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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Ghost to Ghost Matter: 05/18/1958
00:24:45
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Betterman is clinically tested and trusted by thousands of men over 25 years ready to take back control. Go to be betternow.com to order your supply today. That's be betternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary. 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 donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com Calm. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. Hi, Johnny. This is Art Prize, International Press Service. Oh, holy smoke. Art. What are you doing up at this hour of the morning? I'm on the night desk and I'm sorry to have to wake you up. So am I. Listen, I just got a call, a real frantic one from a guy who insisted on having your phone number. Well, did you give it to him? He said he's an insurance man, that it was about some insurance matter. So yes, I did. Well, why'd he call you? Yeah, that puzzles me too. But he was so excited, so, well, so frantic. Well, he probably called the first person he could think of and he said it was a big emergency. Oh, did he give you any details? No. And Johnny, it's aroused my curiosity. Let me know what it's all about, will you? Yeah, sure, sir. Promise? Okay. I Prom Bob Bailey and 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 Dol. Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar, the State Unity Life Insurance Company, Home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the ghost to ghost matter. I'd no sooner rolled over in the hope of getting back to sleep when the phone beside my bed started jangling again. Oh, nuts. Johnny Dollar, this is Oscar H. Trimley, Mr. Dollar. Tremley. I represent State Unity Life here in Lake City, New Jersey. Oh, look, are you the man who called Art Price over at International Press Service? Yes, yes, I did get your phone number. I knew he'd have it, your being such a famous investigator and all that. Yeah, well, you could also have got it from Universal Adjustment Bureau, your insurance directory. The long distance operator. Oh, dear. I guess I've been so upset over this whole thing that it never occurred to me. But can you come down here to Lake City, Mr. Dollar? Right away? Well, it depends. What's this all about? Ian McAndrews. Who's Ian McAndrews? Oh, don't you know? He's the man who founded Lake City. So what's happened to him? He's dead, Mr. Dollar. Or rather, he isn't. Well, that is to say, he died, Mr. Dollar, about five years ago. And, well, in due time, of course, we paid off the claim on his life insurance policy. $55,000. Everything in order and perfectly all right. Well, then. But now. Oh. Oh, no, Mr. Dolly, you just won't believe it unless you come here and see for yourself. Won't believe what? Ian McAndrews has come back. Huh? Either he or his. His ghost has come back here. Oh, now, wait a minute. Oh, no, it's true. It's absolutely True, sir. Ian McCandrell's is haunting Lake City. So please come as quickly as you can. I. I'll think about it. Oh, dear. Is that the best answer you can give me? Yeah, I'm afraid so. Until I see how things line up for me these next couple of days. Goodbye, mister. Think about it. I could hardly wait to grab a train. But I didn't want Oscar Trimley to know that because I had a strong suspicion that if you can catch a ghost off guard, you'll be one up on him. Expense account. Item 1. The promised phone call to Art Price and international press. Are you kidding, Johnny? No, I'm deadly serious, Art. But a ghost in a little New Jersey? Yeah. Yep, I'll keep in touch. Then I remembered Nancy. Nancy Turner, an old flame, or rather a young old flame. She'd said something one time about taking up investigation of the supernatural. So expense account item 2. Another dime for another call. You old rascal. Johnny, you haven't called me in ages. Well, you know how it is. Look, Nancy, did you ever go ahead with your study of psychic investigation? Psychic? Oh, no, Johnny. I found I'd have to read a couple of hundred musty old books, so I gave it up. Oh, well, that's too bad. Oh, why? Well, I. I've got to run over to Jersey to investigate a haunted town. A haunted town? How thrilling. Except that such a thing is impossible. Oh, it is, sure. But I kind of thought that maybe you were still. Well, I guess we better forget it. Forget it, nothing. I'm going with you. Oh, no, no, wait, I. No excuses. I'll put on my face and another dress and be waiting by the time you can get. Yeah, but look, honey, I. Johnny. Okay, Nancy, I'll pick you up. Item 3, 1085, taxi and train for two to New York. Item 50 bucks deposited on a rental car. When we got into Grand Central Station, we crossed over into Jersey and hit Route 22 for Somerville and points west. And every mile of the way, Nancy chatted away like a magpie. She kept quoting some of the stuff she had read on the subject. A lot of authorities who decided that some of the reports on haunted towns and houses and people, things like that, had decided there was something really supernatural about them. And, you know, after a while, I began to wonder. Yep, I began to wonder. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether, my husband. Donald? Donald? I'm out here on the back porch, Honey? Oh, there you are, honey. Why on earth did you choose a time like this to clean your hunting rifle? We're due at The Jamesons at 7. I'm ready, honey. All I have to do is wash my hands. I'll finish this tomorrow. Be with you in a jiffy. Donald, come back now. What's the matter, Reba? Are you going to leave this hunting rifle right out here in plain sight? Nobody's going to bother it. The kids are asleep and we'll be gone. I don't think our babysitter will bother anything. She's got her homework to do. Those are famous last words if I ever heard them. Donald, don't you realize that accidental death by firearms ranks second only to deaths from fall, fire and poison? But the kids are in bed. Well, sure they are. But what if our 6 year old Marshall Dylan should wander out to the kitchen for a drink of water? You know, he'd Love to play with his gun. Yeah, I suppose so. Well, please put it away under lock and key. Yes, dear, yes, right away. And for heaven's sake, take those shells too. You know, many accidents happen when bullets are thrown into a fire or hit with a hammer. Those things are dangerous, you ought to know that. I know honey. I guess I just wasn't thinking. The unloaded gun and ammunition lying around the house is even more dangerous than itchy fingered hunters. Statistics prove that. Okay, there. Everything is safe under lock and key now. You still angry with me? Oh, Donald, I don't want to sound like a nagging wife, but my dear, you have every right to reprimand me. Me, a non commissioned officer, I should know better. But that's the way it goes. We forget. That's why there are accidents in the field, out hunting. And in the home we all know better. We just forget or get careless with firearms. Well, come on along. Let's get over to the James. Okay, dear. Now this won't happen again, believe me. You know, I wouldn't have started to clean that rifle if you hadn't taken so long to get dressed. But you sure did a good job. Oh, you look beautiful. That's my Donald. That's my doll. And now, act two of yours truly. Johnny Dollar and the Ghost To GH Lake City. Nestled in among the soft rolling North Jersey hills, but a kind of has been town. I saw the reason for that in the abandoned mill. The old MacAndrews Cotton Mill on one side of the lake. The same old story. I guess when a town's main industry closes down, it kind of goes to pot. Nonetheless, it was a charming little place, population, oh, maybe four or five hundred. When we finally located Oscar Tremley's insurance office we found a bit of a gathering there. And Mr. Dollar, that is Ms. Turner and Mr. Dollar, this is Charlie Reed, I'm very happy to know. Foster and Tony Gray. We're a sort of local businessman's club, Johnny, you know. Okay, then, let's get to the point. Sit down, sit down. Thank you. Johnny. I thought over the phone that you were turning us down. Well, I. I changed my mind. And when I thought of Nancy and her knowledge of the supernatural. Good, that's what we need. Yes, you're right. Well, I am interested in the subject. We're all a little worried about it. Tony isn't kidding. I think we're a pretty level headed bunch but. Well, this thing has us scared. That's putting it mildly. If it really is his ghost that's plaguing us. Now, you don't seriously believe in ghosts? I'll tell you this. I never did before. But now. Well, wait and you'll see. Gee, Johnny. Well, suppose you tell me what's going on. Well, no, no, no, no, Johnny. You'll have to see for yourself. And here. Yes, Charlie, and here. And that means waiting until midnight. Midnight? Sure, Mr. Dollar. Well, just. Why, bill, you. You'll see. Yes, and meantime, you can look around. Say, aren't you quite a fisherman, Johnny? I'd rather fish than eat. But now, look, if. You know I love to fish too. Oh, the lake's full of nice bass, Charlie. You can fix them up with a boat, can't you? You sure can. Yes, but if I'm going to. Tony, you arrange for a place for Ms. Turner to stay overnight. Be glad to. Well, now, Johnny, you'll stay at my home. All right, fine. But now, at least tell me. Oh, no, I want you to see for yourself at midnight. Now, meantime, good fishing. Right. I've got to get back to the shop before Mrs. Bixley starts screaming about her high five. See you later. Yeah. Now, come back to the office and arrange somewhere for Ms. Turner to stay. See you later. See you, Tony. Now, if you folks will come over to the print shop with me, we'll pick up the keys to my boat and some tackle, and you can be on your way. Look, can't you at least give me some idea? No, no, not a thing until midnight. Oh, and we'll all have dinner together at the hotel. Mr. Trembly. You ready, Mr. Turner? Johnny. You fellas are the boss, I guess. Fishing, Nancy? I'd love it. I'll even give you some of the fast strike hooks I use. Okay, then, let's go. There was something slightly screwy about the whole thing. And I don't mean just the talk of a ghost. But when I go fishing, and at company expense, well, who's to complain? So Nancy and I spent the rest of the day on the lake. Matter of fact, she caught the big one. By dinner time, we were starved. And the little hotel served us not only excellent cocktails, but a regular banquet, complete with champagne. You enjoying it, Ms. Turner? I love it. Only why don't you call me Nancy? Sure, why not? Charlie, I'll tell your why. Tony, you stay out of this. Mr. Trimley, about this ghost business. This champagne, you know, comes from the old Leland Stanford vineyard. Oh, yes, and it's fine. Finest I know, but it's time we talk about your ghosts. Hey, you land any big ones out on the lake. Yeah, Bill. Nancy got a four pounder. But now listen, will you? Another thing about this fine California woman. I see you navigating the boat, Nancy. Listen, fella got one last year weighed six and a. Fellas good over near the. Hey, fellas, look, please, will you tell me a little bit about all I want to know so I get nowhere. But then finally, after a lot more food and wine and chatter, we drove off in Tony's car. Now, I'm stopping here in the middle of town, Johnny, because it's the best place to be when things start popping. Like what? Hey, one of you fellas gonna stop this runaround and start making sense? You'll see. You'll see. I'm all excited. Look, Johnny. Yeah, Charlie. You see the old tower clock? Almost midnight. So what about that? Old MacAndrews passed away at the stroke of midnight, Johnny. Personally, I think that has something to do with this. You still haven't told me with what. Wait, listen. There goes the tower clock. Oh, midnight. Count them, Johnny. That was four, five. And Johnny, see how all the lights are flickering along the streets? That happens every night and no reason for it. Look. Bath. Huh? Millions of bats coming out of that clock tower. Yeah, yeah, I see him, but I don't. What under the sun is that? That's the ghost wailing. Oh, now wait a minute. That scream fills the air. Comes from everywhere. It's a horrible sound. Johnny. Easy, honey. No, listen. Didn't you hear that clock struck 13? Yes, Johnny. Why, yes. You ask me, the devil's in Old McAndrew's Ghost. That's why it comes out of his house every night. Out of his house. Right, Johnny. And wait till you see what's there. Right. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Do you know who said, they that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety? Those words were written by Benjamin Franklin in the year 1759, even before the United States of America had come into being. Franklin realized that the path toward freedom was a difficult one. He knew that there would be many people who would prefer easier paths to the difficult one that led toward freedom. These people, he felt, did not deserve to enjoy freedom, just as there were in Ben Franklin's time. There are people today who would choose what looks like the safe and easy way to protect American freedom. They would be willing to sacrifice some of their liberties in order to be comfortable. But the surrender of a little freedom soon leads to the surrender of all freedom. Liberty can be protected only by constant Vigilance and the willingness to fight to protect it if necessary. Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin. They are part of your American heritage. Temporary safety must never be purchased at the price of liberty. And now act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the ghost. To ghost is the front door of this old house always left wide open. Yeah, Johnny, sure. You want to go in? Sure. Come along, Nancy. I. I'm coming, Tony. There was more light around. Well, that's nice. Slammed right in our faces. I knew it unlocked though. Let me have that flashlight, Tony. Here, here. No sign of wires or strings on it. Come on. Okay, come on, fellas. Now. Johnny. Yeah, Bill. As you can see, there's just one big room downstairs. Here, Johnny. Easy, Nancy, easy. Don't you see? Look, I admit this is all pretty strange, but a ghost? What else? We've been over this house with a fine tooth comb. Listen. You hear that, somebody? Men, if you're ready to reclaim your edge, listen up. I used to be held back by constant bathroom trips with multiple wake ups during my sleep sleep and looking for restrooms whenever I was out. Then I discovered Better Man. After just two months, I started experiencing fewer trips to the bathroom, less urged to go. And I even slept through some nights. I feel a noticeable boost in my overall well being. Even sexual stamina. It gives me the freedom and confidence to live life on my terms. Better man is clinically tested and trusted by thousands of men over 25 years ready to take back control. Go to be betternow.com to order your supply today. That's be betternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary. Somebody's walking on the ceiling. Listen. Oh yeah. That's the kind of stuff you hear. Poltergeists, noisy spirits. You can hear them, but you can't see them. Don't you see, Johnny? It can't be anything normal or natural. Is that the end? No, sir. The. The old ghost has a regular. See? Hear those shutters banging? There's no wind out there. Why. Why didn't you tell me it'd be like this? Johnny, look. Look. Yeah. Lights moving around somewhere outside. You can see the reflection in the trees, but they're green ghost lights. Oh, Johnny, look. Rocking chair. It's rocking in front of the window where old McAndrews used to sit and look out on the town before he died. Give me the flashlight. Here. No strings or wires on this either. Well, well, that's the end of it. The same crazy routine every night. It's the ghost of Ian McAndrews. That's all there is to it. Well, for what you fellas are showing me tonight, it kind of looks that way. It is, Johnny. But tomorrow I want to investigate these things in broad daylight. I investigated, all right. The old house, the clock tower, everything I could find. And thanks to the help of the boys, we covered a lot of ground. Result? Nothing. Meantime, I noticed that the town, the sleepy little town of Lake City, was being mobbed. People from all over. Streets jammed with cars. And as we sat down at lunch at a hotel. Ms. Waitress, will you please bring me another cup? Oh, dear. She didn't hear me. Where'd they all come from? Yeah, business has certainly picked up around here. Why, yes, I noticed that. Any idea why, Bill? Not the least. No wonder Tony couldn't be with us for lunch. And Charlie's at his print shop getting out an extra. Hey, excuse me. Excuse me. Me? Aren't you Johnny Dollar, the investigator? Yeah, that's right, man. Can I use you? Now, just let me get a picture. Now, wait, hold it, hold it, hold it. Okay, Johnny, thanks. Thanks a lot. Hey, that photographer's from one of the New York papers. No kidding. Really? Listen, if Art Price at International Press gave out the word about this ghost story. Oh, now, Johnny. Okay, Nancy, you all finished, huh? Then, Oscar, Bill, we're gonna leave the check with you and pull out. You mean, leave town? Yep. Going back to Hartford. Johnny, I've investigated. I've come up with nothing. So there's no point in staying around any longer. Oh, Johnny. Thanks a lot, fellas. And, Oscar, I'll send you my expense account. Come on, Nancy. Give up? Hardly. Sure, Nancy and I hit the highway, but for only a few miles. Then shortly after dark, we drove back and for a couple of hours, for three or four hours. Well, anyhow, shortly before midnight, Nancy and I walk quietly up on the porch of Oscar Trembley's insurance office. You mean you didn't leave a message at my office to be here tonight? I certainly didn't. I found a message from Charlie. Are you kidding? Somebody left a message at my print shop to be here, and I got one at my radio shop. Well, I'll be down now. I want. Of course, they couldn't know your handwriting. Wait a minute. There's somebody outside. Huh? Johnny. Good evening, gentlemen. Why, I thought you'd left town. Johnny, what are you doing back there? That's right. I wanted you to think so. Well, listen, the old tower clock has started to strike midnight. Oh, yeah? That's five, six. Boys. I suddenly realized that in all my investigation this morning, I was being handicapped by what I thought was help. What do you mean? Yeah, what's that? I had too much help. Two or three of you were with me every second. Oh, we wanted to be sure you wouldn't overlook any. That's right. You wanted to be sure I would overlook a few things. Wait, that's 11. 12. Hey, it only struck 12. That's right. No ghostly whale tonight, is there? I know. No, fellas, no. Because the ghost is no more. You found the ghost, Johnny? I found out that he's one of you. Maybe all of you alone, without your careful guidance. I finally located that sub cellar in the old MacAndrews house. You did? And that mess of complicated electrical stuff that was making the weird sound effects. The rocking chair, the banging shutters and so on. Very clever, your handiwork, Bill. Sure, sure. But, Johnny. Oh, fellas, it was a wonderful publicity stunt, especially after international press was notified. But you did that not only for your radio and electronics shop, Bill. For your real estate business, Tony. Your print shop and newspaper, Charlie. And your insurance business, Oscar. Well, now, John, for the whole town. It's gonna put Lake City on the map again. Which is to say, the motive wasn't entirely selfish. No, of course it wasn't. Okay. Okay, man. And because of that, and then alone, I won't give you away. Provided the Ghost of Ian McAndrews never walks the streets of Lake City again. Well, you can be sure of that, Johnny, darling. I don't know. I suppose I ought to really hit you over the head with this expense account. But after all, the cause was a kind of worthy one, so I'll be honest with it for a change. And it was fun to have Nancy Turner along. Expense account total, including mileage on the rental car, less deposit 3,000, 150. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Greg, Forest Lewis, Joseph Kearns, Russell Thorson, Sam Edwards and Bob Bruce. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan. Johnny Dollar has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.