This Is Your FBI: The Carnival Killing 05/10/1946

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "This Is Your FBI: The Carnival Killing" (05/10/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Title: This Is Your FBI: The Carnival Killing
Original Air Date: May 10, 1946
Podcast Release Date: March 8, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of This Is Your FBI dramatizes a real case from FBI files titled "The Carnival Killing." Set against the bustling, transient backdrop of a traveling carnival, the story intertwines the fates of a fugitive, an army deserter, and a carnival cashier. The core theme explores the inevitability of justice and the moral truth that "your sins will find you out."

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Major Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The Carnival

• The episode opens on a typical Saturday afternoon at a carnival, with music from a merry-go-round and crowds bustling on the midway.
• [02:53] Characters introduced:
  • Babe: Carnival cashier.
  • Larry Marlin (Hampton): Carnival concession runner, fugitive from his past.
  • Jack Crawford: A figure from Larry's past, arrives with secrets.

2. Inciting Incident: Blackmail and Threats

• Jack Crawford recognizes Larry, calling him by his old name (Hampton) and threatening to expose him as an army deserter unless he's given shelter.
  • [05:19] “It just so happens that your boyfriend here is a deserter from the army. And…the FBI is looking for him.” – Jack Crawford
• Crawford inserts himself into Babe and Larry's lives, using blackmail as leverage.
• A triangle of suspicion and unease is established between Babe, Larry, and Jack.

3. FBI Involvement: The Hunt for Jack Crawford

• [06:29] At the FBI’s St. Louis office, Agent Phillips and Special Agent Gaynor discuss the recent Oklahoma bank robbery. Crawford is identified as the third man at large.
• Crawford is seen abandoning the getaway car, making agents suspect he's hiding locally, possibly among the itinerant workers of the carnival.

4. Escalating Tensions and Fatal Confrontation

• Rivalry between Jack and Larry intensifies, especially regarding Babe and Larry's intent to eventually marry ("get that ring").
• Larry admits his desertion was due to his mother’s illness but says he’s regained his self-respect and plans to turn himself in.
  • [12:50] “You know why I deserted? You know, I went over the hill because my mother was sick…But your moving in on me has changed my mind…my self-respect.” – Larry Marlin
• In a moment of violence, Jack fatally strikes Larry with a whiskey bottle during a heated argument.
  • [13:57] Sound effect of a bottle, fatal blow.

5. Investigation and Unraveling the Crime

• [17:54] Larry’s body is found near the edge of town; the wound indicates murder, not an accident.
• Agents use forensic details—glass fragments, carnival-site debris in shoe treads—to connect the crime scene to the carnival.
  • [21:13] “I examined the heels and they were made of rubber. And stuck in the indentations were bits of what turned out to be pineapple, popcorn, peanut shells and sawdust.” – Gaynor
• [22:05] Bloodstained bottle fragments with fingerprints are recovered; analysis ties them to Jack Crawford.

6. Panic and Flight

• Babe and Jack, now consumed by guilt and fear, plot to flee. Babe is wracked with nervous guilt over the murder.
  • [19:42] “What do you think? ... the way it happened. You're killing him like that.” – Babe
• Their plan is to leave immediately, using Larry's money as a means of escape.

7. Resolution: Justice Prevails

• FBI agents close in as Babe and Jack prepare to escape.
  • [24:47] “Stay where you are, Crawford…Don’t try anything, Jack... We want to talk to you both about the murder of Larry Hampton.” – Agent Phillips
• Both are arrested; Jack Crawford receives a long penitentiary sentence, and Babe is incarcerated for her role.
• The episode ends with a reflection on the futility of attempting to evade justice:
  • [25:36] “Why do criminals go on defying the inevitability of that inexorable truth? Be sure your sins will find you out…Justice gives no odds. Justice is unbeatable.” – Narrator

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:48] Moral Framing:
  “The inevitability of that ancient truth which disciplines all human conduct…Be sure your sins will find you out.” – Narrator

• [05:19] Exposure:
  “Your boyfriend here is a deserter from the army. And…the FBI is looking for him.” – Jack Crawford

• [12:50] Turning Point:
  “But your moving in on me has changed my mind…My self-respect.” – Larry Marlin

• [13:57] Climax:
  (Sound of bottle, fatal blow, and Babe’s reaction.)

• [19:56] Guilt:
  “The way it happened. You're killing him like that.” – Babe

• [21:13] Detective Work:
  “…heels…made of rubber. And stuck in the indentations were bits of what turned out to be pineapple, popcorn, peanut shells and sawdust.” – Agent Gaynor

• [25:36] Epilogue:
  “Justice gives no odds. Justice is unbeatable.” – Narrator

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Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:53-06:06]: Introduction of main characters, initial conflict, blackmail setup
• [06:29-07:19]: FBI receives and processes leads on fugitive Jack Crawford
• [11:32-14:02]: Tensions climax in confrontation and murder of Larry Marlin
• [17:02-19:00]: Discovery of the body; forensic investigation begins
• [21:02-22:34]: Evidence (bottle fragments, fingerprints) leads agents closer to the killer
• [24:00-25:36]: Attempted escape and final arrest of Babe and Jack Crawford
• [25:36-end]: Moral coda; justice prevails; episode concluded

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Episode Tone and Style

• Classic radio noir: Snappy dialogue, sharply drawn characters, and a heavy sense of moral consequence.
• Narrative voice is formal, didactic, and dramatic, with regular ethical commentary and reminders about justice’s inevitability.

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For Listeners

This thrilling case showcases the Golden Age of Radio’s blend of suspenseful storytelling and moral lessons, as well as detailed crime investigation. With lively carnival atmosphere, hardboiled characters, and the relentless march of justice, The Carnival Killing is a quintessential episode for old-time detective fans.

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Next week: The Fugitive Horse Player (announced at end of episode)

Transcript

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] the Equitable Life Assurance Society

[Narrator/Announcer]

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. And now, a special request to boys and girls, if your father and mother don't happen to be listening to this is your FBI tonight. Please get them. Tell them that the Equitable Life Assurance Society, the sponsor of this program, is going to make an important announcement to homeowners and to all families that are thinking of buying or building a home. Tell mother and dad they're going to miss something if they don't get the facts on America's finest plan for home ownership. Tonight's FBI file. The carnival killing.

[Narrator]

Day after day, the criminal goes on defying it. And as twice reflected in tonight's case from the files of your FBI, day after day he is caught up in its inevitability. The inevitability of that ancient truth which disciplines all human conduct and from which there is no exemption. Be sure your sins will find you out. Our story tonight could take place in most any kind of setting you could name, and it could involve persons of most any rank or station in life. But it just so happens that this particular time it actually took place in a carnival setting. That music, of course, is coming from a merry go round somewhere down the midway. And the crowd just part of the Saturday afternoon throng. Over here to one side, the main money wagon. The attractive girl seated at the open

[Agent Phillips]

window is the cashier.

[Narrator]

And the dapper young gent in the plaid suit and straw hat just walking up to her, runs the concession just across the midway.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hi, babe.

[Babe]

Hi, Larry.

[Larry Marlin]

Well, how goes with the umpjays?

[Babe]

Eh, kind of slow.

[Larry Marlin]

Yeah, I got the same complaint.

[Agent Gaynor]

No booze, not enough.

[Larry Marlin]

But here's a hundred you can salt away for it.

[Babe]

That ain't bad.

[Agent Gaynor]

If the suckers will start throwing hoops,

[Larry Marlin]

I ought to take in another yard by shutdown.

[Babe]

Keep slugging then, Junior.

[Larry Marlin]

Pretty soon, babe, you get that ring?

[Babe]

You mean the big one? The one we've seen in St. Louis?

[Larry Marlin]

Oh, are you kidding? That comes heavy, sweetie.

[Babe]

Well, it was your idea.

[Larry Marlin]

Okay, okay, I'll. I'll keep slugging for it. Here, give me four rows of quarters, huh?

[Babe]

Here you are.

[Larry Marlin]

See you later, babe.

[Babe]

Along there.

[Jack Crawford]

Hello. Hello. Now, we settle the intro real quick, didn't we?

[Babe]

Did we?

[Jack Crawford]

My name's Jack Crawford. What's yours?

[Babe]

People who know me call me Babe.

[Jack Crawford]

I'll buy that.

[Babe]

You don't know me.

[Agent Gaynor]

I will.

[Babe]

Fast operator.

[Jack Crawford]

How long you been waiting for that ring?

[Babe]

You were on the erie.

[Jack Crawford]

That's right.

[Babe]

Why should the ring interest you?

[Jack Crawford]

With me, you could have had it by now.

[Babe]

Job, will ya?

[Jack Crawford]

I mean, it's.

[Babe]

Look, that ring has a marriage deal wrapped around it, mister. So I guess the show is over.

[Jack Crawford]

Just the first act, babe.

[Babe]

What do you mean?

[Jack Crawford]

Here comes the second act now.

[Babe]

Oh, he's seen you talking to me.

[Jack Crawford]

What's wrong with that?

[Babe]

Larry don't like for me to fool around.

[Jack Crawford]

No kidding.

[Larry Marlin]

Okay, Mac, quit bothering to help and move along before I.

[Jack Crawford]

Before you what?

[Larry Marlin]

Just get moving, that's all.

[Jack Crawford]

You remember me now, don't you? Aren't you?

[Babe]

What are you talking about, babe?

[Jack Crawford]

There's an old sin. You can't fool all of the people all of the time. Not even with a mustache. Am I right, Mr. Hampton?

[Babe]

His name ain't Hampton. It's Marlin.

[Jack Crawford]

Back in Terre Haute, it was Hampton.

[Babe]

Larry, what's this all about?

[Larry Marlin]

Oh, he's got me mixed up, that's all.

[Jack Crawford]

Babe, tell the guy to quit covering, will you? It just so happens that your boyfriend here is a deserter from the army.

[Babe]

What?

[Jack Crawford]

And on account of that, the FBI is looking for him and.

[Larry Marlin]

That's enough.

[Jack Crawford]

I figured it would be Larry. Now, as I was saying, back in Terre Haute, his name was Hampton. We were old pals back there. Right, Larry? Well, even though he won't admit it, honey, we were. And because we were pals, I'm gonna have to ask him for a little favor.

[Larry Marlin]

What do you want?

[Jack Crawford]

I gotta get out of circulation for a while, and this looks like a

[Narrator]

good place to do it.

[Jack Crawford]

So I'm moving in with you.

[Agent Phillips]

Now, wait a minute.

[Jack Crawford]

And remember, before you make any beef that I'm in a real good spot to blow a whistle. How about it?

[Larry Marlin]

Okay.

[Jack Crawford]

Well, that's the end of the second act. Third act coming up, babe.

[Narrator]

A few miles away in the St. Louis office of the FBI agent in charge, Phillips has just summoned Special Agent Gaynor to his office.

[Agent Phillips]

You want to see me, Mr. Phillips?

[Agent Gaynor]

Yes, Gaynor.

[Jack Crawford]

What's up?

[Agent Gaynor]

Just got a follow up on that Oklahoma bank robbery yesterday.

[Agent Phillips]

Really?

[Agent Gaynor]

The agents down there caught two of the men early this morning.

[Jack Crawford]

Did they talk?

[Agent Gaynor]

Yes. Here's the description of the third man still at Large.

[Agent Phillips]

Has it been checked with Washington?

[Agent Gaynor]

That's Washington's check on it. In your hand now. Just came in on the teletype. Oh, the man's name is Jack Crawford.

[Agent Phillips]

He's already served two years for robbery, too.

[Agent Gaynor]

His home state is Indiana, and he just may be headed for there.

[Agent Phillips]

Which could bring him through Missouri and maybe even St. Louis. How is he traveling?

[Agent Gaynor]

Last in the car they used in the robbery. There's an alarm out on it now.

[Agent Phillips]

He may abandon that soon.

[Agent Gaynor]

If so, it'll make his trail that much hotter.

[Agent Phillips]

Well, are we getting a set of

[Agent Gaynor]

fingerprints and a photo on him in the morning? Yeah, ma'.

[Jack Crawford]

Am. Good.

[Agent Gaynor]

You better contact police headquarters here right away and see that they're up to date on the case. And state police too.

[Jack Crawford]

Right.

[Babe]

Just a minute.

[Jack Crawford]

How you tonight, babe?

[Babe]

Hello there.

[Jack Crawford]

Got sick of hanging around Larry's trailer. Thought I'd come over and see yours.

[Babe]

Uh huh.

[Jack Crawford]

You asking me?

[Agent Gaynor]

Okay.

[Babe]

Come ahead.

[Jack Crawford]

Thanks. Hey, it's real nice, all them curtains and stuff. Just like home.

[Babe]

Thanks.

[Jack Crawford]

You through work for the day?

[Babe]

No, I just got two hours off.

[Jack Crawford]

Well, I got two free hours myself. Mind if I sit down?

[Babe]

Go ahead.

[Jack Crawford]

Thanks.

[Babe]

Where's Larry?

[Jack Crawford]

Out flipping the suckers, I guess. You know, this county business is quite a touch. Imagine making a living out of people throwing hoops at little kings.

[Babe]

Does Larry know you came over here?

[Jack Crawford]

Why?

[Babe]

He ain't gonna like it.

[Jack Crawford]

That gonna bother you?

[Babe]

No.

[Jack Crawford]

Then let's not worry about him.

[Agent Gaynor]

Okay.

[Jack Crawford]

Tell me something, will you?

[Babe]

What?

[Jack Crawford]

It's ring business. You really gonna marry the guy?

[Babe]

That's the general idea.

[Jack Crawford]

Why?

[Babe]

Why do most people get married?

[Jack Crawford]

Well, the book says love. You know, that moonlight and roses stuff. But I don't seem to catch any of that going on with you.

[Babe]

You're doing an awful fast add up, mister.

[Jack Crawford]

No. Just watching history repeat itself.

[Babe]

What do you mean?

[Jack Crawford]

I already told you. I knew Larry back in Terre Haute.

[Babe]

So?

[Jack Crawford]

So I've seen him in action with other dames. He's one of them nice guy characters. You know, sweetheart, that's all right for squares, but it ain't for you. Am I right?

[Babe]

Want some coffee?

[Jack Crawford]

Am I right?

[Babe]

You're right.

[Jack Crawford]

You know what? You really want someone like me.

[Babe]

I'm going to make that coffee.

[Jack Crawford]

Wait a minute. Come in. Well, now, look, sweetheart.

[Babe]

Who is it?

[Agent Phillips]

Larry.

[Babe]

Oh, let him in, Hoodie.

[Jack Crawford]

Let him in.

[Larry Marlin]

Hiya, honey. I just got a minute and I thought I'd. What are you doing here, Jack?

[Jack Crawford]

Just dropped in.

[Larry Marlin]

Babe, has this guy been bothering you?

[Babe]

No, no, he. He just Came here looking for you.

[Larry Marlin]

He knew where to find me. He came here to see you.

[Jack Crawford]

Remember, I'm your guest. You forget it, you'll be Uncle Sam's guest, so just take it easy. See you later, Babe.

[Agent Gaynor]

Phillips Speaking.

[Agent Phillips]

This is gaynor, Mr. Phillips.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Agent Gaynor]

Got a lead on Jack Crawford.

[Agent Phillips]

Yes. The police just found his car.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where?

[Agent Phillips]

He drove it into a garage here in St. Louis yesterday morning, early and apparently abandoned it.

[Agent Gaynor]

That gives him over a 24 hour start on us.

[Agent Phillips]

I know.

[Agent Gaynor]

Any new auto thefts reported?

[Jack Crawford]

No.

[Agent Gaynor]

And start checking bus, railroad and airline terminals and ticket offices. You've got his photo?

[Agent Phillips]

Yes.

[Agent Gaynor]

If he didn't steal or buy transportation out of here, then he's somewhere in the vicinity.

[Jack Crawford]

I hope he is.

[Agent Gaynor]

So do I. Keep in touch.

[Agent Phillips]

Right.

[Jack Crawford]

Babe.

[Babe]

Hey, babe. What is it, Larry?

[Larry Marlin]

I thought you were going to wait for me at the money wagon.

[Babe]

I didn't say I would.

[Larry Marlin]

But you always do.

[Babe]

Look, I've got to get back to the trail.

[Larry Marlin]

Wait. Wait a minute, babe. Look, I got to talk to you.

[Babe]

Save it, will you, Larry? I'm tired.

[Larry Marlin]

Well, I just wanted to tell you, honey, I'm sorry about the story afternoon. I didn't mean to blow my top, but that guy coming to see you, finding him there, I just couldn't take it.

[Babe]

You told me all that. Good night, Larry.

[Larry Marlin]

Let me come in a minute, Babe, I've got to talk this out with you.

[Babe]

It's been talked out.

[Larry Marlin]

Please, Just for a minute.

[Babe]

Okay, Come ahead. Don't forget this is getaway night. We got a long trip ahead of us.

[Agent Gaynor]

I know.

[Babe]

Will you turn on the light?

[Agent Gaynor]

Yeah, sure.

[Jack Crawford]

There we are. Hiya, Larry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jack, what are you doing here?

[Jack Crawford]

Waiting for Babe.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What for?

[Jack Crawford]

They wanted to see her.

[Larry Marlin]

Look, you get out of here.

[Agent Gaynor]

Get out quick.

[Jack Crawford]

Wait a minute. I think Babe should have something to say about that. You want me to go, hun? Leave her at it.

[Babe]

Look, please don't start anything.

[Jack Crawford]

Yeah, the army might not like it.

[Larry Marlin]

Jack, I got some news for you on that army business. It isn't gonna work anymore.

[Jack Crawford]

No? No.

[Larry Marlin]

You know why I deserted? You know I went over the hill because my mother was sick. At the time. I didn't have guts enough to go back. But your moving in on me has changed my mind.

[Jack Crawford]

This hero talk is for your benefit.

[Larry Marlin]

No, no, no. It's for something I found again after a long, long time. My self respect.

[Jack Crawford]

Oh, this is great. Tell us more.

[Larry Marlin]

Daddy, I finished.

[Jack Crawford]

Now get out. What for? You're gonna turn yourself in. There's no need for me to get out.

[Narrator]

Ever.

[Jack Crawford]

What do you mean you tell em, Babe.

[Babe]

No, Chad, please.

[Jack Crawford]

Okay, then I'll spill. It makes no difference to Babe whether you go through with this patriotic pitch or not. What? She's changed her mind too, Babe, what's she talking about?

[Babe]

Let's not argue anymore tonight, huh, honey?

[Jack Crawford]

Might as well know. Well, she's found herself a real guy. Why, you dirty. Jack.

[Babe]

Jack, darling, did he hurt you?

[Jack Crawford]

Yeah, he hurt me. But not as bad as this bottle will hurt him.

[Agent Phillips]

Jack,

[Babe]

he hit a moral hide.

[Jack Crawford]

So what?

[Babe]

He's bleeding awful bad. Jack, I think he's dead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now, before the FBI file on the carnival killing resumes as it will in just a moment, here's that important message for homeowners and home buyers. This week at the Equitable Life Assurance Society, I met a man with one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen in my life. Boy, do I feel good. He grinned and he waved a paper at me. You see that? He said. That's the mortgage on my house. And today it's just a piece of paper. That mortgage is all paid off every last century. I own my home free and clear, and nobody can take it away from me. Well, there's no question about it. One of the red letter days in any man's life is the day he pays off his mortgage. And that's a day that's not too far off when you buy a house through the Equitable Society's Assured Home Ownership Plan. A plan which combines these five advantages. One, the mortgage is canceled, paid off in full. If owner dies immediately, the widow owns her home free and clear. Two, a special cash fund is built up and it's always ready to be used if financial emergencies threaten the home. Three, mortgage interest not at 6%, not at 5%, but at only 4%. Four, liberal allowance to cover title search, lawyers fees and other closing costs. No broker's commission or bonus charges. 5, 1 Low monthly payment covers everything and provides free and clear ownership in the time you select. Well, frankly, there is no other plan like this anywhere. The Equitable Society calls it America's finest plan for home ownership. It protects you against the two major hazards of home, death and hard times. So if you're planning to buy or build a house, or if you now own a home, get complete information on the Assured Home Ownership plan from your Equitable Society representative. That's the Equitable Society. E Q U I T A B L E. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And now back to the FBI file. The carnival killing.

[Narrator]

Sometimes fate inflicts a far severer penalty for a crime than justice would have meted out. Justice would not have demanded the life of the army deserter, the man called Larry Marlin, but fate in the form of a conspiracy by one who found out his crime did take his life. So however harsh the penalty, it confirms the inevitability of that truth. Be sure your sins will find you out. And as for the man who took his life, It is next morning now and in answer to a call from police headquarters a few minutes ago. Agent in Charge Phillips of the FBI St. Louis office, accompanied by Special Agent Gaynor, have just entered the city morgue.

[Police Officer]

Here's the body right here, Mr. Phillips. We knew, of course, this couldn't be Jack Crawford.

[Agent Gaynor]

Oh, that's not Crawford.

[Police Officer]

But since no identification was found on him, we thought we'd better check with you in case he just might be somebody else the FBI was interested in.

[Agent Gaynor]

Glad you did.

[Police Officer]

Took a set of fingerprints for you.

[Jack Crawford]

Here we are.

[Agent Gaynor]

Thanks. Anything familiar about him to you, Gaynor? No, I can't say that there is. Look again, Gaynor. Forget there's a mistake. Yes.

[Agent Phillips]

Yes, there is something kind of familiar about that face, now that you mention it.

[Agent Gaynor]

Lawrence Hampton.

[Jack Crawford]

Hampton?

[Agent Gaynor]

He's an army deserter. We took his photo out of the files just last week.

[Agent Phillips]

Oh, sure, I remember.

[Agent Gaynor]

I'm certain it's he.

[Agent Phillips]

Well, the fingerprints will tell for sure.

[Agent Gaynor]

Where was this body found, Officer?

[Police Officer]

Way out near the edge of town. Southside.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just before daylight.

[Agent Gaynor]

It's a nasty gash on his head.

[Jack Crawford]

Yes.

[Police Officer]

We thought at first he was a hit and run victim, but we checked some fragments of glass.

[Jack Crawford]

We found the wound.

[Police Officer]

They weren't from headlights.

[Jack Crawford]

What then?

[Police Officer]

They appear to be pieces from a whiskey bottle.

[Agent Gaynor]

And this was deliberate murder?

[Police Officer]

I'd think so.

[Agent Phillips]

Any trace of the whiskey bottle near the body?

[Agent Gaynor]

No.

[Police Officer]

Then we did a thorough search for it, too. It's my theory that the murder was committed somewhere else and the body dumped there.

[Agent Gaynor]

Where are his clothes?

[Police Officer]

We have him outside in the locker.

[Agent Gaynor]

Gaynor.

[Jack Crawford]

Yes, sir.

[Agent Gaynor]

Check them over, see what you can find.

[Jack Crawford]

Right.

[Agent Gaynor]

I'm going to take these prints back to the office and make sure they're Hampton's.

[Agent Phillips]

That you, babe?

[Jack Crawford]

I thought you were working right through.

[Babe]

I had to get a relief. I feel awful.

[Jack Crawford]

What's the matter now?

[Babe]

What do you think?

[Jack Crawford]

Look, forget that, will you, Jack?

[Babe]

How can I?

[Jack Crawford]

Nothing's going to happen, baby. When they find the body, they'll think he was hit by a car, that's all. Besides, he's a lambaster. The cops won't care how he got it.

[Babe]

That part of it don't bother me.

[Jack Crawford]

What are you feeling so bad about?

[Babe]

The way it happened. You're killing him like that.

[Jack Crawford]

Look, how many times do I have to tell you? I did it in self defense. Besides, it brought us together, didn't it?

[Babe]

Yeah.

[Jack Crawford]

All right. Anybody been asking for him?

[Babe]

Sure.

[Jack Crawford]

What'd you tell him?

[Babe]

Just like we made it up. That he went off on a bender this morning as soon as we hit the lot. Probably wound up in St. Louis.

[Jack Crawford]

That should cover it. Good.

[Babe]

Jack, let's get out of here.

[Jack Crawford]

Quit the show?

[Babe]

Yeah.

[Jack Crawford]

Look, honey, if you take a run out, you might as well put an ad in the paper that you've done the job.

[Babe]

I done it.

[Jack Crawford]

Sure. So take a pill for your nerves, kid, and go on back to work. Everything's gonna turn out. Fin. Can I Come in, Mr. Phillips?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, come ahead, Gaynor.

[Agent Gaynor]

How'd you make out?

[Agent Phillips]

I have plenty to report. Good.

[Agent Gaynor]

Oh, by the way, the victim is definitely Hampton.

[Agent Phillips]

I checked the prints and I checked his clothes.

[Agent Gaynor]

What'd you find?

[Agent Phillips]

Well, nothing much until I got down to his shoes.

[Agent Gaynor]

What about them?

[Agent Phillips]

Well, I examined the heels and they were made of rubber. And stuck in the indentations were bits of what turned out to be pineapple, popcorn, peanut shells and sawdust.

[Agent Gaynor]

That sounds like you've been to the circus. But there aren't any playing in St. Louis.

[Agent Phillips]

There was a carnival playing quite near where Hampton was found. It closed last night.

[Agent Gaynor]

I see.

[Agent Phillips]

Now, if the officer's theory was right, if Hampton was killed elsewhere and dumped on the highway, the murder might have been committed on or near the carnival grounds. Yes, and I'm checking to find out where the show moved to. And meanwhile I wondered if I should cooperate with the local police and hop out and go over the grounds with them. Good idea.

[Agent Gaynor]

Get on it right away. Phillips speaking.

[Agent Phillips]

This is gaynor. Mr. Phillips.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, where are you, Gaynor?

[Agent Phillips]

I just left the carnival ground.

[Narrator]

Any luck?

[Agent Phillips]

Yes, plenty. We found a number of blood stained fragments of the bottle that was used in the murder.

[Agent Gaynor]

That was a break.

[Agent Phillips]

I know. The neck of the bottle was intact and there appears to be a good set of fingerprints on it.

[Agent Gaynor]

Fine, fine.

[Agent Phillips]

And we found these fragments where the trailers had been parked. The trailers that the people in the show lived in.

[Agent Gaynor]

I see. Now, that could localize the killing.

[Agent Phillips]

Yes. Now, has any report come in on where the show moved to?

[Agent Gaynor]

Not yet. It shouldn't be hard to find.

[Agent Phillips]

Well, I'll bring the section of the bottle with the Prints back with me. Good.

[Agent Gaynor]

We can do a quick check in our files before sending them on to Washington.

[Agent Phillips]

Yes, sir.

[Jack Crawford]

I'll be right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gaynor. Yes, sir.

[Agent Gaynor]

Will you put those prints under the glass again, please?

[Police Officer]

Yes, sir.

[Agent Gaynor]

There's something familiar about that one. Whorl, hand me that stack of prints there.

[Agent Phillips]

Right.

[Agent Gaynor]

I'm just going to play a hunch here.

[Jack Crawford]

You.

[Agent Gaynor]

Now, let me see. That's identical. Those lines. Check. Little break there. It's the same Gaynor. The same Prince. My hunch was right.

[Agent Phillips]

Well, who is it?

[Agent Gaynor]

Our elusive friend, Jack Crawford. Crawford? Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really?

[Agent Phillips]

Well, how did he and Hemp never get together?

[Agent Gaynor]

Well, that's what we have to find out. You say this bottle was found near where they parked the employees trailers?

[Agent Phillips]

That's right.

[Agent Gaynor]

There's a chance Crawford is somehow linked with that show.

[Agent Phillips]

Well, a report just came in. We know where they're playing now. It's only 50 miles from here.

[Agent Gaynor]

I think we better get out there fast.

[Jack Crawford]

Who is it?

[Babe]

Let me in.

[Jack Crawford]

Come on.

[Babe]

What'd you have the door lock for?

[Jack Crawford]

I ain't looking for company. Thought you're gonna keep working.

[Babe]

Oh, Jack, I had to quit. A thousand pills wouldn't do me any good. I mean it. Every time a stranger had come up to the booth. I think it was a cop getting set to ask a few questions. I felt people standing in the crowds looking at me like they were watching my every move.

[Jack Crawford]

They. Take it easy, will you? Will you take it easy?

[Babe]

We can't go on with this anymore. We gotta get out of here and right now.

[Jack Crawford]

What'll we use for dough?

[Babe]

I got Larry's money. Some he gave me toward the ring.

[Jack Crawford]

How far will that get?

[Babe]

I don't care. We gotta go now.

[Jack Crawford]

Okay, babe. We do it your way. But how do we explain pulling out?

[Babe]

I'll say that I'm going to St. Louis to look for Larry.

[Jack Crawford]

That'll do, I guess.

[Babe]

You go get the car at the park in the lot.

[Jack Crawford]

Okay.

[Agent Phillips]

Stay where you are, Crawford.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Agent Gaynor]

Don't try anything, Jack.

[Babe]

Who's there?

[Agent Gaynor]

We're special agents of the FBI. We want to talk to you both

[Narrator]

about the murder of Larry Hampton. Jack Crawford was sentenced to a long term in the penitentiary for the murder of Larry Hampton. His female companion was also sent to prison for her part in the crime. Why do criminals go on defying the inevitability of that inexorable truth? Be sure your sins will find you out. Why do they go on making their futile challenges to the inescapability of justice? Why do they play A game they cannot possibly be. It's not even a gambler. For a gamble presupposes a chance to win. But justice gives no odds. Justice is unbeatable.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Next week, another thrilling case from the files of your FBI. We'll tell you about it in just a moment. But now let me refresh your memory on the more important features of the Equitable Society's assured Home Ownership Plan. Remember that the mortgage interest is only 4%. Remember that one low monthly payment covers everything. Remember that if the owner dies, the widow owns the home without any mortgage at all. Yes, the assured home ownership plan is practically foreclosure proof. These are only a few of the advantages of the assured Home ownership plan. To get the full story, talk to the Equitable Society representative in your community. Ask him for literature that gives you all details. Look in your local phone book for the name. The Equitable Life Assurance Society. Equi T A B L E the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.

[Narrator]

Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Fugitive Horse Player.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Societies broadcasts 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. Carl, this is your FBI is a Jerry Devine production And now this is Carl Franks 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 Fugitive Horse Player on this is your FBI. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.