The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Kimberly Cross Caper 03/23/1951

Summary

The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Kimberly Cross Caper

Episode Summary – August 2, 2025 Release Date

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio's rendition of The Adventures of Sam Spade, listeners are plunged into the intricate world of private detective Sam Spade as he tackles the mysterious case known as The Kimberly Cross Caper. Set against the backdrop of the bustling art scene in San Francisco, Sam navigates deceit, danger, and deception to uncover the truth behind a high-stakes diamond heist.

Case Overview

The episode kicks off with Sam Spade being contacted by Mr. G.J. Runcible, the claims manager from Sunset Indemnity Company (04:08). Runcible briefs Sam on the case: a valuable diamond exhibit, Kimberly Cross, worth a quarter of a million dollars, is on display at the Burgundor Gallery on Sutter Street. Tasked with "babysitting" the diamonds for 24 hours, Sam is to ensure their security during the exhibit’s opening.

Investigation Begins

Upon arriving at the gallery around 8:45 AM (05:02), Sam engages with Mr. Burgendorf, the gallery owner, who proudly describes the Kimberly Cross as a masterpiece:

"To call this jewelry is to call Elizabeth Taylor. A garden variety tomato is a crown jewel from Thuringia." (05:51)

Sam quickly assesses the security measures, discerning the presence of Johnny Stroud, the undercover company man from Sunset Indemnity (06:12). Johnny, tasked with monitoring the exhibit, provides insights into the security setup, including a concealed back entrance and an anti-tuberculosis mobile X-ray unit parked across the street (06:34).

Encounter with Patricia Conroy

During his surveillance, Sam observes a suspicious woman, later identified as Patricia Conroy, frequenting the gallery premises (08:35). Patricia, using the alias Bernice Martin, presents herself as a customer seeking a chest X-ray, but Sam senses something amiss. His intuition leads him to investigate further, uncovering that Patricia is connected to an ex-con named Larry Galliano, recently released from prison after a stint at Quentin (11:16).

As Sam delves deeper, he uncovers that Patricia is entangled in a web of deceit involving the stolen Kimberly Cross. Her interactions with Johnny Stroud raise red flags, especially when George, the X-ray technician, discovers inconsistencies in her identification (25:18).

Climactic Confrontation

The tension reaches its peak when Patricia confronts Sam, revealing her true intentions. A heated exchange ensues:

Patricia Conroy: "Someone offered him the job at Burgundorff's the day he got out... that's what he told me. And I believe him." (20:14)

Realizing Patricia's deception, Sam orchestrates a showdown. In a dramatic turn, Patricia tries to escape, leading to a standoff where Johnny Stroud aims his weapon at Sam. However, Sam's quick thinking and resourcefulness prevail as he disarms Patricia and ensures the safe recovery of the Kimberly Cross (26:46).

Resolution and Reflections

With the case resolved, Sam reflects on the complexities of trust and deception inherent in his line of work. Ms. Bergamot, Mr. Burgendorf's secretary, adds a touch of humor and intrigue as she interacts flirtatiously with Sam, hinting at future adventures:

"You like me the way I am, Sam." (28:44)

The episode concludes with a nod to the persistent threat of tuberculosis and the importance of medical vigilance, seamlessly blending the show's mystery with public service announcements.

Notable Quotes

• Ms. Bergamot on Sam’s Routine Work:

  "Humdrum? Well, it's the private detective version of babysitting." (01:22)

• Sam Spade Assessing the Diamond’s Value:

  "To call this jewelry is to call Elizabeth Taylor. A garden variety tomato is a crown jewel from Thuringia." (05:51)

• Patricia Conroy’s Revelation:

  "Someone offered him the job at Burgundorff's the day he got out... that's what he told me. And I believe him." (20:14)

• Ms. Bergamot’s Flirtatious Comment:

  "A girl can't help wondering sometimes...” (28:49)

Conclusion

The Kimberly Cross Caper masterfully intertwines suspense, wit, and classic detective work, showcasing Sam Spade's unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth. Through a series of cleverly crafted interactions and revelations, listeners are treated to a quintessential old-time radio experience that remains engaging and relevant. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Sam Spade's adventures, this episode is a testament to the enduring allure of mystery and the timeless charm of radio detective stories.

Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] the National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Sam spade detective agency. Ms. Bergamot. Oh, Ms. Bergamot, I'm so sorry, but Mr. Spade isn't in. He ought to be back any moment. However, that is if you wish to employ him. This is his secretary, Ms. Perrine. Well, as a matter of fact, Ms. Perrine. Oh, he'll be available. I know the matter he's attending to is just is purely routine. What he calls a humdrum number. Humdrum? Well, it's the private detective version of babysitting. You see, all Mr. Spade had to do was sit on a chair for 24 hours. And that's why I say he'll be back any minute. His last words to me were take anything. So if you desire his nervous. I do not desire Mr. Spade's services. As a matter of fact, he's using mine. What? I'm his nurse at the Harbor Emergency Hospital.

[Narrator]

Nurse, another shot, please. This time, bourbon.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Quietly, Mr. Spade. He's coming along quite nicely. The bullet didn't enter the cranium at all.

[Narrator]

Bullet?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Cranium. Both. Mr. Spade wants to. But I refuse.

[Narrator]

Nurse, I refuse. But Ms. Nightingale, I am FF Wonder Girl.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Sam. Oh, Sam.

[Narrator]

Dry those big brown eyes, Cherub. Fluff up the sofa and spread out some lamp for me to lay my poor bullet ridden head on. In practically no time at all, I'll be staggering in to gasp out a humdrum report on the Kimberly Cross caper.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

For NBC. William Speer, radio's outstanding producer, director of mystery and crime drama, brings you the greatest private detective of a In the Adventures of Sam Spade.

[Narrator]

Hospital Smiling. Have to break down your whole constitution. Give you fits.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Ah, Sam.

[Narrator]

Who else?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Oh, Sam, you look like the drummer man in the spirit of 76.

[Narrator]

Nothing. Nothing, nothing. As you know, angel, no profession is without its hazards. Least of all this tawdry one of ours.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Pal.

[Narrator]

Sit down now.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Oh, yes, Sam.

[Narrator]

Now may I put my poor wounded head in your lap? Comfy.

[Patricia Conroy]

Poor Sam.

[Narrator]

They're stupid too. Honey, what's senon? Hey. New filling. High toos, huh? Date? Fill it in. To G.J. runcible, claims manager, Sunset Indemnity Company. From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. The Kimberly Cross Caper. Dear Mr. Runcible, it's just as well for private investigators that we have no way of knowing. By the way a job starts, how it's going to end. I remember once I went beating the bushes for a mad dog killer and ended up playing Monopoly with him in a hotel room for six hours. And I remember, too, the time I agreed to take a box of homemade candy to an old lady wound up with a double murder in a case of arson. Yours, Mr. Runcible, belong to this species. Spade. G.J. runcible, Sunset Indemnity. You available? Maybe. What'd you have? Are you. Are you not available, Mr. Spade? Answer yes or no.

[George]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Yes. How much? 50 a day, expenses.

[Johnny Stroud]

Right.

[Narrator]

I've got a job for you next 24 hours. All you gotta do is sit on a chair and keep your eyes on something beautiful. Sounds keen. Might call it a babysitting job. Oh, who is she? Kimberly Cross. Pretty. Like a quarter of a million dollars. Oh, rich too. She's on exhibit at the Burgundorf Galleries on Sutter Street. She's on exhibit. Get over right away. Well, I better check with Mr. Burgndorf personally and then see Johnny Stout, our company man. He'll give you instructions. Fine. Now. Now, why don't you tell me what we're.

[George]

Hello?

[Narrator]

Hello? That always happens on page six. Mr. Burgundor. Mr. Burgendorf. You.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Sorry. Sorry, sir. The exhibit officially does not until 9am begin.

[Narrator]

As you see, it's 8:45. I won't charge you, Mr. Bergendorf. I won't charge you. You can bring out the baby anytime now. Mr. Runcible of the Sunset Indemnity sent me here.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

My credentials, Mr. Speight.

[Narrator]

You are Mr. Speight? I am, yes. Now, what's with this Kimberly Cross?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

To a single horse gallery such as mine comes such an honor only once.

[Narrator]

Y.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Today only Bergendorf's is with Tiffany's in the same class.

[Narrator]

Here, here. Huh?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

This picture of Kimberley Cross.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

14 stones, all blue white. Eight down, six across. Total $268,000 plus 20% tax.

[Narrator]

Oh, jewelry.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

To call this jewelry is to call Elizabeth Taylor. A garden variety tomato is a crown jewel from Thuringia. Mr. Spade really is part of a state of a dead duke. Is price tag $268,000 plus.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Where is it involved?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Time lock comes nine o'clock on the nose. She opens then.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the exhibit begins.

[Johnny Stroud]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

There's a company man here from the insurance outfit, isn't there?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Johnny Stroud.

[Narrator]

Oh, where is he?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

He's working concealed. This man Stroud undercover. Clever stuff, huh? You see parked at curb across the street, autobus.

[Narrator]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Department of Public Health, City and County of San Francisco. What?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Anti tuberculosis campaigns pardon is giving to public for free gratis. 1x ray per citizen for chest cavity.

[Patricia Conroy]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Chest X ray.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Handily parking opposite the Burgendorf gallery. So inside Mr. Strout can take for himself a plant. Get it?

[Narrator]

Clever. Clever. The free gratis autobus for chest X rays was a square end job, complete with a reception compartment, X ray machine and attendant. The latter a sincere type with horn rimmed glasses and white starched blouse. I use the word sincere advisedly since he was at the moment doing a selling job on Johnny Strahd.

[George]

You know what I always say, Stroud?

[Johnny Stroud]

What do you always say, George?

[George]

You never can tell about a cough. You never, never know. You see? You see right there.

[Johnny Stroud]

I got a cold.

[George]

Maybe eight to five. It's only a cold, but five to eight. Oh, let me take a picture now. No charge, no pain, no dice.

[Johnny Stroud]

Go away, go away. Oh, spade.

[Narrator]

Yeah, good, good. Come on in.

[Johnny Stroud]

Come on in the bar City. We're sending you up. Plenty of room back here.

[George]

You realize you're standing right in front of my X ray machine?

[Johnny Stroud]

We'll move when you get a customer.

[George]

Customers, yes. Where are they? Where are those chests? If people only knew that 8 to 5. It may be a cold then.

[Johnny Stroud]

Did Runcible brief you on this spade?

[Narrator]

Yeah, it was brief, all right. How do you make it? 14 vulgar sized diamonds looking for a buyer. Sunset Indemnity ensuring Burgundorff against loss during the 24 hours they're on his hands.

[Johnny Stroud]

That's two for you.

[Narrator]

That's two against me, too. Oh. Like why does Sunset Indemnity need outsider help when they have you? And why are you playing like a movie dick when the sensible thing to do is to sit down next to the exhibit with both eyes open and a rod under your arm?

[Johnny Stroud]

What are you doing, George?

[George]

I'm testing my machine. Don't let me interfere with you.

[Johnny Stroud]

George doesn't like me.

[Narrator]

I see that.

[Johnny Stroud]

Well, I guess the boss left out one item, Sam.

[Narrator]

A tip. Yeah, yeah.

[Johnny Stroud]

Last night some schmo called him around midnight and got him out of bed. Oh, Runcible's. A pessimist, you know. When Sunset Indemnity's on the line for a quarter of a million, he tends to get jumpy.

[Narrator]

Who had the tip?

[Johnny Stroud]

Anonymous.

[Narrator]

They all are.

[Johnny Stroud]

Right from the oat bin, the guy says somebody's gonna take a run and jump at the Kimberley Cross while it's at Burgundor's. Needless to say, for the balance of the night, Principal does not sleep. So today we got reinforcements. Georgie.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Johnny Stroud]

I'm going to leave you now, George, to take my post across the street while Mr. Speed.

[Narrator]

Hey, wait a minute, Johnny. Hmm? Look. Look. In front of Burgundor's, the dame. The dame. To paraphrase Bergendorf, calling her a dame was like calling the Kimberley Cross a hunk of jewel. That's not what interested me. At least not right then. She was walking back and forth in front of Burgendorf's like a kid at the dentist door trying to get up the nerve to push the button. Quoting from my notes, it says 9:02am Girl, 5ft 2, blonde, early 20s, gray tweed suit. Spent a few indecisive minutes in front of Burgundor's, finally went in. She came out almost immediately. Started west on Sutter, then evidently saw a patrol officer approaching on same side of street, hurriedly crossed toward our post in Public Health Department mobile unit number two and entered.

[Patricia Conroy]

Hello.

[George]

Well, good morning. Good morning.

[Patricia Conroy]

Am I too early for the.

[George]

Oh, you're just in time. First customer of the day.

[Narrator]

There.

[George]

Let's see now. Name?

[Patricia Conroy]

Martin.

[George]

Martin. First Name?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Bernice.

[George]

Address?

[Patricia Conroy]

8 2-6.

[Narrator]

She wasn't a very good liar. While she was telling him her name was Bernice Martin, filled with a leather handbag with the initials PC on it, big enough to read from across the street. George filled the form out, then moved her around to the machine. By now, the cop she was ducking and walked by and turned the corner.

[Patricia Conroy]

Shall I.

[Narrator]

No, no.

[George]

It won't be necessary to take off your coat.

[Patricia Conroy]

Is this all right?

[George]

That's good. Stand right there. Hold still.

[Narrator]

Now.

[George]

Take a deep breath.

[Narrator]

Hold it there.

[George]

That's all there is to it. You're doing a wise thing, lady.

[Patricia Conroy]

You think so?

[George]

Certainly. Eight to five. It's only a cold, but five to eight, you never, never know. Here's your stub with your number on it. We'll notify you in a few days.

[Patricia Conroy]

Thank you.

[George]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Whereupon Ms. PC hustled down to the corner and into a drugstore. Five minutes later, she still hadn't come out. Stroud was beginning to champ at the bit.

[Johnny Stroud]

So what, Sam?

[Narrator]

So she's worried. She's ducking cops. She's using a phony name or her girlfriend's hand.

[Johnny Stroud]

Look, I'm going.

[Narrator]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before. Where? I don't know, but I think it was around headquarters.

[Johnny Stroud]

Now, who's playing movie dick? Look, it's 10 after 9. I'll go over and settle down next to the vulgar diamonds. And you make yourself comfy with Georgie.

[George]

If I get busy, out you go.

[Johnny Stroud]

Keep your eyes on the customers going in and out. There's a good loud burglar alarm over the door there. You can hear in the block of what? You see what I mean?

[Narrator]

It's good and lousa. Holy cow. Stroud took the gallery and I set sail for the corner drugstore, pulling up in 20 seconds flat. She was gone, of course. The druggist was at the fountain mixing a Coke, which he spilled when I reached across and grabbed him by the lapels. Blonde, you say? Yeah, yeah. Young, gray suit. Hmm. I. I told you, Jack, she just came in here. I know. What do you want to know about her? What'd she do, telephone? No, she was just like you. Asked me about a guy. What guy? Larry Galliano, his name is. Wanted to know if I'd seen him come by this morning. Who's he? I don't know. Did she describe him? Didn't have to. His picture's on page one of the morning paper. Here, take a look. It was no time to dawdle, but I gave it 10 seconds. Larry Galliano, a one time gas station stick up artist, had just been released from Quentin after doing five years. On the way across the street to Burgendorf's, it came back to me where I'd seen her standing outside the court room crying when they sentenced him five years ago.

[Johnny Stroud]

Over here, Sam.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Oh, no. Burgundor, huh? Yeah, yeah.

[Johnny Stroud]

Shot from behind the stones, needless to say.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Johnny Stroud]

Maybe you were right about that day.

[Narrator]

No, no, she didn't have time. Someone was hiding in here waiting for Bergendorf to open up this morning.

[Johnny Stroud]

How'd he get out?

[Narrator]

Well, there must be a back door in this joint.

[Johnny Stroud]

I'll check it. The phone's on the desk. Wake up Lieutenant Dundee, huh?

[Narrator]

Right. How he'll love it too. Two of us holding hands across the street while. Stroud. Johnny Stroud. Look, look, it's me, Burgndorf. Sam Spade. He's checking the back door. Who did it?

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Oh, double cross, double cross me Wanted it all.

[Narrator]

Who? Who you talking about? It was as plain as a man in his condition could have made it obvious to anyone with average intelligence. But for stupid Sam, it was still a long voyage home.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam Spade. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's music for you tomorrow on NBC. With the distinctive four keyboard styling of the First Piano Quartet. This widely acclaimed and unique musical organization brings you a melodic blend of classical and light classical selections in four part harmony. Every Saturday and tomorrow there's also a one hour concert by the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Walter Duclos. Featured in tomorrow's symphony performance are works by Sibelius and Schumann. It's the best in music every Saturday with the NBC Symphony and the First Piano Quartet. And now back to the Kimberly Cross Caper. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade.

[Narrator]

It was a pretty selfish trick, but I left Johnny Stroud at the Bergendorf Gallery to play Porcheesi with Dundee and company, knowing in advance pretty much how the patter was going to run. Then called the Chronicle and found the picture of Larry Galliano had been taken yesterday as they walked out of a fleabag on Mission street called the Aeolian Hotel. Yeah, Galliano. Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure. I know him.

[Johnny Stroud]

Stayed here night before last until I found out about him.

[Narrator]

Oh, found out what? That he was an ex con.

[Johnny Stroud]

This here is a respectable joint place, a house, mister. We don't cater to felons, Mr. Miners or any other members of the demon d mond.

[Mr. Burgendorf]

Yes, indeed.

[Johnny Stroud]

So when I found where Galliano come from.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Now look, did he give you a forwarding address?

[Patricia Conroy]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Let me see, son. Yes.

[Johnny Stroud]

Oh, yeah. Christopher Apartments on Jones. See, you're in luck, young man. Yeah, my girlfriend's landlady over there.

[Narrator]

Now looky here.

[Johnny Stroud]

Don't you sweet talker.

[Patricia Conroy]

Nam.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Out of the way, boy, out of the way.

[Narrator]

Look, all I want, madam, is one moment of your time.

[Ms. Bergamot]

I already told you, boy, I don't know no guy at all. Never heard of him. Pull up so I don't want to hear from him.

[Narrator]

Well, wait a minute now, will you just take a look at.

[Ms. Bergamot]

One side, boy, one side.

[Narrator]

No time for anything. Well, Mrs. Landlady, I'm afraid you've lost out. What? Yeah, you were in line to wearing a bagless vacuum cleaner, you know. Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Wait a minute, Curly.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Ms. Bergamot]

What you want to know, bud?

[Narrator]

Yes. Well, this Galliano just might be Using another name. Now, this is his picture right here. Yes, now I will rephrase my question. Has he been around?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Nope.

[Narrator]

I see. Landlady.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Well, do I win?

[Narrator]

Oh, I am sorry, but stand by for the giant jackpot.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Is it electric?

[Narrator]

I patted her cheek, made a detour around her and left, figuring to check with the parole board. But as I was climbing into the cab in front of the building, a stray thought hit me and I went back to the doorway and cased the name plates again, this time for someone with the initials I'd remembered seeing on the blonde's handbag. PC I did better. Patricia Conroy was living in apartment 402. I buzzed four times, then tried the door. It was open. I gave the living room and bedroom a fast to, moved on to the kitchen and cased a hamper full of laundry on the back porch. Result. Nil. I'd about decided I was in the wrong apartment when I noticed something that changed my mind. A crumpled up envelope in a waste paper basket in the living room with today's date on it marked Western Airlines Flight 6 to Los Angeles. Passenger LP Galliano. I had the phone in one hand and a finger on the dial when.

[Patricia Conroy]

Put it down.

[Narrator]

Huh? Oh.

[Patricia Conroy]

Are you gonna put the phone down or do I have to shoot?

[Narrator]

You mean there's no third choice?

[Patricia Conroy]

Put it down.

[Narrator]

Sure. Now what?

[Patricia Conroy]

Sit down. You'll be here for a while, huh? His plane lands at Burbank in a half hour. If you have any dates between now and 4:30, forget them.

[Narrator]

Mm. Mind if I smoke?

[Patricia Conroy]

Go ahead.

[Narrator]

You know, this is pretty heavy handed stuff for Anage.

[Patricia Conroy]

You know, I've grown up a lot in the last two days.

[Narrator]

Not enough, honey. Or if you wouldn't be stooging for Galliano. You can't run away from this kind of a rap, you know.

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[Patricia Conroy]

48 hours. That's how long Larry's been out of the pen.

[Narrator]

Well, he didn't waste any time getting back in Shrine.

[Patricia Conroy]

Look, what's your name?

[Narrator]

Spade.

[Patricia Conroy]

Spade. What if I told you Larry Galliano had nothing to do with it, I.

[Narrator]

Might give you quite an argument.

[Patricia Conroy]

And I don't feel like arguing, so I'll just tell you.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Patricia Conroy]

Someone offered him the job at Burgundorf's the day he got out. Larry thought it was legitimate until he heard a couple of things by accident.

[Narrator]

Like what?

[Patricia Conroy]

Like getting hired to play fall guy in a phony robbery.

[Narrator]

You mean Bergendorf was in?

[Patricia Conroy]

Sure. Until this morning. They figured Larry would be a handy guy to have hanging around with his big fat prison record when the diamonds disappeared. That's what he told me. And I believe him. I love him. Whether or not you believe or love me or him, I do not care. I also do not care what kind of a rap you pin on me when this is all over. All I want is time enough to do a couple of errands. Now, hoist it out of that chair and put it down in the closet. There. You hear what I said?

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'. Am. I was wrong. She was no ingenue. Happily, the closet had a light in it. So I settled down on a hatbox and read some old copies of mademoiselle until 5:30 when I heard the door close. What with soundproof outside walls, no window, a double slab door with a lock she thoughtfully filled with gum. It was almost seven when I got back to my office. The next move, of course, was to call Lt. Dundee and Wise up the Los Angeles police on Galliano. I picked up the phone and put it down four times. There was no use kidding myself. The yarn she told was pretty wild. But there was something about the way she told it, and I believed her in here.

[George]

You remember me this morning, George? The technician from the X ray mobile unit?

[Narrator]

Yeah. George, what's on your mind?

[George]

Funny. That girl, 34 chest. You remember the blonde?

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah. I remember very well, George. What about the blonde?

[George]

Well, I, I tried to call her. Operator says there's no such number. And the company has no record of a Bernice.

[Narrator]

She was using a phony moniker, George. Her name's Patricia Conroy. Ah.

[George]

Now, why would she do that?

[Narrator]

Well, a girl's got to be careful, you know.

[George]

She does, for sure.

[Narrator]

How come?

[George]

How come? I, I, I, I kind of took an interest in her case, you know, I, I rushed the pictures through as soon as we closed up tonight. She's an incipient case. Oh, yes. I wanted to wise her up right away. You see here?

[Narrator]

Oh, this is.

[George]

No, no. This one's Johnny Stroud. I took it when he wasn't looking. Told him I was testing. He was right at that Nothing wrong with him. But I always say you never, never.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. How about the girl? How about. How about the girl?

[George]

Cold. Oh, yes, yes. Here.

[Johnny Stroud]

Now.

[George]

Now, look, you. You see this shadowy part here?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Hey, wait a minute. I wasn't looking at the shadow part. I was looking at something at the left side of the picture, right where the inside coat pocket would be. The clear black outline of the Kimberly Cross.

[George]

You mean she had the.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah. Give me the phone.

[George]

Well, I thought it was one of those clip gimmicks the girls wear on the phone. The phone.

[Narrator]

Oh, Spade.

[Johnny Stroud]

Johnny Stroud.

[Narrator]

Look, I got news for you.

[Johnny Stroud]

I got news for you, too. I spotted that blonde again.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Johnny Stroud]

In a bar on Carney street talking to guess who.

[Narrator]

You mean Galliano?

[George]

Who's he?

[Narrator]

Never mind. Never mind. Who was she drinking with?

[Johnny Stroud]

Papadopoulos. The biggest jewelry fence on the coast.

[Narrator]

Where are you now?

[Johnny Stroud]

Outside her apartment. Jones near Post, I think. The numbers.

[Narrator]

I'll be up in five minutes.

[Patricia Conroy]

Look, like I told you, I don't want to argue.

[Johnny Stroud]

She says she doesn't want to argue, Sam.

[Narrator]

Too bad. Too bad. I. I don't mind telling you, I'm a little burned up. Baby, I fell for that line you handed me this afternoon. I. I didn't even mind sitting in your closet for two hours.

[Johnny Stroud]

Ah, what's that?

[Narrator]

Sure, she's got a.32 tucked away here somewhere. Had me looking up the barrel while she dished out a lot of. Who's got the cross, honey? You or Galliano?

[Patricia Conroy]

We don't know anything about it.

[Johnny Stroud]

Then what were you doing in that bar with Papadopoulos?

[Patricia Conroy]

Larry said whoever had it would try to move it through him. I thought I could get to him, but I was wrong. How does that sound?

[Narrator]

What do you think?

[Patricia Conroy]

Look, I walked into Burgendorf's this morning.

[Narrator]

Why'd you run out?

[Patricia Conroy]

The vault was open, furniture was overturned, and Burgendorf didn't answer when I called. I figured it was a setup for Larry to check in, and he was on his way, so. So it does sound phony.

[Narrator]

Doesn't.

[Johnny Stroud]

Sure does, honey.

[Patricia Conroy]

I. I don't lie. I guess I could make up a better story than that.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're doing great. Why'd Larry blow Tom?

[Patricia Conroy]

You need a diagram? He was scared. What chance is the next convict when it's his story against someone else's?

[Johnny Stroud]

What did you do with the.32 in.

[Patricia Conroy]

The drawer over there?

[Narrator]

Now, here's the big question, honey.

[Patricia Conroy]

I can't tell you anything else.

[Narrator]

Where are the diamonds?

[Ms. Bergamot]

How do I know.

[Patricia Conroy]

How do I know?

[Narrator]

Look, you're a real modest girl, Patricia. As a liar, you're sensational.

[Patricia Conroy]

I'm not lying. Oh, believe me.

[Narrator]

You had the Kimberly Cross in your INS when you came into the wagon this morning.

[Patricia Conroy]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator]

I'll get it. The X ray, baby. Take a look. You asked for a diagram. There it is, in your inside left pocket.

[Patricia Conroy]

Wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Hello?

[George]

Mr. Spade?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[George]

This is George, the technician. Again.

[Patricia Conroy]

This is all wrong.

[Narrator]

Hold it, George.

[Johnny Stroud]

Let me see that.

[Patricia Conroy]

I don't have any inside pockets. Look, I'm wearing the suit right now.

[Narrator]

Hold it, George. What is it?

[George]

I got to worrying about that print of Ms. Conroy's. The incipient case. 34 chest.

[Narrator]

Yeah, what about it?

[George]

I called the lab and they checked again. It's a mistake, Mr. Spade. A switch. It belongs to someone else.

[Narrator]

Who?

[George]

Johnny Stroud.

[Narrator]

Oh. Oh, well. Well, George, you won't have to worry about making more extra prints. What? The ones you have will do. Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot, George. George is getting worried.

[Johnny Stroud]

Extra prints?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Yeah, I had him run off a batch. Evidence trial, DA's office, you know. Now, let's take her in, huh?

[Johnny Stroud]

Just a minute.

[Patricia Conroy]

This is crazy. I have no inside pocket.

[Narrator]

You wouldn't argue with a picture, would you, honey? Give me the gun, Johnny. We'll take her in together.

[Johnny Stroud]

No, no, wait. I want to settle something else.

[Narrator]

Johnny, you're. You're pointing that thing at me. It might go off. Yeah.

[Johnny Stroud]

Yeah, it might at that.

[Narrator]

What's eating you, Johnny?

[Patricia Conroy]

I know what's eating him. He's. Shut up.

[Johnny Stroud]

You aren't a very good liar either, are you, Sam? There aren't any extra prints.

[Narrator]

Well, there's always George.

[Johnny Stroud]

In a couple of hours, there won't be any.

[Narrator]

George. No. You. Okay, Johnny, on your feet.

[Johnny Stroud]

Let me go, Sam.

[Narrator]

Let me go. We can work out a deal. Shut up.

[Patricia Conroy]

Your head. You're shot.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Johnny Stroud]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Take the gun. Call Dundee. Get it. Dundee. Homicide. And the next voice I heard belonged to cool, brisk Ms. Bergamot of the Harbor Emergency Hospital period. End of babysitting session.

[Ms. Bergamot]

How intrepid, Sam.

[Narrator]

But your wound. Nothing, sweetheart, nothing. As Hopalong Cassidy always says in real six. Don't worry, honey, it was only a scratch. Now, wait.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Now, wait.

[Narrator]

Can't you get up without moving your lap?

[Ms. Bergamot]

I know, but then there's one important omission.

[Narrator]

Oh?

[Patricia Conroy]

The Kimberly Cross.

[Ms. Bergamot]

What did Stroud do with it?

[Narrator]

That cherub is an intramural affair between Stroud and Mr. Runcible. While, as you know, this report is an affair between you and the portable. Scoot, scoot, scoot.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's music and mystery for you tomorrow evening. For music, it's your hit parade, bringing you the top tunes in the land with Eileen Wilson, Snooki Lanson and Raymond Scott's orchestra. For mystery, it's the Man Called X, starring Herbert Marshall as an intrepid adventurer in international intrigue who travels wherever there is mystery, danger and romance.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Here it is, Sam.

[Narrator]

Oh, brisk, efficient Ms. Perrine, you may lay it on my desk and restore your lap to its original position.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Narrator]

M.

[Patricia Conroy]

Comfortable, Sam?

[Narrator]

Ah, loving every minute.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Ms. Bergamot]

A girl can't help wondering sometimes.

[Narrator]

About what?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Well, the way you described the blonde in your report. Glamorous, like the Kimberly Cross and all.

[Narrator]

You like that?

[Ms. Bergamot]

Oh, I just wish sometime someone else could be your secretarian and I'd be the one you'd meet in a room with velvet draperies and a long cigarette holder and slanting glasses and a black lace negligee.

[Narrator]

Hold it, girl. Hold it. You've gone quite far enough.

[Ms. Bergamot]

I know, but it's only natural for a girl to want to be glamorous.

[Narrator]

Pardon me. You show up with any of those props and I'll turn you over my knee.

[Ms. Bergamot]

You like me the way I am, Sam.

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Ms. Bergamot]

Why is it always this way? Just when I think I'm getting somewhere, I find myself saying, good night, Sam.

[Narrator]

Good night, sweetheart.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

The adventures of Sam Spade are produced, edited and directed by William Spears. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn, Lorene Tuttle as Effie. Also in the cast were Wally Mayer, Fritz Fell, Georgia Ellis, Sydney Miller, Olin Soule, Alice Wellman and John Monahan. Script for tonight's adventure by Harold Swanton. Musical scoring by Lud Gluskin, conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time, for another adventure with Sam Spade. Don't underestimate the danger of tuberculosis. Although great strides have been taken towards stamping out the disease, it still remains a menace. Last year alone, it caused 50,000 deaths in the United States. 50,000 needless deaths because TB can be controlled and cured if caught in time. The key to the complete defeat of the disease is the chest X ray. You'll find that in many communities, chest X rays can be obtained free of charge or at a nominal cost.