Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: This Is Your FBI: The Nylon Hijacker (Original Air Date: 04/12/1946)
Release Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

Episode Overview

In this dramatic episode from the golden age of radio, "The Nylon Hijacker," we follow a tale of betrayal, revenge, and deadly ambition as the FBI investigates the hijacking of a truckload of precious nylons—a hot commodity in post-war America. The story delves into themes of loyalty, the consequences of crime for both men and women, and the inevitability of justice. Notably, the episode explores how women, motivated by revenge and personal grievances, can be as ruthless as men in the world of organized crime.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Opening Context: Setting the Tone

• The episode begins with a reflection on freedom and the voluntary nature of American institutions, framing the FBI story as not just a tale of crime—but also one about American values.
  • "Freedom has been part of our American life for so long that people have grown used to it. And some of us don't realize what a priceless thing it is." (00:17, Narrator)

2. The Underworld Drama: Betrayal Among Thieves

• Bunny, a young woman, anxiously awaits her husband Frankie's return, worried he's involved in trouble.
• Chris (Bunny’s sister) reveals that Frankie is cheating on Bunny and involved in a "racket" that's making him easy money (03:30–05:46).
  • Chris: "Frankie's making good dough already. He's got a racket... and it's paying off." (05:40)
• This conversation sows seeds for revenge, as Chris wants to confront Frankie and protect her sister.

3. The Crime Unfolds: The Hijacking

• At the FBI office, agents discuss the recent hijacking of a truck filled with nylons, a valuable post-war good.
  • "A truckload of nylons." (07:01, Agent John)
• Three men knocked out the truck driver and stole the load. The FBI suspects a new crime syndicate.

4. Domestic Turmoil and Double-Cross

• Chris confronts Frankie, leading to a heated argument and his eventual departure, solidifying Chris's view that Bunny is better off without him (08:09–10:14).
  • Chris: "You can't make anything else out of a rat but a rat." (09:12)
• Bunny reveals to Chris that Frankie hijacked a nylon truck and is trying to sell the goods. Chris hatches a plan to double-cross Frankie by calling one of his customers, Mr. Fulton, and arranging a sale (10:17–11:51).

5. Investigation Progresses

• The FBI identifies Frankie Austin as a prime suspect due to a partial description and his past criminal activities (12:26–12:47).
  • "It tallies pretty closely with a man who's done this sort of job before... Frankie Austin." (12:44, Agent York)

6. The Frame-Up and Its Fallout

• Chris and Bunny conspire to lure Mr. Fulton, then rob him of $10,000 meant for the nylons; Chris brutally leaves him incapacitated on the road (13:04–14:55).
  • Chris: "This envelope for me and one for him... and that's that." (14:36)
• Later, the authorities discover Fulton's body and evidence (a typewritten note signed 'Frankie') that frames Frankie for murder (17:27).

7. The FBI Cracks the Case

• Frankie is arrested and insists he’s being framed for the murder, admitting only to the hijacking.
  • "I don't care what evidence you got. I didn't knock that guy off." (19:35, Frankie)
• The FBI discovers women's high-heeled footprints and traces of face powder at the crime scene, leading them to suspect female involvement (21:02–21:15).
  • York: "I found some [footprints] made by high heels... there's traces of woman's face powder on the note..." (21:02)
• Frankie identifies his sister-in-law Chris as the likely culprit.

8. The Final Arrest: Justice Delivered

• Chris and Bunny attempt to flee but are captured at a travel agency after leaving a clear trail, including a torn newspaper advertisement.
  • "You've left tracks a mile wide, including the ad for this travel agency torn out of this morning's newspaper." (24:50)
• All principal characters face justice: Frankie for hijacking, Bunny for her part in the killing, and Chris for murder.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Female Criminality:
  • Narrator: "It has been said that the female of the species is more deadly than the male... tonight's case demonstrates that in the field of human crime, no male could be any more deadly than the female, who is motivated by a desire for revenge." (02:29)
• Confrontation Scene:
  • Chris: "If he takes a swing at me, I’ll blow his brains all over the joint." (09:38)
• Mocking Bunny’s Naiveté:
  • Chris (to Bunny): "After tonight we're gonna start making money out of those big blue eyes and empty head of yours." (13:33)
• On Forensics:
  • Agent York: "I found some [footprints] made by high heels... there's traces of woman's face powder on the note..." (21:09)
• The Sting at the Travel Agency:
  • Agent: "We're special agents of the FBI... You're both under arrest for murder." (24:49)

Important Timestamps

• 02:29: Narrator sets the theme—female criminality and revenge.
• 05:40: Chris reveals Frankie's "racket" is paying off.
• 07:01: Agents discuss the hijacking case, introducing the main crime.
• 09:12: Chris’s condemnation of Frankie—key turning point.
• 10:17–11:51: Chris and Bunny plan and execute the double-cross.
• 12:44: FBI pegs Frankie as the lead suspect.
• 14:36: Chris robs Fulton.
• 17:27: Fulton’s body is found, evidence pointing to Frankie.
• 21:09: Female clues at the crime scene revealed.
• 24:49: The FBI arrests Chris and Bunny at the travel agency.

Episode Tone & Style

• Language: Hard-boiled detective with flourishes of melodrama and noir-ish dialogue.
• Atmosphere: Tense, fast-paced, with a heavy dose of 1940s gender politics and attitudes.

Conclusion: The Verdict

• Justice prevails. Each participant in the crime faces serious penalties:
  • Frankie: Imprisoned for hijacking.
  • Bunny: Imprisoned for complicity in Fulton's death.
  • Chris: Convicted of first-degree murder.
• Closing Narration:
  • "Whether the female of the species is more deadly than the male or not, in the field of human crime, she operates under the same handicap as the male: the inevitable clues which sooner or later fasten upon them the verdict of guilty." (26:07, Narrator)

For Old-Time Radio Fans

This episode is a classic example of postwar crime drama, blending social commentary with gripping storytelling and a vivid evocation of the era’s underworld. Fans of radio’s golden age and detective fiction will be captivated by its twists, character dynamics, and sharp dialogue.