This Is Your FBI: The Corrupt City 02/15/1946

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "This Is Your FBI: The Corrupt City" (Original broadcast: 02/15/1946)

Overview

In "The Corrupt City," the golden-age radio series "This Is Your FBI" dramatizes a case of political corruption and organized crime in a Midwestern city. The episode explores the moral dilemmas faced by honest law enforcement amid systemic political rot, focusing on a determined detective, crooked city officials, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the FBI. Listeners are immersed in a shadowy world of riverfront theft, political manipulation, and the unwavering fight of law enforcement officers to root out corruption.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Corruption vs. Duty (02:59–04:53)

• The episode opens with a narrator's reflection on the comparative guilt of criminals and corrupt public officials.
• Emphasizes America’s minimal corruption due to free elections and careful selection of public servants.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "Which of these two standing before the Supreme Court of public opinion would merit the severer judgment, the greater moral condemnation? The professional criminal whose business is violating the law for profit, or he who occupies a position of public trust and uses its power to protect the criminal for self gain?" — Narrator (02:59)

2. Detective Donovan’s Trap and Official Stonewalling (04:41–08:03)

• Detective Donovan interrupts a late-night cargo theft, only to arrest one gang member (Mike Haynes) while others escape.
• Councilman John Adams, appearing supportive, soon reveals a political hit: Donovan is criticized, demoted, and his promotion is canceled based on a councilman's report.
  • Adams’ Duplicity Quote:

    "Therefore, in view of the evidence furnished me by reliable authority, it is my conclusion that Detective Donovan acted wholly without cause and recklessly endangered the lives of the crew by unprovoked and unjustified use of his pistol." — Councilman Adams (07:23)

3. Reaching Out to the FBI (08:03–09:12)

• Donovan seeks help from Agent Craig of the FBI, explaining the connection to interstate crime.
• The FBI agrees to increase surveillance but cannot act without federal jurisdiction.
  • Donovan’s Resolve:

    "I don't know who the Mr. Big is who's running the show in this town, but...there's one set of hands he can't tie. The FBI." — Detective Donovan (08:17)

4. Gang’s Hubris and Internal Tension (09:35–10:34)

• Released from jail, Haynes brags about his protection, but is warned to not attract attention.
• The gang becomes wary of Donovan because he continues shadowing Haynes.

5. Investigation Intensifies (10:53–15:36)

• Donovan identifies Sam West's river business as a front for smuggling.
• Surveillance confirms stolen goods are being ferried across state lines, but direct evidence is still lacking.

6. Donovan's Downfall and Escalation (15:36–17:51)

• Donovan is ambushed, shot, and left for dead when lured into a trap, but survives.
• FBI agents now have a federal case due to kidnapping and interstate violence.

7. Exposing Political Collusion (18:11–19:25)

• Confrontation between Sam West and Councilman Adams:
  • Adams expresses frustration that Donovan was attacked without his approval.
  • Adams fears FBI involvement now that the crimes have crossed state lines and escalated.
  • Adams’ Realization:

    "You can't fix the FBI." — Councilman Adams (19:09)

8. The Sting Operation and Takedown (21:36–25:28)

• Haynes and West, against Adams' orders, plan to steal a valuable nylon shipment.
• The FBI sets up a coordinated operation, surveilling the river and piers, and catches the gang during the heist. Adams tries to disassociate himself but is caught.
  • Agent Craig's Arrest Line:

    "We're special agents of the FBI. You're all under arrest." — Agent in Charge Craig (25:28)

9. Conclusion & Societal Reflection (26:03–27:20)

• The case wraps up with the conviction of Adams and his accomplices.
• The narrator closes with a quote attributed to J. Edgar Hoover about the dangers of corrupt politicians undermining law enforcement.
  • Hoover's Principle:

    "A great menace to successful law enforcement is the crooked politician or policeman who places the pork barrel above the welfare of society... If we are to stem the rise of crime, we must take police...out of the hands of venal politicians." — Quote read by Agent in Charge Craig (26:33)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Councilman Adams, on political protection:

  "You have a great future ahead of you as a law enforcement officer. If you can stand the test of hard knocks." (06:20)

• Detective Donovan, on not giving up:

  "I'll get on Haynes’ trail starting tonight." (09:15)

• Sam West, warning Haynes:

  "No, not for publication, sucker. There're still honest cops, you know." (09:54)

• FBI moves in, closing net on criminals:

  "All right, boys. Set those cases down right there... Break her open and let's see what we got." (24:41)

• Final rebuke by Agent Craig to Adams:

  "Explain it to the people of River City. The people who trusted you. They'll want to hear it all, I'm sure." (25:35)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Moral framing & corruption setup — (02:59–04:53)
• The arrest and political blowback — (04:41–08:03)
• FBI involvement — (08:03–09:12)
• Surveillance and strategy — (10:53–15:36)
• Ambush of Donovan — (16:46–16:47)
• Criminals' infighting and FBI’s plan — (18:11–19:25)
• The sting and arrests — (21:36–25:28)
• Hoover’s quote and wrap-up — (26:33–27:20)

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Tone and Style

• The episode is classic, straightforward, and earnest, blending suspenseful law enforcement drama with moral commentary on civic duty, political integrity, and the enduring vigilance required to combat corruption.

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Summary Takeaway

"This Is Your FBI: The Corrupt City" is more than a procedural; it is a dramatized warning against the corrosive effects of political graft. With crisp pacing and memorable dialogue, it showcases how persistent, principled law enforcement—backed by the rule of law—can prevail over entrenched corruption, so long as citizens and agencies remain vigilant and uncompromising in the face of self-interest and criminal alliances.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

You for [e-mail] the Equitable Life Assurance Society presents this is your FBI. This is your FBI an official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and the Equitable Society's representative in your community. Before opening tonight's file, let's give a few moments thought to a frequently asked question. Since these programs began almost a year ago, a number of people have written to the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States asking how they could become members of the Equitable Society. They agree with the aims of the society and want to know what they have to do to join. Well, of course, the answer is very simple. When you take out life insurance with the Equitable Society, you automatically become a member of the society. You become part of a great cooperative enterprise that is run entirely for the benefit of its members. Yes, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States is a voluntary association of men and women who have joined together for security, who, because they have banded together, are able to assure each individual member greater security than he could attain by his own unaided efforts. Tonight's FBI file the corrupt city.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

Which of these two standing before the Supreme Court of public opinion would merit the severer judgment, the greater moral condemnation? The professional criminal whose business is violating the law for profit, or he who occupies a position of public trust and uses its power to protect the criminal for self gain? It is eloquent testimony of the worthiness of a system of free elections that there is in America a minimum of corruption in public office. It is proof of the essential integrity of the overwhelming majority of those who seek office. Proof also of the conscientiousness of the people in selecting their public servants and as demonstrated in tonight's case, from the files of your FBI. It is proof of the uncompromising devotion of America's law enforcement officers to their sacred duty to uphold the law against all transgressors, no matter who they may be. In a Midwestern city along the waterfront, midnight darkness and a light fog shroud the deserted docks and warehouses. A little while ago, a man standing in the deeper shadows behind a bale of cargo heard a large powerboat idle its motors and watched it drift in against the pier. Two of its crew clambered onto the pier, passed several heavy crates to those on board, and then.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

How many more cases, Mike?

[Mike Haynes]

That's all of them.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Okay, get aboard and let's shove off.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

The man in the shadows snaps on a flashlight and steps swiftly out along the pier. Just a minute there, huh? Stay where you are.

[Mike Haynes]

Who are you?

[Detective Donovan]

This badge will tell you who I am.

[Mike Haynes]

Cop, huh?

[Detective Donovan]

That's right. You have authority to move those cases of cargo?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Sure. Why?

[Detective Donovan]

Because there's been quite a lot of cargo moved from piers lately without any authority.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Hop aboard, Mike.

[Detective Donovan]

Wait a minute. I want to see your papers authorizing movement to those cases, Mike.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

Hop aboard.

[Mike Haynes]

Let me straighten this copper out first.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Go ahead, stupid.

[Councilman John Adams]

We're pulling out of here.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Stop that boat.

[Mike Haynes]

Looks like you missed them, copper, so you'd better arrest me.

[Detective Donovan]

Did you want to see me, Chief?

[Councilman John Adams]

Yes, come in, Donovan. Donovan.

[Detective Donovan]

Yes, sir.

[Councilman John Adams]

If I were asked what I think of you and your work, I'd say you're one of the most promising young men on the force.

[Detective Donovan]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Councilman John Adams]

And the thing that really sold me on your earnestness about your work was last fall when you asked for a leave so you could attend the FBI's National Academy. And at your own expense, too. And that diploma you came back with. Well, I guess I was almost as proud of it as you were.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Thanks, Chief.

[Councilman John Adams]

You have a great future ahead of you as a law enforcement officer. If you can stand the test of hard knocks.

[Detective Donovan]

Well, I.

[Councilman John Adams]

They can come in a million forms. Sometimes they're hard enough to break a man's spirit completely if it's not strong enough to take it.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yes, sir.

[Councilman John Adams]

Personally, I want to commend you, Donovan, for the arrest you made two nights ago at Pier 26.

[Detective Donovan]

Thank you, sir, but I. I read your report.

[Councilman John Adams]

I think you're on the right track. And somehow that gang of river thieves has got to be broken up.

[Detective Donovan]

I bungled the job the other night by getting only one, but I'll get the rest of them, sir.

[Councilman John Adams]

The man you arrested was released this morning.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

I'll get. What did you say, sir?

[Councilman John Adams]

Mike Haynes was released this morning.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Released? But.

[Councilman John Adams]

But and here is your first test in the school of hard knocks Donovan. A statement from the councilman in charge of our appropriation. You may read it all later, but I'll read only the last paragraph.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Okay, sir.

[Councilman John Adams]

Therefore, in view of the evidence furnished me by reliable authority, it is my conclusion that Detective Donovan acted wholly without cause and recklessly endangered the lives of the crew by unprovoked and unjustified use of his pistol.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

What?

[Councilman John Adams]

Therefore, I demand his transfer to another assignment. Patrolling a beat and his promotion cancelled.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, that's a pretty sordid story, Donovan.

[Detective Donovan]

Now, Mr. Craig, I didn't come here to the FBI office looking for sympathy.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

You don't have to tell us that.

[Detective Donovan]

I don't blame the Chief for not going to bat for me. His hands were tied. Apparently. That goes for everybody on the force.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yes, I know.

[Detective Donovan]

I don't know who the Mr. Big is who's running the show in this town, but. Well, whoever he is, there's one set of hands he can't tie. The FBI.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

That's right. But where's our angle in the case, Donovan? There has to be one or we can't touch it.

[Detective Donovan]

Well, those goods were part of an interstate shipment.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Where's your evidence?

[Detective Donovan]

The river is the state line, isn't it?

[Councilman John Adams]

Yes.

[Detective Donovan]

Well, the rest of the gang got away in the boat the other night and they headed for the other side of the river.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

But you don't know for sure that the boat went all the way? No, it could have turned and cut back to this side at a point farther up or downstream.

[Detective Donovan]

Yeah, yeah, that's true. I guess I was just a little over eager to get you boys into the picture.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, we may get into it yet. But until there's a definite federal violation, I'd suggest you keep your eyes open for anything on Mike Haynes. Watch where he goes, who his pals are. Maybe you'll stumble onto something.

[Detective Donovan]

Yeah, something Mr. Big can't cover up.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yeah, it might be pretty risky business for you.

[Detective Donovan]

I'll get on Haines Trail starting tonight.

[Mike Haynes]

Busy, Sam?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

No, no, no. Come on in.

[Mike Haynes]

Yeah. Got me sprung, huh?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yeah. I don't know why, though.

[Mike Haynes]

What do you mean?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

That was a real stupid play, Mike.

[Mike Haynes]

What?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Playing the big shot for that copper. You acted like you had protection sticking out all over you.

[Mike Haynes]

Well, that's the deal, ain't it?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

No, not for publication, sucker. They're still honest cops, you know.

[Mike Haynes]

Well, how was I to know the.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Big guy didn't like it. He sprung you this time, but from now on, take it easy.

[Mike Haynes]

Something's got to be done about that cop.

[Councilman John Adams]

Why?

[Mike Haynes]

He's been tailing me ever since I was sprung. I go in for a beer and he comes in for a beer. I go in the bowling alley and he comes in. I go home and he walks by the house.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, he hasn't tailed you across the river anytime, has he?

[Mike Haynes]

How could he? That's out of bounds for him. The guy's driving me crazy.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Maybe that's what he wants to do, huh? Figures you'll get too jumpy sometime and make the wrong kind of move.

[Mike Haynes]

Oh, not me, Sam.

[Detective Donovan]

You're not going to take a chance on that.

[Mike Haynes]

What do you mean?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

You want to get that copper off your neck?

[Mike Haynes]

Sure.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

And here's what you do Tomorrow, as soon as you know.

[Detective Donovan]

Can I see you a minute, Mr. Craig?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Oh, come ahead, Donovan. Any evidence on a federal violation yet?

[Detective Donovan]

No, but I've got a pretty good idea how they operate now. They've got a legitimate front here in River City.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

What kind?

[Detective Donovan]

It's a small river freight business. They don't do much. I watched it for three days.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

But it gives them a front just the same.

[Detective Donovan]

Yeah, and license to operate any kind of boat they want to, anywhere on the river.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Who's the company?

[Detective Donovan]

It's Sam west, an ex rum runner. But I'm pretty sure he's not Mr. Big.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Where do they keep the stolen stuff?

[Detective Donovan]

Across the river.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

You have proof?

[Detective Donovan]

Well, I can prove that they go across the river.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

How do you know?

[Detective Donovan]

I watched them with glasses last night in the moonlight. Oh, it was clear, you see, And I. I could follow the boat all the way across to the pier line on the other side. Then it turned up upstream and I lost it in the shadows.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Were they carrying stolen merchandise?

[Detective Donovan]

I couldn't swear that, but. Well, at least we know two facts now. They steal merchandise and they operate across the river.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

I'm going to send the Bureau headquarters a report on this, Donovan, but I'm afraid we can't move in yet.

[Detective Donovan]

Okay, but I'll make you a bet, Craig.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

What's that?

[Detective Donovan]

Before I finish my war of nerves against Mike Haynes, you'll have something to move in on.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, don't stick your neck out too far. River City needs it. What are you drinking, mister?

[Detective Donovan]

Well, maybe I'm not drinking.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

It's about all you can do in here.

[Detective Donovan]

The sign outside says Bar and Grill.

[Councilman John Adams]

Okay.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

How'd you like some nice grilled salami on graham crackers? That's what we got left. Thanks. You looking for somebody?

[Detective Donovan]

Yeah. I thought I saw a fella come in here.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Just ahead of me, I guess. I never seen him.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

You got a back door?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yeah, it's out back.

[Detective Donovan]

Thanks again.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Looking for somebody, copper? Yeah, Mike Haynes.

[Detective Donovan]

That's right.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

He's right behind you. There you are, Mike. Now the guy don't bother you.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

We'll return to this FBI file in just a moment. In the meantime, since it's still still only a few hours past Valentine's Day, let's consider a subject that's very close to every man's heart and every woman's. This week at the Equitable Society, one of the representatives told me about a unique valentine which he helped prepare. The giver of this valentine was a young man who came home from the Navy just three months ago to marry his childhood sweetheart. It seemed that this newly wedded husband made up a giant valentine, complete with cupids, forget me nots and all the customary fixings. And in the center of it all was a brand new life insurance policy in the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Well, when you come to think of it, what better proof of his love can a husband give his wife than to provide her with the security of life insurance? You see, here in the Equitable Society, we're not just guardians of the dollars and cents section sent in by our members. We're guardians of human hopes and human happiness. Our job is to keep home fires burning and to give boys and girls wider opportunities for education and advancement. Our mission is to help banish fear from the hearts of men, to save widows and elderly people from the humiliations of poverty, charity and dependence. So is it any wonder that we of the Equitable Society are proud to call ourselves life insurance men and life insurance women? And that we're equally proud to say that this week and every week for 86 years, the equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States has been building security for you, your home and your country. And now, back to the FBI file. The corrupt city.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

Every day and night, 24 hours around the clock, your law enforcement officers risk their lives to keep their covenant with you, to protect your lives and properly, and to uphold the sanctity of your laws. And many of them risked their lives in keeping that faith. It is nearly noon now, the second day after Officer Donovan walked into the trap set for him by Mike Haynes of the River Gang. Agent in Charge Craig of the River City office of the FBI is sitting at his desk with Special Agent Tom Farrell.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

I'll take it, Tom. Okay. Greg speaking. Oh, hello, Chief. What? Yeah, I was afraid of something like that where? Uh huh. I see. Well, I guess that puts it up to us now, Chief. And we're moving in on the case right away.

[Detective Donovan]

Thank you, sir.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

And we'll keep in touch with you. Right. Trouble? Yes. That young policeman, Donovan. What about him? A farmer on the other side of the river found him in a ravine this morning. Five slugs in him, but he's still alive. He had to be kidnapped. Okay, what's our first move? Not much doubt about whose work it is. Want to round up the gang now? No, no, we've got to get the proof first. And we'd better start on that stolen goods angle. That might lead us to Mr. Big himself.

[Councilman John Adams]

Mr. Big could be that councilman.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Why, he made the chief break Donovan, didn't he? Proving what? Well, in his memo he referred to evidence furnished by a certain reliable authority. But he could be that certain authority, you know. Yes, it's possible the chief of police might be mixed up with him. Oh, I doubt that. I'll bet my last cent the chief is honest. Chiefs of police are clean, Tom. They've got to be to get that far. Sometimes they've got to take a dirty order and like it and ask no questions in order to do a bigger job. Where do we start on this case? Well, let's watch their boats first and see if they'll lead us to a cache somewhere on the other side of the river.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Okay.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

And then we'll figure out a way to get Mr. Big. Hi, Mr. Adams.

[Councilman John Adams]

Come in, Sam.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

You want to see me?

[Councilman John Adams]

Yes.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Okay. What's on your mind? That policeman. Who you talking about? Donovan. Oh, okay. So he was getting too nosy, so we got rid of him.

[Councilman John Adams]

Did I tell you to?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

I take protection from you, Adams, not orders. Really? Now, what are you squawking about Donovan for? He might have found his way all the way up to you.

[Councilman John Adams]

You know I could have handled that.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Are you kidding? It goes to the papers then, and you can't handle them. You may be the party boss, councilman, and run everything in this town, but you can't. Shut up. Now listen to me, okay?

[Councilman John Adams]

You know what you've done by kidnapping Donovan, shooting him, dumping him across the state line?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

What?

[Councilman John Adams]

That's not a local police case. That belongs to the FBI.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Huh?

[Councilman John Adams]

You've heard that, all right.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

But that ain't my worry. Protection's still your job, Adams.

[Councilman John Adams]

You can't fix the FBI.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

So what are you gonna do?

[Councilman John Adams]

I'm going to give the orders from.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Now on or pull out.

[Councilman John Adams]

You and the boys lay low for A few days. No more jobs until I tell you.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Understand?

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[Agent in Charge Craig]

Put a head on that for you, mister? No, thanks. No, it goes better with the music when it's flat. A comedian, Tom. Yeah, Mike Haines down the borrow ways. Yeah. Wish we could take him in now. Don't worry, we'll get him. Looks like he's about ready to shove off. I imagine he'll head for home. Well, we've been watching them three days now, they haven't moved a boat. They must have gotten orders to lay off for a while. Yeah. Come on, let's get back to the office and plan our next course of action. What about Haynes? Let him get home by himself. We've got more important work to do right now.

[Mike Haynes]

Sam.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Yeah?

[Mike Haynes]

I got a hot tip on something big, Sam.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Big?

[Detective Donovan]

Like what?

[Mike Haynes]

Big like a big pile of dough.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Oh, the boss said to lay off.

[Mike Haynes]

He likes the cut he gets, don't he?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, sure.

[Mike Haynes]

Then he'll drop his teeth when he hears about this.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

What do you got?

[Mike Haynes]

Big shipment of nylon.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

No kidding.

[Mike Haynes]

Yeah, and at present prices, we ought to split a hundred grand.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Where is it?

[Mike Haynes]

It's on Pier 42, waiting for us.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Well, let me get Adams on the phone.

[Mike Haynes]

No, leave him out of it. We'll do it now and tell him afterwards.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Suits me.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

It is nearly midnight on the river now, and a ferryboat crossing far upstream seems to be the only sign of life on the surface of the water. But three hours ago, shortly after dark, four small boats put out from the river, city shore deployed and took up assigned positions. Three are now hidden in the shadows at widely separated points along the pier line on the far side of the river. The fourth on this side is hidden among the pilings. Under Pier 42, a man speaks into a portable radio transmitter.

[Councilman John Adams]

Hello?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Hello? Agent in charge Craig, vote number one, report, please.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

Over.

[Detective Donovan]

Boat number two reporting.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Standing by. Boat number three reporting. Standing by. Boat number four reporting. Standing by. I don't know how much longer we'll have to wait, men. Maybe the plan's not going to work at all, but we'll stick it out. It's Got to work, Craig. Haynes fell for the tip anyway. I know. Agreed to cut me in. Maybe Sam west or Mr. Big put the Knicks on it. Time will tell. And it looks like time's beginning to tell a sad story. So I guess we. Craig, listen. Motorboat. Yeah, making this way, too. Let's not give the boys a false alarm until we're sure it's the boat we're looking for. That's it, all right. It's cutting in this way. Yeah. Hello? Hello. Craig speaking. I think we're in. There's a boat heading in for this pier. Keep radio silence and stand by. Hello?

[Councilman John Adams]

Hello.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Boat number two, come in. Boat number two reporting they've loaded and pulled away. Headed across the river for your position. Hello.

[Detective Donovan]

Boat number two reporting they've turned upstream and headed your way. Number three, over.

[Mike Haynes]

Boat number three reporting they've passed my position and continuing upstream toward your position.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Number four, over. They've had time to pass number four by now. Craig. What's happened, I wonder? Maybe we'll hear something in a minute. Don't want anything to go wrong now. Just number four reporting they've just put in under a warehouse 50 yards from my position. Good. What are your orders, Craig?

[Councilman John Adams]

Over.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Stand by, number four, until we all reach your position. Then we'll move in. Number two and three, let's go. All right, boys. Set those cases down right there. Put yours up on the table here, Mike.

[Mike Haynes]

Okay.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Break her open and let's see what we got.

[Mike Haynes]

Right.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Adam's just gonna be real sorry he passed this one up. Yeah, that'll be worth a hundred grand.

[Mike Haynes]

That's all for us.

[Councilman John Adams]

I wouldn't be too sure of that, Adams. Tried to pull one without me, didn't you? So you pulled this job against my orders. So from now on, we never heard.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Of each other, understand? I hear you.

[Councilman John Adams]

And if you don't, clear out of this county and stay out, I'll have.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

You slammed in jail. So far it'll take you 40 years to walk to the front gate. That's enough, Adams.

[Councilman John Adams]

Put down that.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

I said put down.

[Councilman John Adams]

Put down that gun.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

No dice.

[Mike Haynes]

Nothing.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Drop that gun, Wes.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

What?

[Agent in Charge Craig]

We're special agents of the FBI. You're all under arrest.

[Councilman John Adams]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Save it, Adams. You're in this, too. Just a minute.

[Councilman John Adams]

I'd like to explain.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Explain it to the people of River City. The people who trusted you. They'll want to hear it all, I'm sure. The handcuffs on a man, right? And by the way, I think you all should know that Donovan is recovering rapidly. And will be happy to testify at your trial.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

The vicious political influence of John Adams and his accomplices. Was broken up by their trial and conviction in a federal court. They were sentenced to long terms in a penitentiary. The significance of tonight's case can be best illustrated by a quote from an article written by J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in this month's American Magazine. In this article, Mr. Hoover stated.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

A great menace to successful law enforcement. Is the crooked politician or policeman who places the pork barrel above the welfare of society. These politicians either corrupt policemen or destroy their morale. I must say here and now that if we are to stem the rise of crime. We must take police and sheriffs, the first line of defense against terrorism, out of the hands of venal politicians. The police department must be placed, like so many municipal fire departments and school systems. In the control of a nonpartisan commission. It may be a hard job, particularly when a powerful political machine exists in a city.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

But it can be done if every.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Decent citizen puts pressure on his local lawmakers.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

Before we tell you about next week's thrilling case from the files of your FBI, a word about a man worth knowing. To your FBI, you look for national security. And to the Equitable Society for the financial security of life insurance. In the past 86 years, the Equitable Life Assurance Society has weathered four wars and seven major depressions. During that time, over 5 1/2 billion dollars have been paid to policyholders and beneficiaries. This tower of strength, security and stability Is represented in your community by a man whom hundreds of your fellow citizens know as their good friend. The Equitable Society representative. Who, like your FBI, is dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country.

[Narrator / FBI File Narrator]

Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Revealing for the first time the inside story of South American espionage. The Pan American Patriots.

[Narrator / Equitable Life Assurance Announcer]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Societies broadcast. Are taken from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The role of J. Edgar Hoover was impersonated. However, all other 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 Frederick Steiner. The author was Frank Ferries. And your narrator was Dean Carlton. This is your FBI is a Jerry Devine production. Now this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And the Equitable Society's representative in your community. And inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time for this is your FBI.

[Agent in Charge Craig]

Friday nights, there are great programs on abc. For a laughing good time, listen to the Alan Young show with guest star Vera Vague, which follows next. This is the American Broadcasting Company.

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