This Is Your FBI: The Sinister Shakedown 07/05/1946

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: This Is Your FBI: The Sinister Shakedown (07/05/1946)
Date: May 3, 2026
Podcast Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a dramatic 1946 radio story from the series This Is Your FBI. Titled "The Sinister Shakedown," it explores the fallout from a blackmail letter received by the respectable Cortland family, threatening to expose supposed embezzlement by their late patriarch. As the FBI investigates, personal secrets unravel, uncovering family betrayal, murder, and the destructive ripples of desperation and guilt. The episode is a gripping mix of detective investigation, family drama, and classic radio suspense.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Blackmail Letter & The Cortland Family’s Dilemma

• The Dilemma Unfolds (03:16–05:34)
  • The Cortland family learns they are being blackmailed:

    “At this very moment, our family is threatened with utter disgrace.” – Mrs. Cortland (03:44)

  • The letter claims the late Mr. Cortland stole $500,000 from stockholders, and the blackmailer threatens exposure or kidnapping unless $5,000 is paid.
  • The family debates their options—fear of scandal and investigation makes them hesitant to go to authorities. Perry, the son, suggests just paying to keep things quiet:

    “Whether it’s true or not, I don’t think we can afford to take any chances.” – Perry Cortland (04:48)

2. Enter the Private Detective

• Seeking Discreet Help (06:01–07:56)
  • Beverly Cortland secretly consults private detective Lew Roberts, emphasizing the need for discretion:

    “Absolutely nothing must get into the papers about me.” – Beverly Cortland (07:29)

  • Roberts immediately realizes Beverly has brought the blackmail letter, pushing her to share everything.

3. The FBI Gets Involved

• Official Investigation Launch (08:09–09:52)
  • Mrs. Cortland, unwilling to be blackmailed, reports the letter to Agent John Ames at the FBI:

    “I admire your courage and your moral sense of responsibility.” – John Ames (08:46)

  • Ames explains the FBI’s role centers on the kidnapping threat and begins forensics on the letter.

4. Suspicions, Motives, and Clues

• Paper Trail (12:15–13:19)
  • The FBI traces the letter’s paper to a specific store, where, ironically, Beverly’s name appears on the list of buyers, causing her alarm:

    “Well, good heavens, there’s my name.” – Beverly Cortland (12:51)

  • The investigation widens to include all close family and servants.

5. Perry’s Desperation & Fatal Mistake

• Gambling Debts and Confrontation (13:54–15:42)
  • Lew Roberts confronts Perry about his gambling debts—$2,500 owed to the club—and suspects him as the blackmailer:

    “My angle is that you picked a risky way to raise the dough. But of course, you’re asking for $5,000.” – Lew Roberts (14:36)

  • When pressed, Perry panics and murders Roberts.

6. Murder Discovery & FBI Strategy

• Body Found, Case Intensifies (18:15–22:18)
  • Beverly discovers the murder and alerts the FBI, clearing herself as a suspect:

    “If somebody had seen me come here, I... I might have been suspected... if I ran away.” – Beverly (21:01)

  • The FBI links Roberts’ death to the original blackmail, planning to use a second blackmail demand to trap the perpetrator.

7. The Trap Set – and Sprung

• Second Letter, Stakeout Arranged (23:16–24:12)
  • A new extortion letter arrives, more threatening now that the FBI’s involvement is known.
  • The FBI arranges a sting by marking the payoff money with fluorescent powder.

8. Perry’s Downfall

• Family Confrontation & Arrest (24:30–26:31)
  • Beverly confronts Perry, having pieced together his guilt through evidence (appointment time, murder weapon, gambling motive):

    “You wrote that extortion letter. And you killed Roberts, too.” – Beverly (25:01)

  • Perry tries to escape but is cornered by the FBI; the marked money seals his fate:

    “That extortion money that was left by your mother had fluorescent powder on them. We’d like to see how your hands will look under the proper kind of light.” – John Ames (26:16)

  • Perry is arrested for murder and extortion.

9. Moral Reflection & Epilogue

• Crime’s Consequence (26:44–27:19)
  • The story emphasizes that even “acceptable” members of society can become criminals if they lack the moral stamina in a crisis:

    “Not always is the person who commits a crime a criminal in the social sense of the word... instead seeks a way out criminally.” – Narrator (26:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I don't like the idea of being blackmailed.” – Mrs. Cortland (05:31)
• “You're not even going to tell my sister that you suspect me. You're not going to tell anybody anything.” – Perry Cortland, moments before shooting Roberts (15:15)
• “If somebody had seen me come here... I might have been suspected of having something to do with it if I ran away.” – Beverly, justifying her honesty (21:01)
• “You wrote that extortion letter. And you killed Roberts, too.” – Beverly confronts Perry (25:01)
• “He may be an otherwise wholly acceptable member of society, who, in the face of some personal crisis, lacks the moral stamina to resolve it honorably and instead seeks a way out criminally.” – Narrator (26:45)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:16 – Blackmail letter discovered
• 06:01 – Beverly hires Lew Roberts
• 08:09 – Mrs. Cortland reports to FBI
• 12:15 – FBI traces paper to Beverly
• 13:54 – Lew Roberts confronts Perry
• 15:42 – Perry shoots Roberts
• 18:15 – Beverly finds the body
• 23:16 – Second extortion letter received
• 24:30 – Beverly confronts Perry
• 26:16 – FBI arrests Perry
• 26:45 – Closing moral reflection

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Episode Tone & Style

The dialogue and narration are crisp, urgent, and direct, typical of Golden Age radio dramas. Characters alternate between emotional distress, stoic resolve, and sharp detective banter. The show maintains suspense throughout, using concise exchanges and classic detective story tropes.

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Conclusion

The Sinister Shakedown is a gripping radio classic that combines family intrigue, FBI procedure, and a cautionary tale on the dangers of moral compromise. By focusing on motive and consequence, it illustrates how moments of weakness can turn upstanding citizens into criminals, and how justice inevitably prevails with perseverance and methodical investigation from the era’s legendary G-men.

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]

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

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. Are you One of the 50 million Americans covered by Social Security? If so, have you any clear idea of your rights and benefits under Social Security? Well, there may be a pleasant surprise in store for you. For in a few minutes you'll learn from our sponsor, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. How easy it is to build Social Security into full security. Tonight's FBI file the sinister shakedown.

[Narrator]

All crimes are crimes of passion. For all crimes are committed for the gratification of some overwhelming selfish desire. Whether it be for profit, for revenge, for excitement. Or for preservation against some threat of injury to pride, prejudice or person. But not always is the person who commits a crime for one of these motives a criminal in the social sense of the word. Rather, as in tonight's case, from the files of your FBI. He may be an otherwise wholly acceptable member of society. Who, in the face of some personal crisis. Lacks the moral stamina to resolve it honorably. And instead seeks a way out. Criminal. The business operations of the late industrialist Thomas J. Cortland. Had never engaged the interest of his family. Except that they fully appreciated the financial security and the firm hold on a place in metropolitan society which Cortland's labors afforded them. But at this moment, three years after his death. Something has happened which demands a belated interest in Cortland's transactions. Mrs. Cortland, his widow, has summoned her children, Beverly and Perry, to join her in the breakfast room. Beverly is first to enter.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, good morning, Mother.

[Mrs. Cortland]

I'm afraid, my dear, it's anything but a good morning.

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, you look as if you'd seen a corpse on the living room rug.

[Mrs. Cortland]

That would scarcely be more serious than what has happened.

[Beverly Cortland]

What is this?

[Mrs. Cortland]

We'll wait for Perry.

[Beverly Cortland]

What on earth's the matter?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Sit down, dear, and have your orange juice.

[Beverly Cortland]

Okay.

[Perry Cortland]

Good morning, Aunt.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Good morning, Perry.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, brother.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Dear, you look awful.

[Perry Cortland]

That's just how I feel.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Oh, my head.

[Perry Cortland]

Has anybody got.

[Mrs. Cortland]

We have something more important than your head to worry about, Perry. At this very moment, our family is threatened with utter disgrace.

[Perry Cortland]

What do you mean?

[Mrs. Cortland]

It's Blackmail, of course. Sheer blackmail. And I'm sure there's not a word of truth in it. Why, I just can't believe that your father would have committed such a thing.

[Perry Cortland]

What on earth are you talking about?

[Mrs. Cortland]

This letter. It just came this morning. You read it, Perry.

[Beverly Cortland]

Okay, if I can see it, what does it say?

[Perry Cortland]

Dear Mrs. Cortland, I have in my possession a document which would positively prove that your late husband, just before he died, was party to a transaction which netted him $500,000 that rightfully should have gone to his stockholders.

[Beverly Cortland]

I don't believe it.

[Perry Cortland]

And unless you pay me 5,000 at once, according to the instructions below, I shall place the document in the hands of the New York State authorities. Let me warn you, if you report this to the police, someone in your family may turn up missing.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, what do you think of that, Mother?

[Beverly Cortland]

What do we do?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, I. I don't know. What do you think, Perry?

[Perry Cortland]

Well, whether it's true or not, I. I don't think we can afford to take any chances.

[Beverly Cortland]

What do you mean?

[Perry Cortland]

In a time like this, we've got to look at it practically. And frankly, we're not sure that dad didn't do it, Harry. Maybe he was in a jam and had to do something like that to protect us.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, yes, but I don't.

[Perry Cortland]

And if he did. Gee, we can't afford to turn this letter over to the police.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, that. That might start an investigation of your father's business dealings.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

Sure.

[Beverly Cortland]

Look, if we pay the $500,000, how do we know that that'll be the last?

[Perry Cortland]

It's better than to take a chance on that. And rather than risk an investigation.

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, what do you think, Mother?

[Perry Cortland]

Well, I. I say for the sake of all of us and for the sake of Dad's name too, we. We ought to pay off.

[Mrs. Cortland]

But I don't like the idea of being blackmailed.

[Beverly Cortland]

Neither do I.

[Perry Cortland]

And what are we going to do?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, I'm. I'm going to think about it a little more before I do anything.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Come in.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Yeah?

[Beverly Cortland]

Are you Mr. Roberts, the private detective?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

That's right, Ms. Cortland.

[Beverly Cortland]

How did you know who I am?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, let's see now. In this morning's picture in the paper, you were sitting behind bottles and glasses at the Mercury Club two mornings ago. It was a shot at the vets hospital.

[Beverly Cortland]

That was yesterday.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, then it must have been the one with you at the dog show. Yes, I liked them all. You're a good looking kid.

[Beverly Cortland]

Thanks, Mr. Roberts.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I know, I know. You didn't come here to invite me to your charity ball next week. Maybe you'd better close that door.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh,

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

now, come on over and sit down.

[Beverly Cortland]

Thank you.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I hope it's you who's in trouble, Ms. Cortland, because I'd love to get you out of trouble.

[Beverly Cortland]

Maybe I've made a mistake in coming to you.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Okay, There's a door.

[Beverly Cortland]

Wait. What I mean is, I've read in the papers about some of the cases you've worked on. But I.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

You mean, have I ever worked for people like you before?

[Beverly Cortland]

Well.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

And you want references to prove it?

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, I would like to know.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Would you like for me to give you for a reference sometime?

[Beverly Cortland]

Of course not.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Okay. Remember, you came to me. I didn't send for you.

[Beverly Cortland]

I know, but you must promise me one.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I don't promise anything but good service.

[Beverly Cortland]

I insist that absolutely nothing must get into the papers about me.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Now, look, Ms. Cortland, the cheap cases get me all the publicity I need to get the society cases that pay me enough not to have to talk about them.

[Beverly Cortland]

Very well.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Now, what is it? A blackmail letter.

[Beverly Cortland]

How did you know there was a letter?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, it nearly jumped out of your bag when you went for a cigarette a minute ago.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, it is a blackmail letter. But I've got to return it before Mother knows I took it.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Okay, then we're losing time. Give me the story.

[Narrator]

A few hours later in the office of John Ames, an assistant to the agent in charge of the New York office of the FBI I want to

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

assure you, Mrs. Cotton, you've done the only proper thing in reporting this matter to the FBI.

[Mrs. Cortland]

But you understand why I hesitated. My son and daughter don't know yet that I've taken this course.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

They were opposed to it.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, well, only because of the risk of. Of an investigation. In the business affairs of my late husband.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Oh.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, you can see that it would be disastrous for us if there's any truth in it. But. Well, I'd. I'd rather it should be known than to have it on my conscience that I was paying a blackmailer to suppress it.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

I'd like to say, If I may, Mrs. Cortland, I admire your courage and your moral sense of responsibility.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, it is the only right way for me to look at it.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Oh, yes, of course. But as for the risk of an investigation. Whether there would be any valid ground

[Perry Cortland]

for it or not.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

All the Bureau can be concerned with in this case is the threat of kidnapping.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, yes.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

You see, Mrs. Corin, only an officer or a stockholder in your late husband's firm or some civil authority could institute such an investigation.

[Mrs. Cortland]

But. Well, what of the person who wrote the letter?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

You surely don't think the would be extortioner is an officer or a stockholder?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, no, no, of course not. But. Well, he. He claims to have documentary evidence.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Well, it remains to be seen whether there is such a document.

[Mrs. Cortland]

And if there is, what would you

[Perry Cortland]

want to do about it?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, I'd. I'd want to make everything right, of course.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Well, then we have only one thing to worry about. Catching the writer of that letter.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Now then, what do you wish me to do?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Well, nothing for the moment. Just leave the letter with us for examination. Yes, and we'll get in touch with you the minute that it is necessary.

[Mrs. Cortland]

But what shall I tell them?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Your son and your daughter?

[Beverly Cortland]

Yes.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Just tell them that it's now in the hands of the FBI.

[Narrator]

Good evening, Miss Cortland.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Hello, Ralph.

[Beverly Cortland]

Here you are, driver. Is my brother in the club? Ralph?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

I haven't seen him this evening, Ms. Cortland.

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, if he comes, don't tell him I'm here.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Very well.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Good evening, Ms. Cortland.

[Beverly Cortland]

Why did you have me meet you here, Mr. Roberts?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

The meeting was your idea.

[Beverly Cortland]

But the 711 Club was your idea.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I thought you'd be more at home in a nightclub.

[Beverly Cortland]

Why did you have to pick this one?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I had to come over here anyway.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

What's wrong with it?

[Beverly Cortland]

This is my brother's favorite hangout.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Oh, yes, that's right. I've read that in the columns.

[Beverly Cortland]

And I certainly don't want him to see me talking to you.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Please sit down. Your brother should happen in and see us. You don't have to scream out that I'm a private detective, do you?

[Beverly Cortland]

I'm sorry.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Do you have a gold key here, Tim?

[Beverly Cortland]

What do you mean?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I mean a key that lets you into the gambling room.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, no.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Why?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I thought since your brother has.

[Beverly Cortland]

I didn't meet you to talk about my brother.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Okay. What are you drinking?

[Beverly Cortland]

Nothing.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

You came to talk about the case? I haven't got anything to report yet.

[Beverly Cortland]

That's all right, but we've got to work faster than ever now.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Why?

[Beverly Cortland]

Mother turned it over to the FBI today.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

That's where it belonged in the first place.

[Beverly Cortland]

Did they get hold of that document about my father?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I don't believe there is any documents.

[Beverly Cortland]

But what if there is?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I'm working for you. I'd have to turn it over to you if I got him.

[Beverly Cortland]

Then, please, you've got to get it? Okay, I better be going now. Oh, when will I see you again?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Come to my Office tomorrow at 3 o'.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Clock.

[Beverly Cortland]

Why 3 o'?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Clock?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Because I think I'll have had an appointment just before then with the extortioner.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Come in, Mrs. Cotland.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Thank you. I came as soon as I could. Mr. Ames, have you found out something?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We examined the extortion letter first for fingerprints.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, but so. So many of us handle the letter.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Yes, as we found no prints which we could identify were those of any known criminal.

[Mrs. Cortland]

I see.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

But on checking the watermark of the paper itself.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Yes?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We were able to trace it to the store in the city which handles it exclusively.

[Perry Cortland]

Reyn's.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Reyna's?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Yes. And we were able to get a list of the customers who purchased that particular paper. Oh, there's the list. Now, do you recognize the names of any of them?

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, good heavens, there's my name.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Then you do use this kind of paper?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, well, yes, it looks very much like it.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

But I'm sure it's only coincidence.

[Mrs. Cortland]

But of course, I have mine monogrammed.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Well, you must get some of it plain, say for a second. Second pages?

[Beverly Cortland]

Yes, but heavens, Mr. Ames, you're not

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

implying that I. I repeat, it could only be coincidence. Well, I guess that will be all for now. And thanks very much for coming in. We'll call you if anything further develops.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Well, yes, yes. All right.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Go this way, please, Mrs.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Thank you.

[Perry Cortland]

Goodbye.

[Beverly Cortland]

Goodbye.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Yes, Mr. Ames? Did you hear my conversation with Mrs. Cortland? Yes. I think we'd better start checking on the Cortlandt servants. And on the private lives of a son and daughter, too.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

Amen.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Hi, Mr. Cardland.

[Perry Cortland]

How did you know me?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

It's the business I'm in.

[Perry Cortland]

You're Lew Roberts?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

That's right.

[Perry Cortland]

Look, I don't know what this is all about.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

That's why I asked you to come here. Sit down.

[Perry Cortland]

I'm afraid I haven't got time.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I haven't got much either.

[Perry Cortland]

Then get to the point.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I'll start with the singer at the 711 Club.

[Perry Cortland]

What about her?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

She's worried about you, Cortland.

[Perry Cortland]

She's what?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

She's worried about the single.

[Perry Cortland]

What are you talking about?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

The 2,500 bucks you owe the house and gambling losses.

[Perry Cortland]

So what about it?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

They gave you a week to get it up, right?

[Perry Cortland]

Did they appoint you to collect? Nope. Then what's your angle in it?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

My angle is that you picked a risky way to raise a dough. What? But of course you're asking for 5,000.

[Narrator]

What?

[Perry Cortland]

What do you mean by that extortion

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

letter you wrote your mother?

[Perry Cortland]

Look here, Roberts, are you trying to. Well, how do you know about any extortion letter?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Why? Who hired you client?

[Perry Cortland]

My sister. I'll bet.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I just said it was a client.

[Perry Cortland]

What makes you think I wrote that letter?

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Because a welch will do anything to get up the dough when the heat's on him. And if I told the FBI the heat's on you, they could put two and two together just like I did.

[Perry Cortland]

But you're not going to tell him.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Well, I'm not. If you come clean.

[Perry Cortland]

You're not even going to tell my sister that you suspect me. You're not going to tell anybody anything.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Go.

[Perry Cortland]

Put down.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

We will return in just a moment to tonight's case which shows how your FBI helps provide national security. And now let's listen in on a conversation about Social Security between a man named Fred Boyd and his friend, the Equitable Society representative.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

I don't get it.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

You're a life insurance man, yet you say Social Security is a swell thing. Doesn't Social Security sort of take the place of life insurance?

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

No, Fred. We Equitable Society representatives look on Social Security and life insurance as a team. They both pull together.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

Well, for the first time, the man of average salary has a chance to retire on an income that will enable him to enjoy a good standard of living. Social Security will give him part of the incoming needs and life insurance can provide the rest. The two of them dovetail together perfectly.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Say, that's a new angle.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

You start with Social Security as the foundation and then build on top of that, huh?

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

Yes. Many Americans have never discovered how easy it is to build Social Security into full security through life insurance. Most people are amazed when they discover how little it costs. For instance, if you already own some life insurance, your Equitable Society man may be able to show you how. Only a few dollars extra per month will give your wife complete protection and assure you a comfortable retirement income through the Equitable Extended Income Plan. Remember, your Social Security benefits vary according to your age, salary and family situation. So why not get the facts? Find out exactly what you're entitled to under Social Security. The government has prepared a special card that will help you secure this information. To obtain one of these cards, get in touch with your Equitable Society representative or send your name and address on a postcard to the Equitable Society Care of the station. That's Equitable, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And now back to the FBI file. The sinister shakedown down.

[Narrator]

Someone once said that the trouble with lying is you have to keep telling other lies to cover up the previous one, and pretty soon you're trapped in your own web of deceit. Likewise, the person who commits a crime and then commits another in an effort to conceal the first is only weaving another strand in the net that must inevitably close in upon him. It was not more than 15 minutes after Perry Cortland had shot down the private detective, Detective Lou Roberts then fled from the office that Beverly Courtland started up the same flight of stairs to keep her appointment with Roberts.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Beverly Cortland]

Operator, get me the FBI.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Naturally. Ms. Cortlandt, we're wondering how you happened to come here to Mr. Roberts office.

[Beverly Cortland]

It was about the extortion letter. Before Mother turned it over to you. I. I secretly hired Mr. Roberts to work on the case.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Oh, I see.

[Beverly Cortland]

I realized it was the wrong thing to do.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Well, I think I understand why.

[Beverly Cortland]

Thank you.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

And when you arrived this time and found the body?

[Beverly Cortland]

I started to leave, but I thought I'd better come back and call you.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

Why?

[Beverly Cortland]

If somebody had seen me come here, I. I might have been suspected of having something to do with it if I ran away.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

But why did you call the FBI and not the police?

[Mrs. Cortland]

Yes.

[Beverly Cortland]

Because the FBI was on my mind anyway. In connection with the letter.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

You think there might be some connection between the letter and Roberts killing?

[Beverly Cortland]

How would I know

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

and all?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Did you find anything? Well, according to his files, the only case Roberts was working on at this time was the Cortland case. All the others seem to be closed. Well, that makes it look like there's some connection anyway.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Yeah.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Ms. Cortland?

[Beverly Cortland]

Yes?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

How far had Mr. Roberts gotten with this case?

[Beverly Cortland]

All I know is he told me to come here at 3:00 clock this afternoon because he.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Yes,

[Beverly Cortland]

because he thought he might have some news.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

I see. Honor, you better call the police.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Beverly Cortland]

The police. But do I have to?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

I think they'll permit us to follow through on this, Ms. Cortland, since there might be a connection with the threatening letter. Oh, you drive on home, if you will. Tell your mother to meet me at our office in an hour.

[Beverly Cortland]

Yes, that's all right.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Thank you very much. What are you thinking, Mr. Ames? I'm thinking that Ms. Cortlandt got here a little too late for a real shock.

[Perry Cortland]

How's that?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

I'm afraid, Roberts. BS Steward in finding out about Perry Cortland's gift gambling debt at the 711 Club.

[Perry Cortland]

Hello? I guess you know who this is. Carl. Look, I told you I got the money for you, didn't I? I just wanted to remind you your time is up tomorrow night. All right. All. All right. I'll have it by then. Just be sure you do. Okay. Stop worrying, will you? I'm not the one that's worrying. So long, Cort.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Come right in, please. Mrs. Cotland.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Mr. Ames.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Oh, what's the trouble?

[Mrs. Cortland]

This. A second letter.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

When did you receive this?

[Mrs. Cortland]

This afternoon. Special delivery.

[Beverly Cortland]

Here.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Thank you. Gives you one more chance to pay.

[Mrs. Cortland]

And whoever it is knows the FBI is working on it.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Yes, I see. His warning about calling us off. For the foolish of him to admit knowing that we are on the case, since so few know it.

[Beverly Cortland]

Well, what do you mean?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We have good reason to believe that this is the work of someone in your own household.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Oh, good heavens. But who do you think?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We can't afford to think. We've got to make sure.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Yes, of course.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Let's see. According to instructions, the money must be left in the side pocket of a car that will be parked at the northeast corner of 47 Third Avenue tomorrow night, 9 o'. Clock.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Yes.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

All right.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We'll see to it that the money is there. Yes, but say nothing to anyone in your household about bringing us this second letter.

[Mrs. Cortland]

All right.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

Just tell them all that you have decided the best thing to do is to pay off.

[Beverly Cortland]

Perry.

[Perry Cortland]

Perry, I'm in a hurry, Bev.

[Beverly Cortland]

I've got to see you, Perry. It's very important. What?

[Perry Cortland]

What's the matter?

[Beverly Cortland]

Step in here in the library.

[Perry Cortland]

Okay. Well.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, Perry, darling, why did you do it?

[Perry Cortland]

What are you talking about?

[Beverly Cortland]

I. I know the truth.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

What?

[Beverly Cortland]

I've known it since yesterday, but I was too shocked to think clearly about it, and I.

[Perry Cortland]

Look, Bev, what is this?

[Beverly Cortland]

Harry, you wrote that extortion letter.

[Mrs. Cortland]

And you.

[Beverly Cortland]

You killed the Roberts, too.

[Perry Cortland]

Now, wait a minute.

[Beverly Cortland]

I tore it off his calendar pad before the FBI got there.

[Perry Cortland]

Tore what off?

[Beverly Cortland]

I had an appointment with him at 3 o' clock and he told me he was meeting the extortioner just before then. Perry, your name was written down for 2:30.

[Perry Cortland]

Well, so what if it was?

[Beverly Cortland]

That was shot three times, Perry. Yeah, but I found the pistol in your room. Three bullets have been fired okay.

[Perry Cortland]

Perry, darling, never mind that stuff.

[Beverly Cortland]

Why did you do it?

[Perry Cortland]

I was in a jam.

[Beverly Cortland]

It's awful.

[Perry Cortland]

Cut the crying, will ya, Perry?

[Beverly Cortland]

Perry, you've got to give yourself up.

[Perry Cortland]

Are you kidding?

[Beverly Cortland]

But you'll be found out.

[Perry Cortland]

Oh, no, I won't. I've already collected the money.

[Beverly Cortland]

Extortion.

[Perry Cortland]

Call on anything you want. I'm using it to get away in right now.

[Beverly Cortland]

Oh, no. Perry.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

Go of me.

[Beverly Cortland]

But you can't.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Go.

[Perry Cortland]

I'm warning you. Bev, let go.

[Beverly Cortland]

No.

[Perry Cortland]

Okay.

[Beverly Cortland]

Perry. My arm.

[Perry Cortland]

You're not gonna squeal on me.

[Mrs. Cortland]

Please.

[Beverly Cortland]

You're hurting me.

[Perry Cortland]

I'm gonna keep you quiet.

[Mrs. Cortland]

No.

[Commercial Announcer]

Perry.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

What?

[Beverly Cortland]

Huh? It's the F.B.I.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

i don't believe your brother has met us. Ms. Cortland.

[Perry Cortland]

What are you doing here?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

That extortion money that was left by your mother had fluorescent powder on them.

[Lew Roberts (Private Detective)]

What?

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

We'd like to see how your hands will look under the proper kind of light.

[Narrator]

In view of the more serious crime of murder. The FBI Turned Perry Cortland over to the state. He was later tried and sentenced to be electrical.

[Beverly Cortland]

No.

[Narrator]

Not always is the person who commits a crime a criminal in the social sense of the word. Rather, he may be an otherwise acceptable member of society. Who, in the face of some personal crisis. Lacks the moral stamina to resolve it honorably. And instead seeks his way out criminally.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

In just a moment, we'll tell you about next week's colorful story. From the files of your FBI. But now, friends, let me remind you that no matter how much you earn. You have a valuable asset in Social Security. And your Equitable Society representative will gladly show you how easy it is. To build your Social Security into full security. He'll explain to you how Social Security and life insurance. Can work together for your complete protection. And will help you determine exactly where you stand under Social Security. No obligation, of course. Phone him tomorrow. Your Equitable Society representative is listed in your local phone book. Under the name Equitable. Equitable. 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. Death in the Tropics.

[Equitable Life Assurance Society Announcer]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Society's broadcast. 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 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 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. Death in the tropics on. This is your FBI.

[John Ames (FBI Assistant Agent)]

This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.