
Loading summary
Mood.com Advertiser
Let's be honest. Buying cannabis shouldn't be complicated, sketchy or low quality. That's why I want to tell you about Mood.com that's M-O-Ood.com Mood ships federally legal cannabis straight to your door. No medical card, no hassle. And here's the kicker. The quality is better than anything you'll
find at your local dispensary.
Yeah, I said it. Whether you're into edibles, concentrates, flour, or just looking to explore, you'll find it all at Mood. And it's not just the variety that makes them stand out.
Every product is sourced from small American
owned family farms that care deeply about what they grow. It's cannabis you can trust. Delivered discreetly and ready to elevate your mood. And because you're a listener, you get
20% off your first order.
Just head to mood.com, that's M-O-Ood.com to get started.
Choice Classic Radio Announcer
Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com
Johnny Dollar
Johnny $30 days at September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31. Except.
Pat McCracken
Okay, except.
Johnny Dollar
So today is February 27th. So this month we get cheated at a couple of days or two. So what? And who are you?
Randy Singer
Oh, now, Johnny, after all these years.
Pat McCracken
Oh, sure.
Johnny Dollar
Pat McCracken. Johnny. Universal adjustment Bureau.
Narrator/Announcer
Right.
Randy Singer
And I.
Bernard Margot
Hey, you mean I sound like that over the phone?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, just like one of the pallbearers at your own funeral, Pat.
Bernard Margot
Okay, let's get down to business.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, why not? But what's the worry about February being a little short on days this year? And every year, plenty.
Bernard Margot
Because of something that happened almost six years ago. A case that even the famous Johnny Dollar couldn't solve.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, look, if you ever start adding up all the cases I haven't solved. Hey, wait a minute. Six years ago. That's right, Bernard. Margot. That's right. Barney the Bum.
Bernard Margot
Yep. The chief hoodlum who died when he jumped off the Triborough Bridge in New
Johnny Dollar
York back there in 1980.
Jimmy Durante
Hold it, Pat.
Johnny Dollar
You know as well as I do that whole thing was a phony so that Big Mike Killian could collect Barney's 300,000 bucks insurance, remember?
Bernard Margot
Well, I seem to remember your spending a few thousand of the company's money trying to prove that. But I also remember you didn't even
Johnny Dollar
get to first base. Because I couldn't find Barney. Couldn't find where he'd skip to.
Bernard Margot
But if you could now, before the first of March, you'd save the company that 300 grand.
Johnny Dollar
Pat.
Pat McCracken
You mean you got a lead on him?
Randy Singer
Maybe.
Bernard Margot
Want to come over here and talk about it, brother?
Johnny Dollar
I sure do.
Narrator
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.
Johnny Dollar
Yours truly, Johnny Do.
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
Munch, munch, munch A bunch of Fritos corn chips it's not polite to smack your lips but you can't help it with Fritos Corn chips Munch, munch, munch A bunch of Fritos corn chips Next
Narrator
time you want something to munch on try Fritos they're so crisp, so tasty, so good you'll see right away why we say Fritos are the corn chips made to munch Fill a big bowl with Fritos Next time you settle down to watch your favorite TV program. Boy, there's contentment in every Munch, munch,
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
munch, munchy munch Fritos corn chips Fritos
Narrator
are golden chips of corn as nutritious as they are delicious so full of good crisp flavor Such good for you Nourishment they're the ideal snack for grownups and children alike Get a bag of Fritos corn chips today and munch a bunch F R I T O S
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
Fritos corn chips Munch, munchy, munchy Bunch of Fritos corn chips and now act
Narrator
one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Universal Adjustment Bureau Home Office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the look before the Leap matter. Barney, Margot. Barney the bum. A strong arm for Big Mike Gillian and his case. It made me look like a fool. So, expense account item 1. A dollar and a quarter for a cab to Pat McCracken's office.
Randy Singer
This is one you'd really like to clean up, isn't it, Johnny?
Johnny Dollar
Sit down. Ah, Pat Easton Trust and Insurance were crazy in the first place when they issued a big policy on the cheap mobster.
Randy Singer
I know.
Johnny Dollar
When they let him name Big Mike Killian as the beneficiary. Well, anybody with half a brain should have known something was wrong with him.
Narrator
I know, Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
And then to top it all by waving the suicide claws.
Randy Singer
I know, I know. The minute we found out about it, we asked them to cancel it, but we were too late.
Narrator
Barney Margot had apparently jumped off the bridge.
Randy Singer
And neither you nor the police nor anybody else at that Time could prove that he hadn't.
Johnny Dollar
And just because some of Barney's clothes were found in the water. Because of that phony suicide note he
Narrator
left on the bridge.
Randy Singer
Don't forget the witness, Johnny. The girl who saw him alone out there on the bridge before he disappeared.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, yeah, I remember.
Randy Singer
Who also saw something, presumably his body, topple off into the water.
Matey Prescott
Matey.
Johnny Dollar
Matey Prescott was in it.
Randy Singer
That's the. And since Barney had been seen going onto the bridge, but didn't show up after what she.
Johnny Dollar
So they took Big Mike Killian's word for it that Barney made the leap.
Randy Singer
That's right.
Johnny Dollar
Whereupon Big Mike immediately claimed the insurance.
Randy Singer
However, Johnny Killian has not been paid that 300 grand. Nor will he be if you can produce Barney, Margot, in time.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, but how much time?
Randy Singer
Well, according to the final decision of the courts, while we were fighting this payment, unless he's picked up before March 1st.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, are you kidding, Patrick? Today is the 27th of February. And according to that little rhyme you tried to charm me with over the phone, tomorrow is the last possible chance.
Randy Singer
Johnny, will you listen? The girl, that Matie Prescott just came back from Paris. Paris?
Johnny Dollar
Well, what's that got to do with her?
Randy Singer
She made a report to the police and they passed it on to us. She says that only a few weeks ago, right there in Paris, she saw Bernard Margaux.
Narrator/Announcer
Oh.
Randy Singer
Oh, yeah. Thanks to all the international red tape involved, there's no way we can possibly get him back here in time.
Johnny Dollar
Well, even so.
Randy Singer
What's more, all the proof in the world that he's still alive is no good unless he himself is brought back to New York.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, no, wait.
Randy Singer
Well, that was the decision of the courts. That's the way it stands.
Pat McCracken
Oh, great.
Randy Singer
But, Johnny, if you somehow, and believe me, not only I, but the police will close their eyes to whatever method you might have to use. If you could somehow get him back here in time. Well, I'm thinking about a ten thousand dollar fee in addition to your expense account if you produce him. Nothing.
Johnny Dollar
Of course, if you don't before March 1st, it's impossible.
Randy Singer
Yes, I know.
Johnny Dollar
So, Pat, I'm gonna try.
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
Are you smoking more now but enjoying it less? Have a real cigarette have a came
Narrator/Announcer
the best of back Will make the
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
very best smoke have a real cigarette and have a Camel Are you looking for flavor and mildness? Have a real cigarette and have a
Narrator/Announcer
Camel the best of back oh, makes
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
the very best smoke have a real cigarette, a real cigarette a real cigarette have a Camel
Matey Prescott
if you're Smoking more today, but enjoying it less. Try Camels. The Camel blend of costly Turkish and domestic tobaccos has never been equal. For rich flavor, easygoing mildness, real smoking satisfaction. Every time you light up the best tobacco makes the best smoke.
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
Have a real cigarette. A real cigarette. A real cigarette. Have a Camel.
Narrator
And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and the look before the leap.
Johnny Dollar
Item 2. 1050 Taxi, a train to New York in a cab to the 10th floor apartment of Ms. Mady Prescott.
Matey Prescott
I know, Mr. Dollar. My testimony that I'd seen him on the bridge and that I'd seen him drop off into the water.
Johnny Dollar
Well, that testimony, Ms. Prescott, may cost the insurance company $300,000 unless I can produce Barney Margot before March 1st.
Francois Dubuisson
Before March 1st?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah. And you say that you saw him
Matey Prescott
in Paris at an antique shop run by Monsieur Dubuisson.
Pat McCracken
Dubuissant.
Matey Prescott
What?
Johnny Dollar
Nothing.
Pat McCracken
Go on.
Matey Prescott
Well, I was startled, to say the least, but I'm certain it.
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
Was he. Absolutely sure of it.
Johnny Dollar
Well, you were also pretty certain you'd seen him go off that bridge.
Matey Prescott
I know, but I. I must have been wrong at that time.
Johnny Dollar
So you could also be wrong now. I. I know, but it's the only thing I have to go on. And, you know, since you mentioned the name Dubassain. Well, thanks very much. Ms. Prescott. Is a fence. They're in Paris. Exactly the sort of character Barney the Bum might tie up with. Perhaps even as a contact for Big Mike Killian. As I stepped into the self service elevator to get back to the street, I wondered. But I didn't wonder for long about anything.
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
Okay, Jimmy, push that stop button.
Louis de Marsac
Yeah, sure.
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
Milford between floors.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, all right. What's the idea, Johnny Dollar, huh?
Pat McCracken
Maybe so.
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
There's only one reason you'd be calling on the Prescott date.
Pat McCracken
What of it?
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
Big Mike didn't like you interfering when poor Barney died. He don't like it now.
Pat McCracken
Oh, well, that's just too bad.
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
In fact, he don't like you.
Johnny Dollar
Now, Jimmy, come here.
Gary Moore
No.
Jimmy (Building Superintendent)
Yeah. Now, James, leave us. Dump this stiff in the basement.
Johnny Dollar
It was the building superintendent who found me there in the basement. Got me back on my feet again. Item three, 10 cents for a call to one of the Transatlantic Airlines. Item four, 31 bucks for a cable grab. Then item five, a dollar for a cab to the 18th Precinct headquarters. My old pal, Randy Singer.
Narrator/Announcer
Sure, Johnny.
Randy Singer
A couple of Big Mike Killian's boys. Must have been. You want me to have them picked up?
Johnny Dollar
No.
Randy Singer
Only I warn you, Killian will have an alibi for him sure as Gun.
Johnny Dollar
Don't worry about him. I'll take care of that bear myself.
Narrator/Announcer
Well now Randy, all I ask is
Johnny Dollar
that you stand by until I get back here from Paris.
Pat McCracken
Paris?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah. Somehow I gotta perform a miracle. I gotta bring Barney Margaux back here before March 1st. Today's the 27th. That means I have until midn tomorrow night. So long, Randy.
Randy Singer
Johnny, wait a minute.
Johnny Dollar
Sorry, but every second counts and I just have time to catch a plane.
Randy Singer
Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
So long, baby.
Pat McCracken
And wish me luck.
Johnny Dollar
I'm going to need it.
Narrator
Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Four Way Cold Tablets Advertiser
In just a moment, meet star Stuart Irwin.
Francois Dubuisson
Nothing's worse for an actor than a nasty cold. To feel better quickly, I take wonderful four way cold tablets. The fast way to relieve cold dist.
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
Right.
Four Way Cold Tablets Advertiser
Tests of all the leading cold tablets proved four way fastest acting four way starts in minutes to relieve muscular pains, headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach. Also overcomes irregularity.
Francois Dubuisson
Take my advice for your next cold. Take four way cold tablets. The fast way to relieve those cold miseries.
Four Way Cold Tablets Advertiser
Four way only 29 cents.
Narrator
And now here's a word about another fine product of Grove Laboratories. Does dandruff dull your hair? Leave scalp itchy? Get Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo and get rid of unsightly dandruff in three minutes. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep embarrassing dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in one minute. Add water, lather one minute, rinse one minute. Every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. Three minutes with Fitch unsightly dandruff's gone. Fitch can also leave your hair up to 35% brighter. Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo. And now act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Item 6. $420 for a plane ticket to Paris. When we landed at Orly, I put in a call to Louis de Marsac, who calls himself a Chagri. If anyone in all of Paris knows the underworld, believe me, it's the gray cat. But I got no answer. Item 7 then. $2American for a cab to the so called antique shop of Francois Dubassin. It was there that matey Prescott swore she'd seen Barney. Margot. I knew better than to expect any real help from him. But he was my only chance. And time was running out.
Louis de Marsac
Ah, bonjour monsieur. Que est que vous de vit?
Mood.com Advertiser
Let's be honest. Buying cannabis shouldn't be complicated, sketchy or low quality. That's why I want to tell you about mood.com. that's m o o d.com mood ships federally legal cannabis straight to your door. No medical card, no hassle. And here's the kicker. The quality is better than anything you'll
find at your local dispensary.
Yeah, I said it. Whether you're into edibles, concentrates, flower, or just looking to explore, you'll find it all at Mood. And it's not just the variety that makes them stand out.
Every product is sourced from small American
owned family farms that care deeply about what they grow. It's cannabis you can trust. Delivered discreetly and ready to elevate your mood. And because you're a listener, you get
20% off your first order.
Just head to mood.com, that's mood.com to get started.
Louis de Marsac
Ah, Monsieur Johnny Doleaire, the meddling American.
Johnny Dollar
That's right, De Bassin.
Louis de Marsac
And towards the fair city of Paris owe the honor of your presence.
Johnny Dollar
Bernard Margo.
Louis de Marsac
Margot.
Pat McCracken
That's right.
Johnny Dollar
I want to know where he is. Where I can find him.
Louis de Marsac
Now, by what could you possibly think I might know this? Bernard.
Randy Singer
Margot.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, don't start beating about the horse.
Randy Singer
Do you think that I would tell
Louis de Marsac
you anything of him if I did?
Johnny Dollar
Now look to Basan I have not
Narrator/Announcer
forget the trouble you have made for me when you last come here.
Louis de Marsac
No, no, no, no, no,
Pat McCracken
no, you don't.
Johnny Dollar
Just stay where you are, Maurice. I suppose this gorilla is your bodyguard?
Louis de Marsac
Not at all.
Johnny Dollar
Well, if he tries to get rough. Are you trying he tricks to us.
Louis de Marsac
You are a smart man, Monsieur Delaborte. Also a fool.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah.
Louis de Marsac
Maurice, you have my permission to leave now to arrange the funeral of your friend. You see? Your alarm was for nothing.
Pat McCracken
Okay, okay.
Johnny Dollar
But now about this Barney Magot.
Louis de Marsac
I told you I knew nothing of him. And even if I did, do you forget, monsieur, that you have no authority here in France?
Matey Prescott
Now you listen.
Louis de Marsac
In other words, why do you waste your time when you know that all you will learn from me is nothing?
Johnny Dollar
Threats, even the promise of a bribe got me nowhere. So I left him. And again I put in a call to Louis Dumas Sac, my underworld contact. This time the line was busy. At least in menu he was home. So, item 8320American for a cab to the dingy little apartment at the far end of the Rue de Pas de la Mole. It's one of the most disreputable looking buildings in the whole city. Dirty, squalid, falling apart at the seams. And of course, Le Cha Gris had to live at the top of four long flights. When I finally Got up there feeling slightly winded. I noticed that his door at the end of the gas lit hallway was half open and I could see him inside, lying on the floor, the telephone dangling beside him.
Pat McCracken
Hey. Hey, Louis.
Johnny Dollar
Come on, Sack.
Burgess Meredith (Hearing Glasses Advertiser)
Hello, I'm Burgess Meredith. Did you know There are over 3 million persons in America who are hard of hearing and not doing anything about it? Maybe you or some member of your family is hard of hearing. Fortunately, I've never had this problem. Some of my friends and family have. A few years ago, your excuse might have been that you didn't want to wear a bulky hearing aid. But today it's a different story. I've just seen the new Super 60 hearing glasses developed by Mako Electronics. If I hadn't known they were hearing glasses, I would have guessed them to be regular eyeglasses. It's a wonderful way for any hard of hearing person to conceal a hearing loss. There are styles for both men and women. For an interesting free booklet on hearing glasses for yourself or a friend, stop in at Mako or write to Hearing Glasses, CBS, 485 Madison Avenue, New York. Don't wait until your hearing gets worse. It may be too late. Send for your booklet today. Write CBS, 485 Madison Avenue, New York.
Narrator
And now, act four of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Only my sudden arrival had kept Maurice from killing Louis de Marsac. Had got me that clown on the head. But Maurice was gone now. After working over Louis for a few minutes, pouring some cognac into him, he finally came around.
Louis de Marsac
Oh, miss you, darling.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, that's a stun boy. Just let me help you out here on this couch.
Louis de Marsac
Oh, but, but so much pain.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, you really got it, brother.
Louis de Marsac
If only for you, my oldest, my dearest friend, would I suffer so.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah. Here, here, take another slug of this.
Louis de Marsac
No, no, no. Alas, even that will not mend my broken head.
Johnny Dollar
Would a couple of hundred dollars American help, eh?
Pat McCracken
Oh, did you get my cable, Graham?
Louis de Marsac
Oh, and I found him for you, Barney.
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
Where?
Louis de Marsac
It is worth perhaps 500.
Johnny Dollar
300.
Louis de Marsac
But monsieur.
Johnny Dollar
Okay, 350.
Pat McCracken
Where is he?
Louis de Marsac
But if Monsieur Dubuisson finds out that it was I who took care of Barney.
Johnny Dollar
Margot, he already knows that I'm here. That's why he sent that Maurice to arrange for a funeral.
Louis de Marsac
Funeral?
Johnny Dollar
And he was talking about your funeral.
Pat McCracken
Now, wait.
Johnny Dollar
You say you've taken care of Barney the bum?
Louis de Marsac
It would perhaps be worth a little extra if I were to have him all tied up and waiting for you.
Johnny Dollar
What? Listen, if you can actually deliver him to me, I'll give you 1,000 bucks right now.
Louis de Marsac
But I can, monsieur.
Johnny Dollar
Where is he?
Louis de Marsac
And perhaps 2000 if I've arranged a way to get you both out of the country, back to the United States without anybody knowing about.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, yeah, 2000. I'll cable it to you if I can get him back to the States before midnight tonight.
Louis de Marsac
Oh, before midnight?
Johnny Dollar
You see, New York time.
Louis de Marsac
Well, we can try, monsieur.
Johnny Dollar
Good, good. Then let's get going.
Louis de Marsac
But first, perhaps I better accept the 1,000, just in case.
Johnny Dollar
All right, all or nothing. 2,500 bucks if I make it.
Louis de Marsac
Ah, then come first we get Barney out of the closet here.
Johnny Dollar
Out of the. Out of this closet here. In your room?
Louis de Marsac
But of course.
Pat McCracken
Well, I'll be.
Louis de Marsac
And then we drive to the airfield where the plane is waiting for you.
Johnny Dollar
Believe me, we'd never have gotten away with a thing like this back in the States or anywhere else I can think of. Or without the help of the Chagri.
Pat McCracken
After making sure that Barney was successful
Johnny Dollar
security pound and gag, we pound him into a car that demarc said was his only. I doubt it. We headed westward through Versailles to the city of. Well, maybe for diplomatic reasons, I better not mention the name of it. Anyhow, their little airport was an old amphibian plane waiting for us. This time it was a pilot I had to haggle with 7,000 bucks for the trip. But there were 300,000 at stake. Item nine for a transit light he called a Randy Singer in New York.
Randy Singer
No, no, listen, Johnny, this is too wild, too crazy.
Johnny Dollar
You got the ID for this plane. You've written it down.
Randy Singer
You. Sure I have.
Johnny Dollar
But, Johnny, all you have to do is get us a clearance to land if we make it.
Randy Singer
You're out of your mind. This stunt could cause an international incident that even the United nations could.
Pat McCracken
You want Barney to bomb, don't you?
Matey Prescott
Well, of course.
Johnny Dollar
We'll lay him right in your lap if you'll hang up the phone so that we can make our takeoff.
Randy Singer
Johnny, listen to me.
Pat McCracken
Randy, I haven't got any more time to talk. Because if I don't get Barney back there before midnight tonight.
Randy Singer
No, Johnny, no.
Matey Prescott
Listen.
Pat McCracken
See you in New York, I hope.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, that plane trip was something I'll never forget. Sure, on the ground, the big amphibian looked pretty good. But up in the air, it shuddered and shook like the old crate it really was. And I wondered if she had enough gas aboard. What sort of double talk the pilot used to keep us from being ordered down, I'll never know. Any second I expected a Bunch of fighter planes to start buzzing us, but somehow we made it. And Randy, bless his heart, and I don't know how he did it, Randy got us a clearance to land. Matter of fact, he even had an escort waiting for us to haul Barney off to the clink and take me back to the office at headquarters. Yeah, by some miracle it all worked out except for one thing.
Randy Singer
But so help me, Johnny, if you ever again try to pull a thing like falling asleep again, huh?
Narrator/Announcer
Just like you did all the way in from the airport. Well, I can't say that I blame you. Mission accomplished, all that sort of stuff.
Johnny Dollar
Mission accomplished, Sir.
Fritos Corn Chips Advertiser
Huh?
Johnny Dollar
Did you happen to notice what time it was when we sat down at the airport?
Camel Cigarettes Advertiser
Sure.
Randy Singer
Right after midnight, 12:07.
Johnny Dollar
Just exactly seven minutes too late.
Randy Singer
Too late?
Johnny Dollar
Ruling of the courts. Don't you get it, Randy? In order to save the company paying off that 300,000 clams, I had to get him back here before midnight last night. February 28th, before the 1st of March. Oh, now a fortune I've run up and expenses has to come out of my own pocket.
Matey Prescott
Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
And I thought I was going to make myself a cool $10,000 fee. Listen, you were right, Randy. I should have known better. It was crazy. The whole idea was completely crazy right from the beginning.
Randy Singer
Johnny, will you listen to me?
Johnny Dollar
If I had any sense, I'd blow my brains out seven minutes after midnight.
Randy Singer
That's right. February 28th. So you've forgotten just one little thing. This just happens to be 1960.
Johnny Dollar
So what? I had to get that punk back here before the first of.
Pat McCracken
Yeah, leap year, Randy.
Randy Singer
That's right.
Narrator/Announcer
So today just happens to be the
Randy Singer
day before the 1st of March. February 29th.
Louis de Marsac
Oh, no.
Johnny Dollar
You mean I made it after all.
Narrator/Announcer
You mean I. Oh, no, it's a fact, Johnny.
Randy Singer
Fact.
Johnny Dollar
You know something? I should have blown my brains out for forgetting that extra day this month, this year. But instead, I'll just take that 10,000 bucks in fees. As for the expense account, hold your hat. $9571. Yours truly, Johnny Doc.
Narrator
Our star will return in just a moment.
Ex Lax Advertiser
Constipation is something people don't talk about much, but it can be a problem for anyone, even doctors. And when constipation occurs, it's interesting to see just what doctors consider important about a laxative they might use or recommend. Well, a majority of the doctors we heard from had this to say.
Matey Prescott
A laxative should be effective, gentle, as close to natural, acting as possible, and a medicine that can be used with complete confidence.
Ex Lax Advertiser
Now, Ex Lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years. Because pleasant tasting chocolate at Exlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Ex Lax is gentle. Next morning, it gives you the closest thing to natural action. And that's why many doctors and millions of people use Ex Lax with complete confidence. Exlax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity gently overnight, is Exlax in your medicine cabinet?
Narrator
Now here's our star with something to think about on account of its Brotherhood Week. Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
John, It's a thought for this week and every week, and it's simply this. In my job, I run across all sorts of people, both the right guys and the wrong ones. And this much I'm sure of. A crook is a crook in any place, in any language. He's just no good, but an honest man. A man who respects the law and the rights of his fellow humans, regardless of his hue, his origin or his accent.
Pat McCracken
Well, believe me, that one is yours
Johnny Dollar
truly with 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 Greg, Lawrence Dobkin, Forest Lewis, Frank Gerstle, Herb Vigren and Tony Barrett. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is John Wall speaking.
Johnny Dollar
Listen next to suspense on the CBS Radio Network.
Jimmy Durante
How are you, folks? Jimmy Durante in person. And I'd like to tell you about some of the things that's close to my heart.
Gary Moore
Well, Jimmy, I'm sure one thing that's close to everybody's heart is the Heart fund. And that's especially true today, Heart Sunday.
Jimmy Durante
Hey, that voice sounds very familiar.
Narrator
Well, it should.
Gary Moore
Jimmy, it's me, Gary Moore, that's who that is.
Jimmy Durante
Junior.
Gary Moore
Yeah, I thought I'd help you tell the folks how important Heart Sunday is.
Jimmy Durante
Everybody wants to get into the act.
Gary Moore
I certainly hope you're right, Schnoz. We want everybody to get into the act to help fight our nation's number one health enemy, heart disease. And the best way to do that is by supporting the Heart Fund, our number one defense. You planned to say something like that, didn't you, Jimmy?
Jimmy Durante
I did indeed.
Gary Moore
So, friends, when your Heart Fund volunteer calls on you today, Heart Sunday, remember, your dollars will help our scientists develop new and better ways to safeguard healthy hearts and save those that are already afflicted.
Johnny Dollar
Come on, folks, dig deep for your
Jimmy Durante
contributions to the Heart Fund.
Gary Moore
Believe me, it'll do your heart good, too.
Narrator
Radio 59 WROW. With the new service unmatched in the Tri Cities.
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode originally aired: February 28, 1960
Podcast release date: May 18, 2026
In this classic episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," America's "fabulous freelance insurance investigator" is called upon to crack an old case with only hours left on the clock. Johnny is hired to find Bernard "Barney the Bum" Margot—a mobster presumed dead six years prior, whose supposed suicide enabled another criminal, Big Mike Killian, to claim a hefty $300,000 insurance payout. As the statute of limitations nears its end, a new lead emerges: Barney Margot may still be alive in Paris. With humor, grit, and international escapades, Johnny races the calendar to solve a mystery and save the insurance company a fortune.
| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |------------|-----------------------------------------------| | 01:07 | Case briefing with Pat and Randy | | 04:04 | Recap of Barney Margot’s original ‘death’ | | 08:13 | Interview with Matie Prescott | | 09:20 | Johnny attacked in elevator | | 12:09 | Johnny arrives in Paris | | 14:50 | Showdown with Dubuisson in Paris | | 15:02 | Discovery of de Marsac beaten | | 17:40 | Johnny bribes de Marsac | | 18:59 | Barney Margot found and stashed in closet | | 19:16 | Airport escape | | 21:24 | Johnny realizes he’s seven minutes too late | | 22:15 | Leap year twist—still on time | | 24:11 | Johnny’s Brotherhood Week reflection |
The episode features the witty repartee, hardboiled attitude, and world-weary humor that define "Johnny Dollar." The script melds suspenseful investigation with a dash of international intrigue, all propelled by Bob Bailey’s iconic radio performance. The narrative is brisk, with plenty of twists, moral ambiguity, and ultimately a message of shared human values.
This episode is a prime example of why "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" remains beloved: a clever mystery, larger-than-life characters, and a race against time brimming with suspense and humor. You don’t need prior knowledge of the series to appreciate Johnny’s cunning, the period ambience, or the satisfaction of a well-earned (and well-timed) victory.
Summary prepared for "Choice Classic Radio Detectives" listeners.