Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter 09/28/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter"

Release Date: August 4, 2025
Original Air Date: September 28, 1958
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," seasoned insurance investigator Johnny Dollar delves into the mysterious death of Tommy Hargrave. Set against the serene backdrop of Bethel, New York, the story unravels a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and concealed motives. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, pivotal moments, and the clever unraveling of the case.

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Act One: The Initial Call

The episode commences with Johnny Dollar receiving a call from Ed Barrett of Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance in New York. Ed shares distressing news about Tommy Hargrave, who tragically died in a car accident en route to a fishing lodge.

• Ed Barrett (02:00): "I was planning to go up to the fishing lodge of a friend of mine over the weekend. Tommy Hargrave."
• Johnny Dollar (02:06): "Oh, I’m sorry, Ed."

Ed details the incident, mentioning Hargrave's double indemnity insurance policy and instructs Johnny to investigate the accident thoroughly.

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Act Two: Investigating the Accident

Johnny arrives at Shadow Hill near Bethel, New York, to inspect the accident site. His keen eye quickly spots inconsistencies that hint at foul play. Upon approaching a suspicious vehicle, Chief Amos Skinner of the local police emerges, initially appearing hostile and uncooperative.

• Chief Skinner (05:01): "Stop right there. Don't come any closer."
• Johnny Dollar (06:04): "I have the gun now."

Through a tense exchange, Johnny identifies Skinner as a key figure in the unfolding mystery. Johnny meticulously examines the overturned car, noting peculiarities that contradict the supposed accident narrative.

• Johnny Dollar (09:04): "And even from here I can see that the windows are all closed except for the one next to the driver's seat."

Dr. Walton, the local physician, adds medical insights that further cast doubt on the accident theory, pointing out marks on Hargrave’s body indicative of foul play.

• Dr. Walton (14:05): "The way the clothes are torn. As though he'd had some kind of a struggle."

These observations lead Johnny to question the legitimacy of the accident, suspecting it might be a carefully orchestrated murder.

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Act Three: Unveiling the Truth

Persisting in his investigation, Johnny collaborates with Chief Skinner and Dr. Walton to piece together the truth. The discovery of Mary Hargrave’s supposedly misplaced glasses becomes a pivotal clue.

• Johnny Dollar (15:00): "Also, she just happens to be the beneficiary of his sizable insurance policy."

Upon closer examination, the glasses do not match Mary Hargrave’s prescription, suggesting deceit.

• Dr. Walton (21:05): "This lens bears no resemblance to yours at all."

The trio confronts Mary Hargrave, who initially appears devastated but becomes increasingly evasive as Johnny presents the evidence of tampering and ulterior motives.

• Johnny Dollar (20:45): "Brother, this is probably the wildest touch I've ever had."

Ultimately, the investigation reveals that Barney Marston, a local bookie, orchestrated Tommy Hargrave’s murder to eliminate his gambling debts, manipulating the scene to resemble an accident. Mary Hargrave’s role as the beneficiary further solidifies the case against Marston.

• Johnny Dollar (22:05): "I'll see you all later. Well, that's really just about all there is to this case."

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Insights and Conclusion

This episode masterfully showcases Johnny Dollar’s exceptional investigative skills and his ability to uncover hidden truths beneath seemingly straightforward scenarios. The interplay between Johnny, Chief Skinner, and Dr. Walton highlights themes of trust, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Key takeaways include:

• Attention to Detail: Johnny's meticulous examination of the accident site and evidence contrasts with Chief Skinner’s initial dishonesty.
• Collaborative Investigation: The partnership between Johnny, the police chief, and the doctor underscores the importance of cooperation in solving complex cases.
• Motivations Unveiled: Financial desperation and personal grievances are depicted as powerful motivators for criminal actions.

The episode concludes with a satisfying resolution, reinforcing Johnny Dollar's reputation as a formidable and principled investigator dedicated to uncovering the truth.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ed Barrett (02:00): "I was planning to go up to the fishing lodge of a friend of mine over the weekend. Tommy Hargrave."
• Chief Skinner (05:01): "Stop right there. Don't come any closer."
• Johnny Dollar (09:04): "And even from here I can see that the windows are all closed except for the one next to the driver's seat."
• Dr. Walton (14:05): "The way the clothes are torn. As though he'd had some kind of a struggle."
• Johnny Dollar (15:00): "Also, she just happens to be the beneficiary of his sizable insurance policy."
• Dr. Walton (21:05): "This lens bears no resemblance to yours at all."
• Johnny Dollar (20:45): "Brother, this is probably the wildest touch I've ever had."
• Johnny Dollar (22:05): "I'll see you all later. Well, that's really just about all there is to this case."

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Conclusion

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter" is a testament to classic detective storytelling, blending suspense, character development, and intricate plot twists. Johnny Dollar's unwavering determination and sharp intellect serve as an inspiring model for investigative prowess, making this episode a standout in the golden age of radio detective dramas.

For fans of old-time radio and detective narratives, this episode offers an engaging and immersive experience that remains timeless in its appeal.

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Produced and presented by Choice Classic Radio. For more classic detective stories and to support the preservation of old-time radio, visit ChoiceClassicRadio.com.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Ed Barrett]

Johnny, this Ed Barrett at Tri State Life and Casualty in New York.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi, Ed. How are you?

[Ed Barrett]

A little sick at the moment.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Ed Barrett]

I was planning to go up to the fishing lodge of a friend of mine over the weekend. Tommy Hargrave.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh. But now you've had to call it off and brother, I know exactly how you feel.

[Ed Barrett]

No, Johnny, I don't think you do.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, Ed, I'm a fisherman myself, and when something interferes with going. What was that?

[Ed Barrett]

I just received word that Tommy had a car accident up there. Car rolled over on him. He was killed instantly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sorry, Ed.

[Ed Barrett]

Yeah, and company policy being what it is, since he carried 70,000 in insurance, double indemnity since there was an accident involved. Well, I gotta order the usual investigation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, I see. Who's the beneficiary?

[Ed Barrett]

His wife, Mary.

[Johnny Dollar]

They. They get along all right.

[Ed Barrett]

No, as a matter of fact. Nah. Now look, Johnny, don't get any crazy ideas. Just go on up there and help her all you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, sure. Where?

[Ed Barrett]

Ed, the place is called Shadow Hill, near the little town of Bethel, New York. Yeah, up in Sullivan County. The police department is a man named Skinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Police? If everything's okay.

[Ed Barrett]

It was Skinner who called me, that's all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, oh, okay, Ed, I'm on my way. And if I dig up anything, Johnny.

[Ed Barrett]

I assure you that everything's all right about this one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Ed Barrett]

You say that as though you don't believe it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, just my suspicious wine showing, I guess. Forget it.

[Narrator]

Bob Bailey in the Exciting Adventures of the man with the Action Packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance Company, New York, NY. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the gruesome spectacle Matter Expense account, item 1,620Fair and incidentals. Hartford to New York. Item 2,50 bucks deposit on a rental car. I swung north, crossed the George Washington Bridge, then picked up Highway 17 through Goshen with its famous racetrack, through the summer resort town of Monticello, then past White Lake, a good fishing spot, to the little town of Bethel. It really isn't much more than a crossroads. A couple of filling stations, a general store and post office, and Emmer's Hotel where I park my bags. Shadow Hill, however, turned out to be a beautiful summer lodge sitting high above the edge of a nearby private lake. From the highway I could see the narrow, winding road that led from the lodge down to the lake shore. I could also see the spot where a car had apparently taken a corner too quickly, skidded and rolled over to where it lay on its side. Then, shortly after pulling off the highway, I could see something else. Another car just short of where the accident had occurred. It was half hidden in a clump of trees that bordered the road. And as I slowly pulled up to it, a man suddenly jumped out and leveled an old 3030 rifle at me.

[Chief Skinner]

Stop right there. Don't come any closer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, just a minute, mister.

[Chief Skinner]

Who are you? What are you doing around here? Stranger, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, guess you'd call me a stranger.

[Chief Skinner]

But look, maybe you're the stranger I'm looking for. Get out of that car with your hands up over your head and don't try no funny business.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, what is this, a hold up?

[Chief Skinner]

Do like I tell you to and be quick about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, whatever you say. Come on.

[Chief Skinner]

Come on.

[Johnny Dollar]

I like. Can't seem to. This door doesn't seem to want to.

[Chief Skinner]

You trying to pull some trick? Open that door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it's stuck, I guess.

[Chief Skinner]

Here, I'll do it. Now then.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, now I'll take that gun.

[Chief Skinner]

Oh, no, you won.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right. Up on your feet.

[Chief Skinner]

Just a minute. Shot.

[Johnny Dollar]

Turn around. Go on. Go on, turn around.

[Chief Skinner]

You just look here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You just take it easy, old man. And remember, I have the gun now.

[Chief Skinner]

I'll lock you up for this. That's what I'll do.

[Johnny Dollar]

You'll what?

[Chief Skinner]

Yes, sir. Interfering with the law this way.

[Johnny Dollar]

The law? You?

[Chief Skinner]

That's right. See, here's my badge. See?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, okay then. Look, Mr. Skinner.

[Chief Skinner]

You look, you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Chief Skinner]

Hey, how do you know my name?

[Johnny Dollar]

You are Mr. Skinner, aren't you?

[Chief Skinner]

Why, sure I am a Mr. Skinner. Only it's Chief Skinner to you. Police Chief Skinner. And if you think you're going to get away with this, you, what's your idea?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Chief, it looks like you're just the man I came to see, eh? Only maybe you'd better have your gun back. Here.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, all right, all right. Now you. You just put your hands up and say. Now just a doggone minute. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Chief Skinner]

Johnny Dollar? That what you said? That's right, the Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm an insurance investigator.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, praise be to Betsy. Well, I might have known there was someone like you. The way you outsmarted me, banging the car door against me that way.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sorry about that, Johnny.

[Chief Skinner]

I'm real proud to meet you. And believe me, son, I'm just mighty glad you're here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, why do you say that?

[Chief Skinner]

Just you look here, Johnny. Over the edge of this road. Look, you see it down there? That car?

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that the car in which Mr. Thomas Hargrave was killed?

[Chief Skinner]

Oh, you know about that?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's what I came here to investigate.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, all right then. Now you listen here to me, Johnny. Well, I'm the one that Telephoned down to Mr. Hargrave's insurance company down to New York.

[Johnny Dollar]

So I understood.

[Chief Skinner]

I did it as a favor to Mary and she's wife on account of she was so broke up and all. Never did like her. But she was. Well, she was pretty upset.

[Johnny Dollar]

Very considerate of you, Chief.

[Chief Skinner]

And I told the insurance company just what I told everybody else, that Tommy Hargrave took this turn in the road too fast. Now, you see the turn right above here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that's a sharp one.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, he took this turn too fast and skidded off the side and the car went over and pinned him underneath it and that was that killed him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow.

[Chief Skinner]

All right, now, Johnny, I just come over here from old Doc Walton's. It was down to Doc that I took Tommy's body yesterday just after it happened. And you know why I come back here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I can think of one good reason. Yeah. From something you just told me. Yeah. And from what I can see of the car down there.

[Mary Hargrave]

Yeah?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, it was because I suddenly started thinking, how could a man who knows his road so well ever make the mistake of. Hey, what were you going to say?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Chief, that car was coming down the road down from the lodge, wasn't it?

[Chief Skinner]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

That means he made a left hand turn right here.

[Chief Skinner]

Correct. The car went off the road, fell on its side and leaned right where you landed. Right where you see it, Right on top of Tommy Hargrave.

[Johnny Dollar]

That car is a sedan.

[Chief Skinner]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

And even from here I can see that the windows are all closed except for the one next to the driver's seat.

[Chief Skinner]

Correct.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now. And it's obvious it didn't roll completely over.

[Chief Skinner]

No sir, it just flipped over on its side and slid down there.

[Johnny Dollar]

And yet you say that Tommy Hargrave's body was under it.

[Chief Skinner]

That's right. Under the right side of the car where we practically had to dig it up.

[Mary Hargrave]

Hey, uh huh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can you tell me how he could have fallen under that side of the car? Windows closed?

[Chief Skinner]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Chief Skinner]

Tommy was murdered, that's what. And the car pushed over on him to make it look like an accident. And Johnny, you proved it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Couple of other things we've got to prove, Chief.

[Chief Skinner]

Eh? Like what?

[Johnny Dollar]

Who murdered him and why.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

In a moment.

[Narrator]

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And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the gruesome spectacle.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Chief, tell me this. When and how did you learn of this so called accident that killed Tommy.

[Chief Skinner]

Hargrave for Mary, his wife? Oh, it was like this, Johnny. I was sitting down at Bob and Ernie's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who are Bob and Ernie?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, they run that mobile gas station down the highway you pass on the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, go on.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, we were just sitting there talking about the Hamiltonian and all the.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, the Hamiltonian?

[Chief Skinner]

You know, the big harness race they run down the Goshen every year.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah.

[Chief Skinner]

Why, it's world famous. Bigger than the Kentucky dirt.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I know. Go on.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, we was talking about how much money Barney Marston has made taking bets on those races and we.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Chief, you mean you have a bookie here in Bethel?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, now, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that you as chief of police condone such goings on? Well, now. Oh, I'm surprised that you cheated.

[Chief Skinner]

Oh, well, it's just a little sort of harmless betting is all. Oh, sure, every man's entitled to a little. Well, you know how it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I sure do. Now, let's get back to the substance.

[Chief Skinner]

Yeah, sure. Well, like I say, we was sitting there talking and we seen Mary Hargrave driving by on her way back from New York where she'd gone to do some shopping that day.

[Johnny Dollar]

She wasn't here when it happened?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, no, sir, she couldn't have been.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, like I told you, she was in New York. Anyhow, she drove on up here, saw what had happened and drove right back to tell us at the gas station. We came up here, dug Tommy's body out from under, took it down to Doc Watlin's office and that was it.

[Johnny Dollar]

How carefully have you inspected that car down there?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, that's what I was about to do when you come.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, come on, let's take a look at it.

[Chief Skinner]

Why, sure, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you any way of proving Mary Hargrave was actually in New York?

[Chief Skinner]

Proving where? No, I guess not.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look here, Chief. Keys are still in the ignition but the ignition's turned off.

[Chief Skinner]

You're right, Johnny, you're right. This car wasn't rid over the side of the road. It was pushed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, let's see if we can get this door open.

[Chief Skinner]

Yeah, yeah, I'll give you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now let's see if some of this. Yeah, very good.

[Chief Skinner]

Well, what are you doing with that handful of dust?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it's not very professional, but some of this fine dust ought to bring out any fingerprints on the steering wheel.

[Chief Skinner]

And we'll be no prints There. That I can see now.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're right, Chief. This wheel has been carefully wiped off. So whoever did it, huh?

[Chief Skinner]

What'd you find?

[Johnny Dollar]

Did Tommy Hargrave wear glasses? Spectacles, Tommy?

[Chief Skinner]

No, sir. What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, Chief. First thing I want is a look at his body. Doc Walton just say, that's right. Then let's go.

[Dr. Walton]

Well, as a matter of fact, it was I who suggested to Amos to Chief Skinner I should say that he Go back and have another look at that car, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just. Why, Dr. Walton?

[Dr. Walton]

Because a couple of things about this body made me. Well, made me wonder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here.

[Dr. Walton]

The way the clothes are torn. As though he'd had some kind of a struggle. Scratches and contusions on his hands. But more important here. Yeah, here at the base of the skull, this mark up where that car is. There are no rocks, no stones, no anything that could make a mark like this. And there's another on the face below the eye.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know what that looks like to me, Doctor?

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, what a.

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Johnny Dollar]

Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your. Your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. The mark from the butt of a.38 automatic. And I've seen plenty of them.

[Chief Skinner]

My Betsy. Johnny, you're right.

[Dr. Walton]

And that would indicate Hargrave was murdered and the car pushed over on him to make it look like.

[Chief Skinner]

Yes, sir. And Johnny and me found a few other things around that car that would indicate the same thing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, I understand Tommy Hargrave did not wear glasses.

[Dr. Walton]

No, not that I know of. Of course, Mary, his wife, she wears them. Yes, she does. Can't do without them.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind?

[Dr. Walton]

Well, just regular tortoise shell.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know, something. Something like these, maybe?

[Dr. Walton]

Well, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Granted, one lens is smashed and part of the frame is broken, but is this the kind she wore?

[Dr. Walton]

Yes, Mr. Donner. I'd say so. Of course. A great many honey.

[Chief Skinner]

Surely you don't think. His own wife.

[Johnny Dollar]

They didn't get along too well, did they?

[Chief Skinner]

Well, no, but after all, when any couple's been married 10, 11 years.

[Johnny Dollar]

Also, she just happens to be the beneficiary of his sizable insurance policy.

[Dr. Walton]

Good heavens. Mr. Allen.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah? I think we'd better pay a little visit to Mrs. Mary Hargrave.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

Many times in the history of mankind, nations have pooled their forces to exert a greater strength against a common aggressor. This happens not only in the face of a world war, but between such giant holocausts as during the Boxer Uprising in China in 1900. Six nations combined their forces to come to the aid of their citizens in the thick of the fight. Undaunted by devastating enemy fire. Chief Boatswain John McCloy of the United States Naval Contingent distinguished himself by meritorious conduct above and beyond the call of duty. For his valorous action, he was awarded his first Medal of Honor. But a man of action doesn't get the job done because of possible awards. It is the spirit of his code of conduct that guides him. John McCloy was guided by that code again and again in June 1914 during the Mexican campaign when the government of the United States was put upon once more to aid its persecuted citizens. Chief Boatswain John McCloy was constantly risking his life. Our landed troops were in danger of being annihilated on the beach at vera Cruz when McCloy voluntarily filled three picket launches with riflemen and led them along the seafront to draw the enemy fire. Though badly wounded, he remained at his post and gallantly directed his part of the campaign. For this action, Chief Boatswain John McCloy was awarded a second Medal of Honor. But he hadn't been concerned with medals. His only concern was conducting himself as a man should. And that is according to the code of the American fighting man.

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the gruesome spectacle matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

The three of us. Dr. Walton, Police Chief Amos Skinner and I drove up to the lodge outside the little town of Bethel, New York, to see why Mrs. Mary Hargrave had killed her husband. Made it look like a car accident. That is, if she did it and what little evidence we had pointed right straight at her. The obvious fact the car had been pushed over on him after he was killed. The marks showing he'd struggled for his life had been struck with the butt of a pistol. The fact he and his wife hadn't got along too well, that she was his beneficiary. And finally, there were the glasses I'd found in the car.

[Chief Skinner]

My Betsy. I wonder if she found out you were here, Johnny, and has flew the coupe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Isn't that her car in the yard?

[Dr. Walton]

Yes, Mr. Dar, it is.

[Chief Skinner]

All right then, if she is here. Well, sir, I'll arrest Her right on the spot.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, let me handle this.

[Chief Skinner]

But, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I said, please let me handle.

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes? Oh, Dr. Walton and Chief Skinner.

[Chief Skinner]

That's right. And this here is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Mary Hargrave]

Oh, yes, Mr. Dollar. Mr. Barrett at the insurance company phoned that you'd be here. Won't you come in?

[Johnny Dollar]

Surely. Thank you.

[Mary Hargrave]

I'm sorry to have been so slow in answering the door, but I seem to have mislaid a pair of my glasses.

[Chief Skinner]

Yeah, that.

[Mary Hargrave]

Johnny, I'm blind as a bat without them. Won't you all sit down?

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Dr. Walton]

Yes, thank you.

[Mary Hargrave]

I've been using an old pair of steel rims with an old prescription, but they look so terrible. I.

[Johnny Dollar]

When. When did you lose your glasses?

[Mary Hargrave]

Oh, I. I must have mislaid them a couple of days ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ha.

[Mary Hargrave]

Now, what do you mean by that? Amos?

[Chief Skinner]

You know very well what I mean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Um, you. You don't seem terribly upset about your husband's death, Mrs. Hargrave.

[Mary Hargrave]

Why should I? Mr. Dollar, we haven't been exactly getting along for years. All he seemed to care about was his fishing and betting on the horses day after day. I never did care about spending every summer up in this stodgy little town with all its dodgy people and, well. Oh, I didn't mean you, Dr. Walton.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, yes, thank you.

[Mary Hargrave]

The first thing I'll do when I collect the insurance is sell this place and go back to the city where my friends are. There's some excitement and. Mr. Dollar, are those. Are those my glasses you have there?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are they?

[Mary Hargrave]

They look like mine, only what happened to them?

[Chief Skinner]

Sure they are hers. Journey. What?

[Dr. Walton]

No, no, $. No, I don't think they are. Let me have them, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. Here.

[Mary Hargrave]

What's going on here?

[Chief Skinner]

Journey. We're just wasting time.

[Dr. Walton]

No, no, no, no, wait. These can't be hers. I should have realized.

[Chief Skinner]

Sure. Is it?

[Mary Hargrave]

Gentlemen, please.

[Dr. Walton]

I've seen your glasses, Mary, many times. Very thick at the edges, very thin in the center of the lens.

[Mary Hargrave]

Well, isn't this pair.

[Dr. Walton]

This lens, the one that's still intact, bears no resemblance to yours at all.

[Chief Skinner]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. Wait. Listen, Mrs. Hargrave.

[Mary Hargrave]

Will somebody please tell me what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Listen, will you. You say your husband was always playing the horses?

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes, of course he was. But do you mind telling me what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Even while he was up here?

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes, all the time.

[Dr. Walton]

Mr. Dollar, I don't see what you're driving at.

[Chief Skinner]

I sure don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Brother. This is probably the wildest touch I've ever had. What? Mrs. Hargrave, did your husband owe a lot of money on his betting.

[Mary Hargrave]

Owe a lot, I should say not just the opposite. He's been going around for nearly two weeks boasting about the big killing he made if he ever collected.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, let me have those glasses.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, ish.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here. This little mark inside the temple.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, that's the mark of the optometrist over in Monticello. Here you see? The same mark as in mine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Okay, now, just sit tight, the three of you.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, now, Mr. Dollar.

[Chief Skinner]

Now, you look here now.

[Johnny Dollar]

And, Amos, don't try arresting anybody while I'm gone. It might make you look a little foolish when I get back.

[Chief Skinner]

Back from where?

[Dr. Walton]

$.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll see you all later. Well, that's really just about all there is to this case. Oh, except, of course, for the fact the optometrist in Monticello had no difficulty at all in matching the glasses I'd found with the prescription of. Yeah, you guessed it. They had belonged to the bookie Chief Skinner had told me about. Barney Marston. Of course, Barney wanted to put up a fight when we faced him with the facts, but then he couldn't seem to explain the various and sundry bruises he was carrying around until we reminded him of the fight he'd had with Tommy Hargrave. Yeah, he'd killed him and pushed the car over on top of him. The reason for it all simple. Tommy had won a cool $25,000 from him, had threatened to put him out of business if he didn't pay, which he couldn't. So Barney killed him and tried to fake the accident. And you know something? I have a sneaking suspicion Chief Amos Skinner isn't going to stand for any bookies operating in Bethel, New York, from here on out. Oh, and Mary Hargrave found the glasses she'd mislaid. Expense account total, including mileage on the rental car and the trip Back to Hartford. $148 even. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment.

Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Kansas State flag is dark blue, and in the center is the state seal surmounted by a large sunflower, the official state flower. The seal reflects the history of Kansas. The train of ox wagons going west for most of the great roads pass through Kansas. An Indian is depicted chasing a herd of buffalo, recalling the words of the official state song. Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam. For this truly was the home of the buffalo and Indian. The east is represented by a rising sun and the promise of Future prosperity is indicated by the steamboat on the river and the farmer plowing the field above a mountain range are 34 stars for Kansas was the 34th state admitted to the Union. Overall is the state motto. Ad astra per aspera. To the stars through difficulties. Kansas state flag. The flag of the 34th state to enter the union was adopted on March 23, 1927.

Now here's our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week. Well, listen, I promise you the most unusual case and some of the most unexpected people you ever will. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartel, Junius Matthews and Joe Kearns. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Coverley.

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Dr. Walton]

Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can'T refuse with family.

[Dr. Walton]

Cannolis and spins mean everything.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now you want to get mixed up.

[Dr. Walton]

In the family business? Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slot.

[Chief Skinner]

Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me.

[Dr. Walton]

Play the Godfather now at chumbacasino. Com.

[Chief Skinner]

Welcome to the family.

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[Johnny Dollar]

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[Podbean Advertiser]

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