Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter”
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Introduction
In this enthralling episode of Choice Classic Radio's Detectives series, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter.” Starring Bob Bailey as the intrepid insurance investigator Johnny Dollar, the episode delves into a complex case involving thefts in the seemingly tranquil Village of Virtue, South Carolina. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode promises suspense, intricate character dynamics, and a classic whodunit atmosphere that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Act 1: The Assignment and Inception
The story commences with Johnny Dollar being approached by Ben Orloff from the Continental Insurance Company in New York. Orloff presents Johnny with a perplexing case: a series of thefts plaguing the Village of Virtue, threatening to spiral into a civil war between the town's residents and the local ex-gangsters.
Key Points:
- Johnny is assigned to investigate the escalating thefts to prevent financial and social chaos.
- Introduction of Joseph "Smokey" Picatello, an ex-gangster turned insurance agent, who provides important background on the community and its inhabitants.
Notable Quotes:
- Johnny Dollar [00:46]: “Did you ever hear of a place called Virtue?”
- Joe Picatello [03:05]: “...Al Capone left behind. And down near the border at San Diego for a while smuggling narcotics across from Mexico.”
Insights: Joe Picatello reveals his past ties to organized crime and his strategic pivot to the insurance business, setting the stage for the intricate web of relationships in Virtue. His insights into the town’s history and the transformation from a hideout to a respectable community add depth to the narrative.
Act 2: Arrival in Virtue and Rising Tensions
Johnny and Joe travel to the Village of Virtue, a picturesque yet deceptively serene town nestled along the Pee Dee River. The description paints a vivid image of Southern charm juxtaposed with underlying tensions.
Key Points:
- Detailed portrayal of Virtue, highlighting its beauty and the facade of peace maintained over two decades.
- First encounters with the town's ex-gangster residents, including Lefty Stemper and Bull Magoon, who exhibit hostility towards Johnny’s investigation.
Notable Quotes:
- Johnny Dollar [08:19]: “Acres and acres of huge old live oak trees festooned with Spanish moss flowers... It was a beautiful spot.”
- Lefty Stemper [10:11]: “If it's any of your business, it's my business."
Insights: The interactions in this act showcase the fragile balance between the town’s residents and their past. The confrontational stance of characters like Lefty Stemper underscores the tensions and reluctance to embrace external intervention, hinting at deeper conflicts beneath the town’s outward serenity.
Act 3: Unmasking the Culprit and Resolution
As Johnny delves deeper, the investigation leads him to Parley Carraway, the mayor and police chief of Virtue. Through keen observation and strategic confrontation, Johnny uncovers a web of deceit orchestrated by Carraway himself.
Key Points:
- Discovery that Parley Carraway is behind the thefts, manipulating both the ex-gangsters and the townspeople for personal gain.
- Johnny’s confrontation with Carraway, culminating in the exposure of his fraudulent activities and the restoration of peace in Virtue.
Notable Quotes:
- Johnny Dollar [19:23]: “If I do call in the state police, it'll be to have you locked up.”
- Parley Carraway [19:37]: “I'll tell you, Johnny... unless you make peace.”
Insights: The resolution highlights Johnny’s unwavering integrity and determination to pursue justice, regardless of personal risk. By exposing Carraway, Johnny not only resolves the immediate crisis but also reinforces the theme of upholding honor and the rule of law against corruption and deceit.
Conclusion
“Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter” masterfully intertwines suspense, character development, and moral dilemmas, offering listeners a compelling narrative that exemplifies the essence of classic detective storytelling. Johnny Dollar’s journey through Virtue serves as a testament to resilience and ethical steadfastness, making this episode a standout addition to the Old Time Radio canon.
Expense Account Summary: Johnny meticulously documents his expenses throughout the investigation, emphasizing his professionalism and the meticulous nature of his work. Notably, he humorously notes, “Expense account total, including the trip back to Hartford. Call it a hundred bucks even” [21:05], underscoring his role as a freelance investigator operating with integrity.
Final Thoughts: This episode not only entertains but also resonates with timeless themes of trust, redemption, and the pursuit of truth. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of old-time radio or a newcomer seeking quality detective stories, “The Village of Virtue Matter” promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.
Notable Cast:
- Johnny Dollar: Bob Bailey
- Joe Picatello: [Character voiced by Frank Nelson]
- Parley Carraway: [Character voiced by Billy Halop]
- Lefty Stemper: Jack Crucian
- Additional Characters: Peter Leeds, Gil Stratton, Will Wright
Production Credits: Produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, the episode showcases stellar writing and performances, ensuring a captivating narrative that stands the test of time.
Thank you for tuning into Choice Classic Radio’s Old Time Radio series. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Facebook, and support us through donations at donate@ChoiceClassicRadio.com. Join us next week for another thrilling adventure with Johnny Dollar!