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Narrator / FBI Agent
Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
It's magic.
Narrator / FBI Agent
It is. Oh, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Why is that? This is amazing.
Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
I really do. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com.
Narrator / FBI Agent
The Equitable 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 the Equitable society's representative in your community. 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's file, the bobby socks bandits. 17, that's an important and exciting age in the life of a boy or a girl. Some of you girls listening Tonight are just 17. Finishing high school or starting your first real job or having your first real honest to goodness date, going hiking or wiener roasting with the gang or sitting in the middle of the floor with your vic and the stack of records doing most anything except making it possible for this voice to say as it reluctantly says. Now tonight's case from the files of your FBI is the crime story of two girls, age 17. It's just about sundown and on a highway out of Pittsburgh. Two girls with one suitcase between them stand by the side of the road.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
This ain't good, huh? We picked the wrong road. There ain't been a car pass here for 15 minutes. What? Bonnie, we ain't grabbing no lifts. Oh, that's okay. I'm catching up on what I should know. About what? About Hollywood. This is a wonderful magazine. The whole thing is about Barry Brooks. Bonnie, you just ought to read movie magazines. Already have. But you just ain't read about Barry Brooks. He's so wonderful. Brooks smokes. We gotta get a lift. Bonnie, when we get to Hollywood, I'm not gonna eat or sleep until I see him. Uh huh. Look at this picture. What did you write on there with your lipstick. Never mind. Let me see it. Love Me Forever co starring Barry Brooks and Phyllis Tyler. Oh, Phyllis. Laugh if you want to, but I'll star in a picture with him someday. Yeah? Yeah. I never had any real feeling about my destiny until I saw Barry Brooks in his first picture. I saw it six times, and right from the very first, I just knew that my destiny was in his hands. I. Wait a minute. Here comes the only destiny I'm interested in. Huh? Oh. Oh, I hope he stops for us. Yeah. Look, he's going to.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Can I give you young ladies a lift?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Oh, sure. We've been waiting for you for an hour, mister.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Then hop right into the back seat.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
She. Go ahead, Phyllis. Okay.
Narrator / FBI Agent
All right back there?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Sure.
Narrator / FBI Agent
I don't make a practice of doing this kind of thing, but it was coming all night and I didn't like the idea of you young girls being on the road by yourself.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
That's awful nice of you.
Narrator / FBI Agent
I'm going on to Cleveland. How far are you going?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
We're going all the way. Well, we're going to my sister's in Detroit. Detroit? But, Bonnie. Certainly Detroit. What's the matter with you?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, I didn't mean to be inquisitive. I was just thinking about you having to travel this way. I've got a daughter about your age, and I know her mother and I.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Would have a. Oh, wait a minute, mister. Could you stop the car?
Narrator / FBI Agent
What's the trouble?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
I think I dropped something back there when we got in. Drop what, Bonnie? My bracelet. Bracelet?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, I'll just back up. Is the road clear behind?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Yeah, yeah, it's clear all right.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Good. Then we'll just.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Barney, no use thumbing rides when we can have a car of our own.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Daly speaking. Our police headquarters, Mr. Daly. Looks like we got one for you FBI boys. Okay. A couple of girls slugged a man, stole his car just a little ways out of town a while ago. It looks like interstate stuff. You got the details? Well, a man's here at headquarters getting his head fixed up. You want to come over? Well, give me a description of the car and the girls first, and I'll get out an alarm right away. Okay. Here's a car. Black Plymouth sedan, 1941 Pennsylvania license.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
I wonder what town this is, Barney. I don't know, but it's in Ohio. Anyway. I wonder how long it'll take us to get to Hollywood. Now, how would I know? Wonder if that nice man is still lying in the ditch where we left him. Will you stop wondering so Much. Phyllis, I'm sorry. Look, you just sit there and dream about Barry Brooks holding in his arms and I'll tell you something funny. Funny? That sounds like he's got a flat tire. Don't you think I've got ears, Phyllis. Oh, now what do we do? What do you think? We'll just borrow another car.
Narrator / FBI Agent
All right. Good morning, Roland. Oh good, you're just in time. Daly. Huh? What's up? Teletype from the Cleveland office just came in. Oh, that black Plymouth sedan was found abandoned early this morning in a street in Niles, Ohio with a flat tire. Any sign of the girls? No. They must have switched cars. How's that? Well, a man in Niles reported his Ford sedan stolen during the night and the Plymouth was left about a block from his house. Cleveland put out an alarm on the Fords dam. Yeah. Well, let's start traveling. Where? Niles, Ohio first. See if there are any clues in that Plymouth.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Funny, huh? I'm worried. Now what? I don't think we ought to be doing things like this to get to Hollywood. Hitting people over the head and stealing cars. Why not? Well, suppose they should find out sometime. Who? My public. What are you talking about? Well, suppose after I get started in the movies and I'm on the way to the top, suppose he gets out that I got to Hollywood by stealing automobiles. Oh, see, I'll be ruined, Bonnie. That'll be the end of my career right there. Don't be stupid. It'll be good publicity. And besides, all of this will make you a much better actress. I don't see how you figure that. Aren't the best actresses the ones who live their parts? Yeah. And what are the best girl parts in movies? It's girls who work in gambling houses who are spies or mixed up with gangs. Girls who live dangerously. Guess you're right. But do we have to all the time steal cars? No. I got another idea. As soon as we get into Cleveland, why, we're gonna ride in style on trains from now on. Where are we gonna get the money? Somebody in Cleveland has money and we're gonna take it.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Here's that Plymouth, Mr. Daly, just like we found her. Uh huh. We towed her up here to headquarters. Never touched anything inside the car at all. That's fine. Now if you'll give me a hand, Officer, maybe we can get some clear fingerprints. Sure. All right. Wait. This may be something right here. What's that? It's a movie magazine. Not hard to tell who their favorite movie star is. Favored one of them anyway. How's that this picture of Barry Brooks has red lip prints all over it. I guess you'll want to save some samples of the lipstick for your laboratory, huh? This may be more important than the lip prints. There's lipstick writing on the page. What does it say? Phyllis loves Barry. Love me forever. Co starring Barry Brooks and Phyllis Tyler. That must be one of the girl's names. Yes, but what's that business about co starring? Well, I'd say the kid already imagines herself in a pict. Barry Brooks. That sounds like the girls are headed for Hollywood. Yes? Daly. Yeah. Just got a call from Pittsburgh. Oh, what's up, Roland? The girls have been identified. Is one of them named Phyllis Tyler? Yes. How'd you know? She left her name on this magazine. The other one's Bonnie Lawton. They're from Baltimore. Been missing four days. I see. And that Ford Sudan they stole here in Niles has just been found abandoned in Cleveland. Well, I'd say that's our next stop. Later that night, somewhere in the area of Cleveland's ore docks on the Lake Erie waterfront, Bonnie Lawton and Phyllis Tyler sat in a booth in the corner of a juke joint sipping drinks.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
The bunny. The sailor's looking over here again. He hasn't looked at anybody else but you since we've been in here. Oh, this'll be easy. He's darling. Never mind that. Look, he's getting up. I think he's coming over. Well, I'll get out of here. Do like I told you, Phyllis. Remember, he's got the cutest smile. All right, but don't let it take your mind off business. Excuse me.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Excuse me. Hiya, Goldilocks. Do you mind if I sit down?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
I beg your pardon?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh, now, look, don't play hard to get. You've been giving me the offers all night.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
I couldn't help but look at you. You very much resemble Barry Brooks.
Narrator / FBI Agent
The movie guy? Yeah. Hey, that ain't bad. Is your girlfriend coming back?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
She just went down the street for a minute.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh, that's fine. Got any ideas about us?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Well, we don't have to stay here.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, then let's get going.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Come on.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Okay, we'll go to a joint where there's some dancing and stuff. Would you like that?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Oh, sure.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Right this way, honey. Which way did the girlfriend go?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Down that way.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Then let's go the other way, silly. Say, what's your name, baby?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Phil.
Narrator / FBI Agent
That's very cute. You live around here?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Well, not really.
Narrator / FBI Agent
I just got in town myself.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Put him up, sailor.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Huh?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
This is a Stick up?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Are you kidding?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
I said put him up. Get his money, Phyllis. Okay. Shut up.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh, look, sweetheart. Give me that gun.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Sure, I'll give it to you. Oh. Now we travel first class.
Narrator / FBI Agent
We momentarily close the Equitable Society's presentation of the FBI file on the Bobby Socks Bandits. We will return to this case in just a moment. 324 years ago, the Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth enjoyed their first Thanksgiving dinner on this continent and played host to 90 Indian Braves of a nearby tribe. Apparently, the Pilgrims were unable to bag any wild turkeys for the menu mentions only venison, roast duck, roast goose, clams and other shellfish, eels, plums and wild grape wine. Among the three and a quarter million members of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, some are bearers of names which indicate that their ancestors may have attended that banquet. Other Equitable Society members have names that indicate an origin in a more recent wave of immigration. But whether their names go back to the Mayflower or a vote that landed half a dozen years ago, Equitable Society members have proved that they believe in the time honored American virtues of thrift and self reliance. Their life insurance policies with the Equitable Society are good evidence that they believe in saving for safety, believe in taking care of themselves by putting dollars aside for future security. And just as our forefathers banded together for mutual protection, so Equitable Society members have joined forces in a great mutual organization created for the common good of all. Self reliance plus cooperation. That's the spirit on which this country was founded. It's the spirit which makes men and women better citizens and better Americans. Which is a good reason for this organization to be thankful that by serving its members for 86 years, the equitable Society has served America. Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen? It's magic. It is. Oh, wow. Wow, wow.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Wow.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Wow.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Wow, wow, wow. Why is that? This is amazing.
Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
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Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
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Narrator / FBI Agent
And now back to the file on the Bobby Socks Bandits. Do you know where your own 17 year old son or daughter is tonight. And what he or she is doing, you probably do because you care what hundreds of thousands of American parents don't know and don't care and haven't known and haven't cared for so long that last year boys and girls under 21, and most of them only 17, committed over a third of all the robberies in the United States, over half of all the burglaries, nearly two thirds of all the automobile thefts. The parents of Bonnie Lawton and Phyllis Tyler didn't care enough. And that's why we find them now in a cheap rooming house on Chicago's west side after leaving a trail of crime halfway across the country.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
380. 390. 395, 96, 97, 98. Gee, look, Phyllis, we're doing swell. You mean we've got $398? More than that. Here's another five. 403 bucks. Why did we stop here? That's enough to take us to Hollywood, isn't it? You don't want to get there broke, do you? But Bonnie. And if you're going to get in the movies, you got to have some swell clothes, don't you? Yeah, but. And suppose you do manage to meet Barry Brooks? I'm going to. So what are you going to meet him in? A pair of dirty slacks, scuffies and a sweater. Golly, I hadn't thought about that. Then let's go get us a couple of good looking outfits. And then what with those we can step out in the better spots and take somebody for a lot of money. All right. But there's something else I want to buy, too. What? I read all about it. Barry Brooks collects all kinds of cigarette lighting. I'm going to get him one and send it to him from here. Okay. Come on, let's go shopping.
Narrator / FBI Agent
That same morning, back in Cleveland, Special Agent Daly is just entering the field office of the FBI. What'd you find out, Daly? The two girls who robbed that sailor last night were Bonnie Lawton and Phyllis Tyler. You sure? The sailor positively identified them by these pictures. Well, that's good, but that doesn't put us any nearer to catching them. No, but something else I found out does. What's that? They took a midnight train for Chicago. How do you know? I dug up the night ticket agent who sold them the space. Well, we better phone there and have them cover trains going west. Well, they might be smart enough to stop off in Chicago and hide out a while. Yeah, but I'll phone anyway. Okay. And then we' catch the next plane for the Windy City ourselves. Here you are, girls. Is this the lighter you saw in the window?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Yeah, that's it. Isn't it, darling? Bonnie, it's okay. Do you think Barry Brooks will like it?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Uh, did you say Barry Brooks?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Yeah, the movie star. I'm gonna send this to him.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh. Oh, I see.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
How much is it?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, it's probably more than you ought to pay.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
How do you know how much is it?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, including tax, it's $15.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Oh, that's easy. Here.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Say, where'd you girls get all that money?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
None of your business.
Narrator / FBI Agent
That's a pretty big bankroll.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Do you want to sell us the lighter or don't you? Bonnie, let's get out of here. Okay. Keep your lighter, mister.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Just a minute, girl.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Come on, Bonnie, hurry.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, welcome to Chicago, boys. Thanks, Mom. I'm afraid I haven't got any good news for you. Oh, no trace of the girls, huh? Tony, we covered all buses and railroads right after you called, but nothing has turned up yet. Well, they could have taken a bus or a train before we called. Well, all ticket agents have been checked and they don't recall any girls answering. The descriptions. Come in. Here's something just came in from the police, Mr. Turner. Thanks. Well, they're in Chicago all right, fellas. They tried to buy a lighter about noon in a little shop on Randolph for Barry Brooks. Yeah, the clerk got suspicious when they showed so much money and the girls ran out. You sure it's the same girls? Well, her description's checked, and one of the girls called the other one Bonnie. Well, if they'll just stay here long enough, I think I've got a way to catch them.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Phyllis. Phyllis, come on, wake up. Anybody think you were a movie star already, the way you sleep all morning? Come on, wake up. Hello, Bonnie. Have you been out already? Yeah, I went to the store. Did you get a paper? Yeah. Here. Thanks. Want some coffee? Sure. Now, let's see, what page is the funnies on? I figure we can break in our outfits tonight, Phyllis, and make it pay off. I got a plan. Bonnie. Bonnie, what's the matter? Bonnie, listen to this. Barry Brooks. What'd he do, get married? No, he's here. Here in Chicago. Oh, Bonnie, think of it. Barry Brooks right here in Chicago. Well, don't tie yourself in a pretzel about it. What does it say? Barry Brooks is believed to have slipped in Chicago last night and according to reports, is staying at the State Hotel. And, Bonnie, we're going over there. Wait A minute, Phyllis. Oh, it's destiny, Bonnie. Don't you see Barry Brooks and I in Chicago at the same time? Come on, you can't get in to see him. Of course we can. He's good about giving his autograph, and that's what we'll say we want. Come on, Bonnie, let's hurry. Aren't you going to bother to dress first? Oh, sure, sure. But it'll only take me a minute and I can wear my new outfit. Just think of it. I'm going to see Barry Brooks.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Girls, girls, girls. I'm the manager of this hotel, and I say you must come. Go away.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
We're going to stay in front of his room until he comes out. Oh, Barry, Barry, come out. Come out.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh, girls, please, please. I tell you for the hundredth time, Mr. Brooks is not in the room.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Oh, yes, he is. He wouldn't be trying to get us away.
Narrator / FBI Agent
He is not.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
He is.
Narrator / FBI Agent
He's not.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
He is.
Narrator / FBI Agent
I tell you, he is not.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Oh, yes, he is. We want Barry Brooks. We have Barry Brooke. We want.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Oh, girl.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Stop, stop, stop. Come on, move over. Let us through the door, please.
Narrator / FBI Agent
What makes you young ladies think you can get in?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
We have an appointment with Mr. Brooks.
Narrator / FBI Agent
You have an appointment?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
We'll just knock at the door and you'll find out. Go ahead, knock.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Barry, I. I'm not Barry. Miss Lawton, Miss Tyler, will you come in, please?
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Goodbye, girls. Better luck next time. Pardon us. Where is Mr. Brooks? Yeah, where is he?
Narrator / FBI Agent
Well, I'm sorry to tell you the report in the paper about Mr. Brooks being in the city was not correct. Girls.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
What? But we called up the room.
Narrator / FBI Agent
I'm responsible for the story being in the papers. I'm a special agent of the FBI.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Bonnie, this is a pinch, huh?
Narrator / FBI Agent
You're under arrest. Yes.
Bonnie Lawton / Phyllis Tyler
Gee, I certainly had a very short career.
Narrator / FBI Agent
Because of their extreme youth, Bonnie Lawton and Phyllis Tyler were put in a reformatory where every effort will be made to guide them to a better future. But far more serious than the sentence passed on the two girls was Bonnie Lawton's indirect charge against her own parents. In court, she said, I've had to learn everything else the hard way, so I guess I couldn't very well skip this one. The rising tide of juvenile delinquency in America amplifies that charge into a tumultuous indictment of the tragically large number of American parents who don't care enough for their children. America's homes are the birthplace and training ground of her citizens. What, then is the hope for America's future? The answer is in the hands of you, the mothers and fathers of America. The FBI can protect only the lives and property and laws of America. You must protect its future through your children. You'll hear something about next week's case in just a moment. This week at the Equitable Society, a group insurance serviceman suggested I take a trip with him. So the two of us jumped into his car, and after an hour's ride, we parked at a large factory that has just taken out group insurance with the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. First, we got the president of the company's angle on the new insurance program. Among other things, he said, you know, since I started this business 25 years ago, I can't think of anything I've done that's given me more satisfaction than group insurance with the Equitable Society. I consider it a big step forward in our relations with our employees. A little later, we heard the same story in different words from a veteran worker. This group insurance is swell stuff, he told us. It gives me a real lift to know that I've not only got extra life insurance but also hospital and surgical benefits in case anything goes wrong with me. Yes, there's no question about it. Group insurance is something on which labor and management see eye to eye and stand shoulder to shoulder. And that's why we of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States take such pride in the fact that group insurance is an Equitable first. This plan is one of scores of examples of the Equitable Society's leadership and progressiveness. One of the many reasons why we say that this week and every week for 86 years, the equitable Society has been building security for you, your home and your country. Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The big breakout. The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Societies broadcast are taken 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. Programs in this series of particular interest to service men and women are broadcast overseas through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Tonight the music was under the direction of Frederick Steiner. The author was Frank Fairies and your narrator was Dean Carlton. This is your FBI is a Jerry Devine production. 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 for this is your fbr. You know, it's kind of fun to plan what you're going to buy in future years with the bond you're buying now. Maybe the woman of the house has her heart set on a new washing machine. Dad can see that new radio and television set. And the youngsters have super deluxe extra special bikes and toys in mind. But buying time isn't here. New low priced goods aren't on the market yet. More important than that, we still have a debt to pay before we go on a spending tear. A debt to the veterans who fought in the war and their families. Many veterans will require hospitalization. Others will want loans and education. We have a debt in the war contracts that were canceled with the coming of the peace. That's why the government is asking us to buy bonds now during the Victory Loan. This will be the last bond drive. It won't be long before we can go back to a facsimile of living as usual. But until then, let's put over this Victory Loan by buying that bond. This is the American Broadcasting Company.
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: This Is Your FBI: The Bobby Sox Bandit
Original Airdate: November 23, 1945
Podcast Upload: October 12, 2025
This episode, "The Bobby Sox Bandit," dramatizes a real FBI case from the 1940s focused on juvenile delinquency. It follows two 17-year-old girls, Bonnie Lawton and Phyllis Tyler, who run away from home and become embroiled in a multi-state spree of car thefts and robberies as they chase the Hollywood dream. The episode highlights both the social problem of youth crime and the role of parental neglect in its rise. It ultimately delivers a cautionary message about the responsibilities of parents and society in safeguarding and guiding America's youth.
The episode uses the crisp, dramatic narration characteristic of Golden Age radio, blending hard-hitting police procedural with moments of youthful naivety and dark humor, especially in the banter between the two girls. The FBI agents’ dialogue is measured and procedural, while Bonnie and Phyllis’s exchanges swing between excitement, bravado, insecurity, and childish stubbornness.
Listeners are treated to a rich, evocative story blending entertainment and social commentary. The case is emblematic of 1940s anxieties about youth, crime, and the shifting American family, delivered with the immediacy and moralizing flair typical of "This Is Your FBI." The interplay between youthful rebellion and adult responsibility gives the episode its emotional weight and lasting relevance.