Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode 599: "Art is Long and Crime is Fleeting"
Release Date: October 9, 2024
Host/Author: Mean Streets Podcasts

Introduction

In Episode 599 of Down These Mean Streets, listeners are treated to a captivating exploration of art-related mysteries through the lens of four iconic radio detectives: Boston Blackie, Jeff Regan, The Saint, and Johnny Dollar. This episode delves into stories that intertwine masterpieces, the artists who create them, and the cunning criminals who attempt to steal or forge these priceless works. The host masterfully navigates each narrative, providing rich details and engaging commentary that brings these classic radio adventures to life.

Boston Blackie: "Enemy to Those Who Make Him an Enemy"

Summary:
Richard Calmer stars as Boston Blackie, a beloved character known for his wit and resourcefulness. In this episode, Blackie faces off against Henry Rice, a gang leader who aims to frame Blackie's friend, Shorty, for murder by planting fabricated evidence—a cigarette lighter bearing Shorty's initials and fingerprints. To thwart Rice's scheme, Blackie is coerced into stealing the heavily guarded Abbot painting from the city art gallery.

Notable Quotes:

• Vincent Price as Narrator:
  “Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave.” [00:00]

• Henry Rice:
  “I'm gonna hold you for murder by how you love me.” [15:45]

• Boston Blackie:
  “Making you miserable is worth 10 times 10,000.” [10:30]

Key Points:

• Blackie's Dilemma:
  Blackie is forced into stealing the Abbot painting to prevent Shorty from being wrongfully convicted. His cleverness is tested as he navigates the complex web spun by Rice.

• The Heist:
  Using a combination of stealth and ingenuity, Blackie successfully steals the painting, despite its heavy security.

• Twist and Resolution:
  Rice's plan unravels when Blackie returns with the painting but discovers that Rice double-crossed him by tipping off Inspector Faraday. Ultimately, Blackie's actions clear Shorty's name and expose Rice's deceit, leading to Rice's arrest.

Jeff Regan: "Barefoot Boy with Shoes Gone"

Summary:
Frank Graham takes on the role of Jeff Regan, an investigator for the International Detective Bureau. In this Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast, Regan is tasked with locating a missing artist, Thaddeus Mink, who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances linked to his disturbing cat-themed paintings. The investigation leads Regan to uncover a series of murders, including the strangulation of Margaret Ames, Mink's sister, and the poisoning of seven cats in Mountain Crest.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Graham as Jeff Regan:
  “A whole group of experts are going to give the painting every test there is. And if it stands up, we're obliged to insure it.” [30:10]

• Esther Duffield:
  “You killed her. You went up to Mink's cabin after I talked to you on the phone last night.” [50:20]

• Inspector Faraday:
  “You have arrested him. Well, I can think it. You can think it.” [20:15]

Key Points:

• The Mystery of Thaddeus Mink:
  Regan delves into Mink's disappearance, uncovering his hatred for cats and his unique painting style that features them prominently.

• Unraveling the Murders:
  Each murder appears connected to Mink's artwork, suggesting a darker motive behind the killings. Regan pieces together clues that lead him to suspect E.P. Duffield, the art gallery owner.

• Climactic Confrontation:
  In a tense showdown, Regan confronts Duffield, revealing the latter's vendetta against Mink and his involvement in the crimes. The case ties together the themes of art, obsession, and revenge.

The Saint: "Button Button"

Summary:
Vincent Price reprises his role as Simon Templar, the suave and cunning hero known as The Saint. In "Button Button," Templar is summoned by his employer, Orlando Button, an art collector whose intentions seem dubious. The situation escalates when Button goes missing along with his valuable paintings, leading Templar to uncover a smuggling operation involving authentic Renaissance masterpieces disguised beneath inferior artworks.

Notable Quotes:

• Vincent Price as The Saint (Simon Templar):
  “If you should run across an old party named Orlando Button, before I do, will you please do something to help him stay alive?” [40:50]

• Orlando Button:
  “You're here. And Dr. Weber tells me he sees you snooping aboard the Tuscany.” [70:30]

• Dr. Weber:
  “I've got nothing. I'll loosen your tongue with a little history.” [65:15]

Key Points:

• Art Smuggling Unveiled:
  The discovery that fake paintings conceal genuine Renaissance works leads The Saint to infiltrate the operations, utilizing his charm and intelligence to navigate the perilous art underworld.

• Twists and Deceptions:
  Templar faces numerous challenges, including double-crosses from trusted allies like Dr. Weber and confrontations with the formidable Kesek and his henchmen.

• Resolution:
  Through strategic maneuvering and keen observation, The Saint exposes the smuggling ring, rescues Orlando Button, and ensures the safe return of the stolen masterpieces, showcasing his dedication to justice and the preservation of art.

Johnny Dollar: "The Alan Saxton Matter"

Summary:
John Lund voices Johnny Dollar, a meticulous insurance investigator who maintains an expert expense account for his cases. In "The Alan Saxton Matter," Dollar is hired to verify the authenticity of a newly purchased painting claimed to be priceless. As he investigates, Dollar navigates personal entanglements with Barbara Saxton and uncovers a sophisticated forgery scheme orchestrated by Rene Francois, aimed at ruining Saxton's business and reclaiming a significant financial loss.

Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar:
  “Your expense account just turned yellow. Where would you like to take me to dinner?” [100:45]

• Barbara Saxton:
  “Johnny, let's get married.” [95:30]

• Rene Francois:
  “I've got the painting. Shh. I'm the captain of the Pinafore.” [130:10]

Key Points:

• Verification of Authenticity:
  Dollar's investigation into the alleged masterpiece reveals inconsistencies, prompting him to delve deeper into the provenance and examination reports of the painting.

• Personal Stakes:
  The budding relationship between Dollar and Barbara Saxton adds emotional depth to the narrative, complicating Dollar's professional mission with personal interests.

• Unmasking the Forger:
  Through persistent inquiry and leveraging his connections, Johnny Dollar uncovers Rene Francois's involvement in creating and distributing the forgery. The climax involves a dramatic confrontation where Francois is exposed and apprehended, ensuring Saxton's reputation and financial standing are restored.

Conclusion

Episode 599 of Down These Mean Streets masterfully intertwines the worlds of art and crime through four distinct yet interconnected stories. Each detective—Boston Blackie, Jeff Regan, The Saint, and Johnny Dollar—brings their unique skills and personalities to the forefront, solving intricate mysteries that highlight the delicate balance between artistic integrity and criminal intent. With notable performances, engaging plots, and memorable quotes, this episode offers a rich and immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to Old Time Radio Detectives.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the artistry not only in the paintings central to each mystery but also in the storytelling that pays homage to the Golden Age of radio detective shows.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• “Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave.” — Vincent Price as Narrator [00:00]

• “A whole group of experts are going to give the painting every test there is. And if it stands up, we're obliged to insure it.” — Jeff Regan [30:10]

• “If you should run across an old party named Orlando Button, before I do, will you please do something to help him stay alive?” — The Saint [40:50]

• “Your expense account just turned yellow. Where would you like to take me to dinner?” — Johnny Dollar [100:45]

These quotes encapsulate the essence of each detective's encounter and the overarching theme of art intertwined with crime.

Stay tuned for next week's episode as Down These Mean Streets returns with Episode 600, promising more thrilling adventures and timeless detective tales.