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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 now@globalgamingleague.com that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.
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
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.
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.
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.