This Is Your FBI: The Confidence Game 06/15/1945

Summary

Detailed Summary of "This Is Your FBI: The Confidence Game"

Podcast Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: This Is Your FBI: The Confidence Game
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: July 13, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled "This Is Your FBI: The Confidence Game," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode delves into the intricate workings of a sophisticated confidence scheme during the tumultuous war period, showcasing the relentless efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten national security and financial stability.

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The Swindle Setup

The narrative opens with an FBI Agent setting the stage for the confidence game, highlighting the proliferation of swindlers during the war era due to increased economic activities:

FBI Narrator [01:49]: "The present war period has created a fertile field for the swindler."

The story centers around Mr. Mitchell, a respectable businessman in Chicago, who becomes the unsuspecting target of a meticulously planned scam. The con begins when Mr. Perry, posing as a representative of the British Farm Equipment Limited, approaches Mr. Mitchell with a lucrative post-war business proposition:

Mr. Perry [03:25]: "Well, as you know, I'm the American representative of British Farm Equipment Limited. Yes, our headquarters, of course, are in London."

Mr. Perry’s approach is calculated to appear legitimate, employing genuine-sounding details to gain Mr. Mitchell's trust. He offers Mr. Mitchell the opportunity to oversee a new factory in the United States, positioning it as a grand business venture:

Mr. Mitchell [04:12]: "You don't say."

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The Confidence Game Unfolds

As the plot thickens, Frankie Stevens, introduced as Sir Richard Barton, the financial director, further entangles Mr. Mitchell by incorporating additional con artists into the scheme. Together with Mr. Jackson, they present an enticing investment opportunity involving confidential information about horse racing tips, promising substantial profits:

Mr. Jackson [07:14]: "He's a guest here."

The confidence ring employs classic swindling techniques—offering seemingly too-good-to-be-true returns to lure the victim deeper into their trap. Over three days, they manipulate Mr. Mitchell into investing $120,000, exploiting his trust and orchestrating an illusion of success:

Mr. Jackson [10:11]: "It's amazing. Amazing."

However, the scheme takes a dramatic turn when Mr. Perry betrays Mr. Mitchell by betting his share of the money on a high-stakes race without consent, leading to financial loss and physical distress:

Mr. Perry [16:07]: "Oh, that's awful."

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The FBI Investigation

Following the collapse of the swindle, Mr. Mitchell becomes suspicious and seeks assistance from the FBI. The episode meticulously outlines the FBI's methodical approach to cracking the case, emphasizing their use of advanced technology and inter-agency cooperation:

FBI Narrator [05:05]: "The first act in any swindle must sound completely authentic."

The FBI agents employ detailed investigative techniques, such as analyzing the authenticity of communications and leveraging the General Appearance File to identify suspects based on Mr. Mitchell's descriptions:

Sir Richard Barton [21:43]: "He positively identified all four men."

Collaborating with international counterparts like Scotland Yard, the FBI narrows down the suspects' identities, ultimately tracing them through meticulous examination of the printed letterhead and hotel records:

Sir Richard Barton [24:10]: "Then they're all still together?"

The persistence of the FBI leads to the apprehension of the confidence ring members aboard the 20th Century train bound for Chicago, showcasing their dedication and strategic prowess:

FBI Narrator [24:54]: "Frankie, you look as if you're still asleep."

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Resolution and Conclusions

The episode concludes with the conviction of the swindlers. A federal grand jury in Boston indicts Barton, Perry, Jackson, and Stevens, leading to their sentencing to eight years in federal penitentiary:

FBI Narrator [28:41]: "In tonight's case, a federal grand jury convening in Boston indicted Barton, Perry, Jackson and Stevens."

Through this narrative, the episode highlights the FBI's effectiveness in combating financial crimes and restoring justice. It underscores the importance of vigilance and the role of law enforcement in upholding societal integrity.

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Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several quotes stand out, illustrating the tension and progression of the confidence game:

• Mr. Perry [03:17]: "This is a really big proposition."
• Mr. Mitchell [04:12]: "You don't say."
• Frankie Stevens [10:15]: "Can I put in my two cent worth?"
• Mr. Perry [16:07]: "Oh, that's awful."
• FBI Narrator [28:41]: "The confidence game has an ancient and dishonorable history."

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Conclusion

"This Is Your FBI: The Confidence Game" is a compelling episode that masterfully weaves a tale of deceit, trust, and justice. By showcasing the intricate methods of both the confidence ring and the FBI's investigation, it offers listeners a nuanced understanding of early 20th-century financial crimes and the unwavering pursuit of law enforcement to safeguard society. Whether you're a long-time fan of old-time radio or a newcomer to the genre, this episode provides an engaging and informative experience that underscores the timeless battle between con artists and those dedicated to stopping them.

Transcript

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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] this is your FBI.

[FBI Agent]

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

[FBI Narrator]

There are many ways for a thief to steal. There are many forms of larceny. They range from the simplest stick up to the involved manipulations of a big time swindle. This present war period has created a fertile field for the swindler. Increased salaries, increased employment set up a ready market for his get rich quick activities. On May 22, 1934, Congress, by passing the National Stolen Property act, passed. Put into the hands of the FBI an effective weapon against confidence men. In spite of this, however, swindlers still pursue their losing game. Their drama is an old one, and it's worked with little variation. Its first act might begin as this one does, in the office of a respectable businessman. He is greeting a visitor.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Sit down, Mr. Perry.

[Mr. Perry]

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, warm enough for you?

[Mr. Perry]

I should say so. Phew. You know, I. I thought they called this the Windy City. I haven't even felt a breeze since I've been here.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Why don't you take off your coat?

[Mr. Perry]

Well, sinner, I don't mind if I do. There.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I feel better already.

[Mr. Jackson]

Oh.

[Mr. Mitchell]

How long are you planning to be here in Chicago, Mr. Perry?

[Mr. Perry]

Just long enough to complete my business with you.

[Mr. Mitchell]

You mean you came here just for that? Exactly.

[Mr. Perry]

Well, as I told you in my letter, Mr. Mitchell, this is a really big proposition.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, it must be.

[Frankie Stevens]

You're coming on here from New York.

[Mr. Perry]

Suppose I give you some of the details.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, I. I wish you would.

[Mr. Perry]

Well, as you know, I'm the American representative of British Farm Equipment Limited. Yes, our headquarters, of course, are in London.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Oh, I know the fir My.

[Mr. Perry]

My principals ask me to contact you and find out just how much interest you might have in working along with us on a very ambitious post war.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Program here in the States.

[Mr. Perry]

Yes. Confidentially, we plan to open a factory here as soon as possible.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I see.

[Mr. Perry]

We'd like you to take charge of the plant.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Me?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Me take charge?

[Mr. Perry]

That's right, Senate.

[Frankie Stevens]

But we.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Why should you be interested in me?

[Mr. Perry]

Well, we made a complete survey of all men in the farm equipment field. It should flatter you to know, Mr. Mitchell, that your name came out at the very top of the list.

[Mr. Mitchell]

You don't say.

[Mr. Perry]

So that's why I'm here.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, I certainly am blood.

[Mr. Perry]

Now, I'm not authorized to close any deal with you. I merely came to sound you out and turn in a report.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Of course.

[Mr. Perry]

What can I tell the Home Office, Mr. Mitchell? Are you interested?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, very interested.

[Mr. Perry]

Good. Sir Richard Barton, our financial director, is arriving in this country in the next few weeks. He'll undoubtedly want to get together with you. Can I cable and say that you're willing to talk to him?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Of course.

[Mr. Perry]

Thank you, sir. Well, this has been a very satisfying visit.

[FBI Narrator]

The first act in any swindle must sound completely authentic. Must convince the victim. Must stand up under any investigation he might make. The facts the confidence man gave regarding the farm equipment company were true with only one exception. He did not represent the company. His victim, naturally did not know this. So several weeks later, in answer to a summons from the swindler, Mr. Mitchell traveled east to meet one Sir Richard Barton at a hotel in Newport, Rhode Island.

[Mr. Perry]

Some more bread, Sir Richard?

[Frankie Stevens]

No, thank you.

[Mr. Perry]

And how about you, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

I have some, thanks.

[Frankie Stevens]

What was I just talking about?

[Mr. Mitchell]

The patent rights on that tractor, Sir Richard.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, yes, of course. We have exclusive rights, you know. The tractors can be produced at an extremely low cost.

[Mr. Perry]

We can undercut the whole market.

[Mr. Mitchell]

You mean here in this country?

[Frankie Stevens]

All over the world, Mr. Mitchell, where I. I can tell you confidentially that the British government is interested in our company to quite the large degree that.

[Mr. Perry]

We don't talk about.

[Frankie Stevens]

Though of course, frankly, that's the main reason for my visit to America.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Oh?

[Frankie Stevens]

I have to contact your State Department on some corporation matters. I'm doing it through our own embassy.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I see.

[Frankie Stevens]

I. I may have to ask you to come to Washington with me, Mr. Mitchell.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Why?

[Frankie Stevens]

Because of your extensive knowledge of this type of manufacture. You might be called on for some off the record testimony.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Who had I. I'd like to help.

[Frankie Stevens]

Any way I can fully for you. I had an idea that Mr. Yes, what is it?

[Mr. Perry]

What's this?

[Frankie Stevens]

What A wallet.

[Mr. Perry]

I felt it with my foot. It was under the table. Is it yours, Sir Richard? No, it's not mine, Mr. Mitchell.

[Mr. Mitchell]

No, it doesn't belong to me.

[Mr. Perry]

Well, what do you think I should do?

[Frankie Stevens]

Look inside, Perry, See if there's any identification.

[Mr. Perry]

Oh, well, I hate to.

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, then, here, let me have it.

[Mr. Perry]

Yes, sir.

[Frankie Stevens]

Probably dropped by whoever was dining here. Look here.

[Sir Richard Barton]

What?

[Frankie Stevens]

$1,000 bills, five of them. Here's an identification card. Lee Jackson, Surf Hotel.

[Mr. Perry]

He's a guest here.

[Frankie Stevens]

Evidently.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Pretty careless fellow, I should say.

[Frankie Stevens]

It's fortunate for him that we were the ones who found today. Yes, Perry? Contact Mr. Jackson after dinner. Have him come to my suite. Will. Oh, answer that, will you, Perry?

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes, sir.

[Frankie Stevens]

Another drink, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Not right now, thanks, friend.

[Frankie Stevens]

Like?

[Mr. Perry]

Yes.

[Mr. Jackson]

My name is Jackson, Lee Jackson. Oh, you told me to test somebody up here found my wallet.

[Mr. Perry]

That's right. That's right. Come in.

[Mr. Jackson]

Thanks.

[Mr. Perry]

This is the man who lost the wallet.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, how are you, sir?

[Mr. Jackson]

Okay.

[Frankie Stevens]

You're Mr. Jackson.

[Mr. Jackson]

That's right.

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, I have your wallet here. I think for obvious reasons, you should identify its contents.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Sure.

[Frankie Stevens]

Will you check the items, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Mr. Jackson]

Five $1,000 bills, some money order receipts, three, I think.

[Mr. Mitchell]

That's right.

[Mr. Jackson]

An Elks card, an address book, two letters and a receipt. Racetrack badge in my name.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I think that's all.

[Frankie Stevens]

Does that tally, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, yes, it does.

[Frankie Stevens]

Very well, Let him have the wallet.

[Mr. Jackson]

Thanks.

[Frankie Stevens]

But you're a very fortunate man, Mr. Jackson.

[Mr. Jackson]

I know it. I'd like to do something for you.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, that isn't necessary.

[Mr. Jackson]

Look, take this grand and cut it up between you.

[Mr. Perry]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Jackson, but we're really not interested.

[Frankie Stevens]

Definitely not. Right, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Perry]

Of course.

[Mr. Jackson]

Well, you got another idea?

[Mr. Perry]

Yes.

[Mr. Jackson]

This you can't beef about. Look, I'm around racetracks, what you call a betting commissioner. I'll take this grant and put it on a horse for you. The right kind of a horse.

[Frankie Stevens]

Please.

[Mr. Jackson]

Mr. Jackson wins, we cut up the profits. Now, what's wrong with that?

[FBI Narrator]

Well, how about it?

[Mr. Perry]

What do you think, Sir Richard?

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, I suppose we have to make some compromise with Mr. Jackson.

[Mr. Perry]

And you, Mr. Mitchell.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, I have no objection.

[Mr. Jackson]

Okay, gentlemen, the deal.

[FBI Narrator]

Act 2 of the Swindle is always the build up. The victim is let in on the ground floor, is given something for nothing, usually in great abundance. Mr. Jackson, the latest addition to the rapidly growing confidence ring, returned to the hotel suite the following evening. Returned with a $3,000 profit. His Confederate suggested that the money be bet again. He agreed to this and the second horse won and the profit was $14,000. Another horse was played and another, until at the end of three days, the trio had a profit of $120,000.

[Mr. Jackson]

As the figures. Gentlemen.

[Frankie Stevens]

It's amazing. Amazing.

[Mr. Jackson]

Well, where do we go from here?

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, I. I don't know. What do you think, Perry? You've got me, Mr. Mitchell.

[Mr. Mitchell]

120,000 is a lot of money.

[Frankie Stevens]

Yes, indeed.

[Mr. Mitchell]

That's 30,000 a piece.

[Frankie Stevens]

I know, Mr. Mitchell.

[Mr. Jackson]

Can I put in my two cent worth?

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, by all means, Jackson. Please do.

[Mr. Jackson]

These horses I've been playing weren't exactly stiffs. Naturally, I had to have information, of course. And I can just about guarantee you that the information is going to continue.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Really?

[Mr. Jackson]

I'm expecting a bookmaker up here. He'll have the payoff money with him. Meantime, do a little thinking for a minute. See whether you want to take one more step.

[Frankie Stevens]

Very well.

[Mr. Perry]

Look, I don't have to do any thinking. My mind is made up.

[Frankie Stevens]

In which direction, Perry?

[FBI Narrator]

I'm for playing one more horse.

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, that's very sporting and by Jove, I. I think I'll string along.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I still say 120,000 is a lot of money.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, come now, Mr. Mitchell. After all, we're gambling with their money.

[Mr. Mitchell]

That's true.

[Frankie Stevens]

Will him? Why hesitate?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, all right, I agree.

[Frankie Stevens]

Capital. Capital.

[Mr. Jackson]

That's probably the book.

[Mr. Perry]

Come in, Mr. Jackson.

[Mr. Jackson]

Yeah, come in, come in. Come in, Frankie.

[FBI Narrator]

Okay.

[Mr. Jackson]

This is Mr. Perry, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Barton. Frankie Stevens.

[FBI Agent]

How do you do?

[Mr. Jackson]

Been holding a stockholder's meeting, Frankie.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Jackson]

Just about made up our mind. He's played 120 grand back with you.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Oh, just like that, huh?

[Mr. Jackson]

What's the matter?

[FBI Narrator]

Well, I come here to have a.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Little talk with you about that hundred and twenty.

[Frankie Stevens]

Does this mean he's reneging?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Now, look, mister, I don't operate that way. I've got your dough right here in this little bag. But first I gotta find out something.

[FBI Narrator]

Well, you guys have been getting a free ride.

[FBI Agent]

How?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Suppose you had lost 120,000. Would I have collected?

[Mr. Jackson]

Well, what would I?

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, that's hardly the point.

[Sir Richard Barton]

That's very much the point, mister. In fact, that's the only way you're.

[FBI Narrator]

Gonna get your money.

[Frankie Stevens]

What do you mean?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Show me 120,000. And I mean cash. Then I'll make my payoff.

[Mr. Jackson]

Now, look, that's my deal, boys.

[FBI Narrator]

Now get it up. After the fourth member of the confidence ring, the bookmaker had departed from the Hotel suite. A conference was held. A conference which resulted in the victim, Mr. Mitchell, returning to Chicago, accompanied by Perry, to negotiate a loan to pay his share of the bookmaker's demands. Now the second act of the swindle has been completed. The victim is primed for the kill, obtaining $30,000. 30,000 in cash. Mitchell and Perry return to Newport, return to the Surf Hotel, return for the final act.

[Frankie Stevens]

Now, let me see. You've given me your 30,000, Perry.

[Mr. Perry]

That's right.

[Frankie Stevens]

I have a draft here for 60,000, which was sent to me from New York. I'm putting up Mr. Jackson's share, you know.

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes.

[Frankie Stevens]

And you have your money, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, right here.

[Frankie Stevens]

Splendid. Let me have it, please.

[Sir Richard Barton]

What for?

[Frankie Stevens]

Perry has agreed to go to the bookmaker's establishment. He'll show him our capital and collect our profits.

[FBI Agent]

Oh.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Oh.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Oh, very well.

[Mr. Jackson]

What about the bet?

[Frankie Stevens]

How's that?

[Mr. Jackson]

I thought we agreed that we're going to take a stab at one more horse.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oh, of course, Mr. Jackson, of course. I. It completely slipped my mind.

[Mr. Jackson]

Perry, you'll still have to bring the dough to the book.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, how much are we betting?

[Mr. Jackson]

Our winnings?

[Mr. Mitchell]

We don't touch any of this money that we're putting up. This credit money.

[Frankie Stevens]

Of course not, Mr. Mitchell.

[Mr. Perry]

What's the horse, Jackson?

[Mr. Jackson]

Oh, yeah, here, I. I wrote it out in a slip. You play him the place.

[Frankie Stevens]

Is that for second?

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes.

[Mr. Mitchell]

What's the name of the horse?

[Mr. Jackson]

Why?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, shouldn't we know who we're betting on?

[Mr. Jackson]

You know who we were betting on before? Do you know what horses put us 120 GS ahead?

[FBI Agent]

No.

[Frankie Stevens]

Jackson's right, Mr. Mitchell. He has more than established his honesty to date.

[Mr. Perry]

Let me have the money.

[Frankie Stevens]

Very well. Here you are, Perry.

[Mr. Perry]

I better be getting over there.

[Frankie Stevens]

We'll wait for you here. Good luck, old boy. And good hunting.

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[Frankie Stevens]

Did they announce any results yet, Mr. Jackson?

[Mr. Jackson]

No.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Are you sure you're tuned to the right station?

[Mr. Jackson]

Yeah, yeah, we're getting any minute, huh?

[Frankie Stevens]

You know, this is most exciting. Do you agree, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, a bit Nerve wracking too.

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, I always say a sporting chance is good.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Race at Jamaica, off at three, 21 and a half. They win a post three seconds.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Is that our horse?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Second post 11. Victory ride.

[Mr. Jackson]

That's us. That's our bet for show.

[Mr. Mitchell]

We won.

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes, sir. We picked him in the right slot too. We played him the place.

[Frankie Stevens]

Congratulations, Mr. Jackson. Congratulations.

[Mr. Jackson]

This is one to pay better than three to one.

[Frankie Stevens]

Heavens, we've made a fortune at the comedian. Billy, you're just in time. We won.

[FBI Agent]

Mr.

[Frankie Stevens]

Hurry.

[Mr. Mitchell]

We won our bet.

[Mr. Perry]

On the level? Yes. The horse one.

[Mr. Jackson]

No ran second, but that's good enough for us.

[Mr. Perry]

Second?

[Mr. Jackson]

Yep.

[Mr. Perry]

You mean it didn't win?

[Mr. Jackson]

What's the difference? We still collect.

[Mr. Perry]

Oh, that's awful.

[Frankie Stevens]

What's wrong?

[Mr. Perry]

Oh, I. I did a terrible thing, gentlemen.

[Mr. Jackson]

How do you mean?

[Mr. Perry]

I bet on him to win. You did what?

[FBI Narrator]

But I told you, Perry.

[Mr. Perry]

I know, I know. But he was 10 to 1. I figured you've been lucky right along.

[Frankie Stevens]

Penny, that's disgraceful.

[Mr. Jackson]

No.

[Mr. Perry]

Yes. You haven't heard the whole story.

[Frankie Stevens]

What do you mean by that?

[Mr. Perry]

I. I bet our credit money too.

[Mr. Jackson]

Why you.

[Mr. Perry]

Wait now.

[Frankie Stevens]

Keep away. Jackson. Don't stop. Perry has a very bad heart. Jackson. Good heavens. Perry. Perry, are you all right?

[Mr. Mitchell]

He's unconscious.

[Frankie Stevens]

Yes, Mr. Mitchell. Get a doctor please. There's one on the second floor. Second floor? Yes, honey.

[Mr. Perry]

Very well.

[Frankie Stevens]

All right boys, let's blow.

[FBI Agent]

We momentarily close the Federal Bureau of Investigation file on the confidence ring. We will return to this case in just a moment. We Americans must think very highly of life insurance because we buy more of it than all the rest of the world put together. 70% of the life insurance now in force on this globe is owned by citizens of the United States. All of which goes to prove that we Americans believe in self help and self reliance. Believe in watching out for our futures, believe in educating our own children and in taking care of our families. Of the large number of Americans who feel that way, 3,200,000 have joined forces as members of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Please take particular note of that word society in the Equitable's name. It means that the Equitable is not a profit making enterprise, has no stockholders, is entirely owned by its members, that is to say, by its policyholders. Dollars entrusted to the Equitable Society to build security for its members are put to work in ways that benefit the whole country. Are invested in homes, farming and in scores of the key industries on which our national security and prosperity depend. By serving its members the equitable society serves America. And now back to the file on the confidence ring.

[FBI Narrator]

The confidence game has an ancient and dishonorable history. Its existence can be traced back to the very beginning of time. Through the years, through the centuries, the pattern has varied. But one element has always remained the gullible victim. Mr. Mitchell returned to the hotel suite in Newport, Rhode island, to find that his erstwhile companions had left. Had disappeared, along with his $30,000. Stunned and bewildered, he returned to his home in Chicago after a lapse of several days. After carefully thinking out his entire adventure, he decided to tell the whole story to agents of the FBI.

[Mr. Mitchell]

When I finally located the doctor, I brought him right to the suite. To my amazement, I discovered that everyone was gone.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Including the men who had been assaulted.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, sir.

[Another FBI Agent]

What did you do then, Mr. Mitchell?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Well, to tell you the truth, I was too mixed up to do much of anything.

[Another FBI Agent]

Did you inquire for them at the hotel desk, see if they'd checked out?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Eventually, yes. They hadn't paid their bills. They just left the suite and never returned.

[Another FBI Agent]

I see.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I wound up paying for it myself.

[Sir Richard Barton]

This money you gave them, the 30,000. What were the denominations of the bills?

[Mr. Mitchell]

20S, 50s and hundreds.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Did you, by any chance, keep a record of the serial numbers?

[Mr. Mitchell]

No, I regret to say I didn't. You see, at the time, I. Well, I. I just didn't suspect.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I understand.

[Another FBI Agent]

How did this man who called himself Perry first contact you?

[Mr. Mitchell]

He wrote to me from New York.

[Another FBI Agent]

Did you keep the letter, by any chance?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Yes, I have it on file in my office.

[Another FBI Agent]

We'd like to see it.

[Mr. Mitchell]

Surely.

[Sir Richard Barton]

How accurately do you think you could describe these men?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Oh, quite well. I'm sure of that.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Then suppose you give us the descriptions. We'll send them to Washington, have them checked in the general appearance file.

[FBI Narrator]

The general appearance file is an excellent example of FBI thoroughness. This file consists of photographs and descriptions of approximately 15,000 outstanding criminals. Special agents for the Identification division check this file for information on the confidence ring. They remove punch cards of all persons falling into the general classification of the descriptions furnished. They place these cards in a sorting machine, a machine adjusted to sort and finally select by mechanical means cards bearing descriptions similar to those of the suspects. Within a short time, the machine had done its job. Photographs which bore the same numbers as the cards that have been mechanically selected were sent by airmail, special delivery to the Chicago field office.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Can I see you for a minute, Russ?

[Another FBI Agent]

Yes, Come in, Lou.

[Mr. Jackson]

Right.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I've just been with Mr. Mitchell. Had him check over the photographs Any results? Yes. He positively identified all four men.

[FBI Agent]

Good.

[Sir Richard Barton]

He really was up against a pretty strong team. Yeah. Take a look at them.

[Mr. Jackson]

Very well.

[Sir Richard Barton]

The old boy there, the one who calls himself Sir Richard, is one George Willis, an English confidence man.

[Another FBI Agent]

I see.

[Sir Richard Barton]

The rest of the gang all have quite impressive records, too.

[Another FBI Agent]

I received a report from the Providence office this morning. The agents did a check at the Newport Hotel.

[Sir Richard Barton]

They uncover anything?

[Mr. Jackson]

No.

[Another FBI Agent]

There was no indication as to where the gang had gone.

[Sir Richard Barton]

How about Scotland Yard?

[Another FBI Agent]

We heard from them late yesterday afternoon. British Farm Equipment Limited Is a legitimate company.

[Sir Richard Barton]

How about Sir Richard Barton?

[Another FBI Agent]

Oh, he was financial director of the company, but he died in 1940.

[Sir Richard Barton]

This gang stayed reasonably close to the facts. Yes. Oh, by the way, Mr. Mitchell gave me that letter he received from the man who called himself Perry.

[Another FBI Agent]

May I see him?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Surely.

[Mr. Jackson]

Here you are.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Thanks. Take a look at the letterhead.

[Another FBI Agent]

British Farm Equipment Limited.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I doubt that it's genuine.

[Another FBI Agent]

New York address.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Probably a vacant lot.

[Another FBI Agent]

Yes, but the letter was mailed from New York.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I know.

[Another FBI Agent]

If this stationery is faked, might have been printed there, too.

[Sir Richard Barton]

You're right.

[Another FBI Agent]

Let's send it on to the New York office and find out.

[FBI Narrator]

A slender lead. A letterhead. A letterhead that might have been set up in any print shop in the country. But the letter had been mailed from New York. So agents in that city were given the assignment of checking with every print and stationery shop in the five boroughs. It was a slow job, a tedious job, a seemingly endless job. But a job that finally brought results.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Lou? Yes, Russ?

[Another FBI Agent]

A teletype just came in from New.

[Sir Richard Barton]

York on the Mitchell case.

[Another FBI Agent]

Yes?

[Sir Richard Barton]

What's the story?

[Another FBI Agent]

That letterhead really paid off.

[Sir Richard Barton]

How do you mean?

[Another FBI Agent]

Well, first of all, they checked the address. You were right on that. It was a vacant lot.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Now, that figured.

[Another FBI Agent]

But checking on the print shops really uncovered something.

[Sir Richard Barton]

They picked the men up?

[Another FBI Agent]

No, it wasn't that strong. But they did find the printer who done the job. He said it was for a man named Phil Renville. Lived in a midtown hotel. The agents went to the hotel, contacted the manager and found that Renville had checked out just this morning.

[Sir Richard Barton]

What a break.

[Another FBI Agent]

Judging by his description, renville is really Mr. Perry. The hotel manager also revealed that three other men had shared a suite with him.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Then they're all still together?

[Another FBI Agent]

It would appear that way, yes.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Any idea where they went?

[Another FBI Agent]

I believe we have. The hotel manager recalled that Renville had done some business with the transportation desk. So the agent checked there and found that Renville had bought four railroad Tickets.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Well, we'd better have that train covered.

[Another FBI Agent]

We don't have to.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Why not?

[Another FBI Agent]

We're going to cover it ourselves. Sir Richard and company are aboard the 20th century. They're due in Chicago here tomorrow morning.

[FBI Agent]

Reading the line.

[FBI Narrator]

Cleveland logo.

[Frankie Stevens]

Ah, it feels good to stretch the legs again, eh, boys?

[Mr. Perry]

Yeah.

[Frankie Stevens]

Frankie, you look as if you're still asleep.

[Sir Richard Barton]

I am.

[FBI Agent]

This early morning deals murder.

[Mr. Jackson]

How.

[Frankie Stevens]

How long a wait do we have between trains?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Couple hours.

[Frankie Stevens]

Shall we take a stroll about town?

[Mr. Perry]

We'd better get over to the other station first.

[Frankie Stevens]

Other station?

[Mr. Perry]

That's where the chief leaves from. Oh, we ought to get our bags over there.

[Frankie Stevens]

Very well, Mr. President.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Mr. Parry.

[Mr. Jackson]

Huh?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Mr. Parry, it's the yumche.

[Frankie Stevens]

Good heavens. Hello there. Mr. Perry. Sir Richard. Greetings, old boy. Mr. Mitchell. Well, this is a 10 strike. You've no idea how worried we've been about you.

[Mr. Mitchell]

About me?

[Frankie Stevens]

Yes. What in the world ever happened to you?

[Mr. Mitchell]

Whatever happened to my $30,000?

[Frankie Stevens]

Well, you already know that.

[Mr. Mitchell]

I mean, what really happened to him?

[Mr. Perry]

Look, Sir Richard. Yes? We're wasting time. We have to make that train.

[Another FBI Agent]

I think you should answer Mr. Mitchell's question. Gentlemen.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Who.

[Frankie Stevens]

Who are you, sir?

[Another FBI Agent]

We're special agents of the FBI.

[Sir Richard Barton]

Just stay together.

[Frankie Stevens]

Oliver, may I ask a question?

[Sir Richard Barton]

Yes, what is it?

[Frankie Stevens]

Where can we dispose of four tickets on the cheap?

[FBI Narrator]

The swindlers drama is an old one and it's worked with little variation. Its three acts are the meeting, the build up and the payoff. But since 1934, since the passage of the National Stoltland Property act, the FBI has been able to add a convincing finish. A finish that was not in the swindler's script. This finish is Apprehension and arrest. Confidence men, as well as all criminals are a blotch on the American way of life. Special agents of the FBI will continue to ferret out these individuals and with cooperation of the public and law enforcement agencies, bring them to justice.

[FBI Agent]

You'll hear the disposition of tonight's case in just a moment. Will you join the equitable society in a salute? A salute to a man so familiar to you that you tend to forget how important his wartime services are. A salute to the hard working merchant who runs your corner store. Yes, your butcher, grocer, druggist and the other small but important businessmen on America's main streets deserve an overwhelming vote of thanks. In spite of shortages, point rationing and manpower difficulties, they're still doing business at the same old stand. Still proving that in a land of opportunity, the right kind of men can always get ahead. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States is proud of its many associations with these typically American institutions. And we firmly believe that the millions of dollars of Equitable Society funds that help finance business may truly be called investments in victory. Just as are the other equitable millions that have gone into war bonds and war industries in wartime. Equitable Society dollars are fighting dollars. And at all times they are security dollars for you, your home.

[FBI Narrator]

In tonight's case, a federal grand jury convening in Boston indicted Barton, Perry, Jackson and Stevens. They were tried, found guilty and sentenced to eight years in a federal penitentiary.

[FBI Agent]

The incidents used in tonight's 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. Tonight, the music was under the direction of Van Cleave. Your narrator was Frank Lovejoy. This is your FBI Is a Jerry Devine production. And now this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time for this is your FBI. This is Infantry Day. A day dedicated to the doughboy, the foot slogger, the indispensable soldier who storms enemy beaches, knocks out pillboxes, meets the foe face to face and hand to hand. No war was ever won without infantry and no infantry ever surpassed the heroic American troops we honor now. But remember, they can't reload their weapons with words of praise. So be practical about Infantry Day. Cheer GI Joe and his leaders by giving them ample material aid for the tremendous task ahead on Infantry Day and every day buy war bonds in the seventh war loan drive. This is the American Broadcasting Company.