This Is Your FBI: Death in the Tropics 07/12/1946

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio — This Is Your FBI: "Death in the Tropics" (07/12/1946)
Release Date: May 10, 2026
Podcast Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of "This Is Your FBI" dramatizes an FBI case titled "Death in the Tropics." Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the story delves into a tangled web of interstate hijacking, betrayal, and murder. The plot follows gangster Jack Durant, his reluctant partner Dan Ogden, and Durant’s wife, Millie, as they attempt to escape their criminal lives and the reach of justice by fleeing to a banana plantation in Puerto Rico. The FBI agents must unravel the truth behind a hijacking, a supposed accidental death, and a web of deception, ultimately bringing the perpetrators to justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. The Setup: Hijacking Scheme & Retirement Plans

• [04:03 - 07:18]

  • Dan Ogden, Jr. (Dan) and partner Jack Durant (Jack) are revealed to be specialists in hijacking interstate commerce, specifically planning a large whiskey heist.
  • Jack announces intentions to retire from crime after "one last job," having purchased a banana plantation in Puerto Rico for himself and Millie.
  • Millie is conflicted, dismissing Jack's optimism, as both she and Dan plot to get rid of Jack and run off together.

  Notable Quote:

  "Well, tonight's my last job. ... Me and Millie are gonna get out of this larceny business for good."
  — Jack Durant (06:12)

2. Betrayal and Murderous Intentions

• [07:39 - 08:31]

  • Millie and Dan decide to betray Jack, plotting to kill him so that they can inherit his plantation and escape together.
  • Dan assures Millie he’ll take care of "retiring" Jack for good.

  Notable Quote:

  "It was real nice of Jack to buy that plantation for you and me, huh? ... I'll see to it tonight that he does. Retire for keeps."
  — Dan Ogden (08:04)

3. FBI Investigation: The Hijacking is Revealed

• [08:31 - 09:57]
  • The FBI, led by Special Agent Gardner and Special Agent Rankin, receives word that four trucks of bonded liquor have been hijacked.
  • Three trucks are found empty. The fourth is missing, until state police report it crashed and burned with a body inside.

4. A Dead Man’s Name: The Cover-Up

• [09:57 - 12:35]

  • The body found in the burned truck is identified as Jack Durant, with initial evidence pointing to an “accident."
  • Dan and Millie proceed with the escape plan to Puerto Rico, confident that with Jack "out of the way," they can start a new life.

  Notable Quote:

  "What cops find looks like an accident."
  — Dan Ogden (11:11)

5. San Juan Arrival: The Plantation Dream Turns Sour

• [13:38 - 15:48]

  • Dan and Millie arrive at the Puerto Rico plantation, marveling at their newfound fortune.
  • Their happiness is cut short when Jack, very much alive, confronts them. He reveals that he survived—thanks to a double-cross within the murder plot.

  Notable Moments:

  • Dramatic reveal:

    "Glad you like it, Mel." — Jack Durant appears, believed to be dead. (15:03)
    "It's too bad for you it didn't work out that way." — Jack Durant (15:17)

6. FBI Agents Close In

• [18:32 - 20:48]
  • Special Agent Gardner, Rankin, and a local agent in Puerto Rico (Agent Houston) connect the dots with the help of real estate records. They suspect Millie didn’t travel alone and focus attention on the banana plantation.

7. Showdown: Confessions and Truths

• [20:48 - 22:34]

  • Millie pleads innocence to Jack, claiming Dan manipulated her. Jack exposes the real twist: he had actually set up his own "accidental" death by switching places with his accomplice, Georgie Fresno.
  • Jack leaves the plantation after apparently killing Dan, mocking Millie as he disappears.

  Notable Quote:

  "As far as the cops are concerned, Jack Durant is a dead man. ... Remember, I'm dead."
  — Jack Durant (22:05)

8. The Final Act: FBI Closes the Case

• [23:24 - 28:24]

  • FBI agents confront Millie, who insists Jack is alive and responsible for Dan’s death. A radiogram confirms the burned body was not Jack’s, but Georgie Fresno’s.
  • Meanwhile, Jack, attempting to escape to Cuba under the alias Fresno, is intercepted and arrested by FBI agents at the airport before take-off.

  Notable Quote:

  "We should have spotted you sooner. In fact, we should have known all along you'd be using the name of George Fresno."
  — Special Agent Gardner (28:24)

9. Epilogue and Justice Served

• [28:43 - 29:36]

  • Narrator reveals that Jack Durant was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for the murders, while all remaining gang members were arrested due to information he provided. Millie is cleared of charges.

  Narrator’s Closing Line:

  "Thus the familiar adage has it that 'the best laid schemes of mice and men oft times go astray'—to which we add again, 'while those of criminals inevitably go astray.'"
  — Narrator (29:36)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jack Durant’s Retirement Plan:

  "Bananas and cream for breakfast. ... Anyway sweetheart, we're leaving on a boat in the morning. Then on we're living like dukes and duchesses. How's it sound?"
  — Jack Durant and Millie (07:03)

• The Betrayal Unfolds:

  "It was real nice of Jack to buy that plantation for you and me, huh? ... I'll see to it tonight that he does. Retire for keeps."
  — Dan Ogden (08:04)

• Reveal and Twist:

  "Glad you like it, Mel."
  — Jack Durant's sudden appearance, presumed dead (15:03) "As far as the cops are concerned, Jack Durant is a dead man... Remember, I'm dead."
  — Jack Durant (22:05)

• Capturing the Criminal:

  "We should have spotted you sooner. In fact, we should have known all along you'd be using the name of George Fresno."
  — Special Agent Gardner (28:24)

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Structured Timestamps by Segment

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:03–07:18 | Jack’s retirement plan is announced, setting theft in motion| | 08:31–09:57 | FBI receives hijack report; trucks and burned body are found| | 09:57–12:35 | The “death” of Jack Durant is revealed | | 13:38–15:48 | Dan and Millie arrive at plantation; Jack confronts them | | 18:32–20:48 | FBI agents investigate in Puerto Rico | | 20:48–22:34 | Jack exposes the plot and confronts Millie | | 23:24–24:27 | FBI arrives; Millie claims Jack is alive, evidence mounts | | 26:35–28:24 | Jack tries to flee as “Fresno”; arrested at the airport | | 28:43–29:36 | Case conclusion, sentences delivered, and final moral |

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Tone and Style

• The dialogue retains the brisk, hard-boiled style typical of 1940s radio dramas, blending tough-guy criminal banter with stoic G-men professionalism.
• The narrative is suspenseful with several dramatic reversals and a strong moral undertone about the inevitable failure of criminal plots.

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Conclusion

"Death in the Tropics" delivers a tightly woven tale of greed, betrayal, and retribution, highlighting the tenacity and thoroughness of law enforcement. The episode’s layers of double-crossing, mistaken identity, and classic noir archetypes make it a standout example of Golden Age radio crime drama, ultimately reinforcing the show’s core message: crime does not pay.

Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank

[Millie]

you for [e-mail]

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

the Equitable Life Assurance Society presents 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 and and the Equitable Society's representative in your community. Are you one of the 50 million Americans covered by Social Security? Well, there may be a pleasant surprise in store for You. In a few minutes, you'll learn from our sponsor, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, how easy it is to build Social Security into full security. Tonight's FBI file. Death in the tropics.

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

The familiar adage has it that the best laid schemes of mice and men oftimes go astray. To which we might add, while those of criminals inevitably go astray. One of the most monstrous criminals of all times, Adolf Hitler, was defeated by the inexorable truth of this. And day after day, lesser criminals, such as those in tonight's case, from the files of your FBI are likewise vanquished by it. For the evil schemes of men are as fragile as the minds which create them. And they crush like eggshells against the rock ribbed eternity of. Just. In a rather lavish apartment in midtown Manhattan, a young woman is just admitting a guest. Here's one Dan Ugden, Jr. Partner of the firm of Durant and Ugden, specialists in interstate commerce hijacking.

[Millie]

Come in, Dan.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Thanks, Millie.

[Jack Durant]

Where's Jack?

[Millie]

Inside getting dressed.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Oh.

[Millie]

You want a drink?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

No, thanks, baby.

[Millie]

Well, tonight's the night, huh?

[Jack Durant]

Yep.

[Millie]

What's the setup?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Pretty big job. Nearly 4,000 cases of bonded whiskey. Hey, gotta knock off four trucks.

[Millie]

That's really a tough order.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, we got it all laid out. Everybody knows what they're supposed to do. Shouldn't be any trouble.

[Millie]

How much cash'll that stuff bring?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

A real bundle.

[Millie]

Oh, that I like.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Hey, Millie.

[Jack Durant]

Where's that? Oh, how are you, Danny?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Hello, Jack.

[Jack Durant]

I'm glad you stopped by here, kid. I. I got something I want to spring on you and Millie.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Bulls.

[Millie]

What are you looking for, Jack? That big brown envelope right there on the table.

[Jack Durant]

Oh, yeah? Good, good. There's something in here I want to show you.

[Millie]

What is it?

[Jack Durant]

Pictures, huh? Now sit down, Bulls.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

What is it?

[Jack Durant]

Sit down, will you, kid? Look, Danny, when you and I started in business together, we agreed that if either one of us wanted to pull out sometime, he could remember. Yeah, well, tonight's my last job. What, are you kidding? I got plenty of letters packed away for me and Millie and we're gonna get out of this larceny business for good.

[Millie]

What are you talking about?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Here.

[Jack Durant]

Yeah, baby, take a look at this picture.

[Millie]

What's this?

[Jack Durant]

It's a banana plantation.

[Millie]

So?

[Agent Houston]

Yep.

[Jack Durant]

I bought it a month ago.

[Millie]

What do you know from bananas?

[Jack Durant]

That's your favorite dish, ain't it? Bananas and cream for breakfast. Yeah, but see, you got a whole plantation of them to go against.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Where is this joint?

[Millie]

Puerto Rico, that's in Africa.

[Jack Durant]

Look, honey, it's only 1400 miles from here. It's right under Florida. Any geography would tell you that.

[Millie]

It's still Africa.

[Jack Durant]

Okay, okay. Anyway, sweetheart, we're leaving on a boat in the morning. Then on we're living like dukes and duchesses. How's it sound here?

[Millie]

Well, I.

[Jack Durant]

Well, what do you think about it, Dan?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah, I think it's swell.

[Jack Durant]

Sure, sure. And so will you, Millie, when you get to thinking about it. Hey, hey, wait a minute. Look at the time. I gotta go in case that warehouse where they're loading the trucks. I'll pick you up here in 30 minutes, Dan. And look, build Millie up on Puerto Rico while I'm gone, will you? Yeah, okay. See you later.

[Millie]

Well, sweetheart, he thinks I'm going to Puerto Rico. He's nuts.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Wants you to leave in the morning.

[Millie]

Yeah. What are we gonna do? Dan, you gotta think of something quick.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Is the idea appealed here? Puerto Rico, plantation, living safe and easy.

[Millie]

Not without you, and you know it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Okay, baby, then. I've already thought of something.

[Millie]

What do you mean?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I mean, it was real nice of Jack to buy that plantation for you and me, huh? He wants to retire.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Okay.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I'll see to it tonight that he does. Retire for keeps.

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

At 2:30am Ralph Gardner, an assistant to the agent in charge of the New York office of the FBI, received a report that four motor freight trucks carrying 4,000 cases of bonded liquor had been hijacked. It is now a few minutes before 7am Gardner has just received a report from an agent on the case.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah, well, Rankin, that's three of the empty trucks accounted for, anyway.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Who was that? Jackson?

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Rankin]

All I can say is those hijackers sure had this job organized beautifully.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, even so, they had to work plenty fast to unload those trucks and then abandon them way out on the number one highway.

[Special Agent Rankin]

What's funny about that fourth truck? Why isn't that one showing up?

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, we ought to hear about it soon. Every highway patrol in three states is alerted now.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Any clues from the other three trucks?

[Special Agent Gardner]

None.

[Special Agent Rankin]

You know, this has got all the earmarks of that job over in Pennsylvania two weeks ago.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Philadelphia office hadn't cracked that case yet either, has it?

[Special Agent Gardner]

No, not yet.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Could be the same gang.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Excuse me.

[Jack Durant]

Not sure.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Gardner speaking.

[Special Agent Rankin]

This is the New Jersey State Police, Mr. Gardiner.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Oh, hello.

[Special Agent Gardner]

What's up?

[Special Agent Rankin]

One of our motorcycle men just phoned in. He found one of those trucks in a ditch on a back road.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Good. That's the last one. That is.

[Special Agent Rankin]

He found what's left of it. Also the charred body of a man.

[Special Agent Gardner]

What?

[Special Agent Rankin]

The truck had caught fire some way, and the fellow must have been trapped in the cab.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Did the officer find any identification at all?

[Special Agent Rankin]

He thought he'd better report this much first. He's gone back to the spot now

[Special Agent Gardner]

to wait for you fellas. All right, then. If you'll give me the location, Special Agent Rankin will be on his way in a couple of min.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, sweetheart, better take a good long look at that skyline. Maybe the last time we ever see it.

[Millie]

Suits me fine, Danny.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You know, it's too bad I didn't get Jack out of our way a long time ago. This is really living.

[Millie]

Danny?

[Jack Durant]

Hmm?

[Millie]

You don't think there's any possible.

[Special Agent Gardner]

What?

[Millie]

Nothing. I just want everything to be all right for us.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Look, baby, let me tell you what happened.

[Millie]

No, I don't want to know. I just.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

But if I tell you, you'll see for yourself. You got nothing to worry about

[Special Agent Gardner]

now.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

This is the way it went. Georgie Fresno was driving Jack's truck last night. The one he hijacked. I had it fixed with Georgie out of town somewhere. He gives Jack a tap with the masher, ditches the truck and sets fire to it.

[Millie]

Oh.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What the cops find looks like an accident.

[Millie]

But are you sure? Georgie.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Georgie's done jobs for me before. He's never missed yet.

[Millie]

I sure hope you're right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Look, baby, we better break this up now.

[Millie]

Why?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You're supposed to be making this trip with your husband, remember?

[Millie]

But I told the purser my husband was detained at the last minute on business.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

We still better be strangers till we hit San Juan. That purser might start thinking something and remember it later.

[Millie]

Well, maybe you're right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Happy sailing, sweetheart. I'll see you in San Juan.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Sorry it was so long getting back, Gardener.

[Special Agent Gardner]

What'd you find out?

[Special Agent Rankin]

For one thing, the truck catching on fire wasn't any accident. Body wasn't charred enough to hide the mark of a blow on the head. So there must have been somebody else inside that truck, too.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Could you identify the body?

[Special Agent Rankin]

Yeah. Signet ring was still on his left little finger. The initials J.D. and his leather wallet that had dropped out on the floor of the cab had an identification card. Jack Durant.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Jack Durant?

[Special Agent Rankin]

Yeah. Unless I'm mistaken, he's got a record of.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Hey, wait a minute. Ranking? Yeah, right after you tore out of here. The Philadelphia office, they got a lead on that Pennsylvania hijacking two weeks ago. Yeah, the same Jack Durant.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Wow.

[Special Agent Gardner]

I sent Jackson out to pick up Durant at his apartment. His packed bags were still there, but his wife and her bags were gone.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Then she must have already heard what happened.

[Special Agent Gardner]

No, there's more to it than that.

[Special Agent Rankin]

What do you mean?

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, apparently they'd planned to skip the country after this job last night. So we made a fast check on all transportation out of New York. We found out that Durant had booked passage for himself and wife on a boat which sailed for Puerto Rico two hours ago.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Yeah, but with Durant dead, his wife probably changed her mind.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Mildred, Durant sailed anyway.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Then we better radio the ship to

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

keep her in custody.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, what can we hold her for? We have no evidence that she's mixed up in any crime.

[Special Agent Rankin]

No, no, no.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Let's try to round up Durant's gang first. And if we find anything against his wife, we can have the San Juan office pick her up. Or better, we can fly down there ourselves and bring her back.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Nelly.

[Millie]

Yeah, honey.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You may not know it, baby, but according to our little map here, all these banana trees we've been passing for the last 10 minutes belong to us.

[Millie]

No kidding.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

All we need now is cows for cream and you're in clover. Hey, Millie, look what we're driving up to.

[Jack Durant]

Look.

[Millie]

Oh, damn.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

That's our house, baby.

[Millie]

I always dreamed about having a joint like that. I just can't believe it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, we're pulling up and taking over right now.

[Millie]

Oh, it's. Well, yeah.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, I guess we got a lot to be thankful to Jack for it.

[Millie]

Oh, please. Dance.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I'm sorry, sweetheart. Come on, give me a hand.

[Millie]

Okay. Oh, gee, I can't wait to see inside. Let's hurry, huh?

[Jack Durant]

Okay.

[Millie]

Open the door, quick.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Hey, don't need the key. It's not locked. And you go, baby. Hey, what a touch.

[Millie]

It's wonderful. Real wonderful.

[Jack Durant]

Glad you like it, Mel.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Jack?

[Jack Durant]

That's right, pal.

[Millie]

Can't be. No, we thought that is.

[Jack Durant]

Sure, I know what you thought. It's too bad for you it didn't work out that way.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Jack, wait. Jack. Wait a minute.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Jack, give me a chance to.

[Millie]

Daddy.

[Jack Durant]

Welcome to your new home, sweetheart.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

We will return in just a moment to tonight's case, which shows how your FBI helps provide national security. Now let's listen in on a conversation about Social Security between a brand new father named Steve Brownell and his friend, the Equitable Society representative. Boy, that's one husky looking kid. Weighs eight pounds and he looks just like me.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Here, have a cigar.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Thanks. Say, your wife doing all right? Just fine, Carl. Just fine. Well, Steve, since my business is Representing the Equitable Society, I ought to tell you that you now have the equivalent of $9,500 more life insurance than you had yesterday. And it hasn't cost you one red cent extra.

[Jack Durant]

Huh?

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

$9,500 more insurance? How come? Well, it's from your old Uncle Sam. Your benefits under Social Security go up now that there's three in your family. Having this baby gives you about $9,500 of extra insurance protection through Social Security. Say, I never knew Social Security was worth all that money to me. Yes, Steve, Many Americans don't realize what a wonderful asset they have in Social Security. They've never discovered how easy it is to build Social Security into full security through life insurance. With the Equitable Society. For instance, if you already own some life insurance, your Equitable Society man may be able to show you how only a few dollars extra per month will give your family complete protection through the Equitable Extended Income Plan. Remember, your Social Security benefits vary according to your age, salary and family situation. Why not get the facts? Find out exactly what you're entitled to under Social Security. The government has prepared a special card that will help you secure this information. To obtain one of these cards, get in touch with your Equitable Society representative or send your name and address on a postcard to the Equitable Society care of this station. That's equi table the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And now back to the FBI file. Death in the tropics.

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

Yes, the evil schemes of men are as fragile as the minds which create them. And they crush like eggshells against the rock. Ribbed eternity of justice. Thus far in tonight's case, the criminal plot of one man, Dan Ogden, has been shattered by the spouting gun of the man he schemed against, the gangster hijacker, Durant. As for Durant's plan to flee justice himself, well, other events bearing on that are already in motion. Shortly after Dan Ogden walked into his death at the plantation Cottage, FBI agents Gardner and Rankin from New York landed at the Isla Grande Airport on San Juan and proceeded to the of the FBI. At this moment, Gardner has about finished bringing San Juan agent in charge Houston up to date on the case.

[Special Agent Gardner]

So it seems pretty conclusive that the man slugged and burned in the truck was Jack Durant. All right.

[Agent Houston]

And you think his wife might be mixed up in it?

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, we don't know that, Houston, but we've got good reason to believe that she didn't make the trip here alone.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

And how's that?

[Special Agent Gardner]

We checked the passenger List again in New York just before catching the plane. And we ran into the name of one of Durant's gang, Dan Ogden. Oh, there could have been a romance there between Ogden and Durant's wife.

[Agent Houston]

And Ogden got Durant out of the way.

[Special Agent Gardner]

He could have. Have you uncovered anything yet?

[Agent Houston]

No. When I got your cable this morning, I started a man investigating to see if Durant had bought any property on the island, but so far, nothing's turned up. This may be my man now. He's been over at the hall of Records for the last two hours. Houston speaking.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

I think I found what you want.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Houston?

[Agent Houston]

Yeah, what is it?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Well, a real estate broker acting for a man in New York named Durant bought a banana plantation about a month ago.

[Agent Houston]

Well, get the location of the place quick, Fred, and then get back over here and drive Gardner and Rankin out there.

[Millie]

Now, look, Jack, you gotta believe me. I didn't have anything to do with it.

[Jack Durant]

Stop lying about it.

[Millie]

But I tell you.

[Jack Durant]

Stop lying, I said.

[Millie]

I got a right to tell my side of it.

[Jack Durant]

I already know it.

[Millie]

Okay, then. If you're satisfied with what you think you know, kill me. Go ahead.

[Jack Durant]

All right, let's hear your story.

[Millie]

This is the truth to help me.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Go on.

[Millie]

When you didn't come back from that job, by the time morning came, I was scared stiff.

[Jack Durant]

Yeah?

[Millie]

Yeah. Then Dan come to the apartment on the lather and said something had gone wrong. You were plenty hot with the cops right then.

[Jack Durant]

Is that in fact?

[Millie]

Yeah. And he said that you told him to get me on the boat and to come on down here with me, to look after me until you had cooled off and could make it here yourself.

[Jack Durant]

No kidding.

[Millie]

Promise. I didn't want to go off and leave you, but if you thought it was best there wasn't anything else for me to. Jack, it's the truth, every word I'm saying. Don't you believe me?

[Jack Durant]

Georgie Fresno got cold feet about knocking me off mill and told me the whole story.

[Millie]

I don't care what Georgie.

[Jack Durant]

Just the way it turned out. You and Danny done me a big favorite.

[Millie]

What do you mean?

[Jack Durant]

As far as the cops are concerned, Jack Durant is a dead man. What I did to Georgie Fresno, what he was supposed to do to me, then I fixed it so the cops would think he was me. Then I grabbed a plane and come on down here to be on hand to greet you and Danny when you arrive to set up housekeeping. Shut up. Since you and Danny have done me such a big favor, now I'm gonna do you?

[Special Agent Rankin]

1.

[Jack Durant]

I'm gonna let you go ahead and keep house with Danny. Only I might have a little trouble explaining to the cops why he has to lie down all the time. You know, I couldn't have been the cause of it. Remember, I'm dead.

[Millie]

Jack. Yeah? Come back.

[Jack Durant]

You can't. So long, sucker. And enjoy the banana.

[Millie]

Jack. I knew you'd come.

[Special Agent Gardner]

I beg your pardon. Are you Mildred Durant?

[Millie]

Who are you?

[Special Agent Gardner]

We're special agents of the FBI.

[Millie]

FBI?

[Special Agent Gardner]

That's right.

[Millie]

Well, what do you want here? I mean, what. What have you. Oh. All right. I might as well come on in.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Thank you. Go ahead, Renton.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Thanks.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Now, the reason we're here. Mrs. Durant.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Gardner.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Over there on the floor.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Is that Ogden?

[Millie]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Take a look at him.

[Millie]

Rank. You don't have to. He's dead. But I didn't do it.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Who did?

[Millie]

Well, I don't suppose you'll believe me when I tell you, but he did it anyway. And he's right here on this island now, no matter what.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Minute, Mrs. Durant. Who are you talking about?

[Millie]

My husband.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Your husband? Don't give us that.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Wait a minute, Rankin.

[Millie]

Told you wouldn't believe me.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, under the circumstances, it's rather difficult, since our records at the moment show that your husband is dead.

[Millie]

I know the truth about that, too. But you'll believe what you.

[Special Agent Gardner]

We believe only what we know to be a fact, Mrs. Durant.

[Millie]

I'm telling you a fact. My husband, Jack Durant, killed Dan Ogden. He was here in this house not more than 30 minutes before you got here.

[Special Agent Gardner]

I better take that, Rankin. Hello?

[Agent Houston]

This is Houston. That's you, Gardner.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yes. What's wrong?

[Agent Houston]

Just got a radiogram from your office in New York.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Yeah?

[Agent Houston]

That body has been identified positively now. And it's not Durant.

[Special Agent Gardner]

What?

[Agent Houston]

It's the body of one of his men, Georgie Fresno.

[Special Agent Gardner]

We'll be in in a few minutes. Thanks.

[Agent Houston]

Right.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Mrs. Durant?

[Millie]

Hmm?

[Special Agent Gardner]

If your husband is not dead, whose body was it that was found burned in the truck?

[Millie]

Georgie Fresno.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Rankin, I believe she's telling us the truth. And I believe your husband is on the island, too. Mrs. Durant, you come with us. And we better hurry. Looks like a storm coming up.

[Jack Durant]

Hey, anybody around here can I do for you, mister? Want to charter a plane to Cuba?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

For when?

[Jack Durant]

And you think now?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Are you kidding?

[Special Agent Rankin]

What do you mean?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

You ought to know. You're soaking with it.

[Jack Durant]

What's the matter? You're scared of a little rain, are you?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

It's not the rain, mister. It's the storm that's going on with it.

[Jack Durant]

Okay, so that raises the price. I'll pay it. I gotta get to Cuba now.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

I'll take you to Cuba and at the regular charter rate, but not until

[Jack Durant]

the weather clears, understand? Now, look here, you can't.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

There's no argument about take it or leave it.

[Jack Durant]

When do you think it's clear?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Please don't last long down here. Maybe an hour or two.

[Jack Durant]

Okay. Okay.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Had your identification to get into Cuba.

[Jack Durant]

I've been to Cuba before.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Okay, but I have to have your name, too.

[Jack Durant]

Fresno. George Fresno.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Okay, take it easy. I'll holler when it's time to take off.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Any trace of him?

[Agent Houston]

Houston, we've checked every hotel in San Juan and all the airlines and steamship offices.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Not booked, huh?

[Jack Durant]

No.

[Agent Houston]

So he's probably trying to go under somewhere on the island.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Got the police alerted.

[Agent Houston]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Gardner]

You can charter a plane out of here, can't you?

[Agent Houston]

Well, we checked the only two charter services. Durant's not booked with them either.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Well, at the moment, it looks as if Mr. Jack Durant might as well be dead as far. Hey, wait a minute. Hold on.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah?

[Special Agent Gardner]

I got an idea. I think that we might.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Mr. Fresno.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Mr. Fresno.

[Millie]

Yeah?

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

You can board the plane now if you want to.

[Jack Durant]

It's about time.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

We. We won't be taking off right away, though.

[Jack Durant]

Okay.

[Fred (Real Estate Broker)]

Well, you might call it a situation over which I have no control.

[Jack Durant]

What do you mean? I.

[Special Agent Gardner]

He means us, Durant.

[Jack Durant]

Who are you?

[Special Agent Gardner]

Special agents of the FBI.

[Jack Durant]

Oh, Well, I didn't expect.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Expect you.

[Special Agent Gardner]

Put on that gun, Durant.

[Jack Durant]

Staying where you are until we take off or out.

[Special Agent Gardner]

All right. Take his gun, Rankin.

[Special Agent Rankin]

Right now.

[Special Agent Gardner]

You, get up, Durant. We should have spotted you sooner. In fact, we should have known all along you'd be using the name of George Fresno.

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

Jack Durant was tried for the murders of George Fresno and Dan Ogden and sentenced to the electric chair. Information which the FBI got from Durant before the trial led to the arrest and conviction of all other members of the hijacking gang. Durant's wife was released as no criminal charge could be brought against her. Yes, Thus the familiar adage has it that the best laid schemes of mice and men ofttimes go astray, to which we add again, while those of criminals inevitably go astray.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

In just a moment, we'll tell you about next week's colorful story from the files of your FBI. Now, friends, let me remind you that no matter how much you earn, you have a valuable asset in Social Security and your equitable society representative will gladly show you how easy it is to build your Social Security into full Security. He'll explain to you how Social Security and life insurance can work together for your complete protection and will help you determine exactly where you stand under Social Security. No obligation, of course. Phone him tomorrow. Your Equitable Society representative is listed in your local phone book under the name Equitable E Q U I T A B L E. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.

[Narrator / FBI Case Narrator]

Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Walkie Talkie Stick Ups.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Society's broadcast are adapted from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, all names used are fictitious and any similarity thereof to the names of persons living or dead is accidental. Tonight the music was composed and conducted by Frederick Steiner. The author was Frank Ferries and your narrator was Dean Carlton. 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 the Equitable Society's representative in your community and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time when the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Walkie Talkie Stick Ups on this is your fvr.

[Special Agent Rankin]

This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.

[We Feed Raw Announcer]

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