out. Say, I called you and told you to come over. Here's the address on this card. Please don't fail me, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, wait a minute. My fee is 100 a day.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Inexpensive, of course. Of course. I'll have a check for you. Goodbye.

[Richard Diamond]

He went out like an undertaker stealing a can of embalming fluid. And I poured myself something just about as strong. Helen would scalp me for leaving, but for some reason, nutty little guys like that interest me. I left Helen the note saying I'd be back later and took off for the address Leland L. Leeds had given me. It was out of town about 10 miles. But after hunting around for a while and running up a good sized taxi fare, I finally found the house.

[Nina Leeds]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, I, I, I got a call from a Mr. Leeds at this address. He asked me to come over.

[Nina Leeds]

My brother?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know.

[Nina Leeds]

Well, it couldn't have been. He's very sick. He's upstairs sleeping.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, he was just coasting off to dreamland when he called me. I, I think you'd better let me in.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, a detective. All right. Just what did my brother tell you, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

He said his life was in danger.

[Nina Leeds]

I'm Nina Leeds. I think you'd better come into the living room, Mr. Diamond. Dr. Miller can explain things better than I can.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. Roger. Mm.

[Nina Leeds]

This is Mr. Diamond. He's a detective. Lee just called him. This is Dr. Miller, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Doctor. How do you do? Are you from the police? No, no. Private stuff. Oh, I see. Now, Mr. Diamond, I'm afraid you made a trip for nothing. Here are the drinks.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, George, this is Mr. Diamond. He's a private detective.

[Richard Diamond]

What?

[Nina Leeds]

Mr. Diamond, this is George Brodine.

[Richard Diamond]

How are you? Oh, fine, thank you. Anything Wrong? I don't know. Lee phoned Mr. Diamond and told him he was in danger. How did you know that, doctor? I told Ms. Leeds what he said. But not you. I'm Mr. Leeds, doctor. He's having a nervous breakdown and suffers from an extreme persecution complex. He called a detective. I'm sure he must have said something like that. That's quite correct, Mr. Diamond. What do you do, Mr. Brodine? Why, I'm with the New York Museum. I'm a friend of family. I've been watching Lee break up for the past month. Mm. May I talk to your brother, Ms. Leeds? I don't think you can. I gave him a very strong sedative.

[Nina Leeds]

Let me get you a drink, Mr. Diamond. When Lee wakes up, you can talk to him.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. We went into the bar and she got out a big bottle and two glasses. I forgot all about Leland L. Leeds for a while and started concentrating on his lovely sister. It was easy.

[Nina Leeds]

Champagne?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, but I've run out of slippers.

[Nina Leeds]

I've got a small foot. Might take you a long time to get enough.

[Richard Diamond]

I drink fast. It's the open toes that bother me.

[Nina Leeds]

I like the pattern. Where'd you come from?

[Richard Diamond]

Same place you did. Love her Experience Alley.

[Nina Leeds]

What do people call you after they get to know you better?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, different things at different times. For now, you can call me Rick.

[Nina Leeds]

And later?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you'll think of something easier. It's like that when you haven't got much time to talk.

[Nina Leeds]

Here's to later. Rick.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

What does a doctor specialize in?

[Nina Leeds]

Roger's a brain specialist. Mental disorders, mostly. It's Lee. He's off again.

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe he's been listening to Sam Spade.

[Nina Leeds]

Come on.

[Richard Diamond]

You better stay down here, Nina. I'll take care of it.

[Nina Leeds]

I'm going up. Lee needs me.

[Richard Diamond]

George, get my bag. It's in the hall. Right.

[Nina Leeds]

You'd better not come in, Mr. Dime.

[Richard Diamond]

I think I'd better.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Lena.

[Nina Leeds]

Lee. What is it?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I saw the blood again. Oh, Mr. Diamond. I'm glad you came.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, calm down, Lee. Everything's going to be all right.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Get away from me. He thinks I'm insane. You all do. You want my idol and you stop at nothing.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, there's no sense in this much self indulgence. Here's your bag, Roger. Thanks.

[Leland L. Leeds]

What are you going to do?

[Richard Diamond]

Just give you something to make you sleep.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I don't want to sleep. I'll wake up and see the blood again.

[Richard Diamond]

There's no blood. It's just your imagination. You're over off.

[Leland L. Leeds]

You think I'm crazy. But I saw it. I tell you, I saw it.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, this won't hurt.

[Leland L. Leeds]

No, I. I don't want to sleep. Please, Mr. Diamond, help me.

[Nina Leeds]

Lee, do what Roger tells you, for my sake.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Come on, come on, come on.

[Richard Diamond]

The injection should take.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I. Get out a minute. I won't go to sleep, Lee, please. Then leave Mr. Daimon with me. I want to talk to him.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I guess it'll be all right. Don't stay too long, Mr. Diamond. I want him to rest. Okay, Doctor. Remember, he's not at all rational.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Come on in.

[Nina Leeds]

I'll see you downstairs. And sit down.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, what's the idea, Leeds?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I'm locking the door. I don't want anyone coming in. Pardon me for walking around in circles. I got to stay awake. Those people downstairs are trying to drive me crazy.

[Richard Diamond]

They must have been working overtime.

[Leland L. Leeds]

They ref to my idol.

[Richard Diamond]

Your what?

[Leland L. Leeds]

My idol. That carved image standing on the night table.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Here, here. Look at it. Look at it.

[Richard Diamond]

That's dandy. How many box tops did you have to save?

[Leland L. Leeds]

Mr. Diamond, at this moment, you are holding $100,000 in your hand.

[Richard Diamond]

I am?

[Leland L. Leeds]

Last month, my grandfather passed on and left his entire estate to my sister and me. Among the effects was that idol. It was left to me.

[Richard Diamond]

What is it, platinum?

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, no, no, Mr. Diamond. That is the lost idol of King Tut.

[Richard Diamond]

I always wondered what happened to him.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, then you know the legend.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm a little. Little hazy on it. Maybe you'd better bring me up to date.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, of course, of course. It was supposed to have been buried with King Tut. However, the story goes that a slave absconded with it before they sealed the tomb.

[Richard Diamond]

And that makes it worth a hundred thousand?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I guess so.

[Richard Diamond]

You guess? You don't know?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I only know what my grandfather told me before he passed on. He told me its value and said there was a curse on it.

[Richard Diamond]

What does it say? Crime doesn't pay.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Well, Mr. Diamond, it seems that on the first night of the new moon, after one has gained possession of the idol, he will die.

[Richard Diamond]

Next week, Tom Swift and his electric grandmother.

[Leland L. Leeds]

You don't believe me?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, sure.

[Leland L. Leeds]

No, you don't. You're just like the rest. But it may interest you, Mr. Diamond, to know that one month after the idol was uncovered and my grandfather gained possession, he died. It was a new moon.

[Richard Diamond]

How old was he?

[Leland L. Leeds]

74.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, that couldn't be it. Now relax and tell me why you came to me.

[Leland L. Leeds]

What about your fee?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, forget it. You can just buy Me a broom to ride around on. Good night, Mr. Leeds.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Remember, Mr. Diamond, it's a new moon. You don't have much time.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, brother.

[Nina Leeds]

Did you talk to him, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

You might call it that. Now do you understand? Your point's well taken, Doctor. What about that hunk of stone? Maybe if you gave him a teddy bear. Oh, the idol he's got is absolutely worthless. His grandfather had the same unusual ideas about it. Is there such an idol? Well, there's a legend, but no one has ever found even the slightest clue that it's a fact. Now, I've examined Lee's idol and it's certainly not worth more. Oh, any more than a granite it's carved from. Hmm. Well, I'll be saying good night. I hope he gets better.

[Nina Leeds]

Can I get you another drink, Mr. Diamond? You certainly deserve something for your trouble.

[Richard Diamond]

No, thanks. Goodbye, Doctor. Mr. Rodine. Thanks, Ms. Leeds.

[Nina Leeds]

I wish I could make this up to you.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll take a rain check.

[Nina Leeds]

It'll be raining a lot this month.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Well, good night, Miss Leeds.

[Nina Leeds]

Good night.

[Richard Diamond]

I went out and got a cab. As far as I was concerned, the frightened little man in the night shirt was going to end up modeling straight jackets. And a private detective would only add to the confusion. It was 8 o' clock and I told the cabby to take me to 975 Park Avenue. Helen would be angry, but it was worth going back to. A couple of hours with her could make a guy as contented as a bear that had just cornered the honey market. We pulled up in front of Helen's apartment and I paid the cabbie. I was just going in when a small convertible skidded to a stop in front of the building.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Mr. Diamond. Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

It was Leland L. Leeds again, and you could still see part of the night shirt under his topcoat. He leaned out of the car window and called, over here, Mr. Diamond, please.

[Leland L. Leeds]

I must talk with you again.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd had enough of the jumpy little man with the idol, so I started into the apartment without answering. He called again, climbed out of the car and started across the street toward me. I looked back just in time to see the other car swing in close. Look out.

[Nina Leeds]

Leave.

[Richard Diamond]

I ran back into the street and looked after the disappearing car. The lights were off and I couldn't get the license number. It was too far away. I leaned down with a little man in the night shirt. He was pretty far away, too. He was dying in a hurry.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes?

[Leland L. Leeds]

Liens take the idol. When you left, I. I found out why it was worth all that money. They. They didn't want me to tell you, so. So they. They followed me and ran me down. It's. It's in my coat pocket.

[Richard Diamond]

He died lying on his back in the street. Several people were coming out of the building, so I reached into his pocket and pulled out a chamois bag. I guess the idol was inside. So I put it in my coat and went in to call the police. Oh, Mr. Diamond, Ms. Asher's been worried. Hello, Francis. Tell her I'm back and let me use the phone. Certainly, sir. She's upstairs. Is something wrong, sir? You look worried. Man got hit by a car. I've got to call the police.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Oh, my goodness.

[Richard Diamond]

Is he hurt badly? Bad enough to get buried. Oh, my goodness. Homicide. Sergeant Otis. Otis, let me talk to the lieutenant. Is this Diamond? No, it's the Beaver boys. Now put the lieutenant on the phone. What do you do with all those tired jokes? You can't keep using them. I give them away to idiots. Want to start a collection? Lieutenant Levinson. Walt, this is Diamond. I got a body for you. I go off duty in 20 minutes. Call back, then. Lying out in front of Helen's apartment. 975 Park. Rick, my stomach is bothering me. Why can't you be a good boy and stay out of trouble? Take some soda and get over here. Take some soda. Every time you call, I end up taking him up to give an elephant the hiccups.

[Nina Leeds]

Well, you're a fine one. Oh, I'm sorry, Rick. I didn't know you were on the phone.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait a minute, Walt. Hello, baby. I'm talking to the lieutenant. Aren't you afraid you'll catch cold in that thing?

[Nina Leeds]

I'm mad at you.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you're cute. Hey, what's going on? Just Helen. If you could see her, your ulcers would start popping like chestnuts. Say hello now. The law sends you his greetings. Hello to the law, she says. I know. I heard it. Now, what about the stim? His name's Leland L. Leeds. He got belted by a car. It was too far away to get the number. What makes you think it's a job for Homicide? Get over here and Helen will give you the story. I've got some work to do. But wait a minute, Rick. Are you getting lazy? What's the matter? Don't you want to find out things for yourself?

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, what happened? Francis told me some man got hit

[Richard Diamond]

by a car right on your doorstep.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's go into the other room, baby. I'll tell you all about it. We went into the warm study and Helen poured me a tall drink. I briefed her on what had happened earlier in the evening, and she sat down next to me. There's something about red hair that does things to me. It smelled fresh and clean, and with her that close, I could have been sitting in the middle of the Arctic and still kept my temperature above 102.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, do you have to go back out there?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, somebody's got to tell his sister, and in a way, I feel a little responsible.

[Nina Leeds]

Are you gonna give her the idol? The idol? The thing you took from poor Mr. Leed's coat. You could at least show me what I'm playing second fiddle to.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that's right. Yeah, I nearly forgot about it. Oh, here it is in the chamois bag.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, an ugly little thing. And that's supposed to be worth all that money?

[Richard Diamond]

That was what leads. Hey, something's missing.

[Nina Leeds]

Yeah, one of the eyes must have

[Richard Diamond]

come loose when the car hit him. Probably in the bag. Yeah. Yeah, there it is.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Wipe his painted over. You'd never guess it unless you pried it loose.

[Nina Leeds]

It's as big as a marble. Is it real?

[Richard Diamond]

You've got enough of them around, you tell me it is.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, I think it's a pigeon blood. Why, it's worth a fortune. What are you doing?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm scratching the other one. Well, Mr. Leeds wasn't so squirrely after all. This is ridiculous. You only read about things like this.

[Nina Leeds]

Two pigeon blood rubies. No wonder he thought it was worth a hundred thousand dollars.

[Richard Diamond]

He said he found out tonight. He must have been scratching at them.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, then it wasn't just a hit and run.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. Maybe I don't want to get hung up with a lot of explanation to Walt.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, what are you doing?

[Richard Diamond]

Taking the other eye out. There now. Now, here, hang on to these and don't let them get out of your little hot hand. When Walt gets up here, tell him what I've told you.

[Nina Leeds]

Will you be back?

[Richard Diamond]

An hour ago, I laughed at a little guy when he told me he was going to die. He said it was a full moon and he had a curse on him. I'm still a skeptic, but I'm a new boy when it comes to voodoo. I've got to hurry over there before the whole bunch of them turn into bats. I went down in the service elevator and out on the street the wagon was driving off with Leeds and Walt and Otis were going into the building when I slipped up to the convertible and got in. Leeds had left the keys in the ignition, like I figured. So I took off and headed across town. Twenty minutes later, on a lonely stretch of road. I started counting suspects. All three of them could be in on it. Dr. Miller, who said Leeds was insane. George Brodine, a man from the museum who said the idol was worthless. And that lovely sister. I didn't notice the car pulling up behind me until it was too late. It was doing a good 70. And as it swung around to pass me. The guy at the wheel cut in sharp and hit me broadside. I went through a white fence and over an embankment. The car rolled and somebody dropped the night on my head. I went to sleep. I don't know how long it was before I started coming around. But when I tried to shake myself back. It was like pulling my head out of a barrel of molasses. It stuck to my eyes and plugged up my ears. I tried to claw the stickiness away, but my hands were like two baseballs. I moved my shoulders and felt the stiffness in my back. It spread out to my hands and down to my feet. I opened my mouth and took in a lot of air. I finally made it. Someone was trying to get me from the highway. So I pulled myself clear of the wreck and started moving in a circle, keeping whoever it was at a good distance. I was too pushed around to put up a fight. So I made it back to the highway and walked along until I found a little gas station on the road. The joint ain't open. And then. Your lock's busted. No, it ain't. Then I floated through the wall. Where's your phone? It ain't for public use. Try, isn't it? Okay, wise guy. The joint isn't open. The phone isn't for public use. And you isn't so big you can't get tossed out on your face. And you isn't so wealthy. Five bucks won't make a difference. Oh, why didn't you say so? Phones on the wall. Thanks. You know the Leeds family? Yeah. They get gas here sometimes. Hello? Evergreen 34369. Operator. How far is the house from here? I'm a little turned around about a half a mile. Hello, Francis, Is Lieutenant Levinson still there? No. Just tell him to get out to 19319 Jackson Heights Boulevard. I've got a killer for him. Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Now hurry it up. You a cop, Shamus? What do you take for the use of your car for an hour? My wife would kill me. I'll Drive you wherever you want to go. He gave me a lift in his old sedan and 10 minutes later I was ringing the doorbell to the Leeds house. I was glad the girl answered. She made me feel better right away.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, Mr. Diamond. Come in.

[Richard Diamond]

Thank you. Where are your friends Roger and George?

[Nina Leeds]

They went out to look for my brother. He disappeared right after you left. I'm terribly worried.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, have you got that drink? I could use it now.

[Nina Leeds]

Certainly. I don't know why Lee ran off like that. He shouldn't have been driving in his condition.

[Richard Diamond]

Were Roger and George together when they left to look for Lee?

[Nina Leeds]

No, they took separate cars. Why? Has something happened? Mr. Diamond? Have you heard from my brother?

[Richard Diamond]

I guess I'd better give it to you straight. Your brother's dead, Ms. Leeds. I'm sorry, dad. Oh, no. He was hit by a car.

[Nina Leeds]

It's all because of that horrible idol. That stupid, horrible idol. If my grandfather hadn't told Lee it was worth that much money, this never would have happened.

[Richard Diamond]

Did you think it was worth anything?

[Nina Leeds]

No, of course not. But we couldn't convince Lee. Now he's dead. Would you please answer that, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. You take it easy, Nina. Oh, what are you doing here, Diamond? Did you finally. Why, no. No, I didn't. I've gone to every place I thought he could possibly be. I even looked up your address. When? Over there, but the building was closed. You better go in and see Ms. Leeds, docs. She's pretty upset. Upset? Nina, what's wrong?

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, Raj, it's Lee. He's been killed.

[Leland L. Leeds]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

That's right. How did it happen? Bingo. I'll tell you as soon as I let Mr. Brodine in. There, there, Nina. Just let yourself on. Come in, Mr. Brodine. Well, Mr. Diamond, what are you doing here? I think I'd better have a sign made. The doctor and Ms. Leeds are in the living room. Something happened. Mr. Leeds is dead. What? This is the most surprised household I've ever run into. Roger, is this true?

[Leland L. Leeds]

I guess so.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Nina. Is there anything I can do?

[Narrator]

No.

[Nina Leeds]

No, thank you.

[Richard Diamond]

Where did this happen, Mr. Diamond? In front of 975 Park Avenue. Car hit him. I was with him when he died. Oh, this is terrible. I thought at first it was an accident, but I'm not sure.

[Nina Leeds]

What do you mean?

[Richard Diamond]

When I left to come out here, someone ran me off the road. Nearly killed me. Who would want to kill Lee and then try to kill you? Probably a coincidence. Certainly.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Certainly.

[Richard Diamond]

Probably just a drunk. Could have been. Lee gave me this, before he died. A chamois bag. What's in it? The idol.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, that awful thing.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want done with it, Miss Leeds?

[Nina Leeds]

I don't care. Just get it out of this house.

[Richard Diamond]

What are you going to do? I don't know. You want the thing, Doctor? Why? What for? That's a good question. How about you, Brodeen? You want it? Oh, well, what would I want a worthless piece of stone for? Well, as long as no one wants it. May I use this? Fire poker? Misleads.

[Nina Leeds]

What are you going to do with it?

[Richard Diamond]

The idol is worthless. It's caused a lot of trouble for you and your family. Going to break it up? No.

[Leland L. Leeds]

Give me that dodge.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Brody, and you're sure getting grabbing. All right, now, all of you, stay right where you are. For a museum collector, that's a pretty modern gun. Yes, and I know how to use it. George, this is the hokiest case I've ever been on. Even the dialogue's bad. I suppose you think you're pretty clever, making me show my hand like that. I read Gory Detective. I found that the idol was really worth all that money, but I had to make the killer tip himself.

[Nina Leeds]

You did, Mr. Diamond? Do you mean my brother was really right all along?

[Richard Diamond]

In a way, yes. He believed what his grandfather told him. But it wasn't until tonight, when he scratched one of the eyes of the idol, that he knew for sure. Scratched one of the eyes? That's right. Pigeon blood rubies painted over. Now, I'm leaving you. That's good. But you're minus something. Minus what? A couple of rubies. I took them out of the idol. You're lying. Take a look at the bag. What? They're gone. I'll kill you for this. Give me the gun, George.

[Nina Leeds]

Look out. He's going to shoot.

[Richard Diamond]

Give me the gun. All right, everyone, this is the police.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh. You killed Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

He shot Diamond. All right, Lieutenant, put the bracelets on him. Otis. Sure. Come here, you. Not him. Put him on diamond for disturbing the peace. Pin the medal on the other guy. No, no, no. Sure thing. How do you like that, wise guy? Oh, no.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm dying, Ricky.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, wake up.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, all right, George. Drop the gun.

[Nina Leeds]

Rick, You've been dreaming. Hmm?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, Helen. Oh.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh. You were having a big fat nightmare. I came down from upstairs and you were asleep on the couch with gory detective.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well. Well, I started reading some story and I got mixed up with Egyptian idols and the rubies. I got shot.

[Nina Leeds]

That's the case of the ruby eyes.

[Richard Diamond]

That was the craziest dream. I solved the crime and got shot six times for my trouble. Lt. Levinson and Otis came in and arrested me for disturbing the peace.

[Nina Leeds]

After you were shot six times?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Otis loved it.

[Nina Leeds]

That wasn't in the magazine.

[Richard Diamond]

I worked on my own ending. Move in.

[Nina Leeds]

That's pretty. One of the lyrics.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, an awful lot of them.

[Nina Leeds]

Sing them.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay. I'm sitting high on a hilltop Oh, I remember that. Tossing all my troubles to the moon

[Nina Leeds]

it's from Thanks a Million.

[Richard Diamond]

Where the breeze seems to save.

[Nina Leeds]

Why don't you worry With Alice pay

[Richard Diamond]

things are bound to pick up pretty soon. Here neath the sky on the hilltop Seems to me the world is all in tune I forget all the bustle and hurry Tossing all my troubles to the moon I know someone will love me and everything will be just grand Just so the stars up above me Continue doing business at the same old stand it's mighty sweet in the evening When I've had a busy afternoon Sitting high, high, high on a hilltop Tossing all my troubles to the moon Sing it again, Rick. I'm sitting high on the hill.

[Nina Leeds]

Oh, Rick the Grouch.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, listen to that. Where the breeze seems to say, don't you, buddy? How do you like that, wise guy? Oh, that's really awful. Yeah, well, maybe you know how I feel when you open that big baso of yours. You mean I sound like you do? Look, diamond, what do you think the rats keep jumping out of my window for? Well, maybe if you had some plastic surgery. And your crummy jokes are as bad as your crummy singing. So please save the world from a horrible fate and cut your throat or something. Oh, yeah? Well, let me tell you all about. I'm sitting high on a hilltop Tossing all my trouble. Sh. We want to hear Diamond.

[Nina Leeds]

Yeah. Shut your big badoo. Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Sh. What's that?

[Nina Leeds]

You heard us. We want to hear Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

No, no,

[Nina Leeds]

Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. My dear public,

[Narrator]

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, Peter Leeds, Yvonne Patey, Stephen Dunn and Jack Crucian. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Richard diamond is written and directed by Blake Edwards. Portions were transcribed. 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. What's on NBC. Tomorrow, Detective Story fans will want to hear Madeline Carroll and Basil Rathbone in the detective melodrama the Amazing Dr. Clitter House, Tomorrow on Theater Guild on the air. And for more detecting, listen tomorrow for the Adventures of Sam Spade. He'll present his most humorous caper of the season. Yes, you'll enjoy both Theater Guild and Sam Spade tomorrow on NBC. Next, it's free ride to danger with dorothy mcguire on NBC.

[Leland L. Leeds]

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