This is Your FBI: The Sinister Souvenir 02/01/1946

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: This is Your FBI — "The Sinister Souvenir" (Original Airdate: 02/01/1946)
Podcast Host: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: December 21, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode revisits a thrilling broadcast from the golden age of radio, dramatizing an FBI case centered on returning war veterans, the firearms souvenirs they bring home, and the unintended tragedies that can result. "The Sinister Souvenir" tells the story of Joe Williams, a recently discharged soldier, whose German Luger war trophy becomes the centerpiece of a deadly crime. The narrative weaves together postwar anxieties, family loyalty, and a stern warning about the dangers of unsecured guns.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Dangers of War Souvenirs

• The episode opens with a public service message about the risk of bringing home firearms from wartime service (03:39).

• Listeners are informed that such items, if not properly secured, have already been used in numerous crimes.

  "'Already scores and scores of these weapons have figured in serious crimes committed by other persons who got possession of them.'"
  — Joe Williams, FBI Announcement (03:39)

2. Joe Williams' Homecoming

• PFC Joe Williams returns home to Brooklyn and reunites with his sister Peggy and her husband, Eddie (04:29-05:36).
• He shares souvenirs, notably a German Luger, which becomes the object of fascination—and envy—by Eddie.

3. Suspicious Motives & The Theft of the Luger

• Tension arises when Eddie expresses interest in swapping for the Luger but Joe refuses (06:53-07:22).

• The next morning, the Luger is missing, and suspicion falls on Eddie (08:46-08:50).

  "'You know that Luger I brought home? ...Eddie wanted it...I looked in my gear bag this morning. The Luger is gone.'"
  — Joe Williams to Peggy (08:38)

4. The Crime: Luger Becomes a Murder Weapon

• Eddie and an accomplice use the weapon in a warehouse robbery, fatally shooting a night watchman (09:02-10:44).

5. The FBI Investigation Begins

• FBI agents Jack Hope and Larry investigate the crime scene, tracing the fatal bullet to a German Luger (10:06-15:37).

• They systematically check evidence, including ballistic tests and interviews with the suspects.

  "'Caliber of that bullet was 7.65 millimeters...'
  — FBI Agent Jack Hope (15:37)

6. Family Confrontation & Cover-Up

• Joe confronts Eddie about the stolen Luger and the warehouse incident; their exchange is fraught and emotional (16:13-17:15).
• Joe is subsequently shot by Eddie during an altercation at home but survives (17:00-20:48).

7. FBI Closes In

• Agents continue pursuing Eddie, who tries and fails to escape by faking a train journey to Chicago (24:16-26:48).

• Eddie makes the classic mistake of returning home, thinking it’s the last place they’ll look.

  "'That's why I come back. The FBI will never think of looking for me here until after I'm gone...'"
  — Eddie Oakland (25:34)

8. The Climactic Confrontation & Arrest

• The situation escalates when Eddie threatens Joe and Peggy at gunpoint, but the FBI arrives just in time to arrest him (27:16-28:10).

  "'Don't drop that gun, Oakland. And don’t turn around.'"
  — FBI Agent Jack Hope during the takedown (28:04)

9. Aftermath & The Moral

• Eddie and his accomplice are convicted of murder.

• The episode closes with a direct appeal: veterans are encouraged to have their firearm trophies rendered harmless to prevent similar tragedies.

  "'For your sake, for the sake of your loved ones, and for the sake of society, have a firearms expert render your gun harmless. Do this now, do it now without delay…'"
  — Joe Williams, final announcement (29:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Returning to Civilian Life:
  "'Most of the fellows kissed the good old USA's terra firma...he saved his kiss until he came up out of the subway and planted it smack on Flatbush Avenue.'"
  — Narrator (04:28)

• On Mistrust:
  "'From what they said, Eddie's mixed up with the wrong kind of people...'"
  — Joe Williams to Peggy (08:19)

• The Gun as a Symbol:
  "'That gun's got no bearing on what Eddie did.'
  — Peggy (25:03)

• FBI Professionalism:
  "'We know you didn't kill the night watchman.'"
  — FBI Agent (22:54)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:39 — Advisory about dangers of war souvenirs
• 05:11-05:51 — Joe reveals war souvenirs, including the fateful Luger
• 08:46 — Discovery that the Luger is missing
• 09:02-10:44 — Warehouse robbery and murder
• 15:37 — Forensic confirmation: Luger fired the murder weapon
• 17:00-20:48 — Joe is shot by Eddie
• 22:04 — FBI agents interview Joe and Peggy
• 24:16 — FBI learns of Eddie's ruse and tracks him
• 27:16-28:10 — Eddie’s final confrontation and the FBI arrest
• 29:32 — Closing message: 'Render your war souvenir harmless'

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Tone & Style

The episode matches the classic radio noir style—moody, dramatic, and overtly didactic, with a strong moral undercurrent and an increasing sense of urgency as the investigation progresses.

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Summary Takeaway

"The Sinister Souvenir" isn't just a detective drama; it's a postwar cautionary tale. Through the fate of Joe Williams and his family, the episode urges veterans and listeners alike to reflect on the dangers that war trophies can pose at home—and reminds them that vigilance and responsibility are crucial even after the fighting ends. The FBI’s swift work and the tragic arc underline the real-life stakes behind an all-too-common crime of the era.

Ideal for fans of: Classic detective tales, postwar American history, and listeners who appreciate a blend of suspense, family drama, and historical social messaging.

Transcript

[Josh Whalen]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or Enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and BL lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs and for a limited time you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or Enclomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn [e-mail] when it's time to scale.

[Shopify Announcer]

Your business it's time for Shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot and turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today.

[Narrator]

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.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

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 FBI file, let's consider the slogan E Pluribus Unum that appears on every United States coin. It means one from many. In other words, get together, stay united. A perfect example is the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. In the Equitable Society, three and a quarter million Americans have United States for Security have pooled their dollars to give each individual member far more financial security than he could achieve by his own unaided efforts. These Equitable Society dollars are invested for the benefit of its Members. And to promote the industrial and financial health of the entire country. So that by serving its members, the Equitable Life Assurance Society serves. Tonight's FBI file. The sinister souvenir.

[Joe Williams]

To all of you men who are now wearing discharge buttons in your lapels, here is a message from your FBI. It's about those souvenirs you brought back home with you. The shooting kind. You know, that rifle or pistol or tommy gun. Well, already scores and scores of these weapons have figured in serious crimes committed by other persons who got possession of them. A little later we'll tell you how you can keep your war trophy from becoming an instrument of crime. But first, listen to the recent case of one returning vet and the crime that came out of his gear bag. Most of the fellows kissed the good old USA's terra firma the minute they.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Got off the boat.

[Joe Williams]

But not PFC Joe Williams. He saved his kiss until he came up out of the subway and planted it smack on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. A little while later, he planted another kiss on the cheek of his sister.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Gosh, Joe, thanks. It's just so wonderful.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

You're home.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

You're home.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, I'm home, baby.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

I'm so happy. I don't know what to say.

[Eddie Oakland]

I feel pretty good myself.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Just let me look at you again.

[Eddie Oakland]

Okay?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

I gotta stop there. Let's get organized. You sit right down over there and I'll go fix you something.

[Eddie Oakland]

Oh, now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Food can wait. I've got some things to show you first.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

You have what?

[Eddie Oakland]

Presents, souvenirs, junk like that. I've got them right here in the bag.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

But you must be hungry.

[Eddie Oakland]

Now, hey, you just stay put.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Eddie Oakland]

Now take a look at this. That's for you.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh, Joe, perfume.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, that's genuine French perfume. Don't smell bad either.

[Narrator]

Here, take a sniff.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Oh, that's wonderful.

[Eddie Oakland]

Good. And look, here's something for Eddie. One of those fancy Heidelberg steins.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Oh, that's beautiful, Joe.

[Eddie Oakland]

By the way, where is that husband of yours?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Well, he's still sleeping. I'll call him now and tell him that you.

[Eddie Oakland]

No, no, no, no, don't bother. Here, look. Take a look at the rest of this junk.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

All right? Souvenir. Souvenir.

[Eddie Oakland]

Hey, look, this here's a Nazi flag.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

It is?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Eddie Oakland]

Here's some Heiney medals. Take a look at this. There's an honest to goodness German Luger.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Oh, that's a nasty looking thing.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, that's one of the sweetest automatics there is. I. I took it from the owner personally?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

How?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, it's a long story.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Hey. Hey.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Oh, there's Eddie. Now he's awake.

[Eddie Oakland]

Hey, where did you buy Eddie?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Oh, how about Joe?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

I was just gonna call you Eddie and tell you that Joe was here, but I was so excited. Isn't this a wonderful surprise?

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Welcome home, kid.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Peg, where did you put my brown suit?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

It's in the hall closet. Eddie, you talk to Joe for a minute. Now, I want to go out and fix something to eat.

[Narrator]

Yeah, okay.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

What a beautiful morning.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Well, you look good, kid.

[Eddie Oakland]

Thanks. Thanks, Eddie.

[Narrator]

But when did you get here?

[Eddie Oakland]

Oh, I just got in a few minutes ago.

[Narrator]

What's all this stuff?

[Eddie Oakland]

Souvenirs, presents. Junkyard. Oh, here's something for you, Eddie.

[Narrator]

Oh, for me? Oh, they might have.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Right from Heidelberg.

[Narrator]

Oh, thanks. Hey, what's with the gun?

[Eddie Oakland]

Oh, that's German Luger.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Hey, that's a good looking job. Where'd you get it?

[Eddie Oakland]

I took it off a guy.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Look, you mind if I look at it? No, go ahead. Hey, this is okay. Joe.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Look, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but could I maybe work a swap with you?

[Eddie Oakland]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

The sluger instead of the beer mug. Oh, I throw in a little cash on the side.

[Eddie Oakland]

What do you want with a gun?

[Narrator]

Just for a souvenir. What do you say?

[Eddie Oakland]

I'm afraid not, Eddie.

[Narrator]

Okay, kid, come on, let's go in and eat.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Is that you, Eddie?

[Eddie Oakland]

No, it's me, sis.

[Narrator]

Joe.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Well, did you visit all the neighbors?

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, I saw a few of them.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Weren't they surprised? I purposely didn't tell any of them that you were home. I wanted them to be.

[Eddie Oakland]

Hey, guy.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Yeah?

[Eddie Oakland]

I gotta talk to you. What about, Eddie? Well, now, look, Peggy, I know this is none of my business, and if he wasn't married to you, I'd keep out of it, but what does the guy do?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

You mean his job? Yeah, he's a salesman.

[Eddie Oakland]

What does he sell?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Lots of things.

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, I mean, what. What for instance?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Well, now, why do you want to know this, Joe?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, for one thing, I was talking to some of the guys in the neighborhood today. From what they said, Eddie's mixed up with the wrong kind of people. Oh, you knew that, didn't you? Yeah, I had another reason for asking too. You know that luga I brought home.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

With me the gun?

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Eddie Oakland]

Eddie wanted it. He said he'd swap me the beer mug for it and give me some cash besides.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Yeah, but you didn't give it to him.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

No.

[Eddie Oakland]

No, but I looked in my gear bag this morning.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Yeah?

[Eddie Oakland]

The Luger is gone.

[Joe Williams]

Yes, the Luger is gone. But it is no longer a war trophy, a souvenir. It has gone to a darkened warehouse on the Brooklyn waterfront. There, in the hands of Joe's brother in law and a companion, the Luger has now become an instrument of crime.

[Narrator]

How many more boxes? This is the last of them. Here. Okay, let's get them out of the truck. Look, we've been here long enough. This will only take a couple of more minutes. Come on. Okay, easy enough.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Wait a minute.

[Eddie Oakland]

Listen. Probably the watchman. Dutch, I told you we should get him. He's coming right at us. He's gonna spot us.

[Narrator]

Let's blow.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Mr. Forrest? Yes? My name is Hope. This is Mr. Rogers. We're from the FBI. How you doing? The body of the watchman is in the main warehouse. Come with me, please. Surely.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Any idea when the killing occurred?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Not more than two hours ago. That's the last time the watchman checked in.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

I see.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

When he missed making his last report, we investigated. After finding the body, we immediately call you in here, please. All right, go ahead, Jack. There he is, right over there. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go outside and wait for the coroner early. Mr. Forrest. Okay, Jack, let's have a look at him.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Drilled him right through the head. Yeah, well, we better start looking for where that bullet lodged. Now, let's see. He was standing right here at the entrance of this row of narcotic packing cases. The bullet entered low on the forehead, came out high in the back of his head.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Hey, look, Larry, high up on that post there.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Where? Oh, looks like a fresh chip.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Come on, give me a hand with this ladder.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Over here now.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

That's good. All right, now hold it steady and I'll go up.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Watch it.

[Josh Whalen]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes, when you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan. And right now, all labs are 50 off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene. This is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use the promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or enclomophene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn [e-mail] when it's time to scale.

[Shopify Announcer]

Your business, it's time for Shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot and turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

What'd you find, Jack?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

What we're looking for.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

All right. Good.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

If I don't break my knife. Digging it out.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Yeah.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Yeah, that's got it.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Okay, come on up. What's it look like?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

It's not big enough for a.38. Doesn't look like a.32 either.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, let's not bother guessing. Let's see what other leads we can pick up and then get over to the lab.

[Narrator]

The men. Somebody here to see Eddie. Who is he? Says he's your brother in law. What's he doing here? Tell him I'm busy.

[Eddie Oakland]

Now you can't be that busy, Eddie.

[Narrator]

Okay, kid, come on in. Wait outside. Aren't you okay? What's on your mind?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, Peg asked me to come here. To your office. She was worried when you didn't come home last night.

[Narrator]

I was working.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

All night?

[Narrator]

Yeah. All night.

[Eddie Oakland]

Doing what, Eddie?

[Narrator]

What's that to you?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, it's nothing to me, but Peg's my sister.

[Narrator]

Now let her ask the question.

[Eddie Oakland]

Look, Eddie, I talked to some guys in the neighborhood and they told me some things about you that didn't sound so good.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh yeah?

[Narrator]

Like what?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, that you were mixed up with the wrong kind of guys.

[Narrator]

What is this? Are you trying to pin something on me?

[Eddie Oakland]

No, I just want to find out if it's true.

[Narrator]

Of course it ain't true. Someone's trying to knife me, that's all.

[Eddie Oakland]

And there's one more thing. Well, that German Luger I brought home with me.

[Narrator]

What about it?

[Eddie Oakland]

You wanted it.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Eddie Oakland]

I looked for it yesterday. It was gone.

[Narrator]

Now wait a minute. Are you trying to say I took that?

[Eddie Oakland]

Eddie? All I know is it's gone.

[Narrator]

Have you told all this to Peg?

[Eddie Oakland]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's great. That puts me in a terrible spot. Look, could you go on home? Tell Peg I'll be home for dinner. Then the three of us can sit down and straighten this out. Okay.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Any lab report on that bullet check yet, Larry?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

No, but they ought to call any minute.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Looks like that's going to be our best clue.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Why, Jack, what about those fingerprints we got off the windowsill when the thieves came in?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

They were the night watchmans.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, that's that. Targeted Hope speaking. Oh, it's a Lapu. Yes. Yes. All right. Send over the complete report, will you, please? Thanks.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

What's the verdict, Larry?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Caliber of that bullet was 7.65 millimeters. That's right. Was fired from a German Luger.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Thanks.

[Eddie Oakland]

She isn't here.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Ready?

[Narrator]

Oh, hi, kid.

[Eddie Oakland]

I say, pig went out.

[Narrator]

Well, didn't you tell her I was coming home for supper?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Yeah.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, I told her.

[Narrator]

Where'd she go?

[Eddie Oakland]

See the doctor.

[Narrator]

That what for?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, looks like you're gonna become a father.

[Narrator]

No kiddin'?

[Eddie Oakland]

Eddie, have you seen today's paper?

[Narrator]

Why?

[Eddie Oakland]

There's a story in it about a holdup in a government warehouse.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Eddie Oakland]

The watchman in the warehouse was killed.

[Narrator]

So what?

[Eddie Oakland]

Let me read you something. The bullet which killed the watchman was found lodged in a wooden support. The FBI laboratory positively identified it as having been fired from a German Luger.

[Narrator]

What are you telling me for?

[Eddie Oakland]

When I was in your office today, I saw some boxes, Eddie. Boxes with government stencils on them.

[Narrator]

Who are you driving at?

[Eddie Oakland]

I know. Now what happened to my Luger?

[Narrator]

Oh, look.

[Eddie Oakland]

You did that job, Eddie. You did it with my gun.

[Narrator]

You're crazy.

[Eddie Oakland]

Where's the gun?

[Narrator]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Eddie Oakland]

Turn around.

[Narrator]

Keep away from me.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah, there's a bulge over your hip.

[Narrator]

I want to find out where you are.

[Eddie Oakland]

I was right.

[Narrator]

Yeah, wise guy. This is your gun pointing right at you.

[Eddie Oakland]

Let me have it, Eddie.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

What?

[Narrator]

I want the gun. Keep away, kid.

[Eddie Oakland]

I said I want that gun. Okay.

[Narrator]

So on. Sucker.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Tonight's FBI file on the sinister souvenir will reopen in just a moment. Meanwhile, perhaps you will be surprised as I was, to learn that there is more than one kind of security. This week at the Equitable Society, I got a brand new slant on the subject of security from Thomas I. Parkinson, president of the Society. Did it ever occur to you, Mr. Parkinson said to me. That there's such a thing as having too much security? How could that be?

[Joe Williams]

I asked.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Well, Mr. Parkinson said, a convict in jail serving a life sentence has perfect security. His clothes, food and shelter are assured for the rest of his life. But who wants that kind of security bought at the price of freedom? Of course, that's an extreme case, President Parkinson went on, but don't forget that the oldest trick of all dictatorial governments, from Julius Caesar to Adolf Hitler, was to promise the people bread and circuses and security and then take away their liberties. Mr. Parkinson paused for a moment, and when he continued, there was a note of deep conviction in his voice as he said, that's one reason why all of us in the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States are glad that Americans believe in life insurance. Equitable Society members do not pay for their security with lost freedom. Life insurance security is the result of individual thrift and forethought, of initiative and self reliance. And a man with life insurance is pretty sure to turn a deaf ear to the glib promises of demagogues and agitators. Yes, we're proud to say that this week and every week for 86 years, the equitable Society has been building security, the right kind of security for you, your home and your country. And now back to the FBI file on the sinister souvenir.

[Joe Williams]

Of course, no returning veteran expects that the pistol or Tommy gun or other lethal weapon which he brings home as a war trophy shall ever become an instrument of crime. Joe Williams certainly didn't expect that to happen to his German Luger automatic. But two nights after he got home, one man had been murdered with it, and next day, he himself was shot with it. A few minutes after the brutal shooting of Joe Williams, his sister returned to the apartment. Finding him on the floor, she called the doctor, then worked feverishly to bring him back to consciousness.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Here, darling, drink this water.

[Eddie Oakland]

Thanks.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

No. Don't move, Joe. I'll lift your head.

[Eddie Oakland]

Okay.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

That'S fine. It's fine, darling. I bandaged the wound and checked the bleeding. The doctor will be right over. Joe, what happened?

[Eddie Oakland]

It was an accident. I shot myself.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

That's not true.

[Eddie Oakland]

Honest.

[Narrator]

Peg? Yeah?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Then where's the gun?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, it's.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Look, I've got a pretty good idea what really happened. Eddie did this to you?

[Eddie Oakland]

No, Peg.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Joe. I saw him run out of the building here as I was coming down the street. I called out to him and he just kept right on going. Now you tell me the truth, Joe.

[Eddie Oakland]

Okay. It was Eddie.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Why'd he do it?

[Eddie Oakland]

Why, he did take my gun. He used it in the holdup. He killed a Man, I tried to take the gun back. Shot me with it.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, sis.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Joe. Joe, we gotta call the police.

[Eddie Oakland]

No, don't.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Joey killed a man.

[Eddie Oakland]

He's gone. He won't be back. Look, you're gonna keep out of this.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

What about the doctor? He's gonna know that something was wrong.

[Eddie Oakland]

We'll tell him it was an accident. Look, sis, you're gonna have a baby. Let's do this for the K.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

That's the right number.

[Joe Williams]

Jack.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Yep.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Yeah.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Good afternoon. We're special agents of the FBI.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

The FBI?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Yes. We learned about your brother's accident. May we come in and talk to him?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Well, yes, I guess so.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Thank you. Go ahead, Jack. All right.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

This way, please.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Thanks.

[Eddie Oakland]

Who's the company? Sis?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

These men are special agents of the FBI. Joe.

[Eddie Oakland]

What do you want?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, Joe, we thought you might be interested in something. We found out about the bullet the doctor dug out of your shoulder.

[Eddie Oakland]

How did you know about it?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Doctors have to report these cases to the police, you know. That's how we got a hold of the bullet.

[Narrator]

Well, what about it?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, under our microscopes in the laboratory, that exactly matches the one that killed the night watchman last night.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

We'd like to see your German Luger, Joe.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah. I haven't got it.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

We know you didn't kill the night watchman.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Eddie Oakland]

I say I haven't got the gun, see?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Did your husband take it with him? Mrs. Oakland, you know.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

We've checked everybody in your house since we found out about the bullet.

[Eddie Oakland]

SIS didn't know the truth about Eddie.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

We're sure of that.

[Eddie Oakland]

You see, she wanted to spill everything right away, but I kept her from it on account of. On account of.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Yes, we even know about the baby too. What we want to know now is where is Eddie Oakland?

[Eddie Oakland]

I wish we could tell you.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

We need a good description of him. The police knew him, of course, but nobody has a photo of him.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

I can furnish that.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh, good.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Jack. Yeah?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

I'll stay here and get a full interview on everything. You go back to the office, get out an alarm on Oakland. I'll meet you there.

[Eddie Oakland]

Right.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

How you been doing, Jack?

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

No results from the alarm yet. How did you make out?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Very well.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

What did you get?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oakland's wife told me about an office he had. I went over to the place, found some of the goods stolen from the warehouse. Well, I also found a man there. I've had him booked as a suspect.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Could he tell you where Oakland was?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

No, but he's being questioned now.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

I put out an Alarm on his car.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh, you'll probably stay out of that. It's too hot. I'll get it. Hope speaking. All odd. What? Yes, yes, Wonderful. Good work. We'll get on at Prono.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Thanks.

[Joe Williams]

Got something.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oakland's on the Commodore headed for Chicago.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Really?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

At least Howard turned up a ticket seller who sold Oakland's space on it.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Which section?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

The second. Let's see. It's midnight now. Train hasn't gotten to Buffalo yet. Let's get the Buffalo office on the phone.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Can I get you anything else, Joe?

[Eddie Oakland]

No, thanks.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

But you didn't eat a thing.

[Eddie Oakland]

I wasn't hungry.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Now, you know the doctor said you've got to eat.

[Eddie Oakland]

I know. I know what the doctor said. Look, sis, I'm getting out of bed tomorrow. Joe, I don't want you waiting on me like this. I caused you enough trouble.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

What are you talking about?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, if I hadn't brought that stinking gun into this house.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

That gun's got no bearing on what Eddie did.

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, it was my pistol that killed that watchman.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Eddie killed the watchman? Oh, if I could only get my hands on him, I'd.

[Narrator]

Do what? Tell me, what would you do?

[Eddie Oakland]

Why, you.

[Narrator]

Take it easy, Eddie.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Why do you.

[Narrator]

Shut up and listen. I come back here for a couple of days until the heat cools off. Then I'll be on my way again.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

No, you can't stay here.

[Narrator]

This is the safest place for me to be. I'm supposed to be on my way to Chicago. Can I help it if I'm smart?

[Eddie Oakland]

You're so smart, you've got the whole FBI looking for you.

[Narrator]

That's why I come back. The FBI will never sink a looking for me here until after I'm gone. That is, unless one of you tries to tell him something. In which case there's plenty of bullets left in this Luger.

[Eddie Oakland]

Tell him where he can go, Sis.

[Narrator]

Me something to eat, Peg. And some hot jab.

[Eddie Oakland]

I said tell him where to go.

[Narrator]

Before I. Daddy, don't.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

I'll get you something to eat.

[Narrator]

So. And look, nobody's leaving this house until after. I do understand.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Larry.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

The Commodore left Buffalo 30 minutes ago. We ought to hear something.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, maybe it was late.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Maybe so, but.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Hogg speaking. Yes, it's Buffalo now.

[Narrator]

Good.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh, yes.

[Joe Williams]

What?

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Yeah, I see. Bully old gag, huh? Well, thanks anyway. So long. What happened? The man riding in Oakland space wasn't Oakland. Pulled the old trick, booked space, then turned it over to a hotel porter to sell to somebody else.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Oakland's trying to be Foxy, huh?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Well, Jack, there's another part that usually goes with that particular piece of foxiness.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

What do you mean?

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Come on. I believe I'll get to show you what I mean.

[Eddie Oakland]

It tasted good, and I hope it chokes you.

[Narrator]

Thanks. Any more java there, Peg? Yeah, pour me some.

[Eddie Oakland]

Let him pour his own.

[Narrator]

I didn't do a very good job on you, did I? Just swinging you in the shoulder. Maybe I can make up for it before I leave.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

What do you mean by that?

[Narrator]

Just trying to make him behave himself, that's all.

[Eddie Oakland]

That gun makes you a real big guy.

[Narrator]

I'm a big guy without it.

[Eddie Oakland]

Yeah. As long as I'm in bed, you are.

[Narrator]

Will you tell this. Where did she go?

[Eddie Oakland]

Well, you wanted more coffee, didn't you?

[Narrator]

She had coffee right here.

[Eddie Oakland]

Maybe she went to make some fresh. Maybe she went to do something else, too, like getting on that phone.

[Joe Williams]

Leave her alone.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

Beck, what are you doing?

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Operator, hurry, please.

[Narrator]

Get away from that phone. Hang up, I said. Told you not to do that. Get back in there.

[Eddie Oakland]

Take your hands off.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

Joe, get back to bed.

[Eddie Oakland]

I'm gonna fix this guy right now. Look, kid, I don't want to blast you again.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Keep away.

[Narrator]

I'm warning you, Eddie.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Don't drop that gun, Uncle.

[Joe Williams]

And don't turn around.

[Peggy (Joe's sister)]

The FBI.

[FBI Agent Jack Hope]

Ah, you see what I meant, Jack? If he was dumb enough to pull the old railroad gag, then he had to pull the rest of the act, too. Try to hide out at home. All right, Oakland. Come on.

[Joe Williams]

Eddie Oakland and his accomplice were tried for the murder of the warehouse watchman. They were convicted on the charge of first degree murder. As for Joe Williams, his war trophy, the German Luger, was returned to him, but after it had been rendered harmless by experts of the FBI. And that brings us to the final part of your FBI's message to you returned veterans who have brought back firearms souvenirs from the battlefield. No one wants you to give them up. You earned the right to keep them. Earned it the hard way. But please, for your sake, for the sake of your loved ones and for the sake of society, have a firearms expert render your gun harmless. Do this now, do it now without delay, and you can be certain that your souvenir will always remain just that and never become an instrument of a crime.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

Next week you will hear another thrilling case from the files of the FBI. Before telling you about it, here's a brief but important message from the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States to the FBI. America looks for national security and to the Equitable Society. Three and a quarter million Americans look for the financial security of life insurance. These three and a quarter million people comprise the Equitable Society because you see the moment they purchased life insurance through an Equitable Society representative they became members of this great mutual organization. Remember, like your FBI the Equitable Life Assurance Society representative in your community is constantly working for the security of you, your home and your country.

[Joe Williams]

Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cautious Killer.

[FBI Narrator / Announcer]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Societies 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 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. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.