Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Night in Paris Matter"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: December 15, 2025
Original Broadcast: August 16, 1959
Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar

Episode Overview

In this classic old-time radio episode, insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is sent to Paris to recover the stolen Olney diamond necklace, valued at three-quarters of a million dollars. The case draws him into a web of deception involving old contacts, dangerous criminals, and a beautiful stranger. True to the tone of Johnny Dollar’s adventures, this episode features international intrigue, double-crosses, witty banter, and a touch of romance—all delivered in classic hard-boiled detective style.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Assignment (00:17–02:16)

• Johnny receives a call from George Reed at Floyd's of London, summoning him for an assignment in France concerning the stolen Olney diamonds.
• Johnny jokes about the Parisian underworld contact, Louis de Marsac, known as "Le Chat Gris" (the Gray Cat).
• The expense account is humorously discussed, with Johnny angling for generous allowances.
  • Quote (00:41): Johnny - "Because at night, all cats are gray."

2. Negotiating with Le Chat Gris (02:16–04:15)

• Johnny contacts Louis de Marsac, who predictably asks for a hefty fee for information.
• A lively negotiation ensues, eventually settling on $2,000 for de Marsac's help.
  • Quote (03:14): de Marsac - "You hurt me. You touch me to the crate."
  • Quote (03:53): Johnny (negotiating down): "Okay, $2,000 bucks."

3. The Mysterious Annette (04:28–05:55)

• On the flight to Paris, Johnny meets Annette Dubois, a charming, attractive woman traveling alone.
• They exchange flirtatious banter, hinting at possible future involvement.
  • Quote (05:48): Annette - "You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you? ... I like that."

4. Danger at de Marsac’s Apartment (06:00–07:41)

• Johnny finds de Marsac’s apartment ransacked and empty.
• He is attacked by an unknown assailant, then regains consciousness to find a note:
  • Quote (09:17): Johnny - "If I ever catch up with him, he's going to be a lot sorrier."

5. A Meeting in the Beatnik Café (08:43–13:01)

• De Marsac contacts Johnny, urging him to meet at a café, warning he's in danger.
• The café scene is full of Parisian beatnik atmosphere; de Marsac appears unexpectedly.
• Suspicion grows about who can be trusted.
• De Marsac reveals the culprit behind the theft is Francois Dubuisson, and offers to help double-cross him—for a price.

6. The Setup for the Sting (13:01–15:15)

• De Marsac has told Dubuisson that Johnny (posing as "Robert Matthews" from Texas) will buy the diamonds for 15 million francs.
• Johnny makes preparations in his hotel, including setting up a dummy to fool any attackers.

7. The Confrontation & Betrayal (15:16–18:04)

• Johnny receives a call from Dubuisson, who insists on caution, warning he's armed.
• When Dubuisson and Annette arrive, their ruse is exposed.
• Annette is revealed as an accomplice, ready to kill Johnny. Tension escalates.

8. The Twist and Resolution (17:44–18:47)

• De Marsac intervenes at the last moment, saving Johnny and subduing Annette.
  • Quote (17:55): de Marsac - "Such a pity, monsieur, that I should stoop so low as to strike a beautiful woman."
• The Paris police handle the aftermath, with the necklace secured and Johnny reflecting on the cost of informants in detective work.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Johnny Dollar’s irony:
  "I wish I could make a trip to France. At somebody else's expense." (00:23, Johnny)
• Witty negotiation:
  "Well, it was nice to talk to you. See you around sometime." (03:27, Johnny—leveraging de Marsac’s greed)
• Annette’s flirtation:
  "You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you? ... I like that." (05:48, Annette)
• De Marsac’s fatalistic humor:
  "In my business with some of the terrible people I have to deal with, this sort of thing happens all the time." (10:37, de Marsac—about being a target himself)
• Johnny’s philosophy:
  "People simply don’t realize how most of the crimes in this world are solved not by Sherlock Holmes-type detective work... but through informants." (13:33, Johnny)
• Climactic confrontation:
  "Annette, your last mistake. Because of this silencer, nobody will ever know." (17:39, Annette—threatening Johnny)
• De Marsac’s rescue:
  "...I should stoop so low as to strike a beautiful woman." (17:55, de Marsac)

Important Timestamps

• 00:17 — George Reed’s call outlining the case
• 02:16 — Negotiation with de Marsac
• 04:28 — Introduction of Annette on the plane
• 06:00 — Arrival and attack at de Marsac’s apartment
• 08:17 — Warning phone call, Johnny is told to leave
• 10:11 — Café scene with poetry and intrigue
• 12:28 — Discussion of the deal with de Marsac
• 15:15 — Setup for the deal and antagonist’s phone call
• 16:36 — The fake-out and confrontation in hotel room
• 17:44 — Final showdown; de Marsac intervenes
• 18:47 — Closing summary by Johnny

Tone & Style

• Language: Witty, sharp, and filled with classic noir banter.
• Atmosphere: Intrigue-laden with a dark Parisian setting and international espionage flair.
• Characterization: Johnny Dollar embodies the clever, world-weary PI, while de Marsac is a slippery informant with a flair for the dramatic.

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases Johnny Dollar’s trademark mix of humor, resourcefulness, and danger. With a blend of high-stakes negotiation, beatnik Parisian backdrops, and double-crossing criminals, “The Night in Paris Matter” is a prime example of the golden age of radio detective drama. For fans of classic, hard-boiled sleuths, it’s an entertaining ride through the shadows of international crime.

For more episodes featuring Johnny Dollar’s globe-trotting investigations, keep tuning in to Choice Classic Radio Detectives!