This Is Your FBI: Bank Robbery 06/01/1945

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "This Is Your FBI: Bank Robbery" (06/01/1945)

Release Date: June 29, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled "This Is Your FBI: Bank Robbery", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode masterfully blends suspenseful storytelling with informative insights into FBI investigative techniques of the 1940s. Hosted by Phil, the narrative unfolds through a dramatized account of a meticulously planned bank heist and the subsequent relentless pursuit by FBI agents.

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The Bank Robbery Plot

The episode kicks off with a chilling depiction of a classic bank robbery. Phil (voiced by Phil) and his accomplice, Artie, meticulously plan their heist with unconventional methods.

• Phil's Plan: Instead of the typical use of firearms, Phil introduces Betsy, a box filled with dynamite, as a tool to intimidate the bank teller.

  Phil [04:58]: "It's Betsy. She's gonna go with us on the bank job tomorrow."

• Artie's Concerns: Artie expresses skepticism about abandoning traditional weapons, highlighting the duo's internal conflict.

  Artie [05:01]: "Look, what's the matter with using a gun?"

• Execution: The robbery is executed with precision. Phil hands a note to the teller threatening the use of dynamite if cash isn't handed over, ensuring a quiet and clean operation.

  Phil [05:15]: "We take Betsy into the bank with us. I hand one of the tellers a note."

Despite the unconventional approach, the robbery faces complications when their getaway car falters, leading to an unexpected encounter with a local policeman.

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FBI Investigation and Pursuit

The narrative seamlessly transitions to the FBI's strategic methods in capturing the criminals. The FBI Narrator provides insightful commentary on the declining rates of successful bank robberies, attributing it to enhanced FBI jurisdiction and investigative techniques.

• FBI's Jurisdiction:

  FBI Narrator [01:57]: "To your FBI you look for national security... tonight, the story of a crime against the community bank robbery."

• Description and Clues: The FBI emphasizes the importance of the robber's description as a primary clue.

  FBI Agent [03:08]: "The main clue to work on is still the same. The robber's description."

As Phil and Artie's plan unravels, their actions lead to their eventual tracking across state lines, showcasing the FBI's comprehensive approach.

• Fingerprint Analysis:

  FBI Agent [22:38]: "The fingerprints that Arthur Clinton had left on the abandoned... led straight to Cincinnati."

• Collaboration with Local Police: The episode highlights the seamless cooperation between the FBI and local law enforcement, a cornerstone of successful investigations.

  FBI Agent [28:47]: "When the FBI works on a case, it does not work alone."

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Climax: The Capture

The climax reaches its peak in Duluth, Minnesota, where the FBI's persistent efforts culminate in the arrest of Phil and his wife, Laura.

• Interrogation Scene: Under interrogation, Phil's falsehoods begin to falter as inconsistencies emerge.

  FBI Agent [26:15]: "Would that be Betsy?"

• Final Arrest: The culmination of FBI's detective work leads to the couple's exposure and capture.

  FBI Agent [28:53]: "FBI?"

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Insights into FBI Methodology

Throughout the episode, the FBI Narrator and agents provide valuable insights into the investigative processes of the time.

• Attention to Detail:

  FBI Agent [10:58]: "Just tell him we want it, that's all."

• Utilization of Public Information: The use of wanted notices and public transportation data showcases early data-driven policing.

  FBI Agent [09:06]: "Stolen from employees parking lot. Where? Behind the Federal building."

• Persistence and Patience: The FBI's strategy underscores the importance of patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.

  FBI Narrator [24:28]: "Nothing to do but wait. Wait for what finally happened in Duluth, Minnesota."

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Conclusion

"This Is Your FBI: Bank Robbery" serves not only as an engaging detective story but also as an educational piece illuminating the evolution of FBI investigative techniques. The episode underscores themes of loyalty, the importance of meticulous planning, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice. Through vivid narration and dynamic character interactions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of criminal investigations during the mid-20th century.

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Notable Quotes:

• Phil on His Plan:

  "We take Betsy into the bank with us... It's a nice, quiet, clean operation."
  [05:15]

• FBI Narrator on Cooperation:

  "That's a formidable opposition. That's a defense to stand up against any criminal."
  [29:17]

• FBI Agent on Investigation Collaboration:

  "When the FBI works on a case, it does not work alone."
  [28:47]

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This episode masterfully combines suspenseful storytelling with authentic portrayals of FBI techniques, making it a standout installment in the Choice Classic Radio Detectives series. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to old-time radio mysteries, "This Is Your FBI: Bank Robbery" offers a compelling listen that resonates with timeless themes of justice and perseverance.

Transcript

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[Phil]

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].

[FBI Narrator]

This is your FBI. This is your FBI. An official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. To your FBI you look for national security and to the equitable society for financial security. These two great institutions are dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country. Tonight, the story story of a crime against the community bank robbery.

[FBI Agent]

A man walks into a bank, holds up a teller and walks out a few minutes later with thousands of dollars. How was he finally caught? How was he traced? What is the clue to his identity? The answer seems easy. A teller could describe him that's true. But until 1934, there were about 600 bank robberies every year, most of them successful. Last year there were 37, most of them unsuccessful. What brought about the change? The explanation that in 1934 Congress gave the FBI jurisdiction over certain banks is not enough. The main clue to work on is still the same. The robber's description. The real explanation lies in the FBI itself, in its organization, in its coverage, in its methods of following up a description of tracing bank robbers, of hunting down, for example, the two men who began plotting a bank robbery in a small rooming house in a Midwestern city a few months ago.

[Artie]

Hi, Artie.

[Phil]

Oh, hi, Phil.

[Artie]

What time is it?

[Phil]

Two o' clock.

[Artie]

Was I sleeping that long?

[Phil]

Yep.

[Artie]

Who you riding with?

[Phil]

Nora. Probably hit Cincinnati around the 20th. That'll be the blow off for us then, kid.

[Artie]

Really gonna marry her, huh?

[Phil]

Yep.

[Artie]

Then what?

[Phil]

Then I lay off for a couple of years. That's for squares how I want it.

[Artie]

Where you gonna take her?

[Phil]

Got a spot all picked out, kid, up in Minnesota. Nothing to do all day but fish and hunt.

[Artie]

Yeah? Yeah.

[Phil]

Cigarettes on the table.

[Artie]

She know about you and larceny?

[Phil]

Nope. And she ain't gonna.

[Artie]

What's in this box?

[Phil]

Look out for that, huh? Handle it real easy. Loaded with dynamite.

[Artie]

Real dynamite?

[Phil]

Yep. I've been working on it all morning.

[Artie]

What for?

[Phil]

It's Betsy.

[Artie]

What?

[Phil]

She's gonna go with us on the bank job tomorrow.

[Artie]

I don't get it. You figuring on blowing that joint up?

[Phil]

Nope. She just makes the job easier.

[Artie]

Look, Guardy, let me give you the setup.

[Phil]

We take Betsy into the bank with us. I hand one of the tellers a note.

[Artie]

Yeah?

[Phil]

The note says if he don't hand over all his cash, Betsy will go off in his kiss and you go with it. No, no, he ain't that brave. He hands over the cash.

[Artie]

Look, what's the matter with using a gun?

[Phil]

It's for kids. This makes it a nice, quiet, clean operation.

[Artie]

Oh, wait a minute. I ain't gonna.

[Phil]

Phil, that's how we're gonna do it, see?

[Artie]

Marty?

[Phil]

Yeah.

[Artie]

Special accounts window is free now. We can still do it the other way.

[Phil]

All right. Just stand by, kid. This will be a cinch.

[Local Policeman]

Help you, mister?

[Phil]

No, thanks.

[Local Policeman]

Okay.

[Artie]

Good afternoon, sir.

[Phil]

Good afternoon.

[FBI Narrator]

Are you making a withdrawal? Yeah.

[Artie]

Well, may I have your passport, please?

[Phil]

I don't think you'll need it.

[Artie]

I beg your pardon?

[Phil]

Just read this note.

[Business Representative]

What?

[Phil]

Read it.

[FBI Agent]

If this is some sort of a joke.

[Phil]

It's no joke, mister. Don't try any funny stuff.

[Local Policeman]

I. I wasn't going to.

[Phil]

Betsy here wouldn't like it. She could go off real easy. Well, how.

[Artie]

How much do you want?

[Phil]

Everything you've got.

[Local Policeman]

Singles too.

[Phil]

Everything. Use that money bag then.

[Artie]

Yes, sir.

[FBI Agent]

Hurry up.

[FBI Narrator]

That.

[FBI Agent]

That thing won't go off by itself, will it?

[Phil]

It might just keep on moving.

[Local Policeman]

Yes.

[Phil]

Don't forget them 20s.

[FBI Narrator]

I was just putting them in.

[Local Policeman]

There.

[Artie]

That's all the currency you want.

[FBI Agent]

The silver too?

[Phil]

No. Just give me the bag.

[Local Policeman]

Yes, sir.

[Phil]

Remember what the note said about not giving any alarm?

[Artie]

I know.

[Phil]

You better let me have that note.

[FBI Agent]

Oh, of course.

[Local Policeman]

Here.

[Phil]

Thanks. Come on.

[Laura]

Cheer.

[FBI Agent]

What is the next step in the holdup of a bank? What do the criminals do next? In this case, they stopped a taxi, drove to the downtown section of the city and rushed into a busy, crowded department store that took 15 minutes. Long enough for the bank to notify the local police and the FBI. Long enough for the teller to give a description of the robber. Long enough for both robbers to have disappeared before the FBI and the police could throw a cordon around the department store. 15 minutes. And the trail was cold. Except for a description of the man. But for the agents of the FBI, that was a beginning. That was a lead. That was a clue. Which would lead to other clues sooner or later.

[Local Policeman]

Is he, Jim?

[Business Representative]

No. Come in, Ray.

[FBI Agent]

Thanks.

[Business Representative]

Any further developments?

[Local Policeman]

No. No trace of either one of them.

[Business Representative]

Well, they probably went in one door of that department store and not another.

[Local Policeman]

Yes.

[Business Representative]

Did you get a description of that second man?

[Local Policeman]

Not a very good one. The teller gave us a detailed picture of the first one, though.

[Business Representative]

The one with the dynamite?

[Local Policeman]

Yes.

[Business Representative]

Was it given to the police?

[Local Policeman]

Yes. They're sending out a general alarm.

[Business Representative]

Good. Fowler speaking. Oh, yes, Sergeant. Yes, yes, go ahead. Want to take this down, Ray?

[FBI Agent]

Sure.

[Business Representative]

Black Chevrolet sedan, four door, two door. Got it.

[Local Policeman]

1940 model.

[Business Representative]

Illinois license plate Y2 35.

[Local Policeman]

Y2 35.

[Business Representative]

Stolen from employees parking lot. Where? Behind the Federal building. Thanks, Sergeant. We'll put that on the teletype right away. That might be the getaway car, Ray.

[Local Policeman]

The federal building is in the same block as that department store.

[Business Representative]

Yes.

[Local Policeman]

Well, it sounds like we've got work to do.

[FBI Agent]

Now there are two descriptions. The description of a man and the description of a car. Now there is more to work on. Now the trail picks up again. But one of the bank robbers. If they have planned this crime well, they know that the stolen car will be reported, will be watched for, will lead to their capture. What do they do? They keep off the main highways, keep clear of the state Roads. Keep driving swiftly along lonely, unused back roads.

[Artie]

Artie.

[Phil]

Yeah?

[Artie]

Do me a favor, huh?

[Business Representative]

What?

[Artie]

Get rid of that box, will you?

[Phil]

Betsy.

[Artie]

Yeah, What? You done what you wanted with it. I know.

[Phil]

I just feel better having her around.

[Artie]

What's the matter?

[Phil]

I don't know.

[Artie]

Oh, great.

[Phil]

Take it easy.

[Artie]

Oh, dice, huh?

[Phil]

No gas. Look at the needle. Empty. Now, don't get excited, Phil. This is no problem. One car goes dead on you, so you pick up another one.

[Artie]

Where?

[Phil]

What's wrong with that one up ahead there. He's coming around the bend. Hey, come on. Hop out. Quick. What do we do, flag him down?

[Artie]

I mean, how do we grab the car?

[Phil]

Just tell him we want it, that's all.

[Artie]

Look, you're not going to use that Betsy routine. Why not? Takes too long. I got a better idea.

[Phil]

Well, put that gun away, will you? Give him a wave. I'll go get Betsy.

[FBI Narrator]

All right.

[Phil]

Whack him down, will you?

[FBI Agent]

I'll take. Okay.

[FBI Narrator]

What's the matter?

[Artie]

Our car ain't running. Oh. Looks like we got to borrow yours. Huh?

[FBI Agent]

Pile out, mister.

[Local Policeman]

Oh, no.

[Phil]

I told you to wait till I got Betsy.

[Artie]

We got the car, didn't we?

[FBI Agent]

When the FBI works on a case, it does not work alone. It has the cooperation of the local police in the city and the surrounding counties and the whole state, if necessary. It was a local policeman who found the wounded man and telephoned in his report immediately. The special agents checked the engine number of the abandoned car, checked on the man who was shot, found that he had a car and broadcast a description of. Wasn't long before that broadcast got results.

[Business Representative]

Speaking.

[Artie]

Hello, Jim.

[Business Representative]

Ray.

[Local Policeman]

Yes. We traced our men across the line into Missouri.

[Business Representative]

Are you sure?

[Local Policeman]

Positive. They held up a farm family in Monticello, took some food from them and stole their car.

[Business Representative]

How about the car belonging to the man who was shot?

[Local Policeman]

They abandoned that. The sheriff who reported it checked the motor number.

[Business Representative]

I see.

[Local Policeman]

How badly was that man wounded?

[Business Representative]

I think he'll pull through.

[Local Policeman]

I hope so.

[Business Representative]

Ray?

[Local Policeman]

Yes?

[Business Representative]

What's the dope on this latest car they took?

[Local Policeman]

1938 Ford. We've got all details on it. An alarm has been sent out.

[Business Representative]

Good.

[Local Policeman]

Another small lead. This farm family heard the two men quarreling. They talked of splitting up.

[Business Representative]

In that case, one of them would leave the car.

[Local Policeman]

Yes.

[Business Representative]

Well, let's send their descriptions to every bus depot, airfield and railway terminal. And let's see. Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. That ought to cover it.

[FBI Agent]

The more stops a criminal makes in his flight, the more perfect is the description he leaves behind. Him when the bank robbers held up the Missouri farmer, they indirectly presented the FBI with a portrait of themselves. Now, the special agents knew what both men looked like. And that knowledge was broadcast throughout the whole region. That's why when a short, dark man of 35 with several moles on the right side of his face boarded an eastbound bus at Fairchild, Iowa, the local police who received the report from the station notified the FBI. The agents immediately checked the schedules, found where the bus would stop next, found when it would stop.

[Local Policeman]

Stop.

[FBI Agent]

And found that they could get there ahead of time. This is a five minute stop.

[Local Policeman]

Five minutes only. They're starting to get off, Jim.

[Business Representative]

Yeah? The bus is pretty crowded.

[Local Policeman]

We want to do this as quietly as possible.

[Business Representative]

I know.

[Local Policeman]

Jim.

[Business Representative]

I see it. Come on. Just a minute, sir. We'd like to talk to you, please. What for?

[Local Policeman]

Just step over here.

[FBI Agent]

What is this?

[Business Representative]

With special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You might be able to help us.

[Artie]

Well, I will if I can.

[Local Policeman]

We're looking for two men who held up a bank on Saturday. Later that day, the same two men shot a farmer over in Easton County. They stole his car. So the farmer they shot is still in the hospital. Would you mind letting him look you over?

[Artie]

Oh, bother. He'd know me. Never mind a Frisco queen.

[Local Policeman]

How about money from the job? Yes.

[Artie]

I got my cut.

[Business Representative]

What's your name?

[Artie]

Bardo. Phil Bardo.

[Business Representative]

Where's your partner?

[Artie]

I don't know. We split up the other side of Fairchild.

[Business Representative]

What was his name?

[Artie]

Told me it was Artie Clinton.

[Business Representative]

Where was he headed?

[Artie]

We're gonna see a dame in Cincinnati.

[Business Representative]

Where in Cincinnati?

[Artie]

I don't know.

[Local Policeman]

What about that dynamite gadget?

[Artie]

You mean Betsy?

[FBI Narrator]

Betsy?

[Artie]

That's what he called it.

[FBI Agent]

Oh, he kept that with him, which.

[Business Representative]

Was okay with me.

[Local Policeman]

Well, Jim, at least we can tell Washington headquarters that one of them is in custody.

[Business Representative]

Yes, but Arthur Clinton and Betsy are still at large. That means this case is still pure dynamite.

[FBI Narrator]

We momentarily close the Federal Bureau of Investigation file on Arthur Clinton, bank robber. We will return to this case in just a moment. Tonight we'd like to introduce two widely separated members of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States to each other and to you, Mr. Linton. We'd like you to know Helen McGrath. And, Helen, we want you to meet Mr. Henry C. Lytton, president of the Hub. Henry C. Lytton and Company of Chicago, Illinois. Having attained the remarkable age of 98 years, Mr. Linton ranks as a senior member of the Equitable Society. Helen is one of our youngest and newest members Yesterday she was four months old. Mr. Lytton, when you became an Equitable member In the year 1861, the society was facing its first, the first great crisis. The financial difficulties brought on by the Civil War.

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[FBI Narrator]

Since then, the equitable society has continued to grow and expand through three more wars and seven major depressions. And so Mr. Lytton, after your 73 years experience with the Equitable society, we think you could tell little Helen McGrath that her father showed excellent judgment in making her a member of this society. You can assure her also that as long as she lives, the funds of her society will be put to work in many different ways that will benefit her and her family. Equitable dollars are invested in the farms that help feed her. And in industries which provide jobs for her father and millions of other fathers. By serving its members old and new, the equitable society serves America. Now back to the file on Arthur Clinton. Bank robber.

[FBI Agent]

Almost every criminal has a great sense of loyalty and equality. His loyalty is to himself. And his belief in equality is a belief that if he's caught, his partner should be caught. Philip Bartow told the special agents of the FBI everything he could about his partner. Told him his name was Arthur Clinton. Told them he was going to Cincinnati, and told him that he was going there to marry a girl. That was a clue. But Cincinnati is hardly a small town. And like every town these days, the majority of its population is women. Still, it was a clue. A clue to be followed while other agents investigated Arthur Clinton. A clue that later on turned out to be accurate. For Arthur Clinton was in Cincinnati, had married a girl there and was living with her in a quiet hotel.

[Artie]

Me.

[Laura]

Honey.

[Local Policeman]

Honey.

[Phil]

Oh, hello, baby.

[Laura]

Hello, darling.

[Phil]

How you coming with your package?

[Laura]

I'm afraid I haven't made much progress.

[Phil]

I brought the car on, honey. That's it.

[Laura]

Well, hurry then. Aunt Mary phoned. Yeah, she kept me talking for almost half an hour.

[Phil]

What she want?

[Laura]

Oh, you know. Why was I going away? Why didn't we have a church wedding?

[Phil]

What'd you tell her?

[Laura]

I said we were married by justice of the peace because that was the way we wanted it.

[Phil]

Atta girl. Can I get those dresses out for you?

[Laura]

Oh, thanks. She wanted to know all about you.

[Phil]

Yeah, Nutella.

[Laura]

Well, just about 10 minutes worth. I said you were wonderful, but I was very happy.

[Phil]

Oh, she wanted to know where we were going on our honeymoon.

[Laura]

Of course. I just said we didn't know we were going to get in the car and travel.

[Phil]

Get some dresses, honey.

[Laura]

I'll put them on the bed. Will you, dear?

[FBI Narrator]

Yeah.

[Laura]

You can close that bag there.

[Local Policeman]

Sure.

[Laura]

No, Aunt Mary really is very sweet, but she still thinks that I'm about 12 years old. She doesn't want us to go away at all.

[Phil]

Why not?

[Laura]

On account of my painting. Mostly she thinks I should stay here and Cincinnati and study.

[Phil]

Did you tell her you were going to take your paints along with you?

[Laura]

Yes. I said I'd get more work done that way than ever.

[Phil]

There. Now, then. Anything else I can do?

[Laura]

No, no, I think I'm just about ready to.

[Phil]

Okay.

[Laura]

Oh, would you put these shoes in your bag?

[Phil]

Yeah, sure.

[Laura]

I didn't realize how much, huh?

[Phil]

Don't touch that little box. Just put the shoes on the other side, huh?

[Laura]

Oh, all right. What's in it.

[Phil]

The box?

[Laura]

Yes.

[Phil]

Nothing really. It's just kind of a good luck thing I carry around.

[Laura]

Oh, well, I'm all packed.

[FBI Agent]

A description of a criminal can sometimes lead to his capture. But the chances are better if that description can be checked against something else. The FBI had something else. The fingerprints that Arthur Clinton had left on the abandoned. The prints checked were those of a man who had been arrested four years back in Jackson, Mississippi. The name was different, but the description was the same. The trail was easier to follow now. It was smoother. And it led straight to Cincinnati to a marriage bureau, to the family of the girl Clinton had married. But after that, once again, the trail stopped dead.

[Business Representative]

Let's see what we have here now, Ray.

[Local Policeman]

Well, there's the description of Clinton.

[Business Representative]

Yes.

[Local Policeman]

Description of the girl.

[Business Representative]

Yeah.

[Local Policeman]

Also some data on the second hand car he bought in Cincinnati.

[Business Representative]

This girl knows nothing about Clinton's background?

[Local Policeman]

Not a thing. Her family was quite shocked when they heard about him.

[FBI Agent]

Too bad.

[Local Policeman]

He had told them that he had his own business out west. But a relative had died and left him money. That's how they could afford this long honeymoon.

[Business Representative]

Has the family had any word from them?

[Local Policeman]

One postcard mailed from Chicago. I have it here.

[Business Representative]

No indication where they were going? No.

[Local Policeman]

They appear to be heading west, though.

[Business Representative]

This car must have Ohio license plates.

[Local Policeman]

They went out on the teletype, but Clinton's probably changed them by now. Yes. One possible lead is the girl's interest in painting. She studied art for a number of years. In fact, she sold one or two watercolors to some local dealers.

[FBI Narrator]

I see.

[Local Policeman]

Her family said she brought her equipment. You know, paints, canvases along with her.

[Business Representative]

That could be a very good lead, Ray. By the way, you see this?

[Local Policeman]

A wanted notice on Clinton.

[Business Representative]

Yes. Mr. Hoover ordered that for national distribution.

[FBI Agent]

In cities, in towns and villages, wanted notices for Arthur Clinton appeared and local police were on the lookout. But the FBI did not stop there. At the same time, Special agents went to every art material store in the region and left photographs. Two photographs. One of Clinton and one of his wife. Then there was nothing to do but wait. Wait for what had to happen sooner or later. Wait for what finally happened in Duluth, Minnesota.

[Local Policeman]

And I help you, ma' am.

[Laura]

Oh, hello.

[Artie]

Hello.

[Laura]

I. I wanted to look at some brushes, please.

[FBI Agent]

Sure.

[Local Policeman]

There's a whole tray full right here.

[Laura]

Oh, thank you.

[Local Policeman]

That's a new shipment just came in.

[Laura]

Yes, I see.

[Local Policeman]

I can't say that they're too good.

[Laura]

Do you sell paintings?

[FBI Agent]

Well, that's not my regular line, you.

[Laura]

Know Well, I have some watercolors here. I did them myself. Well, surely. See, now, they're just the two of them. Landscapes. My husband and I have a camp up in the lake country. And these are local sketches.

[Local Policeman]

Well, not bad.

[Laura]

Well, I've sold several canvases back home in Cincinnati.

[Local Policeman]

Cincinnati?

[Laura]

Would you be interested in them? I. I don't care about the money. It's. Well, it's just the selling of them that's very satisfying.

[Local Policeman]

Well, why don't you leave them here.

[FBI Agent]

And I could handle them for you.

[Local Policeman]

On a commission basis.

[Laura]

Oh, that would be wonderful.

[FBI Agent]

Where do you live?

[Laura]

Well, we're buried up in the woods right now. I'll just drop in here from time to time, see if you've had any luck with them. And I'll take these three brushes.

[Local Policeman]

That'll be $3.

[Laura]

Very well. Here you are.

[FBI Agent]

Thanks.

[Local Policeman]

May I wrap them up?

[Laura]

No. No, thank you. I'll just put them in my bag. I should be in again by the first of the month.

[Local Policeman]

Hope I sell them for you.

[Laura]

Thank you. Goodbye.

[Local Policeman]

Goodbye.

[FBI Agent]

Cincinnati.

[FBI Narrator]

Hey, miss.

[Local Policeman]

Miss.

[FBI Agent]

Oh, Operator.

[Local Policeman]

Operator, get me FBI headquarters.

[Business Representative]

And you positively identify this photograph, Mr. Wayman?

[Local Policeman]

Yes, that's the girl, all right.

[Artie]

Oh, what a fool I was.

[Local Policeman]

Her signature is on both these landscapes. Jim, I let her walk right out of here.

[Business Representative]

Did she say she'd return?

[Local Policeman]

Yes, she said she'd drop in. I don't think we can wait for that gentleman. I. I wish that there was some way.

[Business Representative]

Mr. Weymouth.

[Local Policeman]

Yes?

[Business Representative]

These landscapes, where did she say she'd painted them?

[Local Policeman]

Why, right up near their camp.

[Business Representative]

Are you familiar with the country around here?

[FBI Agent]

Of course.

[Local Policeman]

I know every inch of it. That's what makes me so mad. If she told me where that camp was.

[Business Representative]

I think she has. If these scenes are near her camp, you should be able to recognize them. Right.

[Local Policeman]

I never thought of that. Do they look familiar to you, Mr. Weymouth? Let me look at them again. Surely.

[Business Representative]

Here.

[Local Policeman]

Say, I believe I do know this spot. Yes, she's changed it around some, but. But that's Hibbin's Lake.

[Business Representative]

Where's that?

[Local Policeman]

About 40 miles north of here.

[Business Representative]

Could you take us there?

[Local Policeman]

Be glad to. When?

[Business Representative]

Right now.

[Phil]

Well, this is a day, honey. This is the day I nail that pike.

[Laura]

Say, he's really got you going.

[Phil]

Look, baby, if you spend as much time as I have watching that guy.

[FBI Narrator]

Flirt all around the hood.

[Laura]

But, darling, aren't there other pike?

[FBI Narrator]

Sure.

[Phil]

Sure, there are. But this one is Big Casino.

[Laura]

Well, I wish you luck.

[Phil]

You want to come out in the boat? With me?

[Laura]

No, I want to finish that watercolor of the hills.

[Phil]

How's it coming?

[Laura]

Oh, I've changed it about four times.

[Phil]

You'll be running out of paint practically. I'll leave the car here, sweetheart. We can walk down to the lake.

[Laura]

All right.

[Phil]

I'll get your stuff out of the back.

[Laura]

Thanks. Oh, what a lovely day.

[FBI Agent]

All right, Clinton.

[Business Representative]

Just keep your hands where we can see them. Don't be alarmed, miss.

[Laura]

Who are you?

[Business Representative]

Special agents of the FBI.

[Laura]

FBI?

[Phil]

Laura, hand me that box.

[Laura]

Of course.

[FBI Agent]

Wait.

[Business Representative]

Would that be Betsy?

[Phil]

Yeah. Never mind, honey.

[FBI Agent]

A trail of a bank robber. Begins with a description, continues on with a stolen car, leaps across state lines and ends finally with capture and arrest. Along that trailer. Clues, good and bad, big and small, right and wrong. The agents of the FBI follow them. All that thoroughness is a great factor in its success. But there is another, a vitally important factor that must never be forgotten. In every region, every area, every section of this country, local policeman, sheriff and deputy. In the entire nation, that cooperation is invaluable. And it extends beyond to the cooperation of every loyal citizen of this country. That is a formidable opposition. That's a defense to stand up against any criminal. That's a protection which could only be found in a country where the people not only make the law, but are the law.

[FBI Narrator]

You'll hear about the file on next week's case in just a moment. Will you join the Equitable Society in a salute? A salute to the man on the tractor and to all men who plow the good American earth. Yes. A heartfelt salute to the farmers of these United States. In spite of manpower losses, our hard working farmers have managed to increase this country's food production by more than one third. Authorities in England and Russia say that the war might easily have been lost without this extra food raised by America. Today, as it has for many years, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States is lending the farmer a helping hand. Equitable funds make it possible for thousands of farmers to own their own homes and land and realize that typical American ambition summed up in the words, I want to run my own business. In addition to helping to raise the food that fights for freedom, Equitable funds are heavily invested in other industries which make and transport the weapons of war. Still other equitable dollars are invested in war bonds. For in wartime, Equitable Society dollars are fighting dollars. And at all times they are security dollars for you, your home and your country. Next week, a crime against the nation. Espionage. The incidents used in tonight's broadcast are taken from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, all names used are fictitious. Any similarity thereof to the names of persons, living or dead is accidental. Artie Clinton was played by Mandel Kramer. The music was composed and directed by Van Cleave. Your narrator was Frank Lovejoy. This is your FBI Is a Jerry Devine production. Now, this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time for this is your fbr. This is the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company.