Richard Diamond, Private Detective: William Carter Loses Memory 11/26/1949

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio Episode: Richard Diamond, Private Detective: “William Carter Loses Memory” (Original Airdate: 11/26/1949) Release: March 23, 2026

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Overview

In this quintessential Golden Age radio mystery, private detective Richard Diamond is enlisted to solve a case with high psychological stakes: wealthy young William Carter has lost his memory following a traumatic event and is plagued by confusion and blackouts. Dr. Edward Gerson, a psychiatrist from Bellevue Hospital, seeks Diamond’s help to uncover the truth of what transpired on the night Carter’s mind went blank—before Carter loses touch with reality for good. As the layers peel back, Diamond must separate fact from psychological fiction, all while navigating a tangled web of love, deceit, and murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Stage: Diamond’s Witty Banter and Introduction of the Case

• [01:20] Richard Diamond’s trademark humor sets the tone as he banters with Helen (his girlfriend), quickly shifting to business when Dr. Gerson arrives.
• Dr. Gerson describes treating Carter for apparent amnesia brought on by shock after a disappearance and a night spent wandering. Gerson suspects a traumatic event is buried in Carter’s missing time.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Dr. Gerson: “If I don’t discover what happened to this boy, I’m afraid he might lose his mind permanently.” [04:36]
    • Diamond: “If you’ve got a big [problem] you’ll get by my little remarks, and I’ll be glad to see what I can do for you.” [02:54]

2. The Client and the Family: Stakes Rise

• [05:44] Diamond meets William Carter’s parents, who plead for his help. Tension is thick, as all know the missing night could hide a terrible secret.
  • “Whatever it is that’s strong enough to make your son lose his memory... it might be, I know it’s something bad.” – Diamond [07:10]
• The family’s wealth is established; his fee is promptly met with a $200 retainer—a possible “down payment on a man’s sanity” [07:46].

3. Narcosynthesis Session Reveals a Confession

• [08:05] Dr. Gerson begins a hypnotic interrogation (narcosynthesis) on William Carter while Diamond listens secretly.
• [11:13 – 12:36] Under sedation, Carter describes an evening with a woman, Helena, heavy drinking, and a violent confrontation as another man (her husband) interrupts. In the confusion, Carter recalls striking the man before his memory blanks out.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Carter: “He’s hurting Helena. I’ll fix you... gotta get out of here... He’s dead. I killed him.” [12:30-12:36]

4. Diamond Investigates: DOAs and Motive

• [13:22] Diamond consults Lt. Walt Levinson at the precinct, seeking details about deaths on the relevant night.
• [14:31] Learn that Helena Fisher’s husband, Herbert Fisher, was found dead in his wife’s apartment—killed with a fireplace poker, no fingerprints left behind.
• The missing Helena is a prime witness; neighbors confirm Carter’s presence with her that night.

5. Doubts and Contradictions

• [15:44] Diamond questions the absence of Carter’s fingerprints and whether Carter, shocked and fleeing, would have the composure to wipe evidence.
  • Dr. Gerson: “He suffered the shock immediately after he killed the man... after that, he can’t remember a thing.” [16:13]
  • Diamond: “How could Carter be sure that he’d killed the man?” [16:22]

6. Twist: Helena’s Accusation & The Importance of Memory

• [16:48] The police locate Helena, who accuses Carter of murder. Diamond, however, remains unconvinced by the simplicity of the resolution, especially considering the cleaned poker.
• [17:55] Diamond plans to jolt Carter’s memory. He convinces Dr. Gerson to move Carter covertly and orchestrates a ruse with the police.

7. The Trap is Sprung: Reenactment & Confession

• [19:12–23:00] Diamond and Levinson stage police protection for Helena, prompting her to express fear that Carter may attack again. Helena’s manner is evasive, while Diamond subtly pressures her.
• [24:02] Using hypnosis, they send Carter (in a suggestible state) into Helena’s apartment.
• [24:53] Under stress, Helena cracks, confessing that she, not Carter, killed her husband after Carter had fled.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Helena: “You didn’t do it. I killed him. I just told you he was dead after you hit him. When you left, I killed him with a poker.” [25:30]

8. Coda: Justice and after-effects

• [25:57] The police have their confession, confirming Carter’s innocence. Helena is arrested.
• Dr. Gerson: “He’ll be all right when he reads Mrs. Fisher’s confession.” [25:44]
• In characteristic style, Diamond and Helen wind down the night with lighthearted banter and a musical number, ending the episode on a warm, comedic note.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You can feel pretty silly when a guy like that walks in and answers all your questions before you got time to think him up.” – Diamond, reflecting on Dr. Gerson’s thoroughness [05:20]
• “Maybe that $200 was going to be a mortgage on murder.” – Diamond, pondering the gravity of the case [07:48]
• “You know, I get enough screwy cases in here to make your clientele look like a bunch of Einsteins.” – Diamond to Dr. Gerson [03:59]
• Helena’s breakdown and confession: “I know what you want. William, I won’t tell anyone. William, say something... You didn’t do it. I killed him.” [25:23 – 25:30]
• Dr. Gerson, after Helena attacks him: “I’ve never hit a woman before, but this one made me very unhappy.” [26:24]
• The running joke about Diamond’s “philosophy” and playful banter with Helen punctuates the darker drama with warmth and humor. [01:36, 27:03, 28:34]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:20–02:54 — Opening banter, intro to the case
• 05:44–07:46 — Meeting with Carter’s family, stakes established
• 08:05–12:36 — Narcosynthesis and Carter’s hypnotic confession
• 13:22–15:19 — Police report, investigation details
• 15:44–17:02 — Diamond and Gerson debate Carter’s state and evidence
• 17:55–19:18 — Diamond plans Carter’s memory jog/reenactment
• 24:02–25:30 — Reenactment leads to Helena’s confession
• 25:57–26:29 — Arrest and aftermath
• 27:03–29:35 — Epilogue: banter and musical close

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Tone and Style

The episode blends sharp, witty repartee characteristic of private eye stories (“Diamond Detective Agency. Handy hints on homicide.” [01:20]) with tense psychological drama. Diamond’s sardonic, sometimes teasing dialogue lightens the emotional weight of the central mystery, while the supporting cast—including the resigned but capable Dr. Gerson and the deadpan Lieutenant Walt Levinson—ground the case in procedural realism.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a stand-out for its noir-rooted psychological intrigue, period humor, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final act reveal. The hypnotic interrogation sequence is especially memorable for its surprisingly modern take on trauma and memory, and the final twist is both logical and dramatically satisfying. Even without hearing the vintage sound design and performances, this summary lets you follow each step in the case, Diamond’s evolving theory, and the clever trap that cracks the crime.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys classic detective fiction, psychological puzzles, and sharp-witted storytelling.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond Detective Agency. Handy hints on homicide.

[William Carter]

Oh, no.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes. Just pick a victim.

[Helena Fisher]

All right.

[Richard Diamond]

Got it.

[Helena Fisher]

Yes.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Six of spades.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Helen.

[Helena Fisher]

Hi. Am I gonna see you tonight, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Depends on how many lights you leave on in the study.

[Helena Fisher]

But are you coming over?

[Richard Diamond]

Wouldn't miss it. I've been puckered up since 8 o' clock this morning.

[Helena Fisher]

Francis has the night off. I'll have dinner for you in by the fire.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, take it easy. The last time you built a fire, it got so hot I had to keep basting myself for a week.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, red.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. The next day I walked by Linda's and some guy grabbed me and shoved an apple in my mouth. Said he'd get fired if I didn't climb back in the window to lie down.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh. I'll see you tonight.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Bye.

[Helena Fisher]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, let's see. Where did I put the soap?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, depends on what you want him for. If it's the rent, he's being buried over in Jersey this afternoon.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

My name is Dr. Edward Gerson from Bellevue Hospital. I have nothing to do with the rent.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if you're with the sanity commission, Diamond's still in Jersey.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

It is apparent that you are behind in your rent and you wish to remain buried in Jersey for the moment.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, it's not as bad as it sounds. Are you a potential client?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I'm a psychiatrist, mister.

[Richard Diamond]

Pick a good one. How about Appleknocker?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

All right. I'm in a rather peculiar position, Mr. Apple Knocker.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I don't know. I always sit like that.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

For the past four days I've been treating a young man for an unusual type of shock.

[Richard Diamond]

What did he do, run his electric train in the bathtub?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You're quite an interesting case yourself. Are you always so unconcerned when someone comes to you with a problem.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, doctor, everybody's got a problem. That's why I'm in business. If you've got a big one, you'll get by my little remarks and I'll be glad to see what I can do for you.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Quite a philosophy. All right, then. Let's both get down to business. Mr. Apple Knocker.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, what's your trouble?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

This boy I mentioned. He disappeared five days ago.

[Richard Diamond]

You said you'd been treating him for four days. He couldn't have been gone very long.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

A day and a night. He was found the next morning wandering through the Bowery unable to speak, unable to understand anything.

[Richard Diamond]

I see.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Someone took him to Bellevue. Luckily, the family's private physician. He's also on the staff at Bellevue. He saw the boy, called the family immediately.

[Richard Diamond]

And you've been treating him ever since? Yes.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Last night the boy began to talk. Make reasonable sense. This would continue for perhaps a few hours. Then he would lapse into a complete state of confusion each time he was given a sedative. And each time, as the sedative wore off, he talked for a while, knew who he was, start to tell about the missing night and then lapse once more into this state of, well, confusion.

[Richard Diamond]

You think something happened during this missing night and he doesn't want to remember it?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Correct. Did you ever study psychology?

[Richard Diamond]

Every day, doctor, I get enough screwy cases in here to make your clientele look like a bunch of Einstein. And now stop unlocking my mind. There's a draft.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Well, as you said, this boy won't let himself remember something that happened on that missing night. He'll talk about everything up to that point, but the minute he reaches it. Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

He jumps the tracks.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Well? Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want me to do?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You know what I want you to do, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, okay. Now, here's one that will throw you. You know what I want you to do.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

The boy's family is quite willing to meet any expense that you feel is necessary.

[Richard Diamond]

Remind me not to take you on a double date.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

If I don't discover what happened to this boy on the night in question I'm afraid he might lose his mind permanently. These periods of confusion are becoming more frequent. And sooner or later he won't be able to distinguish between the real and the unreal. I'm going to put him under narcosynthesis this evening and I'd like you to be present.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, doctor. What's the boy's name?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

William Carter. Be at Bellevue at 8 o' clock and ask for me. The boy's family will be there also and you can tell them about your fee.

[Richard Diamond]

Now just give me a quick answer and leave my motives alone. Is his family wealthy?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Quite.

[Richard Diamond]

And I'll see you at eight o', clock, Dr. Gerson.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You would have anyway. Goodbye, Mr. Appleknocker.

[Richard Diamond]

You know, you can feel pretty silly when a guy like that walks in and answers all your questions before you got time to think him up. Anyway, I remembered my dinner date with Helen and put in a fast call to the little redhead. She was unhappy, naturally, but she said something about me holding the pucker to drop around whenever I had the time. At 8 o' clock I was standing in the long hall. The Bellevue Hospital, Dr. Murray reported.

[Helena Fisher]

The second floor desk, please. Dr. Murray to the second floor desk.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Good evening, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, hello, Dr. Gertin.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

What's the matter? You're looking a little nervous.

[Richard Diamond]

Hospitals by the M.E.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

that's very interesting. The family is at the end of the hall. Let's go down.

[Richard Diamond]

Tell me, Doctor, just what exactly happens when you put William Carter under this narcosynthesis?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

It's an intravenous injection. It unlocks those little doors in the back of his mind, gets him to talk. You'll see. It's really very amazing. Right here.

[Helena Fisher]

Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Mrs. Carter.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How's the boy?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Not much change. This is Mr. Diamond. Mr. And Mrs. Carter.

[Richard Diamond]

How do you do? How do you do, Mrs. Carter? Dr. Gerstner wants me to find out what happened to your son the night he was missing. Have you any idea?

[Helena Fisher]

He said he had a date and when I asked him who it was, he wouldn't tell me. That's all we know.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I think William will be able to recreate what happened for you, Mr. Diamond. Now I leave you to discuss business. When you are through, stop at the desk. We'll show you where I am.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I. Well, I. Yes, Mr. Diamond?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

What is your fee?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, thank you. Believe me, a hundred a day in expenses and your retainer. One day's work, Mr. Diamond.

[Helena Fisher]

Can you help our boy, Mrs. Carter?

[Richard Diamond]

I. I don't really know.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I'll write you a check.

[William Carter]

Oh, thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks, Mrs. Carter. Whatever it is that's strong enough to make your son jump his. Lose his memory. It might be.

[Helena Fisher]

Think maybe it's something bad.

[Richard Diamond]

I know it's something bad. How bad? I've got to find out. I hope it's not more serious than I think.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, yes, I know.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Here you are, Mr. Diamond. Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll keep in touch. I Left the Carters with that lousy feeling in my stomach. I looked at the check. 200 bucks.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

For what?

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe a down payment on a man's sanity. Maybe not. William Carter could have done a lot of things that missing night. Maybe that 200 bucks was going to be a mortgage on murder. I went down to the desk and an intern showed me downstairs to a small room with one desk lamp in the corner.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I'm glad you didn't take too long. The patient will be down in a minute.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, isn't this a little irregular, Doctor? I mean me listening in on a man's secrets.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

If he's done something against the law. I want you to find out whether it really happened.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if he tells you about it, it must have happened.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

He might have thought it happened. I can't take the chance. If he's committed some sort of a crime, I don't think I'll be able to do much for him. Now, I want you to sit behind that screen there and be perfectly quiet.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Comfortable?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes, yes. The needle can't reach this far.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

This should be quite interesting for you, diamond, particularly in your kind of work.

[Richard Diamond]

You can find out about anything you want with this stuff, can't you Doctor?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

If it's a recent shock, why?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I was just thinking about a little blonde. I know.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Now, here he is. Roll him right over here. Lift him over on the bed. It's all right, William. Everything's going fine.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Thank you, nurse. How do you feel, William? Can you understand me?

[Richard Diamond]

Say it again.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Say it again.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Can you understand me, William?

[William Carter]

Yes, yes, yes. But keep talking.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Say anything.

[William Carter]

Just make my mind stop jumping around.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Sure. It's nice in this hospital, isn't it? It's nice in this hospital, yeah.

[William Carter]

Oh, what's the matter with me?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Just be quiet. Think about lying in a boat under the warm sun.

[William Carter]

Lying in a boat. Lying in a boat. Lying in a boat.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Uh huh. Just lying in the sun, rocking back and forth.

[William Carter]

What are you gonna do?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

This won't hurt. You're going to have a nice long sleep.

[William Carter]

Oh yeah. Please, please. I want to sleep there.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Now start counting.

[William Carter]

Do what? Do what? Tell me again.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Start counting.

[Richard Diamond]

1.

[William Carter]

1.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

2.

[William Carter]

2.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You're doing fine. Keep counting.

[William Carter]

3.

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[William Carter]

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

[Richard Diamond]

I sat behind the screen and listened to the doctor begin. At the start, Carter seemed almost glad to talk about it. He described the beginning of the evening. He had a date, A girl named Helena on 53 East 51st Street.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Did you have a good time with Helena?

[William Carter]

Wonderful time. We went dancing.

[Richard Diamond]

He kept talking all about the evening. They danced and drank. The doctor kept digging, working at it, looking for every little detail.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

After you got through dancing?

[William Carter]

We went to her apartment. We had some more drinks. Pretty strong ones.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Who made them?

[William Carter]

What?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Who made the drinks?

[William Carter]

Helena did. Then he came in.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Who came in?

[Mrs. Fisher]

He did.

[Richard Diamond]

The man.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

The man? The man just came into Helena's apartment.

[William Carter]

Who are you?

[Richard Diamond]

Helena, who is this guy?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

What are you doing here?

[William Carter]

William, what are you doing? What do you want?

[Helena Fisher]

Get out.

[William Carter]

Get out. I don't care who you are.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I'm not going to get out. William.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't believe it.

[William Carter]

You're not her husband.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Stop it.

[William Carter]

Take your hands off her.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

He's hurting Helena. Yeah.

[William Carter]

I'll fix you.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Helena needs help.

[William Carter]

Hell.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You hit him.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Get.

[William Carter]

Gotta get out of here.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Why do you.

[Richard Diamond]

I gotta.

[William Carter]

I gotta get out.

[Mrs. Fisher]

He's dead.

[Richard Diamond]

I killed him.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Well, diamond, did you hear enough? Yeah, it's up to you. Find out if he really did it.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Thank you.

[Richard Diamond]

For what? Well, according to William Carter, he'd gone to a girl's apartment. The husband had come in and he'd killed him. Cases like that don't make me a happy gumshoe. But I had a $200 retainer in my pocket, so I had to keep going. My first stop was the 5th Precinct Police Station and Lieutenant Walt Levinson. When I walked into the squadroom, I spotted Sergeant Otis tying a square knot in his shoelace.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I'll be right with you.

[Richard Diamond]

Gum.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Shoe.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, Otis, what happens when you break one of those shoelaces? Oh, what do you think happens? I get a new one for those shoes. What do you use the mooring liner for, the Queen Mary?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Aw, why don't you lay off? I thought we was pals.

[Richard Diamond]

Is the lieutenant in? Yeah, go ahead. Hey, Otis, if your shoes wear out, why don't you do like the Dutch do? What's that? Wear wooden ones. Just go out and rent yourself a couple of rowboats. Oh, Hello, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Good evening, Mr. Diamond. And thank you for stopping by so late.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, now, what do you mean?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You've got some horrible scheme up your sleeve? But I don't have to play straight, man. I'm off duty in exactly three minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

It'll take two.

[Singer]

Oh, no. Oh, yes.

[Richard Diamond]

I want a list of DOAs for the night of November 12th.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What's the matter? Can't you find a wittle old corpse all by your lonesome?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, shut up.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Does the police department have to furnish you with one?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if you just cooperate, Sassy, you'll be out of here in two minutes.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

All right. Here.

[Richard Diamond]

Now.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

Wow. Three of them, huh?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

If that's what it says. Why is there one we haven't found?

[Richard Diamond]

Two women and a man.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, the man's my department. Homicide.

[Richard Diamond]

Herbert Fisher. Found in his wife's apartment on 51st Street. Married to Helena Fisher. What about Helena Wog?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We're still looking for her. Neighbors say she and her husband hadn't been living together for several months. The old boy must have come home, found her with another guy and got heated up. Either the wife or the other guy killed him, huh?

[Richard Diamond]

How do you know there was another guy?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, the neighbors say young guy started seeing her about a week before, came up with her that night. We haven't relied on him yet, but we're checking what killed him. Poker from the fireplace. Beaten over the head.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no prints? Nope.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Clean as a whistle. Say, what's with you? What are you so interested in this killing for?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I just like to hear about crimes.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, now, stop that. If you know something.

[Richard Diamond]

I do know something, Wal.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Yeah?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

One word.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Will it help me solve this case?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, what is it?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

I left the precinct and headed back to Bellevue. And Dr. Gerson. I had a hunch that was growing roots. And if William Carter's sanity was going to be saved, it would have to be done in a hurry. Up till now, only four people knew who was in that apartment when Fisher was killed. Myself, a missing girl named Helena, the potential killer, William Carter, and the good doctor.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

The girl hasn't gone to the police. Why? If William Carter did it.

[Richard Diamond]

That's what I've been asking myself all the way down here, Doctor.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Unless she wants to protect him.

[Richard Diamond]

That's the only one I could come up with. I want to ask you two questions, Doctor. First, do you think William Carter would pick up a poker and beat a man on the head?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

That's hard to say. He might.

[Richard Diamond]

Would he then wipe his fingerprints off

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

According to what he told me, he killed the man and rushed immediately from the apartment. I'd say no to the fingerprints.

[Richard Diamond]

That's what I'd say.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

He suffered the shock immediately after he killed the man. He knew he had to get out, but after that, he can't remember a thing.

[Richard Diamond]

May I use your phone?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Certainly.

[Richard Diamond]

Doctor, how could Carter be sure that he'd killed the man?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Why, I don't know if you remember. He didn't say. He just said he killed him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Homicide. Lieutenant Levinson.

[Richard Diamond]

I thought you were going home.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I got to sit up with a headache.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, I want some information. Where did the murdered man live if he wasn't staying with his wife?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, now, wait a minute. We know who did it.

[Richard Diamond]

You do? Sure.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Some guy named Carter. William Carter. I sent some of the boys over to his house 10 minutes ago.

[Richard Diamond]

How do you know he did it?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Because Helena Fisher walked into the station and told us.

[Richard Diamond]

So you got the girl? Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We're holding her till we pick up the Carter guy. Seems Carter was in her apartment with her.

[Richard Diamond]

I know the story.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You do?

[Richard Diamond]

You do? I'll be right down. Well, they've got Helena, Doctor. She says William Carter killed her husband.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Yes, I heard. Well, I'm afraid I can't do much for him now.

[Richard Diamond]

I think you can. There's one thing that smells too rotten to make sense. Why did William Carter take enough time to wipe off those fingerprints?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Because he didn't want to be discovered.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if he didn't want anyone to know he did it, why didn't he kill the girl?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Oh, good Lord. I never thought of that.

[Richard Diamond]

I got an idea. And it may mean you bending the law, little doctor, but it might save William Carter.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

What do you want me to do?

[Richard Diamond]

Mr. Diamond, is there any way you can find out from Carter exactly what he did after he struck the man?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Of course. When he comes out of his sleep, he'll be able to talk about it.

[Richard Diamond]

Can he be moved?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Well, yes, if it's necessary.

[Richard Diamond]

Then get him out of here. Take him somewhere. Even if his family covers for him, it's just a matter of time until Lieutenant Levinson finds out he was picked up and put in here.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

This is extremely dangerous.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Look, he.

[Richard Diamond]

If he believes he killed this guy, the girl's story will hold water. The only way that I can see to make him snap out of it is to prove to him that he really didn't kill anybody.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

That's right. Don't you think he did kill that man?

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe. But I doubt it. Can he walk?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Good Take him down to my office. Here's the key. Stay there until you hear from me.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

You know, I like you, diamond, and I respect you, but this is.

[Richard Diamond]

You want to save the boy's life?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Of course.

[Richard Diamond]

Then get him down to my office. I left the hospital and grabbed a cab back to the Fifth Precinct. Sometimes when things don't add up, like abc, you've got to go out into left field for the answer. Everything pointed to William Carter, and he believed it himself. But I kept thinking about those fingerprints. I told Walt my idea.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Are you crazy? So the guy did wipe off the Prince but didn't kill the girl. Whatever. People do crazy things the first time they knock somebody off. Besides, you can't go around posing as a police sergeant.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, stop that, Walt. Admit it. There's a hole someplace.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

But you told me yourself, the Carter guy admits killing the girl's husband.

[Richard Diamond]

In his condition, he'd admit anything.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He says he did it. The girl says he did it. What more do you want?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't want any doubts at all. Will you just try the idea?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

If you'll tell me where you've got William Carter.

[Richard Diamond]

Promise not to have the boys there, just you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yes, yes, I get mixed up.

[Richard Diamond]

He's in my office.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Wouldn't you know it?

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Walton, get the girl in here and tell her just what I told you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I don't need any rehearsals. Otis.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Send Mrs. Fisher in here.

[Richard Diamond]

Right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I hope you know what you're doing. You're putting me in an awful spot.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if it works, Walt, the state won't burn an innocent man.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yes, but this.

[Richard Diamond]

Mrs. Fisher. Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, come in, Mrs. Fisher.

[Helena Fisher]

Thank you, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Sit down. This is Sergeant Diamond.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, how do you do, Sergeant Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

How do you do, Mrs. Fisher?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We've checked your story and everything seems

[Richard Diamond]

to be all right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You can go home, but please don't leave town.

[Helena Fisher]

I'm terribly sorry about this. I know I should have told you sooner, but William was. Well, I didn't know what to do.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You did the right thing.

[Helena Fisher]

Have you found William yet?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No, but we will.

[Helena Fisher]

Didn't you check his house? Isn't he with his family?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No, he didn't come home at all. And that reminds me. You know, you're the only witness who can prove he did kill your husband.

[Helena Fisher]

Why, yes, I guess I am.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, I'd be extremely careful. He just might.

[Helena Fisher]

Lieutenant, you don't think he might try and kill me too?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you never know.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

After a man kills once and he's

[Richard Diamond]

got time to think about it, he's

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

liable to do anything.

[Helena Fisher]

Well, then I demand police protection.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

And you'll get it. Sergeant diamond here has been assigned to the case.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, how nice.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll do as much as I possibly can.

[Helena Fisher]

When do you start?

[Richard Diamond]

Right now. I'll meet you out in the squadroom right after I have a few words with the lieutenant.

[Helena Fisher]

All right, Sergeant. Thank you, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Perfectly all right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

This is ridiculous.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, all right. You get over to my office and pick up William Cart and the doctor. I'll stall Mrs. Fisher, take her to a bar or something. All right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

But if the commission hears about this, Sergeant Otis will be the new head of Homicide.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, this is nice. Sergeant diamond, do you always guard people like this?

[Richard Diamond]

Just the pretty ones.

[Helena Fisher]

Thank you. If you really think William might try to harm me, you'll have to stick pretty close, won't you?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Mm. Do you mind?

[Helena Fisher]

Not at all. What time is it?

[Richard Diamond]

11:30. Getting tired?

[Helena Fisher]

Yes, a little. It's been a hard day.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll bet it has.

[Helena Fisher]

What if William comes to my place in the middle of the night? Where will you be?

[Richard Diamond]

Watching the front door, baby. He won't get in.

[Helena Fisher]

Watching the door from inside or outside?

[Richard Diamond]

Outside, baby. Sorry.

[Helena Fisher]

Yes, so am I. Here's my apartment, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, nice place.

[Helena Fisher]

I don't like it very much since. Look, couldn't I stay in a hotel?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no. Too many ways for a killer to get in.

[Helena Fisher]

Do you really think William might try and get me?

[Richard Diamond]

What's he hiding out for?

[Helena Fisher]

Well, he could be scared.

[Richard Diamond]

All the more reason. Men like that don't hide out for a week if they're going to give themselves up. And if William isn't going to give himself up, he'll probably try to get rid of the one person who knows he did the killing.

[Helena Fisher]

But William isn't like that. He wouldn't.

[Richard Diamond]

Wouldn't what?

[Helena Fisher]

I was just going to say he wouldn't kill anybody.

[Richard Diamond]

But he did. He knows he did.

[William Carter]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm going out in front and check the building. I'll be back.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, do you have to go?

[Richard Diamond]

That's a good idea. You just take it easy.

[Helena Fisher]

But William has a key.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, then you better give me one, too. I'll be right out in front.

[Helena Fisher]

Well, all right. Here. Don't be too long, Rick. I can't stand this place long if I'm alone.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, baby.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Over here, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Yeah, I spotted you when you drove up. Hello, doctor.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I hope your plan works, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Well, hello, William.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

He can't hear you. I put him into a deep sleep. He'll only Answer my voice. There's only one way that we can get him into that apartment.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let's go. Mrs. Fisher is scared stiff.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

William.

[William Carter]

Yes?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Get out of the car.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, Walter. You gotta be there to hear it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

If we solve this one, I'll never tell anyone how.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's go.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Come with me, William. Now, William, remember, you are to go up to Helena's apartment and go in.

[Richard Diamond]

Here's a key, Doctor.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Do you understand, William?

[William Carter]

I am to go up to Helena's apartment and go in.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Here's the key. Use the key to let yourself in.

[William Carter]

The key to let myself in.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

When you're in, close the door and stand in front of it. And that's all.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, Mr. Diamond, here we go. The four of us went in through the front door and Dr. Gerson briefed William once more. Then we led him up the stairs and up to Helena Fisher's apartment. I could hear her humming. As soon as William tried the key, we all ducked.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Who's there? Rick? Anthony. Who's there? William? What do you want?

[William Carter]

William?

[Mrs. Fisher]

What are you doing here? William, say something. Don't just stand there. Oh, you. You. You've got to get out.

[Helena Fisher]

The police are looking for you.

[Mrs. Fisher]

There's one downstairs right now. Well, say something. Stop staring, William. Get away from that door. Please, William. Please. Please, I. I know what you want. William, I. I won't tell anyone. William, say something. Don't look at me like that. You're going to kill me, aren't you? Look, William, you didn't do it. I killed him. I just told you he was dead after you hit him. When you left. I killed him with a poker. William, please.

[Singer]

All right, Alita.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Oh, she was going to kill me.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, sure, like you killed your husband.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How's William, Doctor?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I'll wake him up when he gets

[Richard Diamond]

back to the hospital.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

He'll be all right when he reads Mrs. Fisher's confession.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Rick, what's going on here?

[Richard Diamond]

You better go along with the lieutenant, baby.

[Helena Fisher]

Why?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We urge your whole confession from outside the door.

[Mrs. Fisher]

What? Why? I. I just said he was going to kill me.

[Richard Diamond]

Also, we found some of your fingerprints on the poker.

[Mrs. Fisher]

You're crazy. I wiped them all.

[Richard Diamond]

Ah. She's all yours, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Let's go, Mrs. Fisher.

[Helena Fisher]

You tricked me.

[Mrs. Fisher]

You tricked me into saying that.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Come on, lady. I don't want to get rough.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Oh, can you too? I'll.

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

I think you can take her along now, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Holy cow. Why, Doctor?

[Dr. Edward Gerson]

Well, I've never hit a woman before, but this one made me very unhappy.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you're a good doctor, doctor, but you're certainly no gentleman. You should have kicked her,

[William Carter]

Rick.

[Helena Fisher]

What kept you out so late? It's after midnight.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'd stick around and watch Otis turn into a pumpkin.

[Helena Fisher]

Now that's Cinderella.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Can you imagine Sergeant Otis as Cinderella? The good prince was slip his sacrum trying to haul his slipper around.

[Helena Fisher]

Tell me a fairy story, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, once upon a time there were two idiots, Rick. And they lived happily ever after.

[William Carter]

Sing.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't like it.

[Helena Fisher]

Sing.

[Richard Diamond]

I liked it.

[William Carter]

Sing.

[Singer]

I'll do as I please, Rick. I love those dear hearts and gentle people who live in my hometown because those dear hearts and gentle people Will never ever let you down. They read the good book from Friday till Monday that's how the weekend goes. I've got a dream house I'll build there one day with picket fence and rambling roads I feel so welcomed each time that I return that my happy little heart keeps laughing like a clown. I love the dear hearts and gentle people who live and love in my hometown.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, how was that?

[Mrs. Fisher]

Well, Harold Appleknocker, where'd you pick up

[Helena Fisher]

that there song from my hometown?

[Richard Diamond]

Mountain View, back up in the hills of Arkansas.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Oh, that sure was Mattie Fine.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Lulabelle, I'm glad you liked it. Mind if I bust you up with another eight bars?

[Mrs. Fisher]

Nope, bust away.

[Singer]

I love the dear heart and gentle people who live and love in my hometown.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I think I did pretty fine that airstrim.

[Mrs. Fisher]

Oh, yes, sir, you done busted me upright proper.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you ought to come over to Mountain View sometime, little Belle. Got dear hearts and gentle people all order to play.

[Helena Fisher]

Oh, I'd like to make the trip.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you love the people. You love to see them, love to greet them. How would you greet them, Lula Belle? How would you greet them? What would you say?

[Helena Fisher]

Howdy.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, they'll love you, Lula Belle.

[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 Wills Herbert, Joan Banks, Sam Edwards and Norman Field. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Richard diamond is written and directed 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. What's on NBC Sunday? There's a full evening of great entertainment in store for you tomorrow on NBC. You'll hear rib tickling comedy on the Phil Harris Alice Fay Show. And for mystery, there's Sam Spade's latest caper. Tomorrow, Sam meets a Mr. Tom Turkey for the very best radio fare, always tuned to NBC. Coming up, it's Brian Dunleavy and Hollywood Star Theater on NBC.

[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my how we do it gaming team take on Gilly the King&Wallow 267's million dollars gaming in an EPIC Global Gam Gaming League video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.