Rocky Fortune: Murder on the Midway 12/08/1953

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Rocky Fortune: "Murder on the Midway" (Original airdate: 12/08/1953)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Release Date: May 14, 2026
Featured Detective: Rocky Fortune, played by Frank Sinatra

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Rocky Fortune" is a delightful caper set in the colorful world of a traveling carnival, blending suspense, humor, and heartfelt drama. Rocky, the ever-resourceful drifter, stumbles into a case involving a missing boy, a desperate mother, and a cast of quirky carnival characters. The story explores themes of family, justice, and compassion beneath the bright lights and behind the dusky curtains of the midway.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Rocky Fortune at the Carnival (01:40–04:01)

• Rocky narrates how he arrived at the carnival looking for work, showing his trademark dry wit and street-smart charm.
  • “Hi. You ever see a magician pull a disappearing act on somebody? Well, a guy tried to pull it on me at a carnival once. The only trouble was he was trying to make me disappear for keeps.” (Rocky Fortune, 01:40)

2. Meeting Billy Grayson, a Hungry and Lonely Boy (02:26–04:28)

• Rocky finds Billy Grayson, a hungry, solemn boy with only seven cents to his name.
• Rocky buys Billy food and takes him on rides, observing that the boy seems weighed down by troubles.
  • Memorable moment: Rocky offers to pay for Billy’s hot dog and rides, showing empathy for the boy.

3. A Fortune Teller with Secrets (04:28–05:49)

• Billy insists on seeing the fortune teller, Madame Zaza, a small, dark-haired woman who speaks in a gypsy accent.
• Madame Zaza senses Billy is looking for someone, and cryptically tells him to go to the House of Mystery.
  • Quote: “You are looking for someone you have not seen for a long time. Someone who loves you very much, no?... You must go to the house of mystery on the midway.” (Madame Zaza, 05:02–05:32)

4. Disappearance in the House of Mystery (05:49–07:22)

• Billy disappears after entering the House of Mystery with Rocky.
• Rocky is accused by Billy’s guardian, Howard Grimm, and the police (Sergeant Reind) of kidnapping the boy—invoking Lindbergh Law seriousness.

5. Rocky Framed, Tension Builds (07:34–10:16)

• Inside the House of Mystery, carnival workers deny seeing Rocky and the boy, deepening suspicions against Rocky.
• Rocky realizes he’s being set up, but insists on finding the boy.
  • “This is some kind of frame up.” (Rocky, 09:43)

6. Gypsy Lady’s Trap & Marvel the Giant (10:29–13:07)

• Rocky confronts Madame Zaza, dropping her accent and pulling a gun on him.
  • Quote: “Okay, Mr. Fortune. I predict if you move one inch, I’ll put a bullet through your chest.” (Madame Zaza, 12:04)
• He is knocked out and handed over to Marvo, the world’s biggest giant.

7. Rocky as the Wild Man from Borneo (13:33–15:44)

• Rocky wakes up in a cage, muzzled and costumed as the “Wild Man from Borneo.”
  • Comedic highlight: Rocky is displayed as a carnival attraction, pelted with peanuts by children.

8. The Hidden Midget, Family Secrets Unveiled (15:44–19:01)

• Rocky escapes and finds Billy disguised as a midget, learning the truth from Madame Zaza.
• Moving confession: Madame Zaza reveals she’s actually Billy’s mother, separated by court order after Billy’s father died. She has been secretly communicating with her son and orchestrated his “disappearance.”
  • Quote: “I’m his mother... Billy's grandparents went to court and persuaded the judge I wasn’t fit to raise the boy, that carnival life would ruin him...” (Madame Zaza, 18:08–18:11)

9. Resolution and Reunification (20:08–23:46)

• Rocky brings the truth to the authorities, but Billy escapes again. Rocky finds him in the House of Mystery.
• The sergeant, Rocky, and the mother all converge, and the full truth comes out.

10. A Happy Ending for Billy and His Mother (23:27–24:08)

• Mr. Grimm explains that Billy’s grandparents, realizing how much he needs his mother, invite her to live with them so Billy can have both security and maternal love.

  • Quote: “The boy’s grandparents realize he isn’t happy without his mother. They want her to come and live with them.” (Mr. Grimm via Sgt. Reind, 23:31)

• Madame Zaza offers Rocky a job in the carnival, as his performance as the Wild Man was so impressive.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rocky’s humor about the carnival:
  “I'll pay for it. Fill him up, Oscar.” (Rocky Fortune, 02:45)
• On the absurdity of being framed:
  “The cops are after me. I’ve been pelted by peanuts, locked in a cage and fed raw horse meat...” (Rocky, 17:33)
• Madame Zaza reveals her truth:
  “I’m his mother.” (Madame Zaza, 18:08)
• Happy reunion:
  “No, Mr. Grimm says I can come and live with you at grandma and grandpa’s.” (Madame Zaza to Billy, 23:27)
• Job offer, carnival style:
  “Marvo says you gave such a great performance, he’d like to hire you as Wild man from Borneo.” (Madame Zaza, 24:08)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01:40 — Rocky’s introduction and setting the scene
• 00:02:26–04:28 — Meeting Billy, kindness at the hot dog stand
• 00:04:28–05:49 — Fortune teller Madame Zaza’s prophecy
• 00:05:49–07:22 — Billy’s disappearance, Rocky under suspicion
• 00:10:29–13:07 — Madame Zaza’s gun, Rocky’s capture, meet Marvel the Giant
• 00:13:33–15:44 — Rocky as “Wild Man from Borneo”
• 00:17:25–19:01 — Finding Billy and learning the truth
• 00:20:08 — Rocky gives up and reveals Billy’s location
• 00:23:27–24:08 — Family reunited, job offer for Rocky

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Tone & Style

• Language:
  Snappy, slangy, and sentimental narration—classic hardboiled but always charming.
• Atmosphere:
  Lively, suspenseful, and emotionally rich. The carnival setting provides quirky humor and dramatic twists.

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Final Thoughts

This episode is emblematic of "Rocky Fortune’s" blend of detective action, wit, and touching character moments. It's a rollercoaster from mistaken kidnapping to heartfelt reunion, with Rocky’s empathy and humor at the center. In the end, justice and family triumph over misunderstanding, and Rocky’s brush with the carnival world leaves him with a new—if reluctant—job prospect.

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Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe

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to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail]

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

now. Frank Sinatra transcribed as Rocky Fortune. NBC presents Frank Sinatra starring as that footloose and fancy free young gentleman, Rocky Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hi. You ever see a magician pull a disappearing act on somebody? Well, a guy tried to pull it on me at a carnival once. The only trouble was he was trying to make me disappear for keeps.

[Carnival Barker]

All right, all right. Get your red hot picture right here. Red hot.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

They tickle and tantalize your tummy like a temptation dollar tenderloin.

[Carnival Barker]

Red hot.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

How many jack?

[Rocky Fortune]

One pop and hold a nitroglycerin.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

One without sauce. 15 cents.

[Rocky Fortune]

Let's have some black coffee too.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

One ink right.

[Carnival Barker]

25.

[Rocky Fortune]

Say major D. Yeah. How's chances for a guy picking up some steady employment around this tiny? You been with it? I used to work in mid camp with benchley brothers.

[Carnival Barker]

Original 40 Thieves, huh?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Talk to the boss. He's down in the big tent.

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks a will, mister.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Yeah, what is it? Come on, I'm busy.

[Billy Grayson]

I'd like to buy a hot dog, please. How much is one?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

15 cents.

[Billy Grayson]

Oh, I guess I can. Well, could I buy a half a hot dog? I've only got seven cents.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Look, kid, go ask your mom for the rest of dough and come back.

[Billy Grayson]

I can't. I don't have any more.

[Rocky Fortune]

Oh, fill them up, Oscar. I'll pay for it.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Forget it. Own a house.

[Carnival Barker]

Hey, kid.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Compliments a Bussy Brothers traveling show.

[Rocky Fortune]

I stand There watching the kid down the weiner like he's had a hard winter in Little America. After he finishes, I stake him to another which disappears fasted and whiskey at awake. He's only a little kid, about eight or nine, with blue eyes and brownish hair. He's wearing a leather jacket and brand new blue jeans a couple of sizes too big. I strike up a conversation. Tastes good.

[Billy Grayson]

Mm.

[Rocky Fortune]

How long since you ate anything, kid?

[Billy Grayson]

This morning when I. When I went out.

[Rocky Fortune]

You here alone?

[Billy Grayson]

Uh huh.

[Rocky Fortune]

How old are you?

[Billy Grayson]

Nine. I mean, eight and three quarters.

[Rocky Fortune]

You been on any of the rides?

[Billy Grayson]

Uh, I only have 7 cents and it costs a dime.

[Rocky Fortune]

You finished?

[Billy Grayson]

Uh huh.

[Rocky Fortune]

Okay. Come on. What ride would you like to go on?

[Billy Grayson]

Gee, you mean it?

[Rocky Fortune]

I said it, didn't I? Come on.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Hey Jack, don't you want the job?

[Rocky Fortune]

It'll keep. Me and the kid here are going to live it up a little.

[Billy Grayson]

Can we see the fortune teller in everything?

[Rocky Fortune]

Sure, why not? Now be my guest, son. I take the kid on everything, including the roller coaster. And I'm having a great time. Only the kid seems serious, like he's got something on his mind. I figure he's got personal problems. Finally we passed the fortune teller's tent and his eyes open up like saucers.

[Billy Grayson]

That's where I want to go.

[Rocky Fortune]

Rocky the fortune teller. You sure?

[Carnival Barker]

Uh huh.

[Billy Grayson]

Please.

[Rocky Fortune]

Okay, let's go. Who am I to argue? I remember when I was nine years old, things were so bad I went to a gypsy to find out if I'd live to be 10. So in we go to Madame Zaza's fortune telling tent. She's a doll too, small and brunette. The kid sits down all serious and I listen.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

What is your name?

[Billy Grayson]

Billy. Billy Grayson.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Ah, yes. Let me gaze into the crystal ball. You are almost nine years old, no? Uh huh. And you are looking for someone. Yes, yes, I see it now. You are looking for someone you have not seen for a long time. Someone who loves you very much, no?

[Billy Grayson]

Uh huh.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Then you must not be afraid, for you will find her soon.

[Billy Grayson]

No kidding.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You must go to the house of mystery on the midway. There you will find the person for whom you are searching.

[Rocky Fortune]

Two minutes later, I'm footing after the kid on the way to the house of mystery. We go inside and the place is a maze of waxwork skeletons, crazy sounds and trick mirrors. Just before you go out, there's a guy dressed in a swami suit with a sign that says Disappear in coffin. He's got a black box in front of him and you're supposed to lay down inside. And the bottom opens and a chute drops you out on the midway again. I get in first and slide down the chute into the sunshine. Then I wait for the kid to come down the chute. I wait and I wait. And I still wait.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

That must be the man, officer. Okay, mister, take it easy. Oh, what have you done with him?

[Rocky Fortune]

Who, me? What is this?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

What's your name, bud?

[Rocky Fortune]

Who wants to know, officer?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Me, that's who.

[Rocky Fortune]

Oh, in that case, it's Fortune. Rocky Fortune.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

You know anything about a kid?

[Rocky Fortune]

What kid?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

What's his name? William Grayson, Jr. Who's this guy? I'm his guardian, Howard Grimm. I'm waiting for an answer. Fortune?

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah, he was with me.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

You see, officer, the man at the hot dog stand was right. Where's the kid now?

[Rocky Fortune]

In the house of Mr. Here. At least I think he is.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

He better be fortunate.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hey, what's going on here? I meet the kid. I buy him a hot dog and a few rides. And you act like I put the snatch on him or something.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

The boy has been missing from my home since last night, Mr. Fortune. We traced him to this carnival. If he's unharmed, you have nothing to worry about. Come on, let's go in and get him.

[Rocky Fortune]

I better wait here in case he comes down to shoot.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

You better come with us, Fortune. Let's go.

[Rocky Fortune]

We hustle around to the barker in front of the House of Mystery. And the cop tells him we want in. I'm not exactly worried. But what the barker has to say next makes me a little uneasy. This is a feeling which will grow in the next few minutes.

[Carnival Barker]

All right. It's on the inside. It's all on the inside. Witness the greatest spectacle of the ages. The famous Seven Steps to Heaven. The Oriental Water Torture. The Chest of Celestial Bliss. See the living skeleton. And experience the disappearing coffin on the inside.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hey, Mac.

[Carnival Barker]

Just a minute, Chester. On the inside. 25 cents. No. All right, Officer, what's the beef? Everything is clean. We've been inspected by the Legion of Cleanliness. And also the fix is in with the chief of police. Now, go away. You're blocking up the entrance.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

We're looking for a Little boy, about 9. Went in with this fella here about a few minutes ago.

[Carnival Barker]

Sorry, officer, we don't admit children. And this egg face I never saw before in my life.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hold it up, Mac. You sol ticket yourself, buster.

[Carnival Barker]

Your dream. And you've been smoking bath salts.

[Rocky Fortune]

Look, I went in with a little boy. You talked to him.

[Carnival Barker]

Get him off of my back, will you? Office I got work to do. I need.

[Rocky Fortune]

Officer, he don't remember.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

The kid is inside.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

You mind if we look around?

[Carnival Barker]

Help yourself. Just don't finger the finery.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Let's go. Fortune and Mr. Grimm, you wait out

[Carnival Barker]

here in case he comes out on the inside. Folks, the greatest of medieval torture chambers and criminal reenactments ever assembled under one roof. And you can see it for only a quarter the fourth part of the.

[Rocky Fortune]

We enter the house of mystery and I can feel the hot breath of a fat cop on the hot nape of my neck. Billy.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Billy, it's me, Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

Where are you, kid?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Billy.

[Rocky Fortune]

He must be hiding here somewhere.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Uh huh. Let's ask the guy in his swami suit.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah. Hey, Baghdad.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You were addressing me, sire.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah, I was addressing thee. Where's the little kid with the light hair? Sire, the kid who came in with me, remember? I got into the coffin and the kid was right behind me. Only he never came out. Sire, I know not whereof you speak. You're gonna know whereof I sock thee if this rat race doesn't end pretty soon. Now where is he? Please, sire, you're creasing up the cashmere talk, big boy.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Let him, let him, let him go, Fortune. Listen, uncle, did you see a kid in here a little while ago with his chimpanzee?

[Rocky Fortune]

I ain't ever laid an eyeball on this character.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

What is he crazy or something?

[Rocky Fortune]

Houdini, I'm gonna bust you right in the mouth. Okay, okay.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Now come off it. Let's go, Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Officer, this is some kind of frame up. Uh huh.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

That's what Mr. Grimm thinks. You see Fortune, the kid disappeared from his house, which is in Jersey. This is New York, understand? So if the kid ain't found, Grim is going to charge a kidnapping under the Lindbergh law. You follow me?

[Rocky Fortune]

I'd like to follow you, pal, but right now I got more important things to do. Like finding that kid.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Look out.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Grab him. He's going down the chute.

[Rocky Fortune]

I see I'm getting away with the law. So I take a Brody down the chute. When I hit the bottom, I stand there for a minute like a horse on a concrete pasture, trying to make up his mind. The nearest place is the mid camp where the gypsy lady does her palm reading. So I duck in.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Ah, welcome back, sir. What will it be?

[Rocky Fortune]

Here's a buck. Give me the works. Palm reading, crystal ball. You can even feel the bumps in my head.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

This is a big order.

[Rocky Fortune]

You look like you can handle it, Madam Zaza.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I will try. What is it? You wish to know?

[Rocky Fortune]

What did you do with the kid?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I beg your pardon?

[Rocky Fortune]

Come on, baby. Cut the phony accent and level with me. Where's the kid?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

How should I know?

[Rocky Fortune]

That crystal ball routine about the house of mystery. That don't wash, Zazzy. So let's have a little plain and fancy prognostication before the gendarmes arrive.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Gendarmes?

[Rocky Fortune]

The cops are after me.

[Carnival Barker]

Me.

[Rocky Fortune]

They think I snatched the kid. So predict.

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[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Okay, Mr. Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Rocky Fortune.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Okay, Mr. Fortune. I predicted if you move one inch, I'll put a bullet through your chest. Don't try anything.

[Rocky Fortune]

You're the first gypsy I ever saw with a.45 caliber crystal ball.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Shut up and Marvel.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Yeah.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Come out front. His name is Fortune. Meet Marvel, the world's biggest giant.

[Rocky Fortune]

I eat guys like him for breakfast.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

He working for Grim?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I don't know. He gave me a song and dance about the law being after him.

[Carnival Barker]

Yeah?

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Maybe we should give him back.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Are you crazy? If they think he's got the kid, let him think so.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Yeah, I guess you're right.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Look, can you keep him under wraps until the show moves out?

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

I guess so.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

They'll be looking for him.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Leave it to me. I got just a spot for him.

[Rocky Fortune]

I got a spot for you too, buster.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

What'll you do with him?

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Leave him to me. Okay, Fortune, let's go.

[Rocky Fortune]

Pleasure. Before we leave, would you like to try this crystal ball for size? This guy don't even budge. So I'm getting ready to haul off with the table when Zaza lowers the boom on the back of my skull. And it's off to the Never Never Land

[Carnival Barker]

Hurry, hurry, hurry. Step right up, folks, and witness the wild man from Borneo. See the savage human beast who tears his meat with bare hands. See the monster in his cage. This creature is so wild that his mouth must be muzzled and his hands tied to keep him from ripping the audience to shreds. He's on the inside, so step right up.

[Rocky Fortune]

I figure I'm dreaming until I open my eyes. I am in a cage about the size of a telephone booth. My mouth is muzzled and my hands are chained to the bars of the cage. When I get both eyes open, I can see that Marvo has got me rigged up in a leopard skin with fake hair and war paint. When a kid throws me a peanut, it suddenly dawns the wild man from Borneo is me.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

We're looking for a kind of medium sized dark haired guy named Fortune. You see anybody like that around?

[Carnival Barker]

I've seen a thousand guys like that.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

He may have a small boy with him.

[Carnival Barker]

Seen a thousand guys like that, too.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

It's no use, officer. He's gotten away and taken the boy. Maybe I'll notify headquarters and have an alarm broadcast. Hey, what's bothering the wild man?

[Carnival Barker]

He. He must see a tame or something. Every time he sees a dame, he goes crazy, Right?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

So I say I see more ferocious looking wild men at the ymca.

[Carnival Barker]

He's been sick.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

How come you got a muzzle on him?

[Carnival Barker]

That's no muzzle, Sergeant. That's him.

[Rocky Fortune]

I spend the rest of the day ducking peanuts trying to work the muzzle loose. But it's no use. Long about supper time, I managed to slip my hands out of the cuffs along with almost half my skin. When the barker comes in to feed me my kennel ration, I am ready.

[Carnival Barker]

All right, ladies and gentlemen, you will now witness the wild man from Borneo eating raw meat with his bare hands. Stand back now. He's dangerous. Okay, Jack. I'm taking a muzzle off. I want peeping a brain here.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

You got that

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

there?

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks a lot.

[Carnival Barker]

Talking. Here's something. Eat. Give him a good show.

[Rocky Fortune]

I'll give him a real good show, Doc, right now.

[Carnival Barker]

Hey, grab him. Get out of my way, lady, or I'll bite you. There he goes.

[Rocky Fortune]

I'm off down the midway in my leopard skin like Seafiscuit running the Preakness. I duck into the first tent I can find and I run out the other end. The next tent looks like a pretty good bet, so I duck inside that one. Nobody home, I think. On a second look, I see I'm not alone. Sleeping on a Little bed. In one corner of the tent is a midget wearing a full dress suit and a high hat. Before I can move out, I hear somebody coming. I duck into an open steamer trunk and make like a wee mouse.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

He ran down this way.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Don't make any noise. Come on in.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Well, everything looks okay in here.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

He's asleep. We better not disturb him.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

I still think you ought to get out of here, both of you.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

The show is moving out tonight. We'll be okay once we leave town.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Not with this Fortune character running around loose.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You're not afraid of him, are you?

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Don't be ridiculous. Unless he knows what's going on.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

No, the boy didn't tell him anything.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

I'm more worried about Grim and the law than I am about anything else.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I'll take care of Grim if he tries anything too.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

We better get back to the midway for the evening show.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You go ahead. I want to make sure everything's all right.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Yell if you need me.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Thanks, Mom. You've been wonderful, all of you.

[Marvel (The World's Biggest Giant)]

Oh, forget it. We do the same for anybody in the show. You know that. I'll see you later.

[Rocky Fortune]

I lift the COVID of the trunk and peep out. Zaza, the gypsy lady from Brooklyn, goes over to the bed where the midget's sleeping. I see her pull the COVID up over him, and then she leans over and kisses him on the forehead. As she straightens up, I suddenly get wise to what's going on. Hold it, baby.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Who's that?

[Rocky Fortune]

It's me, honey. Rocky. Don't move and don't yell, or I'll give you a reason.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

What do you want?

[Rocky Fortune]

First of all, I want to know what's going on here.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

It's none of your business.

[Rocky Fortune]

Lady, I got a lump in my skull. The cops are after me. I've been pelted by peanuts, locked in a cage and fed raw horse meat. Now, don't tell me it's none of my business. You start talking right now, I'm gonna yell for the law.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You wouldn't dare.

[Rocky Fortune]

No.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Oh, please don't. I'll tell you.

[Rocky Fortune]

That's a good girl. You can start by telling me why you got that kid dressed up in a midget suit.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

We thought it would be a good way to hide him.

[Rocky Fortune]

That makes sense now. How come you snatched him?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

We didn't snatch him. He came because he wanted to.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

What?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

It's true.

[Rocky Fortune]

Wait a minute, baby. Just who are you?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I'm his mother.

[Rocky Fortune]

His mother?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Billy's father died when he was 4. I was with the carnival. His Father came from a good family and they didn't approve of the marriage. See, Billy's grandparents went to court and persuaded the judge I wasn't fit to raise the boy, that carnival life would ruin him. So Mr. Grimm was appointed as guardian and I was denied the right to see him.

[Rocky Fortune]

I begin to get the picture. Go on.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

We'd been writing to each other and I managed to see him a few times when the show was around here. He wasn't very happy with his grandparents.

[Rocky Fortune]

So you decided to take him away?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

When I found we were playing New York, I telephoned Billy and arranged for him to run away and meet me at the carnival.

[Rocky Fortune]

And the county folks are all in on it, huh?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Yeah.

[Rocky Fortune]

You know, baby, if you'd bothered to tell me this sooner, we could have saved a lot of trouble.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

At first I thought you were working for Grim.

[Rocky Fortune]

Don't insult me.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

You know, I'm really sorry about what happened.

[Rocky Fortune]

The big question is, what are you gonna do now? Grimm and the cops are still looking for the kid. Also for me.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I'll take full responsibility for what happened.

[Rocky Fortune]

That means surrendering Billy to the law.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Yeah, I. I know.

[Rocky Fortune]

With a good lawyer, you might even be able to get custody.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I've got to get him, Mr. Fortune. He needs somebody to love him and take care of him. Carney, Life may not be the best thing in the world, but at least we'll be together.

[Rocky Fortune]

You want me to get the cops?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

I.

[Rocky Fortune]

You won't get away with it anyway, honey.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

No. I suppose it was crazy. All right.

[Rocky Fortune]

Get the police before I go.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Yeah.

[Rocky Fortune]

You think maybe I could get a pair of pants? This leopard skin's a little drafty. She gives me a pair of pants and a shirt which belonged to her pal Marvo, the world's biggest giant. And I hit the midway looking like my tailor is Omar, the tent maker.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Yeah.

[Rocky Fortune]

Pardon me, officer.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Yeah?

[Rocky Fortune]

I think you gentlemen are looking for me.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Listen, Fud. We're busy.

[Rocky Fortune]

Now go away.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Watch and grab him. Okay, we got you.

[Rocky Fortune]

Take it easy. I gave up, remember? If you still want the kid, I

[Carnival Barker]

know where he is.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Where might that be?

[Rocky Fortune]

In the dressing tent with his mother.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

His mother?

[Rocky Fortune]

That's what I said. Mr. Grimm. Come on, Officer.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Let's go. Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Way to roll up my cuffs. The surge is getting underfoot. We backtrack the Zaza Grayson's tent. But before we get inside, the dame comes running out to meet us.

[Carnival Barker]

Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

He's gone, huh?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Silly, he's gone. He must have overheard us and run away.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Hold it a second. Let me get this straight. The kid is loose again.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Right after Rocky left the tent, I went over to tuck him in and he'd gone.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Oh, this is getting ridiculous.

[Rocky Fortune]

Come on.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Oh, no.

[Billy Grayson]

Oh, boy.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

We'll back up about 40ft. But the kid. I've had just about enough. Fortune, you and Madam Zaza here coming down to headquarters for a couple of hundred hours of questioning.

[Rocky Fortune]

Sergeant, we've been through this before, but I'm afraid we're gonna have to do a retake. Once again, they're off and running at Hialeah. This time it's Rocky Fortune in the lead, stumbling along inside a pair of oversized pants like Dopey the seventh dwarf. Second is Sergeant Aloysius Reind of the park, followed in a close third by Howard Grimm. Rounding the first turn of the midway is still Fortunate by a collar button, Ryan second, and Grimm third. Just when I'm getting ready to pull up Lane, we pass the house of mystery, and I duck inside. It's dark in the diver's glove, but I work my way through the maze toward the disappearing coffin, figuring I'd give him the slip.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Fortune, come out of there. Come out or I'll blast you out. Count to three. One, two, three.

[Rocky Fortune]

Make a dive for the disappearing coffin, Atlanta's side. Right on top of a small, squirming boy.

[Billy Grayson]

Ouch.

[Rocky Fortune]

Billy.

[Billy Grayson]

Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

Wait till I close the COVID Shh.

[Billy Grayson]

Now, keep quiet, Rocky. I heard you say you were gonna send me back, and so I ran away. I don't want to go back, Rocky. I want to stay with my mom.

[Rocky Fortune]

Will you keep quiet?

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Okay, Fortune, I know you're someplace in here. Now, come on out.

[Rocky Fortune]

Don't make a sound, kid. He's right outside.

[Billy Grayson]

Okay. Shh.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

If you're in that coffin, I'll count to three, then I start pumping lead. One.

[Rocky Fortune]

Two.

[Carnival Barker]

Hey, look out, Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

The graceful sergeant had managed to step right on the lever that opened the trap. And down we go. Two seconds later, the kid and me are dumped right in the midway. Followed by Sergeant Ryan, who lands right on top of me with his 200 pounds of solid blubber. And I am down for the count.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Okay, on your feet. You too, kid. Don't try to run away. There they are.

[Billy Grayson]

Billy, are you all right?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Oh, Billy.

[Rocky Fortune]

He's okay.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Are you, Rocky?

[Rocky Fortune]

Fine. Except I feel like I've been stepped on by a dinosaur.

[Billy Grayson]

Mom, they're gonna take me away. I don't want to go away.

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Oh, no, darling. They aren't gonna take you away.

[Billy Grayson]

They're not?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

No. Mr. Grimm says that I can come and live with you at Grandma and Grandpa's.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

Honest, if you folks are just giving me a chance to explain, I've been trying to contact Mrs. Grayson to tell her that the boy's grandparents realize he isn't happy without his mother. They want her to come and live with them.

[Rocky Fortune]

Is this on the level?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

It's on the level, Rocky.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

As soon as the boy ran away, the grandparents realized how much he misses. Huh?

[Rocky Fortune]

You mean this belt on a noggin and all this chasing around and running us off for nothing?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Well, not exactly for nothing, Rocky. You can get a job out of it if you want to.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

A job?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

The Giant Marvo is one of the owners. He says they'll put you on starting tonight if you like.

[Rocky Fortune]

You'll excuse the expression, put me on as what?

[Madame Zaza (Gypsy Lady, Billy's Mother)]

Well, Marvo says you gave such a great performance, he'd like to hire you as Wild man from Borneo.

[Sergeant Aloysius Reind]

NBC has presented Frank Sinatra as that footloose and fancy free young gentleman, Rocky Fortune. Others in tonight's cast were Brynn A. Rayburn, David Pfeffer, Bill Griffiths, Ken Williams, Leon Jenny and Mason Adams. Tonight's script was written by George Lefferts. Fred Way, direct.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

We in this country have never experienced the horror of an air raid. And yet, during these perilous times in which we live, such an air raid on our homes and cities is possible. Modern war makers strike without warning, hoping to cause the greatest damage in a single surprise blow. For the sake of our lives as individuals and as a nation, we must know how to protect ourselves if such an attack should come. Attack from the air, even atomic attack, can be survived. Knowing what to do in an air raid and in the moments immediately following it, may save your life. Every home should have on hand a complete kit of up to date disaster first aid items. These items are listed and described in an official pamphlet which may be obtained free of charge by writing to the Federal Civil Defense administration in Washington, D.C. besides obtaining the first aid kit.

[Rocky Fortune]

Kit?

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Every household should have someone trained to use first aid materials. By enrolling for Red Cross first aid training, you can acquire the skill and knowledge that may save the lives of members of your family as well as your neighbors. This is the NBC Radio Network.