Richard, Diamond Private Detective: The Tom Waxman Bombing Case 06/26/1949

Summary

Podcast Summary

Overview

Episode Title: Richard Diamond, Private Detective: The Tom Waxman Bombing Case (06/26/1949)
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Date: November 17, 2025 (podcast release)
Theme:
A suspenseful detective drama set in the world of labor unions and racketeering. Private detective Richard Diamond is drawn into the Waxman family’s tragedy after Tom Waxman is killed by a mail bomb. As Diamond works through clues, he uncovers a dangerous criminal conspiracy involving the Laborers Assistance League—a group sowing unrest and exploiting union members.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Setting the Scene & The Waxman Family

• [00:00–03:30]
  • The episode opens with Richard Diamond’s witty narration about the unpredictable life of a New York City PI.
    • Notable Quote: “Idle time can be as dangerous as a rattlesnake taking a sunbath. It’s just a preliminary, a lull before the storm.” – Diamond [00:34]
  • In another part of town, a tense union meeting hints at infiltration and manipulation by the Laborers Assistance League.
  • Tom Waxman is expecting his brother Phil from California, who is said to have important information about union corruption.

2. Family Dynamics & The Bomb

• [03:36–06:17]
  • Domestic scene with Tom’s wife Marge and Mama Waxman, showing a loving, close-knit family dynamic.
  • Tom receives a package, believed to be from his brother Phil in California.
  • Lighthearted Quote:
    • “Children are not kids. Kids are goats.” – Mama Waxman [05:57]
• [06:33–07:00]
  • The mood shifts as Diamond receives a call from Lieutenant Walt Levinson: Tom has been killed by a bomb disguised as a package from his brother Phil.

3. The Investigation Begins

• [07:00–08:55]
  • Diamond visits the precinct, interacting with the comically inept Sergeant Otis and the exasperated Lieutenant Levinson.
  • Walt reveals Phil Waxman is the chief suspect, as the bomb was sent from California, where Phil was staying.
    • Memorable Exchange:
      • “You know the Waxmans, Mama Waxman? / Yeah, sure. Had dinner over there last week. Took Helen. What’s happened, Walt?” [06:53]
      • “Last night, someone sent Tom Waxman a box with a bomb in it.” – Walt Levinson [07:00]
  • Initial suspicion and lack of evidence lead Diamond to question the practicality of the official theory.

4. Visiting the Survivors; Gathering Clues

• [10:38–14:04]
  • Diamond visits Mama Waxman and Marge in the hospital.
  • Both are devastated by Tom’s death. Mama insists her son Phil is not the bomber, hinting at larger threats behind the attack.
    • Emotional Moment:
      • “Did you know that one of my wonderful sons is dead? Did you know that, Richard?” – Mama Waxman [10:45]
  • Marge clarifies she mistakenly told the police the package was addressed by Phil, but both suspect the Laborers Assistance League’s involvement.
    • Key Quote:
      • “Tom’s been making speeches against an organization that calls themselves the Laborers Assistance League.” – Marge Waxman [12:54]

5. Digging Deeper: Factory & Suspects

• [14:10–17:11]
  • Diamond visits Tom’s workplace to trace the package’s path.
  • He questions the new foreman and Ralph Pryor, Tom’s close friend and coworker, about factory mailroom procedures and recent packages.
  • Mailroom clerk confirms a package was sent to Tom, but the handler’s identity is unclear.

6. The Bomb’s Origin & A New Suspect

• [16:34–18:18]
  • Diamond calls Walt:
    • The bomb was made from high-grade dynamite, unlikely to have survived mailing cross-country.
    • Diamond suspects the bomb was planted locally and requests Ralph Pryor be brought in for questioning.
    • The focus shifts from Phil to Pryor.

7. The Lawyer Connection & Conspiracy Revealed

• [18:37–20:06]
  • Ralph Pryor’s lawyer—John Wagner, also involved with Phil—returns to the precinct.
  • Diamond suspects Wagner is part of the Laborers Assistance League’s criminal activities.
    • Comical Banter:
      • “What are we gonna do? Sit here and look at each other?”
      • “That’s a pretty ghastly thought.” – Walt & Diamond [18:33]
  • Levinson orchestrates a “let them run” approach to see who checks in on Pryor.

8. The Stakeout and Final Confrontation

• [20:06–24:10]
  • Diamond tails John Wagner to the “Continental Shipping” office, eavesdrops on a sinister phone call confirming plans to eliminate Pryor.
    • Eavesdropped Plot:
      • “I’ve got [Pryor] passage on the tramp steamer... The captain of the ship is being paid to see that he doesn’t [make it].” – Wagner [21:04]
  • Diamond follows Wagner and Pryor to a waterfront dive, then into an alley where he strong-arms a confession from Pryor.

9. The Reveal & Resolution

• [23:26–24:50]
  • Under pressure, Pryor admits to planting the bomb. The package was an elaborate setup—an empty box sent from California by the League, with a forged address, bomb inserted locally.
  • Before Pryor can name the League’s boss, Wagner shoots him, turning the gun on Diamond—until Walt arrives and shoots Wagner, saving Diamond.
    • Suspenseful Moment:
      • “Anyone that would be stupid enough to try a worn out stunt like that deserves to die. You’ll make it easy for me.” – Wagner [24:21]

10. Aftermath & Closure

• [25:24–28:41]
  • The Laborers Assistance League is busted by federal authorities; Phil is released and presents his evidence to the union.
  • The episode closes with a touching family dinner at Mama Waxman’s house, some banter about food and marriage, and a warm request for Diamond to sing in Yiddish—a nod to the family’s warmth and resilience.
    • Heartfelt Moment & Humor:
      • “Richard, we always wondered where you learned to sing in Yiddish.” – Mama Waxman [27:28]
      • “Well, I used to pound a beat on the Lower East Side.” – Diamond [27:31]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Idle Threats and Lulls:
  • “If you happen to have an office at Broadway and 53rd street... you’re a setup for more trouble than a guy who goes bear hunting with a switch.” – Diamond [00:12]
• Mother’s Wisdom:
  • “Children are not kids. Kids are goats.” – Mama Waxman [05:57]
• The Emotional Loss:
  • “Did you know that one of my wonderful sons is dead? Did you know that, Richard?” – Mama Waxman [10:45]
• Explanation of the Conspiracy:
  • “Tom was going to present the evidence in front of his union. And the League sent an empty box from California dressed with Phil’s forged handwriting.” – Pryor [23:46]
• Humor Amidst Danger:
  • “If you’d had an eight piece band, you’d have had a parade.” – Diamond [25:10]
• Warm Family Closure:
  • “You know, you would make a fine cantor.” – Mama Waxman [28:41]
  • “He said, as a cantor, you would make a fine dishwasher.” [28:54]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Diamond’s Introduction & Setting: [00:00–02:30]
• The Fatal Package Arrives: [06:00–06:17]
• Bombing Revealed, Diamond Notified: [06:33–07:00]
• Visit to Mama Waxman in Hospital: [10:38–11:24]
• Visit with Marge Waxman: [11:51–14:04]
• Questioning Ralph Pryor at Factory: [14:52–15:15]
• Diamond Calls Walt – Bomb Analysis: [16:55–17:05]
• Wagner the Lawyer Returns: [18:45–20:06]
• Diamond Tails Wagner & Overhears Plot: [20:06–22:14]
• Final Confrontation with Pryor & Wagner: [22:28–24:50]
• Aftermath & Yiddish Song at Dinner: [25:24–28:41]

---

Final Remarks

The episode masterfully blends family emotion, social undercurrents, and quick-witted detective work. Diamond’s humor and compassion shine, even as he navigates violence and betrayal. The drama’s resolution not only restores justice, but also the warmth and hope of the Waxman family, closing with food, song, and laughter—reminding listeners of the enduring human spirit at the heart of classic detective fiction.

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's Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Hello there. I'm Diamond. When? Have you got any idea how much trouble a private detective can get into sometimes? Well, if you happen to have an office at Broadway and 53rd street and the sign painted on your door reads Diamond Detective Agency, you're a setup for more trouble than a guy who goes bear hunting with a switch. I know because I've got that office and the sign painted on the door. Sure, I've got a lot of idle time and I use it up sitting around with my feet on the desk, waiting. But idle time can be as dangerous as a rattlesnake taking a sunbath. It's just a preliminary, a lull before the storm. You might wait an hour, a day, or maybe even a week. But the quiet minutes keep multiplying and sooner or later, things come to a head. Like one day last week I'd been on an extra long lull that didn't look like it was going anywhere. But in another part of town, a union meeting was taking place. It was going to keep me jumping around like a hungry flea at a dog show.

[Phil Waxman]

I wanted to talk to you, man. It's time that we did something. The Laborers Assistance League is already functioning in a great number of factories in this city. And it's getting a stronger foothold all across the country. It continues to expand and gain power because it operates best where there's growing unrest and discontent within the factories. They cause trouble and make it look like the union's not doing a good job for the worker. I know for a fact that four or five men can sit in on a union meeting and cause enough trouble to make it look like the whole union is wrong. Now this union is getting along quiet.

[Richard Diamond]

He's really out to make trouble tonight. Yeah. If he keeps it up, this is gonna be a tough union to crack. He won't keep it up. We're gonna take care of it. Oh, what good lad do? Brother Phil will be in from California next week. We can shut his brother up, too. Sure. He planned this thing with his brother.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

When he gets in from California, he's.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Bringing enough information to put us out of business.

[Richard Diamond]

That just gives us a week. He's talked too long.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Let's break this meeting up.

[Phil Waxman]

Is doing just that.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

How do we know you're not Talking through your hat.

[Phil Waxman]

Well, now, look, you all know me. I gripe as much as the next guy. But I know for a fact that this league is not only working like that all over the country, but now it's beginning to move in on our factories and our unions.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but how do we know it's.

[Phil Waxman]

Such a bad thing? There are a bunch of racketeers. And if you don't believe me, you come to this meeting next week and I'll give you the proof you want.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. Well, I guess you're right. He promised them proof of the week, and that's what his brother gets in. Don't worry about it. When he gets the package, he won't be able to give anybody anything.

[Marge Waxman]

Tom, bring in the rest of the.

[Mama Waxman]

Dinner dishes, will you?

[Phil Waxman]

Oh, sure, honey.

[Marge Waxman]

Here, Mama, let me wash them. You talk to Tom for a minute. He's going to another meeting tonight.

[Mama Waxman]

Oh, meetings, meetings. Always meetings. Oh, Tom, you're working too hard.

[Phil Waxman]

Don't worry, Mama. Phil will be home tomorrow. You help me.

[Mama Waxman]

Oh, this is not a good business, Tom. The phone call, the threats. Come on, Tom, tell Mama.

[Phil Waxman]

I. I can't, Mama. It'll all be over soon. Now, come on, we'll help.

[Marge Waxman]

Marge, I told you to go sit down and relax.

[Mama Waxman]

You sound like I was getting to be an old lady. You take the dish towel and we'll both do them, huh?

[Phil Waxman]

Yeah, honey.

[Mama Waxman]

Your wife thinks I'm getting too old to wash dishes. Just you wait until she has a daughter in law.

[Marge Waxman]

I think Mama's hinting.

[Phil Waxman]

Mama, shame on you. You give us the time to get the son first, and there's plenty of time for a daughter in law.

[Mama Waxman]

Well, I had you and Phil by the time I was 18. Marge is 22, and you've been married over a year now.

[Phil Waxman]

Mama, if you're so set on me raising a family, why don't you talk it over with Marge? Maybe you two can think up something.

[Marge Waxman]

We'll let you know.

[Phil Waxman]

You do that, will you?

[Mama Waxman]

You better hurry up, Tom. You'll be late for the meeting.

[Phil Waxman]

All right, Mama. Oh, I'll get it.

[Mama Waxman]

No, no, no, no. You say goodbye to your lovely wife.

[Marge Waxman]

Why, thank you, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

You know, before your father died, I only had time to raise two screaming roughnecks. But now I plan to be the grandmother of at least five more.

[Phil Waxman]

How about it, honey? Think we ought to make Mama happy?

[Marge Waxman]

This is a conspiracy. Who do you think's gonna get left with all the work?

[Phil Waxman]

Maybe just three then, huh?

[Marge Waxman]

Silly. I love big family.

[Mama Waxman]

Oh, I thought so. Smoochin when you ought to be on your way to the meeting.

[Phil Waxman]

Can't a guy even smooch with his old wife?

[Marge Waxman]

Who was at the door, Mama?

[Mama Waxman]

The mailman. He left our special delivery package for you, Tom. It's in the living room.

[Phil Waxman]

For me?

[Mama Waxman]

Yeah. Must be from Philip. It's from California.

[Phil Waxman]

Oh, I must be sending some stuff on ahead. Why don't you open a. Mama? Maybe it's something for you, too.

[Mama Waxman]

Oh, the women have dishes to wash. It's addressed to you. If you don't want to open it now, so leave it till tomorrow. Now go on, get out of my kitchen.

[Phil Waxman]

You know, you're sounding more like a.

[Richard Diamond]

Mother in law every day.

[Phil Waxman]

Okay, I'll open it. You know, maybe it'd make you happier if you knew that Marge and I decided on five kids.

[Mama Waxman]

Children are not kids. Kids are goats.

[Phil Waxman]

Well, you never know.

[Marge Waxman]

Tom, John Wagner called you earlier.

[Phil Waxman]

Wagner? What do you want?

[Marge Waxman]

He didn't say. Who's the package from?

[Phil Waxman]

It's from Phil, all right. I know it's a surprise because he sent it to me at the shop first, and then they sent it on here. Wonder why I didn't get it at the shop.

[Mama Waxman]

Well, what is it?

[Phil Waxman]

Just a second. Mama. Wrapped up pretty tight. He's sure heavy.

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond Detective Agency. Murder. Soft, cheap. We eliminate the middleman.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, by George, that was a good one.

[Richard Diamond]

Is this Lieutenant Levinson, the homicide kingpin?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah. Rick, get down here, will you?

[Richard Diamond]

What's up, lover?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Something pretty nasty.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, tell Otis to stop leaving his bubble gum under the seats.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No kidding, Rick. This is something that you ought to know about.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, stop sounding like an auctioneer at a mortuary and tell me what it is. You know the Waxmans, Mama Waxman? Yeah, sure. Had dinner over there last week. Took Helen. What's happened, Walt?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Last night, someone sent Tom Waxman a box with a bomb in it. What? I knew you were a friend of the family, and I've got to talk with you. Come down here, will you?

[Richard Diamond]

You know it. I closed the office and grabbed a cab for Walt's precinct. All the way over, I kept thinking about Mama Waxman and her two sons. I'd known the whole family when I used to be on the force. Tom, who used to sing First Tenant Synagogue, had gotten hit in the throat with a baseball. Catter Weinberg asked me to take over for him. So I sang that day in Tom's place. Mama Waxman heard me and asked me over later for the best dinner I'd ever eaten. We've been friends ever since the cab dropped me off at the station, and I went in fast. Sergeant Otis was sitting at his desk reading the police Gazette. Hello, Otis.

[Phil Waxman]

Stop.

[Richard Diamond]

Panting they're just pictures.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, it's the comic gumshoe. Go on in, Diamond. The lieutenant expects you.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, thanks, Sergeant. By the way, when you gonna get a haircut? You're beginning to look like Rasputin with a Tony. Hello, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Sit down. I got a real headache.

[Richard Diamond]

How much damage did the bomb do?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Plenty. Killed Tom and put his wife and mother in the hospital. Mama Waxman's pretty bad.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that's awful. Any line on the killer?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, that's why I got this headache. We're holding Phil Waxman, Tom's brother.

[Richard Diamond]

Holding Phil? Are you crazy? Those two kids are inseparable.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Tom's wife said that the box the bomb came in was from Phil. She heard Tom say so before he opened it.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, she could have been mistaken. Someone could have copied Phil's handwriting. The story's got more holes in it than a fishnet.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

The package was sent from California, Rick. That's where Phil was. He got in this morning, and we picked him up at the train.

[Richard Diamond]

What does he say?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I thought at first he was going to say plenty, but then some guy comes in and says that he's his lawyer. After the guy left, Phil shot up like a clam.

[Richard Diamond]

He denies the crime, doesn't he?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, sure, but that's all. Can't get anything else out of him.

[Richard Diamond]

Who was this guy who claimed to be his lawyer?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I got it right here. Name is John Wagner.

[Phil Waxman]

Ah.

[Richard Diamond]

You check on him?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, he's a lawyer, all right. We can't find an address on him. Moved his offices about three weeks ago.

[Richard Diamond]

Can I talk to Phil?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Won't do you any good. But if you want to have Otis take you over to the Tombs, I.

[Richard Diamond]

Won'T have to hold Otis's hand, will I?

[Mama Waxman]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Go on. Get out of here. There's somebody to see you, Waxman.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

All right, Diamonds. You got five minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

How you going to keep track of this?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

On my fingers.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, that'll only get you up to 13. I'll scream if I need you. How are you, Phil? You're in on a tough wrap.

[Phil Waxman]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

You want to tell me about it?

[Phil Waxman]

I've told the police everything I'm going to.

[Richard Diamond]

Who was the lawyer who came in to see you?

[Phil Waxman]

Just a lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

John Wagner.

[Phil Waxman]

Just a lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, what were you doing in California? Now, Phil, I know you didn't send that bomb. Why don't you Open up and get yourself free.

[Phil Waxman]

I've said all I'm gonna say.

[Richard Diamond]

Get out of here, Diamond. Oh, it's like that?

[Phil Waxman]

Yeah, it's like that.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, come on.

[Phil Waxman]

Go on, get out.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, okay. But don't forget your mother. You don't want to let her down. I'm going over to the hospital and see her now. Hey, Otis, let me out of here. Hello, Mama.

[Marge Waxman]

What?

[Mama Waxman]

Who? Oh, Richard. How's my big policeman?

[Richard Diamond]

Fine, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

Did you know that one of my wonderful sons is dead? Did you know that, Richard?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, Mama. Now, you take it easy or the doctor won't let me stay.

[Mama Waxman]

They killed my Tom because what he said was the truth. That's why they are bad. Because they don't let people tell the truth.

[Richard Diamond]

Who, Mama? My boy Phil knows.

[Mama Waxman]

He will tell everything about them, and.

[Richard Diamond]

Then they will be arrested. Sure, Mama. But who does Phil know about? I just saw him and he won't tell me.

[Mama Waxman]

Mama, I feel so sleepy.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm tired, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

You'll have to leave now, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Is she asleep, nurse?

[Marge Waxman]

Yes. We gave her an injection before you got here.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, then may I see Mrs. Tom.

[Marge Waxman]

Waxman for a minute? Yes, she's in this next room. She isn't as serious as Mrs. Waxman, but she has to rest. I'll give you a minute with her.

[Richard Diamond]

Marge.

[Marge Waxman]

Yes? Who is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Rick. Oh, now, now, come on. You gotta help me out. I'm the guy that's supposed to make people laugh. I'm the cornball with a bad line of chatter, remember?

[Marge Waxman]

I can't help it. I'm sorry. They. They gave me something to make me sleep and things don't make too much sense.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, dear, I want to help Mama and I want to help you, too. But the nurse will only let me stay a minute. The police are holding Phil. I just came from seeing him.

[Marge Waxman]

Did he tell you anything?

[Richard Diamond]

Nothing.

[Marge Waxman]

I made a mistake and told the police that the bomb had arrived in a package from Phil. I didn't think. They can't believe Phil would ever do a thing like that.

[Mama Waxman]

He was helping Tom.

[Richard Diamond]

Mama said Phil knows who did it.

[Marge Waxman]

He doesn't know. He just knows who's behind it. I'm pretty sure I know too.

[Richard Diamond]

Who?

[Marge Waxman]

Marge, Tom's been making speeches against an organization that call themselves the Laborers Assistance League.

[Richard Diamond]

I've heard of them. King size bunco game.

[Marge Waxman]

Yeah. Bill's been in California. He joined the league and found out a lot of things about it. Used to write Tom once a week. Your time's up, Mr. Diamond. You'll have to leave.

[Richard Diamond]

Just a second, Marge. Did Tom tell anybody what his brother was doing?

[Marge Waxman]

I don't know. There was a man named John Wagner that called Tom all the time.

[Richard Diamond]

John Wagner? He's a lawyer. Please, Mr. Diamond, did he tell any of the men who work in the shop with him?

[Marge Waxman]

Yes, I think so. Mr. Diamond, I'll have to call the doctor.

[Richard Diamond]

Please, nurse. This may mean another man's life. Marge, who did he tell?

[Marge Waxman]

Well, I. I can only remember one person. Ralph Pryor. Prior Mama used to fix Tom and Ralph dinner after work sometimes. But he. He. He was Tom's closest friend.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Marge, now, you take it easy and I'll see what I can do.

[Marge Waxman]

Please, Rick, find the men who did this.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes. Well, I'll try. All right, Nurse.

[Marge Waxman]

I shouldn't have let you stay this long.

[Richard Diamond]

What would I have to do to get you to take care of me?

[Marge Waxman]

Have an accident?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll see what I can come up with.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

I left the hospital and walked out of the street. One of those sidewalk photographers snapped my picture and handed me a card in the in case I wanted to send him two bits for the print. I threw the card away and headed for the factory where Tom had been working. The superintendent took me down and introduced me to the new foreman of the shop. Yeah, pretty rough about Tom. That's an understatement. Tommy. When did you take over Tom's job as foreman? This morning. How long have you worked for the shop? About three years. Why? Are you a cop? I might be. You know a guy named Ralph Pryor?

[Phil Waxman]

Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

That's him. Right over above that there turdley. Want me to call him over? No, I think I can make it under my own power. Hey, you Ralph Pryor?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

You knew Tom Waxman pretty well, didn't you? Yeah. Well, don't cry on the machinery. It'll rust. Who are you? What do you want? Name's Diamond. Let's say I'm a friend of the family. Well, good for you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What are you snooping for?

[Richard Diamond]

I've got an Erector set. I just love machinery. Well, don't get too close to this machine or it'll take your arm off. As long as it's not the one I count my money with. How long have you worked here? None of your business. Where were you during the war? Same answer. Well, thanks, Mr. Pryor. You've been grand. Hey, Foreman. Yeah? Did you talk to Pryor? He's the quiet type. Say, how does the mail come in here from the mail room? Ask a silly question? No, I Mean, who brings it in? No special one. Foreman usually sends someone after it. Do you remember a package coming here for Tom yesterday or the day before? No. If there'd been one, Tom would have seen it. He was the foreman then. Where can I find the mailroom? Up the halt, ahead of the stairs. Thanks. Sure is too bad about Tom. You said that. Say, didn't I know you all back in Little Rock, Arkansas? No, I'm from Malvern. I just thought I'd ask. I went up and talked to the mail room clerk, and he was a little more help. There had been a package for Tom. He told me that he'd sent it down along with some other mail. But he couldn't remember who'd picked it up. I was beginning to get warm and I knew it. So I slipped into a phone booth and put in a fast call to.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Lieutenant Levinson, Homicide Sergeant Otis.

[Richard Diamond]

Otis. Let me talk to the lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, it's you, Diamond. Why don't you stop playing like a detective?

[Richard Diamond]

Why don't you buy the lieutenant a necktie for his birthday? A fuzzy green one.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You think he'd like that?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. And if the clerk has never seen a fuzzy green one before, just show him your tongue. Now put the lieutenant on.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Lieutenant Levinson.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, did you find out anything about that bomb?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, yeah, Rick. It was dynamite. Highest grade. But I don't see how it could come all the way from California through the mails without the caps blowing the whole thing up.

[Richard Diamond]

Neither do I. Do me a favor, will you? Pick up a Ralph Pryor. He works at the same shop that Tom Waxman did.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What can I hold him on?

[Richard Diamond]

Just picking him up. Pick him up for questioning. Since when do you need an excuse?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now, you wait a minute. If you know something about this.

[Richard Diamond]

I've just got a hunch. Pick the guy up and I'll be down a little while and tell you all about it. I hung up on Walt just as he was getting around to the words you could censor. And headed back to the factory. I waited around outside for about 10 minutes. And then, sure enough, a prowl car pulled up and two boys in blue got out and went in. In a couple of minutes they came back outside. Only this time they had company. Ralph Pryor. I waited until they pulled away. Then I hailed the cab and headed for the 5th Precinct myself. Where have you been? Snooping, Walt. I just saw your boys pick up Pryor at the factory.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Thanks. Now, would you kindly tell me what you wanted him picked up for?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, it's a long shot, Walt. I Found out he knew what Tom's brother was doing in California.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What was he doing?

[Richard Diamond]

Getting some information on a racket that's been trying to muscle in on Tom's local union.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

In California?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, they're operating all over the country. You've heard of them? Labor's Assistance League.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, those leeches. Well, I still don't see what this has got to do with Pryor.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I think that bomb was sent from the factory here in New York. I found out a little while ago that in order to get hold of that package, the killer would have to be working in Tom's shop.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You think Prior did it?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll tell you better when I see if anyone comes down to get him out.

[Phil Waxman]

Well?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, what are we gonna do? Sit here and look at each other?

[Richard Diamond]

That's a pretty ghastly thought.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How about a fast game of canasta?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you know, it's a lousy two handed game.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, I'm just trying to help.

[Richard Diamond]

We could play jacks, but twosies. Throw me.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, what is it, Otis? The lawyer. John Wagner's out here. Says he wants to see the guy we just picked up.

[Richard Diamond]

Fast word. Ralph Pryor?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, he says he represents some kind of Laborer's Assistance League or something. Said the Prior's a member. All right, let him see him. Okay. Lieutenant John Wagner, that lawyer who came in to see Phil Waxman this morning is back again, Rick. This time to see Prior.

[Marge Waxman]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, what are you looking so smug about?

[Richard Diamond]

Looks like the hunch is going to pay off.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You mean this lawyer is tied in with the killing?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm not sure, but I think so. Tom Waxman was making speeches against the Assistance League. Now a lawyer from the League shows up to help the only guy who knew what Tom was up to and worked in the same shop with him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now I suppose you want me to hold a lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

No. Why?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How do I know? That's what I asked you.

[Richard Diamond]

What am I supposed to know? Everything. Lock him up if you want to.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What for? He's not guilty.

[Richard Diamond]

How do you know he's not guilty?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Because you had me pick up Ralph Pryor.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let him go, too.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Let him go where?

[Richard Diamond]

With his lawyer.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I thought you wanted me to lock up the lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, that was your idea. What was? Locking up the lawyer.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I don't want to lock up the lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let him go.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He's not in Priory.

[Richard Diamond]

Let him go. Who? Phil Waxman.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How did he get in here?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. You put him in.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Of course I put him In. Now, why should I let him out?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. I ask you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Ask me what?

[Richard Diamond]

Why you put him him in.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Otis, empty the jails and throw this idiot out of my office.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks, Walt.

[Marge Waxman]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

I went out in the squadroom and spotted the lawyer just as Otis started back into Walt's office with a glass of bicarbonate. He was a little guy dressed neatly in a homburg, blue suit and spats. I made sure that he was my man and I went out in front of the precinct to wait. I hung around for about half an hour until he finally came out and then I started the tail. He grabbed a cab and so did I. We went across town and I watched him as he got out and went into a big building on 38th Street. I went in after him. We rode the same elevator to the eighth floor. We both got out. I made like I was looking for a room number and he went in the door with a sign on it reading Continental Shipping offices in New York, California and London. I got close to the door and could hear a phone being dialed. I'd have given my eye teeth complete with the fillings to have heard what the conversation was about. Yes? Yes. I just went down to see him. He'll be released in an hour. I've got him passage on the tramp steamer. When they release him, he'll meet me at a place I picked and I'll give him the ticket. I'll tell him the police are up to something and he'll have to get out of the country. Don't worry about that. He'll never get there. The captain of the ship is being paid to see that he doesn't. All right. Yes, everything is going as well as can be expected. Oh, one more thing. A friend of Waxman's, a private detective, is following me. One of our men took his picture coming out of the hospital after seeing Waxman's mother. Yes, well, don't worry about it. I can take care of him when the time comes. All right. Goodbye. I waited until he came out of the building and the hunt was on again. I grabbed another cab and it took my last three bucks chasing him to a little water front dive on Canal Street. I followed him in and watched him sit down in a booth at the back of the room. I made like an unhealthy patron and took a table near the door where I could watch. An hour later, a guy walked in and headed for the lawyer's booth. He was Ralph Pryor. He talked with the lawyer for a minute, then took an envelope from him and got up. He went out, and I went after him. If I was right, he was my killer. The lawyer could wait. Ralph, I want to talk to you. I thought I told you to stop snooping bad. Right here. Let's step in this alley. For what? Get in the alley.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hey, what do you think you're shoving around?

[Richard Diamond]

You're just full of questions. You know, mister, you're not so big.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That you can't end up with a busted head. Now, let me go.

[Richard Diamond]

I guess you better understand something. Oh, get the point. You don't want to play, huh? Maybe you haven't guessed it, but I'm mad. I'm gonna kick you from one end of this alley to the other until you tell me who sent that bomb to Tom Waxman. I don't know what you're talking about. Okay. The state might slap my wrist, but I don't like losing good friends. Oh, my nose. You should see Mama Waxman. She looks a lot worse, but she's got a lot more troubles. She lost a son.

[Phil Waxman]

Wait a minute.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait a minute. I can't take any more. Sure you can.

[Marge Waxman]

Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

Just think about something else. Tom Waxman, maybe, or his wife and mother. Want to tell me? Okay. No, please. Wait a minute.

[Marge Waxman]

All right.

[Richard Diamond]

I did it. I did it. Leave me alone, will you? You picked up a dummy box sent from California to the factory and you planted a bomb in it. Yeah. Yeah. Why? Because Brother Phil had evidence enough to smear the League. You know a lot, don't you? Sure. Tom was going to present the evidence in front of his union. And the League sent an empty box from California dressed with Phil's forged handwriting.

[Phil Waxman]

I went up to the mailroom and.

[Richard Diamond]

Picked up the box and put the bomb in it and sent it to Tom's house. You do it for the League? Yeah, I did it for them. Who's the boss of the league?

[Marge Waxman]

Well, I.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on. Come on.

[Phil Waxman]

All right.

[Richard Diamond]

It's.

[Marge Waxman]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Now you'll never know. Wow. Mr. John Wagner. Complete with derringer. I hope you notice the error of his ways, Mr. Diamond. He talked too much. You got a funny way of keeping clients out of trouble. I'm glad you noticed. I'm gonna do the same for you. Won't you need a retainer?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No.

[Richard Diamond]

This one's on the house, so to speak. I think you're gonna get one anyway. That cop at the end of the alley with a riot gun doesn't look like he's hunting gophers. That is A very stale attempt at throwing me off guard. Anyone that would be stupid enough to try a worn out stunt like that deserves to die. You'll make it easy for me. Okay, suit yourself. Fire when ready. Gridley, what do you think? Thanks, Walt. You arrived in the nick.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Nick. Pick a big azunt. Why can't you get mixed up with a wife beating or something? The taxpayers are getting tired of seeing their streets cluttered up with a lot of bodies.

[Richard Diamond]

Why don't you yell at me? How did you find me?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I knew something was up. So when Ralph Pryor was released, I tailed him. I saw you tailing Pryor, I saw the lawyer tailing you, so I tailed the lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if you'd had an eight piece ban, you'd have had a parade.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, nuts.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, what's the matter, Walt? You'd have had to shoot him. He was gonna kill me.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I'm not worried about that.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what is it?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I forgot to bring my bicarbonate along.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, the wagon came and created Pryor and the lawyer off to the morgue. When we got back to the station, Walt put in a call to the feds and told check the Labor's Assistance League in California and pick up the guys who sent the package through the mails. Using the mails like that can be a tough rap. And three weeks later, the government closed in. They picked up the big wheel and threw the whole bunch away. From 10 to 20. Tom's brother Phil was released and he went in front of Tom's union and gave them the evidence he'd collected while he was with the League. Needless to say, the League wasn't represented that night or any night after that. About three weeks after Mama Waxman came home from the hospital, she invited me over for one of her famous dinners. I brought Helen and her butler. Francis came along to help with the serving. Mama, I'm stuffed.

[Mama Waxman]

Richard, you didn't finish up the cheesecake.

[Richard Diamond]

Can't make it, honey.

[Mama Waxman]

I can't move or the. Helen's a good girl. She ate everything in front of her. You know what? You two should get married.

[Richard Diamond]

Her appetite is the best argument against getting married I can think of.

[Marge Waxman]

Keep working on him, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

All right, now, let's all go into the front room. If I know my big policeman, he still likes to stretch out on the couch.

[Richard Diamond]

You are so right. Here, let me help you, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

Thank you, Richard. There's Francis. Oh, he's in making some coffee. Oh, he's been such a help. Before the accident, it was nothing to serve supper.

[Richard Diamond]

You sit Right here, honey.

[Mama Waxman]

All right.

[Marge Waxman]

Thank you. I won't have to eat another thing for a week.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Here's the coffee, Mrs. Wexman.

[Mama Waxman]

Frances, you must call me Mama like the rest.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes, ma'. Am.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

Did you have enough to eat also?

[Richard Diamond]

Francis, it was simply wonderful. You know, someday, if Ms. Asher doesn't.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Mind, I'd like to stop by and, well, swap recipes, as it were.

[Mama Waxman]

Well, I think that would be wonderful, Frances. Why don't you do that? I'll give you some fine ones, Francis.

[Richard Diamond]

Where's Phil tonight, Mama?

[Mama Waxman]

He had to go to our union meeting. He's going to work in. He also asked me to thank you for singing at the funeral.

[Richard Diamond]

Glad to do it, Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

Richard, we always wondered where you learned to sing in Yiddish.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I used to pound a beat on the Lower east side.

[Marge Waxman]

Ah.

[Mama Waxman]

Well, would you do me a big favor, Richard?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, dear.

[Mama Waxman]

I'm feeling a little sad about my boy tonight. Would you sing something for me? This song he liked you to sing.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm a little full of dinner, Mama.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, yes, please, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all right. Mimi. Mimi M. It's pretty good for a shake. It's a Mama.

[Mama Waxman]

Fine.

[Marge Waxman]

What does it mean?

[Richard Diamond]

Don't tell her. Baba. In azar is dough.

[Mama Waxman]

Oh, that was wonderful, Richard. You know, you would make a fine cantor.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, thank you, Mama. How'd you like it, Francis? As a cousin, Mr. Kitten Dishwasher?

[Marge Waxman]

What, Francis?

[Richard Diamond]

What did he say, Mama?

[Mama Waxman]

He said, as a cantor, you would make a fine dishwasher.

[Richard Diamond]

You have just heard Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell. Hey, Eddie. Eddie, you mind if I butt in for a minute?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Not at all, Dick.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks. I just wanted to tell the people that next week our show is going to be on at a different time and a different day. The day will be Saturdays instead of Sundays. And would you please look in your newspapers for the time?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Thanks, Dick.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, Richard diamond will come to you next Saturday at a new time. Be sure to check your newspaper for the hour. This program has come to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.