Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Buffalo Matter 10/04/1959

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Buffalo Matter (10/04/1959)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 12, 2026
Original Air Date: October 4, 1959
Summary By: Your Podcast Summarizer

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Overview

In this classic episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, America’s famed freelance insurance investigator is called to Buffalo, New York, to solve a daring $400,000 theft from a department store's safe. As Johnny Dollar digs into the case, he uncovers a web of misplaced trust, false identities, and a daring escape that pushes him into a dangerous pursuit across Lake Erie. This episode epitomizes the intrigue, suspense, and dry wit that defined the Golden Age of radio detective series.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Assignment and Setup (00:18 – 02:03)

• Johnny Dollar receives a new case from Pat McCracken at the Universal Adjustment Bureau regarding a huge theft from McNair's Emporium in Buffalo.
• Pat jokes about Johnny’s unusually low previous expense account, leading to friendly banter and news of a $500 bonus.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Do you blame me for thinking maybe you were sick or something?”
    — Pat McCracken (01:09)
• Johnny is tasked to contact Edward J. McNair, owner of the Emporium, where "somebody lifted a few dollars out of their safe"—over $400,000 (02:03).

2. The Robbery as Told by the Victims (03:23 – 08:26)

• Johnny interviews Mr. McNair and his assistant, John Harker, learning the precise routines followed for cash deposits after store closure.
• Harker reports being attacked and knocked unconscious when the last department head, Mr. Ellery, arrived at the vault.
  • Harker’s recount:
    “I went over and unlocked the door for Ellery, but instead of walking in, he was forcibly thrust into the room. The door was thrown back so hard, it knocked me down, knocked me unconscious.”
    — John Harker (05:59)
• Mr. Ellery was also attacked, bound, and beaten, but managed to glimpse the masked thief.

3. Procedures, Suspicions, and Personal Histories (08:26 – 11:23)

• Johnny finds the procedures outdated (“should have had an armored car”) and learns that Harker advocated for better security.
• Interview with bruised Mr. Ellery in the sporting goods, reinforcing details consistent with Harker’s account.
• Johnny begins probing into Harker’s background:
  • Claims to have recommendations from major department stores like Macy’s, Gimbels, and Wanamaker's.
  • Ellery praises Harker’s character but Johnny expresses doubts, noting oddities in Harker’s story and background.

4. Attempt on Johnny’s Life and Heightening Suspicion (11:23 – 14:00)

• At his hotel, Johnny finds an explosive device in his bag, barely escaping with his life (13:00).
• Johnny reasons that only three people knew of his presence: McNair, Ellery, and Harker. Harker, supposedly yachting, seems unlikely; suspicion shifts toward McNair.
  • “Funny, I got a sneaking suspicion about then that somebody in Buffalo didn't particularly want me around.”
    — Johnny Dollar (13:31)

5. The Financial Inquiry and the Truth about Harker (14:00 – 15:20)

• At the bank, Johnny learns that McNair is extremely wealthy and the store carries no debts.
• Johnny calls Macy’s, Gimbels, and Wanamaker's—none have ever heard of John Harker (15:05).

6. The Confrontation with McNair (15:20 – 16:52)

• Johnny confronts McNair with the truth: Harker’s references were fabricated and McNair was duped by blind trust.

• Johnny deduces Harker and an unidentified accomplice are escaping on McNair’s private cruiser, likely heading for the Canadian side of Lake Erie.

  • Notable Quote:
    “In your blind faith, you not only taught him how to stage the robbery... with your cruiser, you've helped him get away with it, with your money.”
    — Johnny Dollar to McNair (17:07)

7. The Pursuit across Lake Erie (16:52 – 19:50)

• The Coast Guard confirms the yacht is off Canadian shores; unfortunately, there’s no jurisdiction.
• Johnny finds a local willing to take him out in a converted subchaser despite the storm.
  • “If ever I needed a stroke of luck, it’s right now.”
    — Johnny Dollar (17:14)
• Johnny apprehends Harker and his accomplice; retrieves the stolen money.

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Expense Account Humor:
  “That expense account was completely legitimate from start to finish. Every single item was money out of my own pocket...”
  — Johnny Dollar (00:32)

• Quick-Witted Johnny:
  “That's the one thing I believe I'd better not do.”
  — Johnny Dollar, questioning Ellery about checking references (11:26)

• Johnny’s Deduction:
  “It had to be somebody completely familiar with the procedures…the timing…somebody who knew Ellery was always the last…”
  — Johnny Dollar (12:00)

• Climactic Realization:
  “He told me that he should have known something was wrong when Ellery called…but he was lying. Ellery didn’t know the robber was even there until after John had opened the door…”
  — Johnny Dollar (16:20)

• Subtle Irony:
  “Well, as it turned out, there’s a lot more to this thing…I’ll tell you all about it in my next report.”
  — Johnny Dollar (19:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18–02:03: Assignment & Pat's bonus
• 03:23–05:57: McNair & Harker recount the robbery
• 08:26–11:23: Ellery’s account; Harker’s background
• 13:00–14:00: Attempt on Johnny's life
• 14:00–15:20: Financial research; confirming Harker’s fraud
• 15:20–17:14: Confrontations and deduction
• 17:14–19:30: Coast Guard pursuit; resolution

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Tone & Style

This episode features friendly banter, cautious suspicion, and Johnny Dollar’s dry, investigative wit. The knot of trust, deception, and classic radio drama tension runs throughout, staying true to the original atmosphere of mid-century detective fiction.

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Final Thoughts

This installment highlights Johnny Dollar's keen instincts and dogged determination, showcasing the era’s fascination with complex heists and double-crosses. Listeners are treated to a satisfying blend of clever detective work and the thrills of classic radio storytelling—a must-hear for fans of vintage crime drama.

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Transcript

[A]

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].

[B]

Johnny Lawler, Pat McCracken. Johnny. Universal adjustment Bureau.

[C]

Matt, haven't had an assignment from you in, oh, several days.

[B]

Yes, I know. Now listen, this expense account of yours, huh? On that case you just finished.

[C]

Oh, now listen Pat, after all these years and I not only gave you a full report but an itemized statement. I know that expense account was completely legitimate from start to finish. Every single item was money out of my own pocket that I spent to solve that case.

[B]

What case?

[C]

The one you're talking about. The one I handled for you last week.

[B]

Whatever it was, you don't remember what it was.

[C]

Well, what difference does it make? All I'm saying is that whatever expenses I put down there were completely justified.

[B]

Do you remember what the total came to?

[C]

Haven't the least idea.

[B]

Then let me remember. Mind?

[C]

Oh, now look, that's beside the point.

[B]

Exactly $12.30.

[C]

Well, I tell you, every penny of it was $12 and 30 cents.

[B]

That's right. Now do you blame me for thinking maybe you were sick or something?

[D]

Oh no.

[C]

And I thought you were. Okay, Pat, argument's over.

[B]

Only it isn't, Johnny.

[C]

Huh?

[B]

Not by a long shot.

[C]

You mean you are going to question that expense account?

[B]

No, I mean we never discussed a fee on that case.

[C]

Oh, well, the fact that you had.

[B]

A pretty rough time of it and almost got yourself killed. Well, I persuaded the company to slap on an extra fee of 500 bucks.

[C]

Ah, Pat, you are a doll. And I ought to sluggie instead.

[B]

How about taking on another 1 fee.

[C]

On this one too?

[B]

We'll see.

[C]

I'll risk it.

[B]

Then grab a flight to Buffalo. Buffalo? Contact Edward J. McNair at McNair's Emporium.

[C]

McNair's what?

[B]

The Emporium. It's one of the big department stores. Somebody lifted a few dollars out of their safe last Saturday.

[C]

How much?

[B]

Something over 400,000.

[C]

Wow. Yeah, well, okay Pat, I'm on my way. CBS radio brings you Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And now act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense accounts submitted by special investigator Johnny Dol to the Universal Adjustment Bureau home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following as an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Buffalo matter. Expense account item 1 4950, plane fare and incidentals to Buffalo, New York. Item 2. $8 even for taxi fares. After driving my luggage at a hotel, I went over to the emporium in the big office on the top floor. I talked to Mr. McNair himself.

[E]

$421,216, according to the books.

[C]

Well, that's quite a loss, Mr. McNair.

[E]

And I suppose, Mr. Dollar, that to some extent, it's my own fault. My fault.

[C]

Oh, why do you say that, sir?

[E]

Heaven knows John Harker suggested changing the procedure more than once.

[C]

John Harker?

[E]

Yes, my young personal assistant. Also company treasurer.

[C]

Oh, I see.

[E]

But I've run things single handed the same old way for so long, and nothing like this ever happened before.

[C]

What do you want to tell me about it?

[E]

We followed the same procedure every Saturday night for over 28 years, which is to say that as soon as the store was closed, each department head in turn, brought his cash receipts up here.

[C]

To the treasurer, this John Harker.

[E]

Then Harker gave the department head a receipt, put the money in the vault.

[C]

And that was that. Well, sir, it. It seems to me it would have been a lot safer to have an armored car deliver that money to the depository of some bank during the day, maybe several times a day.

[E]

Exactly what John suggested some time ago. I suppose I should have listened to him.

[C]

Well, go on, sir.

[E]

Last Saturday, after we closed, things went along quite as usual. That is, until Mr. Ellery in Sporting goods, always the last to bring his money to the vault, until he knocked on Harker's door.

[C]

Well, right on cue.

[E]

Excuse me.

[C]

Come in, Ms. McNair.

[F]

John.

[E]

John, come in, please. I want you to meet Mr. Johnny Dollar. This is John Harker.

[D]

Mr. Dollar.

[C]

Hiya.

[E]

Dollar represents the insurance companies we trust will make good on our loss.

[D]

Well, I certainly hope you can make more progress than the police have, Mr. Dollar.

[C]

That bandage on your head have anything to do with the robbery, Harker? Yes, it certainly has.

[E]

Terrible, isn't it? Sit down, John. Tell Mr. Dollar exactly what happened on Saturday night when Mr. Ellery came up to turn his cash over to you.

[D]

Thank you, sir. Oh, I'm afraid it was all my fault.

[E]

Not a bit of it.

[D]

Yes, yes, for being caught off guard.

[C]

All right, what happened?

[D]

Well, when Ellery knocked on the door of the vault room, I asked who it was. He told me, and, well, I. I should have known by his tone of voice that something was wrong.

[E]

Now, John, you're not to blame. This sort of thing could have happened to anybody, even.

[C]

Even to me.

[D]

Thank you, Ms. McNair, but it doesn't alter the fact that. Well, Dollar, I went over and unlocked the door for Ellery, but instead of walking in, he was forcibly thrust into the room. The door was thrown back so hard, it. It knocked me down, knocked me unconscious.

[E]

Terrible, terrible.

[D]

And when I came to, the cash drawers of the vault were empty. The keys had been literally torn out of my pocket.

[E]

You shall have a new suit for that, John.

[D]

Thank you, Sir.

[C]

Ellery.

[D]

Poor Mr. Ellery lay there, bound with adhesive tape, pepper beads, badly beaten.

[C]

Did you see whoever it was came barging in that way?

[D]

If I hadn't been standing behind that door, I. I might have.

[C]

I see. What about this man, Ellery?

[E]

Billing Drum?

[D]

Yes, sir. Well, poor Ellery did catch a glimpse of him, but the man was wearing a sort of mask over his face.

[E]

He gave what description he could to.

[D]

The police, of course, and, well, that's about it.

[E]

Thank you, John. Now go along.

[C]

Yes, sir. Well, now, wait a minute.

[E]

Don't misunderstand me, Mr. Dollar, but I don't want to keep John around here any longer than necessary.

[D]

Well, but I want to be around. I'll cancel the trip, gladly.

[E]

Trip? Of course, after what's happened. That knock on the head was pretty serious. John is taking my cruiser on a little trip.

[C]

Oh, I can't say I blame him. Don't run along, John.

[E]

You can leave tonight as you plan.

[D]

Whatever you say, Mr. McNair.

[C]

Hawker, wait a minute.

[E]

Your friend all ready to go with you?

[D]

Oh, I hope you don't mind my taking him along, sir.

[C]

Not a bit.

[E]

Now, run along.

[C]

Run along.

[E]

Have a good time and a good rest.

[C]

Look, it's customary.

[D]

Thank you very much, sir.

[E]

Mr. Dollar, I suppose you'd like to talk to Mr. Ellery now.

[C]

Well, yeah, I'd like to talk to somebody who was involved in this. David Elray, the other victim of the robbery, was still out to lunch, so I grabbed a bite myself. That's item three, a buck 75. And check with the police. Nothing helpful at all. No leads on the man who got away with over $400,000 from a store there in Buffalo, New York. Then I went over to the Emporium, to the sporting goods department. Ellery was back, and I talked with him in a little office in the corner of the stockroom. He was still suffering from the beating he'd taken.

[F]

Yes, Mr. Dollar, it was awful. Terrible. And, yes, sir, it was just like young Mr. Harker told you it was.

[C]

I understand that you gave the police a Description of the man who attacked you?

[F]

Well, yes, sir. Best I could.

[C]

Had you ever seen him before? That you know, of course.

[F]

Well, of course I can't be absolutely sure because of that mask he was wearing, but I don't think so.

[C]

Was he waiting at the door of the vault room when you got there to put the money in the safe?

[F]

Oh, Mr. Harker always does that, sir.

[C]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[F]

I just go up and knock on the door and tell him who I am. Well, you see, he always keeps the door locked when he's taking the company cash that way.

[C]

Yeah, sure.

[F]

So I knock on the door and shout my name, and then he opens up and I give him the money. Then he gives me a receipt and he puts the money in the box.

[C]

But you didn't answer my question. When did you first see this man in the mask?

[F]

Only when Mr. Harker was opening the door for me. Yes, he must have sneaked up on me. And then just when Mr. Harker opened the door, he grabbed me by the shoulders and, sir, he just threw me into that boardroom.

[C]

And John Harker was struck by the door as it was banged open.

[E]

Poor young fellow.

[F]

It must have hurt him something terrible, knocking him out that way.

[C]

Looks to me like you got the worst of it, though.

[F]

I'm so sorry for John Harker. What nice young fellow like him trying so hard to make his way in the company, and then to have a thing like this happened. Mr. Allery doing real good for himself, too. Doing real good for the Emporium. Yeah, well, not selling some good ideas for building up the business. And Mr. McWheer liked that and kept pushing him ahead so that someday John could be earning himself a lot of money. Not that us old timers ever complain, Mr. Ellery. I mean, about the Ridge scale here at.

[C]

Wait a minute, please. Yes, sir. How long has John Harker been with the Emporium?

[F]

About a year now. And he's lived up to the recommendations he come with so? Well, it's just no wonder, Mr. Mc.

[C]

Recommendations from where?

[F]

Macy's and Gimbels in New York and John Wannemaker in Philadelphia. Oh, from lots of big stores. A couple in Chicago, too. Yes, sir. Mr. McNair told us about it himself when he hired Mr. Harker and explained that's why he give him a better job than some of us old timers.

[C]

Kimball's one of them.

[F]

Don't believe me you asked, Mr. McMahon.

[C]

You know something, Mr. Ellery?

[E]

What?

[C]

That's the one thing I Believe I'd better not. Do what? Well, thanks a lot. You've been a lot of help. Well, I had suddenly begun to wonder about the way Mr. McNair had gotten Harker out of his office before I could verily question him about the possibility that McNair might have engineered this robbery himself. Because it had to be somebody completely familiar with the procedures, the routines of that store because of the timing. Somebody who knew the place would be virtually empty at that time of day, who knew that Ellery was always the last to take his money up to the vault. I noticed a checkbook on Mr. McNair's desk. It made a mental note of the name of the bank. But it was now after 5pm so rather than push things until I was sure, I went back to my hotel room to clean up, eat some dinner and get a good night's sleep. But as I started to open my handbag, wondering, by the way, if I'd forgotten to lock it for the first time in my life. Yeah, I've heard that sound before. I grab the bag, made a dash to the open window and threw it as hard and as far out from the building as I could, out over the empty lot beside the hotel. Funny, I got a sneaking suspicion about then that somebody in Buffalo didn't particularly want me around. Needless to say, I had to do a bit of explaining to the police about the infernal machine in my handbag that I tossed out of my hotel. And the company will have to pay for some broken windows in that neighborhood. And needless to say, their only theory about who might have planted that bomb was the man in the mask, whose identity was still unknown to them. But I had an idea. Besides the police, only three people could have known I was there. Mr. Ellery. Hardly the type. Young John Harker? No, he was off on a yachting trip, and that left Mr. McNair. But like I said, rather than push things without some proof, well, item four is $7 for drinks and a good dinner. And I hit the sack for some much needed rest. But first thing in the morning, I was in the cashier's office at the bank. Yes, sir, what can I do? Johnny Holy Barton. Now, what under the sun are you doing here? I'll have you know that I'm not only cashier of this bank, but a vice president, too.

[B]

How are you, boy?

[C]

Congratulations. Well, look, I gotta get right to the point. I want to know all I can about the financial condition of not only Mr. Edward J. McNair, but. But also the story owns the Emporium, Johnny. You know that things like that are of a confidential nature between a banker and his client. Oh, I can see you're going to be a lot of help. I'll tell you this though. McNair is worth millions. Millions, Johnny. How about outstanding debts against the store? McNair's Old Fashioned. He pays cash, cash on the line.

[B]

For everything that store has.

[C]

Not a penny for, oh, I'd say over 25 years. Nor has McNair himself. So Johnny, if you're by any chance thinking 400,000 is still a lot of money, will him.

[D]

It's only a drop in the bucket.

[C]

But of course he's entitled to recover it. And if one of the companies you represent has to pay. Wait a minute. Let me use your phone. Why, surely. Item 5, 840 long distance calls to New York and Philadelphia, to Macy's, Gimbles and John Wan. Makers to the personnel directors. And from each of them I get the same answer. They'd never even heard of John Harker. I left the bank and went over to the Emporium to the office of Mr. McNair.

[E]

I know, Mr. Dollar. I haven't the least idea where John and his friend are going in my cruiser. He simply asked if he might have it for a few days.

[C]

Asked for it? I thought it was your idea that he take that trip.

[E]

Well, of course I agreed that he should get away for a few days.

[C]

To rest, recuperate a few days and also get away with your $400,000.

[E]

What?

[C]

Played right into his hands. You know anything about this friend he's taking along?

[E]

Well, I presume being a young man with lots of lady friends.

[C]

Well, I presume it's the guy who helped him with that robbery.

[E]

What are you saying, Mr. Duller?

[C]

Oh brother, how nicely things are beginning to add up around here. To begin with, it had to be somebody here in the store. And listen.

[E]

I'm listening.

[C]

S. Parker told me, right here in your office, he told me that when old man El Rey knocked on the door of the ballroom that he. That Harker should have known something was wrong when El recalled to him and identified him.

[E]

Mr.

[C]

I should have known by the tone of his voice that something was wrong. Now those were the words that Harker used. You heard him say it too, but he was lying. Yeah, because El Ray didn't know the robber was even there until after John had opened the door for him.

[E]

You're sure of that?

[C]

I'm sure.

[E]

Mr. Dollar. Are you trying to say that John.

[C]

Harker, that fine young man. I am trying to tell you that you have made an old fool of yourself. That you made your first mistake when you hired that smart young crook.

[E]

I'll have you know that John came here with the highest possible recommendation.

[C]

Yeah, well, Macy's and Gimbels and the rest never even heard of him.

[E]

What?

[C]

So in your blind faith, you not only taught him how to stage the robbery, he and his pal, whoever he is, but now with your cruiser, you've helped him get away with it with your money.

[E]

But good heavens, mister.

[C]

Now, if you'll just give me a hand. Come up with some bright idea for finding that boat of yours somewhere out in the middle of Lake Erie. Yeah, and probably headed for some remote little port on the Canadian side of the lake. Believe me, if ever I needed a stroke of luck, it's right now. You know something? Well, Lady Luck must have been tagging along right at my heels. And don't ever underestimate the United States Coast Guard. A big sou' wester had built up over Lake Erie, so they'd contacted every small boat within 100 miles. The boys aboard McNair's yacht hadn't dared not answering the call. It would only have sent the Coast Guard out looking for them. And where were they, $? They're riding out the blow in the Leal Long Point off the Canadian shore. Here it is in the chart. Or is that just where they say they are? Well, radio compass checks have verified their position right there. But now, Mr. Dollar. Yeah. No, that puts them in Canadian waters, doesn't it? No, I'm afraid so. Which means we have no jurisdiction, no authority. Of course, our friends across the board will be glad to cooperate any way they can. I'm sure of that. Yeah, but by the time we take whatever legal procedures may be necessary. No, listen. Yes, sir. Now, off the record, unofficially, suppose I were to go out there after them myself? Oh, Mr. Dollar. Well, somebody has to have them. Suppose I could find a boat and a skipper willing to weather this storm, huh? How about that? Well, I think maybe. Now, I'm not sure, mind you, but I think I've heard of some chap around here that owns a converted subchaser, weather out any kind of a storm.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

Now, of course, you understand I'm hardly in a position to recommend that you attempt any such. Expense account item 6,585 bucks. Rental of the subchaser and the skipper to go with it. And while I'd like to give you a thrilling, dramatic ending for this case. Well, the trip across Lake Erie in that storm did have its moments. But from there on in, it was just a matter of running down John Harker and his pal, clapping him into chains and hauling them back to Buffalo with the money. So, expense account total, including transportation home. Well, now, wait. As it turned out, there's a lot more to this thing. Yeah, I'll tell you all about it, my next report. Yours truly, Shiny D. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week? Well, as I told you, there's a lot more to this case. As a matter of fact, it turned out to be the most exciting, most dangerous assignment. Well, join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey. Originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Bartlett Robinson, James McCallion, Dick Crenna, Junius Matthews and Gil Stratton.