← Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode 612 - Hot Ice (Boston Blackie, Richard Diamond, Dragnet, & Johnny Dollar)
02:06:32
Ice is in the air - and on the ground - as many parts of the country contend with winter weather, but in this week's show our heroes contend with a different kind of ice...and it's because that ice has gone missing. Detectives hunt down stolen...
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Narrator
Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint, starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more old time radio detectives and crime fighters. Well, our snow melted in my neck of the woods just in time for us to be hit with another wave of winter weather. And since I've had ice on my mind for the last week and a half, today I've got a quartet of radio mysteries where our heroes have to contend with a different kind of ice. Specifically, stolen diamonds. We'll start off with Richard Kalmer as Boston Blackie, the safecracker turned super sleuth in a syndicated mystery. As Blackie inspects some diamonds for his wealthy friend Charlie Kingston, a gang of thieves break in, knock Blackie out and abscond with the stones. Now, Blackie thinks he's caught the crooks, but they seem to have an airtight alibi that he can't break. Next, we've got Diamonds on top of Diamonds as Richard diamond, private detective played by Dick Powell, is framed for stealing diamonds from no less than the police commissioner. This adventure of radio Singing Gumshoe originally aired on NBC on November 12, 1949. Then Jack Webb stars as Sergeant Joe Friday in the Big Impression from Dragnet. Originally aired on NBC on August 7, 1952. This one finds Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigating when a diamond salesman is robbed of $150,000 of his own merchandise. And finally, we'll hear an action packed expense account filed by Johnny Dollar, starring John Lund as America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. We'll hear the uncut Canary Matter, an Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast of an episode that Originally aired on February 16, 1954. Johnny's latest case brings him to Beverly Hills when the titular canary, not a bird, but a giant yellow diamond, is stolen from a jewelry store. The ice is hot in these four radio mysteries. We'll kick things off with Boston Blackie right after these messages. I'd like to tell you folks about Kraft's Golden Cheese food, Velveeta. Velveeta is such good eating. Just taste that grand, rich yet mild cheddar cheese flavor. And Velveeta is so good for you. It's rich in important food values. From milk itself for swell tasting snacks, for good hearty sandwiches, for thrifty, easy, hot dishes. It's smart to keep stocked with Velveeta. Get it tomorrow in the handy quarter pound package or in the economical two pound loaf. The cheese food of top quality Velveeta is made only by craft. From first puff to last. There's never a rough puff in the Lucky. Yes, from the very first puff you get smooth, mild smoking enjoyment. The rich, mellow taste of fine tobacco. Because lsmft, Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. And in a cigarette, it's the tobacco that counts. Now, fine tobacco costs more and at the auctions Luckies pay more, millions of dollars more than official parody prices. To get fine, light, naturally mild tobacco. Tobacco that smokes cool and smooth with never a rough puff. The independent tobacco experts can see the makers of Lucky Strike consistently select and buy ripe, mellow leaf. And a recent survey shows more of these experts, auctioneers, buyers and warehousemen smoke Lucky Strike regularly than the next two leading brands combined. That's a tip for you, friends, for your greater enjoyment of smoking. Yes, for a smoother, milder smoke with never a rough puff, smoke the smoke tobacco expert. Smoke Lucky Strike. So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw. Say, Mr. Barnes, before we begin, I have some letters here I'd like to read. Oh, letters from some of our listeners, Dan. No, these are letters for some of our listeners, men who have tough whiskers or tender skin. And the letters I want to read to them are M, O L L E. You bet. Men, shaving torture ends when you start shaving. With mole, the heavier brushless shaving cream. Yes, sir. With mole, it's smooth. So smooth, it's slick. So slick it's a smooth, smooth, slick, slick shave you get with M O L L, E. Mole, the heavier brushless shaving cream for tender skins. Yes, Mole is the cream that's heavier, the cream for a hard to cut beard or a tender skin. Because mole is heavier, it not only softens your whiskers, it stands them up straight and lets your razor sail right through them. So you shave faster, closer, easier, and you shave painlessly. With Mole, the heavier brushless shaving cream for tender skin. Here's a poor chap who could be anyone, you know, including you, Francis. Phil, what are you doing stretched out on the couch? You better get ready if you're going to that meeting. I'll have to miss it tonight. Too much supper. My stomach's got me down well, don't blame supper. You stuffed yourself like a glutton. I'm not just stuffed. I feel awful. I can imagine. You've got a good old fashioned upset stomach and I've got just the thing for it. Pepto Bismol. Oh, I don't want to take anything. I can't afford to stay home tomorrow. You won't have to. Pepto Bismol is not like that. It won't add to your upset, but will help to soothe and calm it very quickly. Nothing could be that good. No, Just try it Here. Take a good swallow of Pepto Bismol and you'll begin to feel better in no time. Why, you might even get to that meeting tonight after all. Pepto Bismol is a gentler, better way to help an upset stomach. In fact, it's better in many ways. Pepto Bismol helps bring relief almost from the first moment. It begins to calm and quiet the upset right away. Then, because the Pepto Bismol formula is gentle and soothing, it doesn't interfere with normal digestion and doesn't add to the upset. Yes, Pepto Bismol is the dependable, speedy, pleasant tasting way to care for common stomach disturbances. Remember this. When your stomach's upset, don't add to the upset. Take Pepto Bismol to soothe it, calm it and feel good again. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. It. It was nice of you to come down to my office, Blackie. Not at all. I know it's after hours, but you know how much I value your opinion. I wish my opinion was as good as your opinion of it, Charlie. Well, what do you think of them? Perfectly cut. Color is good. I don't think you're making a mistake buying these diamonds, my friend. That's what I wanted to know. They looked right to me. But both you guys keep your hands right with the covered fellows. What is there about me that is. Look, you guys, I'm very fond of guns, but they lose their attraction when there are fingers around the triggers. Now, suppose we. Suppose you. Shut up. Get those diamonds, guys. All of them. Oh, no, Blackie. I hope you don't mind this little visit, Mr. Kingston. I most certainly do. It'll be a short one. We'll be out of here before you know it. Blackie. Are you going to let them get away with it, Blackie? Yes. This Boston, Blackie? Yes, and so is this all right, get him, boys. Hold me first. And I have noticed. M Got him. Good work, kid. Now you, Kingston. Me? Yeah. You don't get gay or you get what Blackie got. Just stay where you are until we get a five minute start. And if you want something to do for the five minutes, try to wake up your friend Blackie. And if you want something to do for the next five years, try to find out who we are. Want a beer with flavor? A flavor that's delightfully, deliciously different. Try that smooth beer. Try Champagne Velvet. The beer with the million dollar flavor. Thank you, my friend, for a very happy suggestion. It's worth repeating. Try that smooth beer. But Champagne Velvet is more than just that. It's a beer with a rare and unusual flavor combination. It's bright and sparkling from foam to finish. It's light and lively with a clear, clean taste that makes you sure it's pure. And best of all, it has the rich, robust and full bodied flavor that stamps it as a beer of real premium quality. Premium quality that costs you no premium in price. Light and lively, bright and sparkling, yet just as smooth. What a flavor combination. And you're sure it's pure? Now on to Dick Comer as Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy. Friend to those who have no friend. Dump the diamonds we took from Kingston on a table, Joey. Okay, go ahead, dump them. Here they are. Gee, look at them sparkle. Yeah. You know, sometimes I could fall in love with diamonds. Sometimes it's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Ten of them. Yeah. Three for you, Joey. Okay, three for Denny. Three and three. Yeah. That leaves four. So you mean four for you, Mike. That's right. Four for me. Sometimes I ain't happy with a split, but this is okay with me. Not with me. This was supposed to be a three way deal. I ain't happy with you getting an extra diamond, Mike. Sit down, Danny. Oh, no. Give me that extra diamond. I'll pedal it to a fence and we'll split the dough three ways. That'll make everything come out right. I said sit down, Danny. You don't block me, Mike. I'm taking. Sometimes I think you're too quick with a gun, boss. I think Danny's dead. I imagine he is, Joey. And you know something? Sometimes it's a very convenient thing that he is dead. It's so much easier to divide 10 diamonds two ways. Anything in the papers, Rocky? One thing that interests me, Mary. Well, it must interest you a whole lot more than I do. You've been staring at that Picture on the front page for five minutes. Take a look at the picture of this guy, Mary. I'm looking. And I'm much prettier and a whole lot more alive. This is a rogues gallery photo of a guy found dead in an empty lot this morning. Oh, there's something familiar about him. But his name, Danny Morris. I can't place that. Maybe you recognize the number on his chest. You probably met it on the auto license somewhere and you just can't remember where. Stop kidding. I think I've got something selfish. Okay, okay, I'll share it. I told you what happened last night in Charlie Kingston's office. And that you did. One of the three characters that came in clip me and count the diamonds resembles this dead man. That is something. You told me that you hadn't the slightest idea where to look for those three men. This murder will help you, won't it? Certainly. It'll help me discharge an obligation. I owe those clowns something for conking me. And with Inspector Faraday's help, maybe I now can pay them off. Hey, boys. You're pretty sure the cops will pick us up, ain't you? I'm very sure, Joey. Just as sure as I am that they'll have to let us go. As soon as they hear our story, they're gonna know that you and Danny and me came into town again. And when they find Danny's body, they're gonna look for us. Sometimes. I just got finished telling you they were going to pick us up, Joey. And I told you also that they'd let us go. Okay, if you say so. You told me. Sure. You got this rat fixed, boss? You can't fix cops, Joey. No, I have this situation outsmarted, that's all. Yeah. Now how about playing some gin rummy and forgetting all about it? Sometimes I ain't sure you know what you're talking about. Talking about gin rummy. That ain't what I mean. Oh, you mean about being in the clear? Yeah. Just wait and see, Joey. I'll get the cards. Sometimes I think maybe I should have turned honest. My brother's got a garage out in the sticks. He's happy he don't have to outsmart no cops. He is. This is the police. The lily is an accident. Okay, we're coming. Just quit banging on the door. I said we're coming. Well, you Joey? Sometimes. My name is Graves. That's Joey over there. I'm Faraday, Homicide. You're going with me. Both of you. We'd be delighted to go. Come on, Joey. Yeah? We got nothing to worry about. All I hope, boss, is that you know what you're talking about. Blackie, I don't want to have to tell you this again. Get out of my office or I'll have you arrested for loitering. Inspector, I don't want to have to tell you this again. I'm a taxpayer and you're a public servant. I'll be glad I don't have you come up to my house and wash the dishes. As if you use dishes. Okay, Blackie, what do you want? I have a little personal score to settle with the killers of that Danny Morris. I want to know what you know about the case. Tell me, Inspector, I'm sure it won't take you long to tell me all you know. All I know? I don't know anything. Bragging will get you nowhere with me. Humorous. Danny Morris came to town a week ago with two characters named Mike Graves and Joey Sometimes. Joey Sometimes? What kind of a name is that? I didn't name him. You want to listen or you want to talk? I want to grab Mike and Joey, that's what I want to do. I've done that. They're in the next room. They deny they killed Danny. What'd you expect them to do? Who knows? Get them in here. Faraday. I have a plan to make them change their mind. Wait a minute, genius. I'll let you listen to their stories. Wait until you hear mine. Okay, Graves, you too, Joey, come on in here. Why don't you give up, flatfoot? Sometimes I get so tired of it all. Oh, you kid. These are the guys. Blackie, Mike, Graves and Joey Sometimes. They sure are. They're the guys who stuck up Kingston's office and knocked me out. One side, Faraday. From here on, they are mine. Hold it, hold it. I. Oh, you're always spoiling for fun. Sometimes guys get so excited, don't they, Mike? Now, Blackie, hold still. You hear their story. All right, we'll throw you out. Okay, okay, I'll be good. You better, but their story better be too. It is weird, I know. Danny Morris was shot at 9:00 last night. These two claim they were at a ball game last night. That ought to be easy to check. Try it. All right. Who were the starting pitchers? Sometimes I think guys can get pretty stupid, don't you? Sometimes, Mike? Yeah. I wonder how you ever got your name. Joey. Blacky. Blackie, listen. We asked these two every possible question about the game. They know all the answers. They could have heard it on the radio or Read about it this morning in the papers or seen it on television. Hear that, Joey? The man says we could have heard it on a radio. Sometimes I think we could save money that way. Never thought of that, Bar. Give me one minute, just one minute to forget my promise. Where it, Blanky? These two not only know all about the game, they have ticket stubs. They were sitting in section 25, row H, seats 13 and 14. So they went to the game after they killed Morris. Blackie, Danny was a friend. Why would we kill him? I can think of a lot of reasons for killing a friend. Friend. Faraday. I want these two lugs arrested on a charge of holding up Charlie Kingston and me and stealing 10 diamonds. That isn't my department, Blackie, but I'll see that it's done. Good. No, no, wait a minute. I just thought of something. Let them go. What? Robbery doesn't carry enough of a penalty to suit me. I'll get these two jokers on a murder charge. You have my word on that. I'll pin a murder rap on them. Daily Chronicle, Classified. I lost my dog. It's a brown collie. Answer to the name of Rover. I want to offer a reward for. Please say law. Brown collie answers to the name of Rover. Liberal reward if returned to owner. And sign it Mrs. DeWitt. Calvin Hotel Victor, room 928. All right, we'll send you a bill. Goodbye. Daily Chronicle, classified. This is Charles Kingston. I want to place a classified ad. Oh, yes, Mr. Kingston, this is the ad. $100 reward will be paid to the persons who sat in either seats 12 or 15, row H, section 25, at the ball game last night. If they were reported to my office. Very well, Mr. Kingston. I know your office number. I'll put it in. Good, good. It's a little unusual, though. Did you lose something at the ball game? Not exactly. All right, I'll insert the ad, Mr. Kingston. And I am pretty sure you'll get some answers. Chronicle want ads get results. All I know is if the ad gets results, so will Boston. Blackie. Very well, Miss Chambers. When I buzz you, let him come in. That's good, Charlie. That's it, Blackie. The ad brought some results. Somebody's in your outer office, Charlie. That's right. He's here for his hundred dollars. Says he was sitting in section 25, row HC12. That's my boy. You all right? Good. Just wait a second while I get these two photographs under the envelope. So, do you recognize these looks, Charlie? Wait till I put on my glasses. There yes. These are two of the men who held us up and took my diamonds and unless I'm mistaken, later killed the third member of their gang. Oh. Their alibi is that they spent last night when the killing took place, at the ball game. We'll see. See what? Well, I'm sure they weren't at any ball game. According to the ticket stubs they showed Faraday, they were sitting in row H, seats 13 and 14. We advertised for whoever had the seats on either side of them. I get. And you'll show the man outside these pictures. He won't be able to identify the men, and you'll be on the way to breaking that alibi. That's right. I'm sure those men weren't in those seats unless they got into them after they killed their partner. And Charlie. Yes? When I get them for murder, I'll get your diamonds back. Right. Now you buzz your secretary and let that man in. I'll show you how right I am. All right, Blackie, that'll do it. They should be in and about. Which one of you is Keeston? I am. Oh, but it's my friend Boston Blackie who wants to talk to you. That's right. Okay, friend. My name's Davis. Al Davis. I was sitting in section 25, row H and C12 at last night's game. Good. Take a look at these pictures, Davis. Do you recognize either of these two men? Let me look, friend. There they are. Sure, sure. Those two guys I don't exactly know, but I seen them last night's game. He sat next to me during the entire game, every minute of it. The guy here had a yellow nectar last night. How about the Honor Bucks? The newspapers that I get. Do you have your stub? Who saves stubs? Listen, if this is a gag, I'll take your. Very few people save stubs, but here's $100 I'm saving for my friend Kingston. Blackie, why did you hit that man? You can be wrong, you know. And just because he told you something you didn't want to hear is no reason for knocking him out. That isn't the reason I knocked him out, Charlie. That isn't the reason at all. Premium quality. Yes, sir. Premium quality. That is yours to enjoy at no premium in price. Now, that's something worth remembering. But every time you pour your glass of champagne Velvet, you're reminded that you're enjoying a real premier premium quality beer at no premium in price. You know, of course, that more costly malt and grain, higher priced hops and more careful and costly brewing methods are all a part of CV's famous million dollar formula. So CV has to have unmistakable premium quality. CVs flavor tells you all of that. It's bright and sparkling, light and lively from foam to finish, with the rich, robust and full bodied flavor of a real honest to goodness beer. Real premium quality beer. But that's not all. It has a clear, clean taste given it by controlled aging. A taste that makes you sure it's pure and it's smooth. Smooth, smooth. Just as smooth. And now back to Boston Blackie. Boston Blackie and his friend Charlie Kingston are held up and robbed of valuable diamonds by three men. Later, one of the men is found murdered and Blackie attempts to prove the other two are responsible. However, they claim they were at a night ball game and their alibi is substantiated by a man named Al. Al Davis, whom Blackie knocks out. As we return to our story, he is exposed to his friend, Mary Westwood. All I know is you shouldn't have hit him, Blackie. You sound as sorry as Al Davis must feel. Don't you see, Mary? It was all a gimmick. Mike Graves and Joey sometimes sent Davis. Well, how could you be sure of that? First of all, I'm positive they couldn't have been at the ball game. Not for the inside, anyhow. Poor. Pure conjecture on your part, I'm sorry to say. Is it? Yes. Kingston and I were held up at 8:00. Now listen to this. The game started at 8:30. Kingston's office is too far away from the ballpark to make it in half an hour. Oh, and when that Davis fella said Graves and Joyer at the game from the start, you knew he was lying. That was one way I knew. Oh, Mary, maybe I better tell you what I'm sure actually happened. Yes, maybe you'd better. The three lugs, Helip King, Kingston and me then got into a fight over the diamonds and Danny was killed. The remaining two went to the ballpark just to establish their alibi. They probably arrived in the middle of the game. But they did have their seat stubs. And when they saw Kingston's ad in the paper, they knew what was happening, that. That a trap was being set. So they sent David. Certainly. I told you before. I had another way of knowing. Davis was lying. He didn't have a seat stop. And nobody remembers the exact seat he sat in. And any ball game, they can come close, but they can't tell you exactly. I suppose that's so. I could go to a theater and an Hour afterward. Couldn't tell you exactly what seat I was sitting in. That's what I mean. But. But Blackie, sending Davis to Kingston's more or less confirms your theory, doesn't it? That Joey and Graves are the killers you want. Certainly does. And now I have another plan. What's that? The first thing is to get Graves and Joey to dislike each other, Otto. Oh. How do you do that? By making a phone call to them. Whichever one answers the phone is going to make his partner answer to him. How do you like that? Any other game you think you can play, Joey? No, boys. Sometimes I think maybe you cheat. What do you mean, sometimes? I cheat all the time. Only I wouldn't cheat on my friends. You got friends? Sure. Huh. Come on, let's deal the cards. You wear off them spirit with all that shuffling. Okay, Joey. Who's that? Never mind. I'll get it. I don't know who it is. I don't know. It can't be the cops or Boston Blackie either. Even though he did get hep to that Al Davis we sent to answer that ad Kingston put into the paper. Well, whoever it is, get him off in a hurry. Sometimes I gotta win a hand. Okay. Hello? Hello, Joey. It's all said. Just the way we planned. I got tickets. You see, we can't. Wait a minute. This isn't Joey. I'll get him. Joey for me. What's dam is calling me, boss? Sometimes I can't make up my mind. No. Damn. Joey. Yeah. Take it you don't mind if I stay right here. No, no, it's okay. Hello, Joey. Mike Graves can't hear us, can he? Huh? Hey. I don't want him to know I'm teaming up with you and dealing him out. He's too smart an operator. Hey, wait a minute. He's listening. Huh? Okay, call me. Now, what did. Trust me, huh, Joey? Me? You. Sometimes boys aren't. I can hear okay, Joey. You want to bust up with me and team up with some other clown? I'm going to bust you first. You're out of your head. Don't smack me around, boy. Why not, punk? Cuz I don't like it when I don't like things. Sometimes I hit back. Like now? Yeah. Hey, Joey. Joey, wait a minute. Joey. You got enough? You sorry you started it. I sure am. But not the way you think. Joey. That phone call you got wasn't on a level I know that was meant to start us battling. I guarantee it. It was Boston Blackie on the phone. Oh. Trying to get Us sore at each other, huh? Sure. Sometimes I think that Blackie is pretty smart. I tried to tell you I didn't know what the guy on the other end of the phone was yapping about. Yeah, yeah. And I should have listened to you. Yeah, sure you should. Well, what's the difference? Yeah. Let's get back to our game, Joey. We've already beaten Blackie at his. So, genius. I think right now, Inspector, I'm only. So. So. So it didn't work. It didn't. Then you won't let me. So what? Black, are you sure you could promote a fight between Mike and Joey and get one of them to believe he was being double crossed by the other? That's right. What happened? Well, you ought to know. You were listening on the fire escape outside their room when I was telephoning. I was listening. All right, all right. What's this new idea you got? It has to do with Kingston's diamonds. What about the diamonds? Well, if I'm right about Graves and Joey, as far as I'm concerned, you can stop right there. If I'm right about them, they grab the diamonds after they slug me. I gotta remember to send them a fan lighter for clipping him. When you sign it, put the word Inspector before the X you make so that they'll know that it's from you. You were telling me something about Braves and Joey having grabbed the diamonds. Oh, yes, so I was. I'll recontinue. Where was I now? Oh, yes, I. I think that after they took them, they killed Danny Morris, the third member of their gang. That was real thoughtful of them. I thought so. Yeah. How do we prove it? By proving first that they have the diamonds they stole. Go on. Don't worry. I am going on. Right on to the solution of this case. Hello? Kingston? Speaking. This is Blackie, Charlie. Hello, Blackie. How busy are you? I'm all right at the moment, Blackie. Why? Can you make a phone call for me? I don't know. Why not? All right. Get the Standard Hotel on the wire and ask for a fellow named Graves. Yes. Then tell him you want to buy back the diamonds he stole from you. Ley, are you sure you know what you're talking about? I think so. Graves won't do business with me. He won't admit he has the stones. I know he won't. Why should I make that call? Because I ask you to. That's a good enough reason. I'll make the call. Thanks. What do I do after I finished? After you finished, Charlie, Graves and Joey Sometimes will be finished. If that's one of my dames, Mike, I ain't in. Any gal stupid enough to call you would believe that, Joey. Unless it's Margie. Margie, I got something to say. Sometimes I think all the gals got a yen for me. Why not? How could they resist you? Hello? Hello, this is Charlie Kingston. Who? It's all right. I don't expect you to say you know me, but I want my diamonds back, the ones you stole from me. And I'll pay you more for them than you'll get anywhere else. I'll tell him when he comes in. Goodbye. What does he think I am, a chump? Who was that boy? Oh, brother. That Blackie never gives up. That was Charlie Kingston saying he wanted to buy those stones we copped. Huh? Which is just a gimmick, Joey, to get us to grab the rocks from where we got him smashed. Blackie would be following us and. What's up? Hey, do you smell smoke, Joey? Me? Yeah. No, I. Hey. Hey, I do. Coming in from under the door? Yeah. Let's get out of here. You'll have to tell me twice. Let's see if we can make it down the stairs here. Hey, this door's locked from the outside, Steve. Let's not fool around with any doors. Goodbye. Get out the window and the fire escape. We'll be okay. Don't worry. Everything has to happen to us. Sometimes I think maybe neither of us lucky. Open a window, will you? I'll try. Stuck. That break. Hey, look out of the way. I'll do it with this chair. Hurry up. The smoke is getting me. Get out of the way. Okay. Fourth out. Right. Get back in that room, both of you. Blackie. That's right, Blackie. Both of you stay in the room. My gun. And I like you there. Look like the joint's on fire. We gotta get out there. Yeah. Boy, the flames are coming in. Look at the door, Blackie. Let us out. Sure. As soon as you tell me where those diamonds are. Let us out of here. What's the diamonds ain't worth it. Tell them how to check. That's what you think, Blackie. The stones are in the ace war. We got him in a box there under the name of Woods. I'll give you the key. Thank you. Now let us out. It's hot in here. Why did you kill Danny Morris, Blackie? You made a deal. You said you let us out if we told you where the diamonds were. I changed my mind. What now? I want to know about Danny Morris. We killed him, because he griped about the way the boys were splitting up the stones. Now, let us out of here. One minute. How about that ball game alibi? We went to the game after we killed Danny Black. He let us out. One moment, please. Oh, party. You have lucky I'm here. Faraday, too. Come on, you guys. You want it out? All right, keep your hand. Not to mention your spirits. Well, boys, the fire I started outside the door did the trick. It got you two to confess. Only there isn't any real fire at all. No real fire? No. I imagine I'll have to pay for a new door which I had to set on fire with one of Faraday's policemen on hand to see that the flames didn't spread. Oh, by the way, that phone call from Kingston just now, it was to throw you off guard. I knew you wouldn't fall for it. You're pretty clever, Blackie. Thank you. One thing I know, that fire I set means we wind up this case in a blaze of glory. And that Mary is out. Everybody is now completely happy, with the possible exception of that fellow Graves. And Joey sometime. Yeah. You know, they were awful silly to fool around with. You see what happens when people try? Let that be a lesson to you. Yes. Of course, they didn't know I'd be in Kingston's office when they stole the diamonds. And they never planned to kill Danny. But I'll say this for them, they covered up pretty well. Just not quite good enough. They figured out everything I do, with the exception of that pioneer. How come they missed up on that? I had Kingston call them just before we let the smoke get through the door. I wanted them to think that that was my next move. The phone call? Yeah, that put them off guard. And when they saw me on the fire escape, they were pretty sure the only way that I'd let them out is if they talked. They didn't see Inspector Faraday there? No, no, no. He was out of sight. They believed they could confess anything to me and later be able to either take care of me or deny what they said. But with Faraday there, that was a different story with an unhappy ending for them. Kingston has his diamonds back, Graves and Joey are in jail, and we're out for a ride in the country getting fresh air. Let's not go back to town, Blackie. Why not? There might be another murder case, that's why not. Well, in that case, let's hurry back. Oh, Blackie, make mine cv. Because for me, there is no finer beer and it's just as smooth make mine cv. So many folks who know good beer when they taste it have said just that time after time that Champagne Velvet is not only the leading beer by far in its home state of Indiana, but it is preferred by particular people everywhere that it is sold. There's only one reason for that, and that is flavor. The bright, sparkling, light and lively flavor of a real premium quality beer. Premium quality. That costs you no premium in price. The rich, robust and full bodied flavor of real, honest to goodness beer. And the clear, clean taste that makes you sure it's pure. So make yours, cv because for you, there is no finer beer. You're sure it's pure and it's just as smooth. Now, here's Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private detective. Diamond Detective Agency. A corpse to fit every pocketbook. Rick. Oh, hello, Helen, baby. Let me sit down. Oh, Rick. What's the matter? You sounded like your arches just broke. You got the right idea, baby. Oh, but your geography is cockeyed. Are you really hurt, Rick? Believe it or not, I was trampled by a herd of horses. Oh, Rick, you idiot. Now tell me, what did happen? Okay, one horse. You ruined me for life. You went horseback riding. Oh, I don't believe it. I want to see my bow legs. You actually did. Uh oh. Took a girl to get you to ride a horse. But it was some slinky blonde. No, baby, it was a palomino. And look, let's get off horses. I. I've had enough to last me. What's with the early call? Early? Rick, did you just get in? It's after 11. I was dreaming of you, baby. You wouldn't have wanted me to stop just to get into the office. It's probably a whole harem. Helen, you gotta stop that peeking. You read the morning papers. They come out in the morning. Now you stopped that. Did you read them? I didn't have a bet down. Why? You on the society page again? Oh, much more exciting than that. The police commissioner's house was robbed of $50,000 worth of diamonds last night. And his gardener was murdered. What? I thought that would fetch. You better get a paper. The commissioner's statement's written in blood. Yeah, and if things don't wind up fast, Tamara's statement will be in Walt Levinson's blood. It'll be his case. Now you stay out of it, Rick. This thing cuts throats. I'm scared. Are you, Rick? Well, come over tonight and I'll frighten you at close range. Say eight. I'll practice my knee knocking so I'll be In good form. And stay in no nightclubs. At the sound of the castanets, Francis can open the door. It'll be me and my knees. See you tonight, baby. Bye. Is this the Diamond Detective Agency? Just like it says on the door. Come in and close it gently. My Japanese beetle's still asleep. Asleep? He's got a better union. Sit down, Mr. Burton. Phineas Burton. What can I do for you, Mr. Burton? I want to hire you. If it's agreeable for 100 a day in expenses. I'm pretty agreeable. Well, that's fine. I have a package I want you to deliver to a party in Philadelphia. You can get a messenger for five bucks or if you're hard up, a carrier pigeon for a handful of popcorn. Why a detective? Well, I'm perfectly capable of judging for myself. What I need, Mr. Diamond. Now, here's $300. There will be 200 more for you after you make safe delivery of the package. Why? Why? Three letter word meaning why you want to pay me for five days when the trip to Philly and back can be done in a few hours. Mr. Diamond, I simply want you to drop everything else and take this job immediately. And that is my reason for the added payment. Oh, all right. I'll take your money just as soon as you tell me what's in the package, who it goes to and why it's so important that I take it personally. Well, I can't tell you that. Okay, it's your problem. Now. Where did I leave my soap chips? Do you have to know? Of course. How can I do any washing without soap? I mean about this package. Oh, no, no. I can recommend another agency who will do it for 25 bucks and no questions. Oh, very well. Mr. Elliot will meet you at the Philadelphia station information desk at 2:00 today. I will wire him your description and he will make the contact. As for the package, it contains some very valuable papers which Mr. Elliot is afraid his wife will try to intercept. I see. He commissioned me to find the best man I could to bring the package to him. Oh, you must have read my ad. You'll have to leave immediately. Mr. Elliot is very anxious to get the package. You call me at the Astor when you return and I'll send over the rest of the money. Good day. It may be at that. What? Forget it. Burton left the package on my desk with the money. He was a thin guy, had a funny pot that made him look as if he'd swallowed a basketball. He pushed it out the door and waddled after it. When the guy insists on throwing money in my lap, I get suspicious. And when I remembered the robbery of the night before, I got that lousy feeling again. Now, paragraph 4, section B, rule A of the Detectives Code of Ethics says, quote, upon receiving money to deliver package, detective must never open same. It is unethical. Yeah. Who's ethical? Well, surprise. No wonder basketball had been nervous. At the bottom of the box were five pretty little diamonds, about 10 grand worth of the guess. Of course, it may have been that Burton thought diamonds should belong to Diamond. But my bet was on a frame up. A frame that cost the real heisters 10 grand out of 50, but was aimed to get him a nice picture to fit the frame. Me. Yeah. Is this Mr. Diamond? Oh, hello, Burton. Something on your mind? Oh, I happened to be in the store across the street and I noticed you hadn't left yet. You will leave right away, won't you? Just as soon as I arrange things. Phineas. Remember, it takes an hour and a half to get to Philadelphia. I don't want you to be late. I'll bet you don't. Just to make sure you understand. Oh, yes, yes, yes, I understand. You can dribble your basketball home now. I beg your pardon, Skipper. Bye. Burton's call ended nearly all doubts. I was being framed, all right, and the trap required my leaving for Penn Station right away. I dropped the diamonds into what was left of a quart of milk I had for lunch the day before, put the bottle on the floor by the wastebasket. Then I took the package, rewrapped it, and went out to hail a cab. I made one stop at a toy shop, then headed for Penn Station. As I entered, I saw a pair of familiar figures. Rick. Okay, what's the gag? I got the tip, but even you wouldn't joke about this case. Now, Walt, I might joke about mass murder, but never about the commissioner being robbed. Is he making speeches yet? Yeah, that's okay, Shammas. This is one time when you're one diamond too many. Why, Otis, you're becoming a wit. Yeah, why not? You're halfway there. Ah, Lieutenant, he's picking on me again. You deserve it, Otis. Now shut up. Rick, I know the tip was phony, but the commissioner was there when it came in. I had to act on it. Tip? Well, don't be smug. I've got one, too. A fifth at Hialeah. Now, don't start that. It was a tip that you were taking the commissioner's diamonds out of town. Oh, now, Walt. And don't. Oh, now, Walt. Me? I said I knew the tip was phony, but with the commissioner taking scouts all down the line. Oh, no, no, no. Don't apologize, Walt. I know. Come on, Sergeant. Show me a good frisk and I'll recommend you to all my criminal friends. He's clean, Lieutenant. Now, Rick, let's see that package and then you can go. This. Oh, no, no, I can't. It's secret. Don't play games, Rick, please. All right, but it's going to spoil my surprise. Well, okay. Give me your word it's got nothing to do with this case and I won't bother to open it. No, no, no. I'm hurt. I absolutely insist that you open the package right now. But, Rick, you know I trust Lieutenant Levinson. Do your duty. My purity must not be suspicion. Oh, anything to get this over with. You were what? It's only a pair of dolls. You were expecting maybe my gallstones? Oh, dolls. The Shamas place with dials. Better read the tag, Gordis, before your ears get any longer. They draft you for mule team tags? Sure, but what? To my beloved Otis from his Ricky. Now, don't be a grouch, Walt. The other one's for you. For me? Oh, no. I'm sorry, Walt. I couldn't resist it anyhow. You spoiled my surprise to Otis. It was our anniversary. What? Our anniversary? We ain't even related. Oh, you don't remember. Oh, Otis. Lu, can I go back to traffic? I can't stand much more. Oh, shut up, Otis. Rick, if we weren't such good friends, I'd. Hey, now you're upset. Upset? Why should I be upset? Just because two hoods lift 50 grand a nice from the commissioner? Or because it's dumped in my lap with the. Or that I'm given 24 hours to break the case and then get a tip that leads me to a friend who decides to play games and wreck my side to be on repair. Now, why should I be upset, Otis? Here you are, Lieutenant. But take it easy. That's a second bottle of bike cob today, Walt. You read an apology an I make it. I'll do better than that. I'll help you if you'll let me. Well, I can sure use your help, Rick. I haven't got a single lead. You want to look at the corpse first? May as well. Has he got a record? No. The commissioner swears he was honest. Probably stumbled onto the thieves and they had to put him away. How about the rest of the servants? They were all out. Commissioner and his wife were at a Party. They given the entire staff the night off. But I guess perhaps the gardener returned a little early. Yeah, well, let's go down and take a look at him. I've got a personal interest that makes me want to crack this case. Client. Call him an ex client. I'll explain him later. Come on. Here he is, Rick. Nasty cut. How was it made? Well, it could have been a sharp knife, but it's a safer bet that it was a razor. Remind me not to go to his barber. What safecracker's got enough nerve to pull his job wall? Well, I got three guys that could fit the. But not one of them has ever been known to carry a weapon of any sort, much less a razor. Correction, one dealer. That gardener is playing a lousy joke on us. I suppose this could have been the first time one of them carried a razor. I don't buy that. Neither do you. Give me the names. I want to talk to them. Maybe I can get a lead of some sort. Sure. Here they are. And please, Rick, call me if you get anything. If I can find the nickel. Bye. As far as I could see, I had three things to match up. One, the careless barber. Two, the safe cracker with nerve enough to rob the police commissioner. And three, the reason why I was picked as the pigeon. I gave up the idea of hunting for Burton, the guy who came into my office. He was probably a flunky and not worth running down. So I checked the names I got from Walt, grabbed a cab and headed for the Bronx. The first turned out to be an ex con trying to go straight by working in a Bronx hash house. The second was likely, but he'd kissed his wife with a beer bottle and spent last night in jail. At the third address, down in Greenwich Village, I met a landlady with gin loaded tonsils and a cute mustache. She tipped me that my third prospect, Vincent Mayer, might be playing pinochle at Pietro's, which turned out to be a cafe with a 30 foot bar, three tables and a bottle. Back room. Hey, barkeep. Yeah, what it be, friend? Milk. No, chaser milk. Who makes it? Oh, you mean like from cows? Never carried the stuff. Where can I find Vince, Mayor? Why don't you ask me, handsome? Well, hello, baby. Now, do I look like a baby? No. My name's Jean. What do they call you? Take your pick. Call me Rick. Hey, you talk funny, but you're awful nice. Too nice to be hunting for Vince Mayer. He's a bad boy, Rick. Yeah, well, I'm trying to be a hero. Where Is he in the back room there? The guy with the light hair. But be careful. Thanks, baby. I'll buy you a palace. 80 mo, Joe. 20 clubs, 20 spades and 40 pinocchles. What, no diamonds? Hey. Well, well, well, look who's here. What do you want, Thomas? Vince the Iceman, isn't it? Well, now, let's see. Sing sing, class of 38. Where's your school tie, Vince? The name is Mr. Mayor to you, diamond, and privates are not welcome here. It's a closed game. Yeah, move on. Give me a reason. You want to play dead? Oh, come on, Vince. You're not going to get upset just because I think you robbed the commissioner. You did, didn't you? I told my story to the cops. I'll bet. But you didn't answer my question. And here's another. Who's your barber? You're asking for it, Diamond. I was brought up right. Now let's get off this cat and mouse kick. I want some answers, Vince. Do you? That's right, Junior, I do. All right, call him, Joe. Hey, hey. What? What? All right, Joe, stop it. Stop it. That's enough, Joe. All right, now drag him out in the alley. Vince, can I? Yeah, yeah, okay. Maybe it'll teach him not to get so nosy. But keep that razor in your pocket. I will. Honest. This is gonna be real fun. Come on, Shammas. Here's where I do some road work on your liver. Here. Mr. Diamond, I only wish my brother could see you. When I came to, I was curled up around a round metal object I couldn't see. And I felt as if I was smothered in a mountain of cotton. And getting out of it was like trying to shovel sand with a pitchfork. I finally managed to move and wished I hadn't, for a company of Bengal lancers began target practice in my side. So I quit trying and lay still for a long moment. Then a voice came fizzing through the cotton at me. Hey. Hey, mister, are you alive? If I'm not, you're an angel. And this is a harp. Well, I'm sure no angel. And that's the garbage can. So I guess you're not dead. Matter for debate, Jeannie. Oh, help me up, will you? Sure. Here, Kit. Can you stand? Practically anything after this? Ooh. Hey, you're hurt pretty bad. Come on, lean on me. My place isn't far. I'll take you there so you can lie down. Best offer I've had today. Lead on, Angel. There now. How do you feel? I never use language like that. In front of a lady? Oh, I'm no lady. I'm a waitress at Pietro's. I heard the noise in the back room. When you didn't come out, I took a look. Ooh. Gee, does your head hurt, baby? Like all my relatives who were inside digging for gold. With luck, I can open my eyes and they won't fall out. You know, we might have had a lot of fun together if you weren't all banged up like this. I'll take that remark up with you later, honey. I'm not usually the kind of guy who runs out on pretty girls. But I only wanted to get my hands on the ganeth who tried to kick my brains out. So I took Gene's number, filed it under for later investigation and stumbled out into the street. My head was clearing, but it was as slow about it as a dummy during a striptease. Maybe that's why I didn't notice when I came out of the house that I had two guys for company. Hello, Diamond. Huh? Huh? When Pietro told me Jane had run out, I thought I might find you here. She always goes for guys like you. Well, she has taste. I'm glad you came around. I have a few things I want to discuss with you and Joe here. Hold it, Thomas, or I'll show you how easy it is to get rid of your troubles. Now, that's a pretty little gun. Aren't you stepping out of character, Vince? You're supposed to be a smart one. You're getting on my nerves. Yeah, well, put the gun away and I'll quiet you down a little. You want me to mess him up again, Vince? And what's with you? Come to do your job over again? I may at that. Yeah, well, you got 32 teeth, Sonny. Want to try for none? Why, you? I got some questions I'd still like to have answered. Why? Why was I picked as pigeon? Why me? You're getting a little too smart, Diamond. Now, listen, I know you got wise to Burton, so it figures that you still got the package. Now, I got no reasons to give you $10,000 worth of diamonds. I want them back. Oh, dandy. I've got big news for you, buster. You're not gonna get em. Don't make any mistakes, Diamond. I'll use this gun if I have to. Ah, go eat a tombstone, Joe. Yeah, how's your stomach ache? Wait a minute, Joe. Now, diamond, look, you can have a choice. You bring the rocks to me at Pietro's in an hour, and we'll forget the whole thing. Or don't And I'll send Joe with a few friends to call on you. And for the last time, for a few sick minutes I leaned against the wall, wondering if I wanted to live. One thing I was certain of was that Vince Mayer was never, never gonna get those diamonds back. Or was he? An idea began to percolate in my head to the tune of an old rhyme about a goose in the ganter. And I got inspired enough to sit up and forget my aching ribs. When it simmered into a full scale boil, I grabbed a cab, went back to my office and got the diamonds out of the milk bottle where I'd hidden them. Then I headed for the village fast. I was soon banging on the door there like a drummer playing. Bob. So I owe you money. Hold your horses. Well, if it ain't my cripple. I got the bruises to prove it. Come on in. Are you really recovered? What? Oh, no, not that much, angel. Then I need some answers. What do you know about Vince and Joe? Not too much. Enough to dislike him plenty. That Vince got me canned for leaving Pietro's to take care of you. Why? I'm back home. I know he's a smoothie and I think he's a big time jewel thief. That much I know. How about Joe the dog faced boy? Ah, him. He's just a punk. I. I think his real name is Fanchy or Fanchetti. Franchetti or some such thing. Franchetti? Yeah. I don't know why, but they call him Joe the Barber. Oh, Joe the Barber. Yeah. Isn't that silly? If he cuts hair, it isn't. But I'll lay 8 to 1 this guy works on throats. Thanks, angel. You've tied up my three points. What are you talking about? Your friend Vince Mayer lifted 50 grand in ice from the police commissioner last night. And his accomplice Joe gave the gardener a shave. You mean murder on the button? The gardener's throat was sliced from life to death. Now, baby, look. How would you like to earn a hundred dollars? Sure. Is it legal? Well, no, I'll take it. Now, where is he? Will you tell me? Where's Rick? I know where I'd like him to be. I'm worried, Otis. Seriously. Rick is in this thing up to his ears. You mean he was in on that job? Don't be stupid, Otis. Of course not. Rick's no crook. But he's mixed up in this case somewhere and I'm worried. He should have called me by now. Gee, hope he hasn't tangled with that razor guy. I thought you hated Rick. Oh, you know, I was just talking. I know, I know. What a mess. Rick in danger and I can't find him. The commissioner spouting love all over the city hall. Why the devil did it have to be the commissioner's house? You know, it's kind of funny at that. The commission himself, you knucklehead. For two cents, I'd. Maybe that's him. Lieutenant Levinson, Homicide. Walt. Rick. Rick, I was. Where the devil you been? Taking care of some arrangements. Arrangements? Never mind. Just listen. I was picked as a pigeon and some of those diamonds were planted on me this morning. What? I've traced your hoods. They're Vince Mayer and Joe the Barber Franchetti. Now, you come to Pietro's in half an hour and you'll catch him with a part of the diamonds on him. Rick, what is this? Well, Vince had it figured as a double barrel gag, Walt. First, on the cops by raiding the commissioner's house. Second, by dumping a few of the rocks in my lap and tipping the police so I take the rap. Why you, Rick? Well, Joel's name Franchetti. You remember, I sent his brother Tony to Sing Sing a few years back. I knew he had a brother, but until now, Joe stayed out of Manhattan. I get it. Okay, what's the play? Well, I'm. I'm going to take the package back to Vince, give it to him in Pietro's. A girlfriend will be raising so much fuss, no one will notice me. Then, as Vince and Joe leave, you nail him with the diamonds. And no alibi for having him, right? You said half an hour in front of Pietro's. Take a peek, angel, through the window. There's my party. The back table. Now you know what to do. Yeah, I keep yelling till you get back to me. Right as rain. I'll make it a good one. I got good lungs. Let's go in. Okay, over to the bar. Lock. Rich. There he is now. Joe. I told you he'd show up. Hello, Diamond. You got something for me? That's right, Vince. Okay, let's have it. Hey, what's going on over there? Shut up. Stupid dame. Yeah? Do you want the package or not? Oh, yeah, give it to me. Come on, Joe, let's scram out of here before that dame brings a cops. Yeah, that's an easy way of getting back to ten grand, ain't it, Vince? Shut up. Come on, take it easy now. Okay, okay, we're okay now. Let's split up. Hold it, Vince. Let's have a look at the package. The Cops. Levinson, what are you doing? The package, Vince. Hey, what are we gonna do? Shut up. You got a warrant? Of course. Of course. Otis, take the package. Yellow tons. You can't arrest me. I don't even know what's in that package. It was given to me by a friend. Now don't use the term so loosely, Vince. Why, Walt. What are you doing here? Hello, Rick. I've captured a criminal. No. Yes. And he was carrying a package of his loot. Why, I bet it's part of that diamond robbery. What is all this? Diamond? You just planted that package on me. Me? Why, stranger, you're telling a fib. You just know that's downright immoral to something. This is ridiculous, Lieutenant. He gave me those diamonds and Pietro's not five minutes ago. I didn't lift them from commissioner. Didn't you, Vince? Why, then I must have made a mistake. You can prove your story, of course. Sure I can. Bartender saw diamond slipping the package. Oh, now, Vance, you think that bartender was going to be watching you when a lovely girl is practically tearing up the joint? Boss, the dame Yellen, she was a plant. Yeah, but this is a frame up. Diamond, you can't get away with this. Please don't talk to me. I never associate with common criminals. A frame. You dirty, double crossing copper. Look out, Ricky's got a razor. Oh, my arm. Now don't cry, Joe. This is for you. Oh, wow. What a punch you got, shamus. Well, that does it. Come on, Vince. Otis, load that killer into the car and pick up that razor. Gallatin. Want a lift, Rick? Yeah. No thanks, Walt. I'm going to go home. Freshen up. Yeah. You look like you could use it. I left Walt and headed for my apartment where I grabbed a stomach full of vitamins and planted myself under the hot shower. It felt so good I fell asleep. And if Walt hadn't phoned, I'd have probably become the only man in history to drown. In the shower, Walt shocked me wide awake with the news that he was holding a thousand dollar reward for me. I gave him my nicest thank you and made a mental note to drop by and give half of it to Jean to make up for her losing her job. Round about 8 o'clock, after I'd taken care of dividing the reward, I steered for 975 Park Avenue, made it with no trouble and rang the bell to Helen's apartment. Oh, good evening, Mr. Diamond. Ms. Ash is expecting you, sir. She's in the library. Thank you, Francis. How's your health? My health, sir? Very good. Thank you. Well, now, this may come as a shock, but, Francis, about the money I owe you. Oh, don't fret about it, sir. It will. I'm gonna pay you what I owe you. You're going to. Oh, dear. Perhaps. I bet it. Oh, my word. Oh, there, there, Francis. Rick, is that you? It ain't Tom Swift, baby. Come on in the library. Well, okay, but it'll do you no good, my dove. I'm a cripple, a battle torn veteran. I don't want your muscles. Rick, I'm blue. And I want you to sing to me. Oh, Helen, baby, I don't want to sing. I want Rick. I'm blue. I need cheering up, not. Be nice and sing. Well, okay, honey. How's this, huh? I can see no matter how near you'll be, you'll never belong to me. But I can dream, can I, can I pretend that I'm locked in the bin of your embrace? For dreams are just like wine and I am drunk with mine. I'm aware my heart is a sail affair there's much disillusion there. But I can dream, can I, can't I adore you although we are oceans apart I can I can't make you open your heart but I can dream, can I? Oh, there. Still feeling blue, baby. Oh, Ricky, come here. Here I am. Oh, now I'm contented. You in my arms. My bills paid off and. And my bills. Oh, for Pete's sake. I forgot. Francis. Francis, what are you talking about? Come with me. I'll show you. Now. There he is. Francis. Francis, you all right? Yes, sir. I think so, sir. Rick, will you tell me what's going on in my own home? Well, honey, I paid Francis off. And the shock of having to give back my gun and badge undid him. Oh, well, are you feeling better, Frank? Not very much, Ms. Asher. It's that bad? And license. Will you miss him that much, Francis? Well, sir, to be very honest, there's a waitress in a tea shop down the street with whom I've been, if you pardon expression, having a fling. Frances. You? Oh, that's not the worst, Ms. Asher. I'm afraid I've been a bit of a fraud with her as well. In fact, with several of the waitresses there. Now, wait, wait. Where does my badge and license enter into it? Did you hock them for crumpets? Oh, much worse, Mr. Diamond. You see, to all the waitresses of Miss Tuppingham's tea shop, I am Richard diamond, private detective. You have just heard. Richard diamond, private detective. Starring Dick Powell. Helen was played by Virginia Gregg, Gene Tatum, William Conrad, Tal Avery and Bob Carroll. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Tonight's story was written by Herb Purdom and edited and directed by Blake Edwards. See the Richard diamond picture story in the December issue of Movie Stars Parade. Dick Powell soon will be seen in the screen version of the best selling novel, Mrs. Mike. Now this is Eddie King inviting you to be with us again at the same time next week when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Listen tonight to NBC for a star lineup of entertainment. Every Saturday on NBC, you can hear such stellar programs as Hollywood Star Theater, Ralph Edwards, Truth, the Consequences, your hit parade, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, the Judy Canova Show, Grand Ole Opry, and songs by Morton Downey. There's always a program of interest on NBC, so keep tuned here. Shortcut to Death with Fred McMurray is next on NBC. Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Fatima cigarettes, King size, extra mild and soothing brings you Dragnet on both radio and television. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. An elderly man has been beaten and robbed of a fortune in unset diamonds. The thief has made good his escape. Your job, find him. Friends, the name Fatima has has always stood for quality. Fatimas are distinctive with a truly different flavor and aroma. And in king size Fatima, you get an extra mild and soothing smoke. Plus the added protection of Fatima quality. Remember, in Fatima, the difference is quality. Because of its quality, its extra mildness, its better flavor and aroma, Fatima continues to grow in favor among king size cigarette smokers everywhere. Switch to Fatima yourself today. Ask your dealer for Fatima in the bright sunny yellow pack. King size Fatima. The difference is quality, Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel steadily, step by step, on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action. It was Tuesday, July 12th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Didion. My name's Friday. It was 10:46am when we got to the Morgan Hotel, room 922. Yes, police officer, sir. My name is Friday. That's my partner, Frank Smith. Oh, yes, sir. I'm the manager, Arnold Jackson. Yes, sir. We're here regarding the robbery, sir. Oh, Mr. Ruman's in their bedroom. He's lying down. Has there been a radio unit here, Mr. Jackson? Yes, they just went down the hall. I see. The victim in here, sir? Yes, that's right. Thank you very much, Mr. Jackson. Sure. Mr. Ruman? Yes. My name is Friday, sir. This is my partner, Frank Smith, Central Robbery. Oh, yes, Captain Bradley. No, sir, it's Sergeant. Mr. Rummond. Sergeant. I. I thought sure they'd send a captain. Well, now, if you can just tell us what happened here. Well, I brought the stones up here to show him and his father. We made an appointment. He hit me. Took everything. How much was it, sir? Can you tell us? Everything there was. Finest collection, best stones. Took my sample case and everything. What'd the case look like, sir? Just a plain sample case. This high? About this wide, see? That'd make it about 14 by 18. Is that right? Black. Black? Black leather. Plain sample case. Any identifying marks, initials, anything like that? No, just a plain black leather case. I don't care about the bag. It's the diamonds. I couldn't come close to their value. Maybe a hundred thousand, maybe more. Now, you say you made an appointment with him. Who is the man, sir? Fred Robertson. Met him about three weeks ago at my club. Having lunch with a friend, another juror, and he introduced us. We hit it off right away. He seemed to be a real nice fella. I can't understand it. Fred Roberts. Will you do describe him for us, sir? I'd say he's about 20 to 30. Could say he's a nice looking fella. Sure. Wore nice clothes, looked like a real businessman. Always carried a briefcase. No. About how tall would you say he was? Tall? Well, I'm five six. He's about three inches tall. I'd say he's about five nine, not too heavy, medium build. About your size. How about his hair, sir? What color was that? Remember? Brown. Straight brown hair. Might have had a fire. I never noticed. He had brown eyes, too. Shouldn't be any problem. People in the hotel must know him. These are his rooms. I'll call the office and have them get out of broadcast on the description. All right, fine. You want to check with the other fellow, see if they've come up with anything. I'll stay here with Mr. Ruman. Okay, fine. Thanks, Frank. Now, you'll have no trouble identifying the man, will you, Mr. Ruman? No, sir, I know him. Those eyes. Never forget him. I should have known from the start, sir. His eyes are shifty. Little bitty things. Set close together. I should know not to trust him with eyes like that. Now, you say you met this man about three weeks ago. Is that right? Well, this Roberts fella told me that he was down here from San Francisco. Said he was going into the diamond business. Said he was down there here rather to buy stock, that he'd heard that I could lay my hands on some fine stones, that he wanted to see what I had to offer. Did he say that he was going to buy the stones himself? Oh, no. He told me that his father was putting up the money. He said that his father was coming down here the day and that if he liked the money, we could make a deal. Funny thing, though. I should have known right off. What's that, sir? Well, when I came up here this afternoon, showed him the stones I'd brought, he didn't know the good from the bad. Oh, sir. Well, in almost any collection, there are bound to be a few stones that aren't absolutely perfect. They look all right, but there may be a small flaw someplace inside the stone. Naturally, their value isn't the highest. I see. And this Roberts didn't know the difference? No, but I should have known anyway. Those eyes, you know. The meanest eyes I ever saw, and so close to. Well, was there anything unusual that you might have noticed about Roberts? Anything about his speech, his manner? Anything at all that might help us identify him? No. Just like I told you. Seemed nice enough. Well, did he give you any indication that there might be something wrong? Not at all. Of course, I wondered about his not knowing much about diamonds, but I figured that if he was willing to pay what I wanted, I didn't have to concern myself with what he's going to do with the stones. Mr. Ruman, I wonder if we could start from the beginning. Exactly what happened here? He knocked me out. No, sir. I mean, what led up to his hitting it? Oh, I'm sorry. Well, as I said, he told me to bring the stones up here for his father to see. I did, and then we waited for the father to show up. We were over there by the window looking for stones. You know, they look better in sunlight. Yes, sir. Well, when we finished, he said something about his father never being on time. I turned to look out the window. That's when he hit me. Right here on the back of my head. Can you see it? Yes, sir, I can. Is it bleeding? Don't lie to me. I'm not afraid. Can you see any blood there? No, sir. There's quite a bump on the back there. You sure? Yes, Sir? You're telling me the truth? Yes, sir. There's no blood. Joe. Yeah, Frank. See you a minute? Sure. Excuse me a minute, Mr. Ruman. Sure. That's all right. Yeah. Frank called the office. They put out the description. Area's being covered. Blade and Prince been called? Yeah. How's Ruman getting along? Roman's got quite an egg in his head, but he seems to be okay. Manager says he's called a house doctor. Should be here right away. Sergeant. Yes, sir. Have you caught him yet, Roberts? No, sir, not yet. As soon as the doctor looks, we'd like you to go down to police headquarters with us. If we would. Of course. But you shouldn't have too much trouble catching him. Not with those eyes real little beady. Yes, sir. What do you want me to do with police headquarters, Sergeant? Well, we want to take a full statement. Have you look at some pictures, if you would, with you two. Yes, sir. Anything wrong? Oh, no, no. But you'd figure with all those diamonds gone, that fella hitting me and all. Just seems that they could have done better. Well, how's that, Mr. Roman? Seems they could have sent a captain. 11:15 Prince arrived and went over the rooms. Frank and I were unable to find the instrument room and had been struck with. Checking with the desk clerk in the elevator operator we were able to get a composite description of Fred Roberts. It tallied closely with the one given us by Ruman. The desk clerk told us that Roberts had checked into the hotel that morning. We obtained a copy of the hotel registration card carrying Robert's signature for handwriting analysis. The immediate area was thoroughly searched. The subject suspect had made good his escape. We contacted the victim's office and asked for a full inventory of the stolen diamonds. They were unable to give us a complete inventory at the time but advised us that the loss would run well over $150,000. 11:57am after the hotel doctor had examined room and said his wounds were superficial, we drove down to the city hall. While roomman was looking at the mug books, Frank and I checked the name Fred Roberts and his description through R and I. We were unable to find a record on him. We contacted the stats office and requested a run on the MO Local and all points bulletins were gotten out on the suspect after looking through the mug books room and was unable to come up with an identification. Further interrogation of the victim failed to turn up any new evidence. The information furnished by the stats office and other contacts yielded nothing. The investigation continued. Three weeks went by. Tuesday, August 2, 8:05am I checked into the office. Joe? Yeah. You're late. I've been waiting for you. It's only been five. There's a lot to do here, you know. You're in a good mood. What's the problem? The in laws again. I didn't sleep a wink last night. Oh, what happened? That brother in law, a real wise guy. Knows how to do everything better than anybody else. Nothing he doesn't know. Look, Frank, I'm on your side. What's the bit here? Remember how I told you about this place out in the valley where the steaks are so good? Yeah. It's a butcher shop. Yeah, that's right. Well, I stopped my last and I got six of the biggest steaks I could find. Real beauties. Filets. Yeah, I figured on a barbecue, you know, out in the backyard. Anyway, I get the charcoal out and the kindling and all the stuff right away. My brother in law says I'm doing it wrong. Why didn't you tell him? The wife, she's got to hear how they barbecue back in Sioux Falls. So the brother in law throws out all the stuff I'd done and he starts all over. It took him three hours. Well, what happened? He never got the fire started. By the time he let me get at it, it was too dark to do anything. Ended up in the kitchen with waffles. I had indigestion all night. Well, that's the way it goes, doesn't it? I suppose so. Sorry I jumped. That's all right. I don't much care for waffles for dinner myself. I get it, Frank. Robbery, Friday. Yes, sir. What was that address again? Okay. Yes, sir. And we'll check it right away. Right. Anything? One of our contacts is a rumble down at Jays down in South Main. Guy's letting it get around that he's got some loose diamonds for sale. You say one that could be bought? Yeah. Tonight, 8:14am we signed out and drove over to Jay's Bar. We met with our informant. The buy was to take place in the bar at 8:30 that night. He gave us a description of the man who was selling the stones. We checked back into the office and filled Captain Didion in on the latest developments of the case. The plan was laid out that Frank and I would stake out inside the bar. Four other men were assigned to cover the outside of the man meeting place. They would be able to be in constant communication with each other through walkie talkie equipment. 7:43pm Frank and I took up our positions at the bar. The other men were at their assigned positions. We waited. 8:19pm Three men came in and took a table at the rear of the place. They ordered drinks and sat down and talked. None of them matched the description our informant had given us. 8:34pm Joe. Well, this came in fits the description pretty close. He's heading back there. Looks like he's one of the three guys we've been waiting for down here. What was that he took out of his pocket? Can't hear a thing from here either. Looks like it's gonna get louder, doesn't it? All right, that's fine with me. I didn't ask you to buy the stuff. You can see for yourself. It's good, the price is right. You don't want to buy, then you're wasting my time. Lousy, chintzy deal. You get me here and then you pull a deal like this. As far as I can turn the buys off. Nobody sent for you. Forget it. That's him. He's got the stones. Let's take him. Frank, the bag. All right, hold it up. Police officer. Watch a joke. All right, now stand right where you are. Keep your hands out in the open. You want to shake them down, Frank? Yeah. Stand still, you. What are you tagging us for? Just having a drink. What are you trying to do? They're clean, Joe. My boy got away. They'll pick him up outside. Look, what do you want us for? Just sitting here having a drink. What are you trying to prove? Skip it, mister. You're selling us nothing here. I don't know what you're talking about. Frank. Yeah? Hold still. Here's my cuffs. All right, let's go. I'll check outside, see if they got the other one. Look, you don't need these handcuffs. I'm not going any place. I got nothing to hide. What's this all about? Save it, mister. Say what? To come in here to have a couple of drinks. We're not bothering anybody, just a quiet drink. You guys jump on us. What's the pitch, anyway? Let's stop playing games here. There was a diamond buy tonight and you were in on it. Diamonds? Are you kidding? Hey, look at me. Do I look like the kind of a guy can afford diamonds? Not only that, but who buys diamonds in a bar? Now, look, let's get this thing squared away. Herman and straight. Cromwell got the other one. Said they'd take him up to the office. Anything on him? No. Dropped it while they were chasing them. What's that? Bag of unset diamonds. The three suspects we'd apprehended inside the bar were questioned. After a brief interrogation, the suspects admitted that they had gone to the bar for the purpose of buying diamonds. They explained that it was their impression that the stones had been smuggled into the country. The three men were booked in on suspicion of robbery. Penns further investigation. The fourth man, the one who was in possession of the diamonds, was identified as Larry Fry. We checked him through R and I and found that he had a previous record of four arrests receiving stolen property dating back to 1946. Frank and I took the suspect to the interrogation room. He told us that he'd found the diamonds in a back alley. The interrogation continued, but we were unable to change the suspect's story. A special show up was arranged for Mr. Ruman, victim in the jewel robbery. After looking at the suspect closely, he stated positively that this was not the man who had held him up. However, examination showed that the stones found were part of the diamonds taken in the robbery. The suspect was booked at the city jail. A check of his residence and other leads failed to turn up any additional information. Wednesday, August 3, 12:40am we had fry brought from his cell. All right, sit down, Fry. Don't you guys ever get tired of trying? What do you mean, trying? You know what I mean. Questions. Don't you guys ever get tired? You getting tired? Yeah, a little. And why don't you save us all a lot of trouble and tell us what you know? I don't know what you're after. Believe me, if I knew what you wanted, I'd try to help. Suppose we start again? Anything you want. I got nothing but time. Where'd you get the diamonds? I found them. Where? In an alley. What alley? I don't remember. You find 20,000 unset diamonds in an alley. You don't remember which alley? That's right. I don't remember which alley. There's a lot of alleys in LA now with $20,000 in diamonds laying around. True. Then why don't you tell us where you found the diamonds? I told you, in an alley. What were you doing at Jay's place? Having a drink? That against the law? No, but trying to sell stolen diamonds is all right. You called it. I was there to sell diamonds, but I didn't know they were stolen. I tried to sell them. Just trying to make a buck. Everybody's got to live, I told you. Now leave me alone. I got enough trouble in this can with this lousy chow they throw at you. I don't feel so good, huh? Let me go back to my cell and lay Down. Okay. You guys ever eaten this jail food? It's terrible. I've eaten it. It's not too bad. You got a stomach made out of solid brass. Like to have the Bromo concession around here. Look, I really wish I could help you guys, but honest, there's nothing to tell. I found the diamonds in an alley. Sure, I'd try to sell them, but that's it. Now, you guys know if there's anything I can. All right, now, you come off it, mister. You better get this story straight. We're through playing with you. Maybe you don't know how you stand. I'll fill you in. A man slug and $150,000 in diamonds are stolen from him. Part of those diamonds turn up in your pocket, you say you found them. I can't buy that, and I don't think anyone else will. You'll come in here playing like a lily, cleaning white. Well, your record doesn't make it that easy to buy. That's how you stand, mister. The whole thing's right in your lap. It fits you like a new suit. Now it's up to you. That the way it is, you call it? No other way? None. Yeah, well, if I could only get some decent food under my belt. And a little fresh air. I might be able to give you guys the answers. You are listening to Dragnet Authentic stories of your police force in action. Friends, the name Fatima has always stood for quality. Fatimas are distinctive. With a truly different flavor and aroma. And in king size Fatima, you get an extra mild and soothing smoke. Plus the added protection of Fatima quality. Yes, there's a good reason why Fatima continues to grow in favor. Among king size cigarette smokers everywhere in Fatima. The difference is quality. Quality of tobaccos. The finest Turkish and domestic varieties. Extra mild and superbly blended. To give you a much different, much better flavor and aroma. Quality of manufacture, Smooth, round, perfect cigarettes. Rolled in the finest paper money can buy. Quality even to the appearance of the bright, sunny yellow pack. Carefully wrapped and sealed. To bring you Fatima's rich, fresh and extra mild flavor. So next time, insist on Fatima quality. Look for the bright, sunny yellow pack. Smoked Fatima, the extra mild and soothing king size cigarette. With the added protection of Fatima quality. We continue to interrogate Fry. From the evasive answers he gave us. It looked as if he was lying about his part in the robbery. When an interrogation seems to bog down. The working detective usually tries to find some subject. With which to draw the suspect out. Some weak point of his makeup. Maybe it's his parents, his wife or his children. It might be the fear of having loved ones find out about the crime is accused of committing. In Fry's case, questions about his family failed to produce any result. We tried other suspects, subjects, religion, baseball, golf, fishing. None of them seemed to bring him out of his shell. Occasionally during the interrogation, he'd refer to the jail food, comparing it to the other food he'd eaten. As the questioning went on, we found that Fry considered himself a gourmet, talking about the dishes that he'd eaten at various restaurants. We tried to lead the questioning around to the diamond theft, but he constantly brought the conversation back to food. Fry had presented us with possible wedge and we decided to use it. We signed him out of the city jail and drove him down to Phillips Restaurant for dinner. When the waiter brought the menu, Fry didn't read it. He ordered soup, salad and two French dip sandwiches. As he ate, we tried to get him to talk, but he refused, saying that he wanted to finish his dinner first. Frank and I each had a sandwich and some coffee. Fry continued the order two more sandwiches. Finally pushed his chair back and said that he'd had enough. Now for some dessert, huh? Dessert? Yeah, a meal's not complete without dessert. Fig, I'll have some apple pie a la mode. And some coffee. How is the coffee here? It's good. Now, how about the information? You know, Friday. That's why you can eat that jail food. You don't take care of your stomach. You gotta learn to relax after a meal. Relax? You'll live longer. What was that song and dance you gave us about? Telling us all about it. Just a gimmick to get a free meal. I told you, take it easy. I'll give you the story after dessert. All right? Frank? Yeah? Get the pie and coffee. Now. The waiter seems to be busy here. You wanted that alamode. That's right. I don't know. No cream in the coffee. Nice place here to do a good business. They've been here a long time. Best French dip sandwiches I've ever eaten. Nice and lean, aren't they? Yeah, they put out a good meal. Here's your, Brian. Coffee. Thanks. Three spoons of sugar. That's right. Coffee sure smells good. Hey, it tastes good too. All right, let's get on to business. Brian. Now, what about the diamonds? Where'd you get them? From a guy named Joe. What's his last name? Never heard it. He gave you the diamonds to sell. You don't know his last name? Yeah, that's right. Where'd you pick up the diamonds? Didn't Joe came by my house and left him. What's this Joe like? Oh, medium height, about 32, medium weight. How about his coloring? Medium. He's a real ordinary looking fellow. Where'd he say he got the diamonds? And he brought him out from the east with him. Didn't tell me where he got him back there. I think he's done time someplace. Why'd you say that? I just figured it. The way he talks, way he handles himself. Got the marks? You'd know him if you saw him again. Oh, sure. Think he could point them out to us? Have you got him? No. But if he's done time, there's a mug of him. Figures we got it. Want to look through the mug books? Sure. How did this Joe get in touch with you? Called the house. Told me what time he'd be there. When do you usually call? Most anytime. I know what you're figuring, but it won't work. This whole thing's been in the papers. He won't call me. Not too smart for that. He won't show. How about the diamonds? Don't you think he'll be sorry about you being picked up? So he's sore. He's got no beef. He's still got 130 grand in stones. He's got no worries. Say, how about some more? Oh, you've had it for tonight, Brian. Let's go. Oh, thanks for the meal. Sure appreciate it. That jail food was killing me. You know, a good meal always makes me sleepy. Sure getting late. Hey, let's knock it off for tonight, huh, fellas? I'm Bush. No, let's look through the mug books and we can call it a night. Honest, fellas, I'm so tired I can hardly see straight. Feeling like this, I couldn't be sure. All right, Fry, we'll take you back and we'll see you the first thing in the morning so we can get started. Okay. Say, I was just wondering. Yeah? You think you can work out something for breakfast? 2:30am after returning the suspect to the city jail, Frank and I went back to the office. We were certain that Fry was in some way implicated in the diamond theft. But we didn't know just how he fit in. Frank and I signed out, went home to get some sleep. 4:45am I got a call from the business office that a man who identified himself as Joe Ashton had been picked up on a drunk charge. When arrested, he was carrying a black leather case similar to the one taken in the robbery containing a large quantity of unset diamonds. The man was belligerent and other than his name, he refused to tell the arresting officers anything. I called Frank and picked him up on the way into the office. When we arrived at the City hall, the suspected sobered up considerably and with a little questioning he identified himself as a jewelry salesman from Oakland, California. We contacted his employer in Oakland and received an identification on him. Further investigation showed that Ashton was in legal possession of the diamonds. During investigations, false leads are constantly turned up and although circumstances may tend to discount them each one has to be thoroughly checked out. 7:45am Frank and I had breakfast at Johnny coken's. And at 8:32 we signed Fry out of the city jail for interrogation. You had breakfast yet Friday? Yeah, I just finished. Not too bad. How about you, Smith? Yeah, what'd you have? Waffles? Yeah, I sure like some hot waffles. I didn't eat here. Figure you guys might take me out again. What are you trying to prove right now? Let's go over, look at those mud books, huh? Okay, hands behind you. Oh, now look behind you. All right, let's go. All right. In the elevator. I'll get it, Frank. Yeah, sure. A nice day. But it's warm up. Gonna be. Yeah, go ahead. Sure you guys don't want a cup of coffee? No, I told you, we've eaten right in the back. Fry. Sure. Say, sure appreciated that meal last night. That's good. We going to City Hall? That's right. That way you keep the mug books. Yeah, ain't no kidding. Friday I got to have some coffee. My stomach's growling. All right, Fry, we'll get you some coffee. You know, that whole bit about Joe doesn't ring. I'm afraid we can't buy it. Okay, so it's a phony story. But I'll give you the right one. We're you get the diamonds from a guy out in the Valley. Where in the Valley? Out at the Aster Studios, at a picture lot. Yeah. Frank, let's head out the freeway. We're going out the Valley. Hey, wait a minute. I don't want to see him. He'll blow his top if he finds out. I told you, this guy's crazy, a real nut. You better drop me back at the jail. I'll wait. How do we know this isn't another stall? It isn't? You'll see. What's this guy's name, this friend of yours? He's no friend. Just a guy I met, had a business deal. What's his name? Calls himself Fred Roberts. We took Fry to Breakfast, and then we returned him to the city jail. We went back to the city hall and rechecked the name Fred Roberts through R and I. There was no record. Those with similar names would check. None of them matched the description of the suspect. 11:20am Frank and I headed for the San Fernando Valley. Astor Studios was one of the older lots in town. It had been years since they'd made a picture of their own. Most of their business now was in renting stage space to television companies. Frank and I checked at the gate and we were sent up to personnel. The company records on Roberts showed that he'd been at the studio for four years in the property department. According to the girl in the personnel office, Roberts was highly regarded by his employers and fellow workers. She told us that we could find him in the prop building on the back lot. Frank and I started back to see him. That must be it back there. The big building with all the windows. Yeah, sure. A lot going on, huh? Yeah. TV's using a lot of movies. I guess most of the good stuff's on film, isn't it? So about all Elizabeth likes to watch is the wrestling matches with those real old movies. I don't get to see much of the new stuff if she's not looking at some show that's 20 years old. The kids are watching a puppet show. Well, you need two sets in. I've been thinking about that, Joe. Not that I don't like wrestling, but I'd like to see the ball game once in a while. And those news forum shows, you know, keep up with what's going on in the world. Yeah, looks like it here, huh? Yeah, I see him back there with his spray again in it. Yeah. Hey, Mr. Roberts. Mr. Roberts? Yeah? Like to talk to you, sir. Just a minute. I got to hit this before it dries. All right, sir, all right. Now, what can I do for you? Police officers, Mr. Roberts. Joke. Wait a minute. Who'd you say you were? Police officers. Oh, I'm sorry I caught you this trouble. I. I thought at first you were bill collectors, coming in here like you did and all. You can understand that, can't you? I've had a little trouble lately. I didn't mean to cause a fuss. Yeah, sure. We'd like to talk to you downtown. What about? Some diamonds that were stolen. Certainly, I'll go with you. But why me? What makes you think I had anything to do with it? Just routine, Mr. Roberts. Your name came up and we have to check it out. More than glad to help. I hope you don't think that I was trying to run away from you before. It was just that I thought you were someone else. All right, Mr. Roberts. You want to get your coat? Sure. I'll have to call the front office and tell them where I'm going. I'm the only one here today. We'll call them on the way out. Fine. Lot of work. Hope this won't take long. Should I take my car? I wouldn't like to trouble you to bring me back. No trouble, Mr. Robbins. Sure a nice day, isn't it? Good for exteriors. Exteriors? Yeah, you know, outdoor shots. Good light. Oh, yeah. Run into a lot of trouble if you haven't got good light. Like to take a look around? No, I'm afraid we haven't got the time, Mr. Roberts. Here's the car. Say, I don't want to tell you fellas your business, but can't we talk here? I really shouldn't leave. No, I'm afraid not, Mr. Roberts. There's someone downtown we want you to meet. Huh? Yeah. A man by the name of Ruman. Sam Ruman. You said Rooman. Yeah, that's right. No use trying to kid you, then, sir, about the diamonds? No, I'm afraid not. How'd you find him? That's not important. Do you have the rest of the stones? Most of them. Some of them are up in San Francisco. I can give you the name of the man who has him. He picked up some of them. I read about it in the papers. How about the rest of them? Buried them on a golf course south of here. I can show you the place. You want to get them now? Yeah, we'd like to. Yeah. Go over the pass and then to La Brea, straight out. La Brea. I'll tell you where to turn. All right. Fry. He the one that told you you planned to robbery yourself, did you? Yeah, I had to raise money. Funny. What's that? You work in pictures in any job and people think you make a lot of money. It's not true. It's like any other job. Good living. But you don't make as much as people think you do. That's why I did it. Yeah. Planned the thing for a long time. Figured every angle. Be able to pay off my car, all my bills. That was no gag about me thinking you were bill collectors. I've been trying to find my car for the past month and take it away. You know how it is. Yeah, sure. All my life I've been working. Working to make something out of myself. Everybody in this town seems to do okay. Money, big home, a car. 12 years I've been working as a prop man. 12 years I got tired of waiting. I wanted all those things. I figured I waited long enough. You know? What's wrong with trying to build some kind of a future for yourself? I just wanted a future, that's all. Yeah, well, you got one. The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On November 15, trial was held in Superior Court Department 89, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. Now here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you, George Fennerman. Friends in your hometown as well as mine, more and more king size cigarette smokers are switching to Fatima because of Fatima quality. Fatimas are distinctive with a really different flavor and aroma. They give you an extra mild and soothing smoke. Plus the added protection of Fatima quality. Get a pack of Fatimas tomorrow. See if you don't agree that in Fatima the difference is quality. That's king size Fatima in the bright sunny yellow pack. Fred Roberts was tried and convicted of robbery in the second degree. Robbery in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary or in the county jail. He is now serving his time in the county jail. Ladies and gentlemen, at this very moment in Korea, the lives of soldiers wounded in battle today are being saved by transfusions of blood and blood plasma. You can give these men the gift of life. A pint of your blood. The Department of Defense is calling for all Americans to roll up their sleeves. There is no substitute for blood. The need is urgent. The need is now. Call your local Red Cross chapter or blood donor center for an appointment. And please keep it. You have just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department Technical Advisors. Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Van Spracher. Heard tonight were Vic Perrin, Her Bellis, Vic Rodman. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking. King's eyes for the Fatima has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Friday Hear the Mario Lanza show on NBC for your listening enjoyment. John Lund as Johnny Dolly Harrison. Johnny. Oh, hi. How fast can you get to Beverly Hills, California? Why? You've got to find an uncut canary. Let's take that again slowly, shall we? It's a diamond, Johnny. A rough, uncut, orange, yellow diamond they call a canary. Weighs 89 carats and it's insured by us for $125,000. Pretty expensive bird that was more to the point. It took wings sometime last night and hasn't been seen since. How about a John? I'll see what I can do. Right here. I'd like to take a few seconds to talk about dreams. You know, psychologists tell us that dreams are one of the most common forms of escape from the everyday world. But what would you think if you woke up one morning and read in the paper that the President had appointed an elephant to the Cabinet? Yes, I agree that is a ridiculous question. And it doesn't really have anything to do with animals in politics. Actually, it's a question of memory. I was thinking of the Secretary of State when I asked it. And you'll have to agree that with all of the varied and difficult jobs he has to do, the Secretary of State would have to have the memory of an elephant. The Secretary's biggest job, of course, is managing our country's foreign affairs for the President. Since the President can't be in all the foreign countries at the same time, he sends ambassadors and ministers to the various capitals and sets up consular officers in the big commercial centers of the world to assist the Secretary of State. Then, when questions arise, the officials of foreign countries, countries get together with the American ambassadors or ministers or councils depending on the country and the type of problem, and they iron out their difficulties. Of course, there are many treaties and international laws which guide these conferences. With their help and the work done by our State Department, we're pretty certain of getting along all right when we tour foreign countries or have business dealings with them. In other words, whenever we have dealings of any sort with countries other than our own, it is the Secretary of State and his department who acts as our intermediary. Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to Home Office Eastern Indemnity and Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the uncut canary. Matter Expensive on item 1.181.60 airfare and incidentals between Hartford and Los Angeles, California. Expense account item 2. $3.75. Cab fare from the international airport to a rich looking jewelry store in Beverly Hills. Inscribed on the door in what looked like a thin line of pure platinum was the single name Johannes. According to Harrison, this has been the last known nesting place of the uncut canary. Whoever Johanna may have been, I doubted that it was the tall, artistic type with a heavyweight padded shoulders who was looking down his long aristocratic nose at me. Yes, I'd like to see Johanna. May I ask who you are, sir? My Name is Dollar. Insurance investigator. Oh, you hear about the Minas Gerais canary? If that's the full name of the missing diamond, yes. I believe you'd better come back in the morning, Ms. Dollar. Any particular reason why? It's been a trying day for Madame Johanna. She's quite fatigued. Nobody's too tired to spend a few minutes trying to collect $125,000 in the morning, Mr. Dollar. I'm certain Madame Johanna will be pleased to interview you. Then maybe I won't be in the mood then. Oh, really, Mr. Possibility? That's your therapist? No, not the way I see it. Madame Johanna is claiming the loss she's entitled to her own opportunity to slam the door in my face. You're quite correct, Mr. Dollar. And I take this opportunity to open it instead. Madam. Johan. I thought you were resting in your office. I did not wish to have you disturbed. The next time. Father, I would thank you not to be too overly zealous in your desire to protect my health at the expense of my beneficiary. Come, come this way, please, Mr. Darla. Won't you sit down, Mr. D. Thanks. You wish to discuss the militia as canary, Mr. Dollar? What is it? I can tell you about it. Well, you might begin by telling me its history. I purchased it in Rio from a local broker down there a year ago last September. Over a year ago. You find something surprising about that? Well, you've got a pretty large investment in an uncut stone. That's a long time to have it just sitting around, isn't it? The cutting of a diamond that size is a very delicate matter, Mr. Dallas. Months must be spent studying it, planning the precise manner in which it is to be finally cut and polished. Correct cleavage on such a stone could enhance its value three times over. Incorrect cleavage could prove disastrous. How's that? Diamonds are suspicious. A slight mistake may cause the gem to fly in per hundred bits. A bitter lesson my father learned from 25 years ago with a stone similar to the Canary. I do not intend to move the same step. When did you first notice the missing? It was 9:30 last night. Carter and I came down here to watch the cleavage of the stone. And you were going to have it cut last night? Yes. We have two of the finest diamond cutters in the world working here at our Spears and Hunt Plesner. They have been with me and my father before me for over 30 years. I see. And when you came down here, Carter opened the vault. The canary was gone. Carter has the combination? Yes. Anyone else? Adolf Hunt and S.C. my, sir. Was the vault touched in any way, Any attempt made to break into it? No. Well, that boils down the number of suspects. No, Mr. D. It couldn't possibly be one of my employees. I would be willing to swear to it. Well, you would be the first to make a mistake about something like that. Oh, you do not nudish people like I do. Well, you couldn't say that during all the years they your parents. Please. Oh, sure, go ahead. Yes. Oh, no. I see. Thank you. I will tell you. Something wrong. That's of ado. Spears. He said if I would send the police over to his house immediately, he would give them the uncuffed canary. I put in a call to Chief Anderson of the Beverly Hills Police Force, and a few minutes later, Lt. Hankins of his office came by and picked me up. How come you're on this, Hankins? You're still in Homicide, aren't you? Yeah, but the head of Robbery's been out with a cold with this latest development. The chief sent me out to wrap this up and see you on your way. Disappointed? You know better than that. Always glad to see you. Yeah. Looks like a quick ending to a long trip down there. Well, I won't complain. Why should you? Gunning traveling time. You'll get two full days pay for a few minutes work. Not bad. Jealous? Not me. You insurance boys can have it. Rather work on the force, huh? Maybe it doesn't pay as well, but I know I can figure on a check every two weeks. Hang on. We turn here. What's your trouble? Making that turn. Getting back at an angle that way. It's not too easy to figure. Now, that's Johanna. There's a woman with rings. The sweat out of a man. Always got an eye out for a fast buck. I don't think she's going to be too happy to get that uncut canary back. Why is that? Well, the rumor around town is that it can't be cut claws in it. Oh, the stone's clear enough, but some of them are just shaped wrong. Can't be split clean. Those stone's liable to break in the dust if you try to cleave it. You think that's what's wrong with the uncut canary? Had it hanging around her shop for over a year and a half. Bought it at a price way under the market. There got to be some reason for it, huh? How much you figure the stone would be worth if it could split? Maybe a quarter of a million, give or take a little. Be easier to sell that way, too. This way her money's tied up in it and they say she's tight for cash. Who is it? I don't know what you mean. Let her worry. Not ours. Here's Adolf Deer's house. Let's go in and get it. What do you think, darling? Doesn't seem too anxious to turned it over now. Door is locked. No lights inside. Let's try the back. All right. Hear that? Sounds like a car motor running somewhere. In the garage maybe. There's the garage, $. Lights on inside, the door closed. Come on. It's no easy job to wrestle some 200 pounds of dead weight out from behind the wheel of a car in a monoxide filled garage. But Hankins and I finally managed it over here in the grass. Yeah, yeah, that'll do it. Adolf Biz. Yeah. The cinch she won't tell us where that uncut canary is now. Yeah, it's a Since she couldn't have told Johanna only 15 minutes ago either. While Lt. Hankins waited for the homicide boys, I walked down to the corner drugstore and tried to make some phone calls. I was phenomenally unsuccessful. There was no answer at the jewelry store, at Johanna's home or at the bachelor apartment of the obnoxious Mr. Carter. Expensive on item three, $1.75 cab fare from the corner drugstore to the residence of Johanna's other diamond cutter, Hans Plessman. Well, what is it? What is it? Are you Hans Plessman? Of course I am. Of course. And you must be from Albert. Let me have it at once. At once, do you hear? I think you've made some kind of a mistake, Mr. Plessman. My name is Dollar. I'm an insurance investigator. I'm not interested in your name, young man. I just want the lenses I ordered from Albert for my refractory lenses for my insurance investigator. Is that what you said? Insurance? That's right, Mr. Plessman. I want to ask you a few questions. Questions? Questions? What kind of question? About the Mina Shirai canary. What did you want to know about it? Insurance investigator. What do you want to know about it? Could we talk about it inside? Inside? Oh, oh, yes. Oh, yes, inside. Of course, of course. Come in. Thanks, guys. Told the police all I know about it. Why are you coming around bothering me? Why don't you question Aro? Yes, question Aro. You think he had something to do with it? Didn't say that. Just ask him why you didn't question him. Adolf Beers is dead, Mr. Plessman. Dead. Adolf dead? That's right. Well, well, well, well. Adolf's dead. He might have been murdered. Murder? Murdered? Nonsense. Absolute nonsense. Maybe somebody wanted to get the canary from him. Nobody could have murdered poor for that. He didn't steal the canary. Didn't steal it? What makes you so sure, Mr. Plessman? Because I stole it, that's why. Murdering poor Adolf when I stole the uncut canary. You know, many great men have attained the highest office in our land. The presidency of the United States. Can you guess the name of this man? During the Black hawk War in 1832, he volunteered for service and was made captain of his company. As a member of Congress in 1847, he was opposed to the Mexican War. He also opposed the Kansas Nebraska Bill which favored the extension of slavery. During this time he was offered the governorship of the Oregon Territory, but refused it. Over six feet tall and not particularly good looking, he was known for his droll sense of humor. If you don't have his name by now, here's an important clue. His unexpected acceptance of an invitation to attend the dedication of a soldier cemetery was responsible for one of the greatest speeches in our history. Who was he? Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States. His life is part of your American heritage. Oh, well, thank you. Thank you. Good old Harry. What a host. When Harry throws a party, nobody goes thirsty. Here, let me freshen up. Up that drink. Good old Harry is such a great host. How come Bill and Jean had such a terrible fight? I want to go home right now. Why not? Want? It's a great place. I don't care. I want to go home right now. How come Bob had a little trouble driving home? And how come everybody who felt so good last night feels so bad this morning? Maybe good old Harry is not such a great husband after all. Maybe good old Harry is a pusher. A neighborhood pusher. Harry pushes alcohol. So if you serve alcohol, please don't be a pusher. And if you're a guest, don't let good old Harry or anyone else push you into drinking more than you want. A public service message from this station and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. And now with our star, John Lund, we bring you the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. After his astounding statement about stealing the uncut canary, the heretofore valuable Hans Plessman closed up completely. He refused to say anything about anything. And two and a half hours later, at the Beverly Hills police station, the situation was unchanged. Unless Plessman talks or we dig up something else, we won't be able to hold him long. I don't think he's the only one who's clamming up about that canary. Oh, Johanna. I'd like to know who really called her on the phone when she sent us up to Adolph Beer's house. We'll find out when we locate her. She's not at her home at the office, though. No sign of the stall at Beers? Nothing. A couple of the boys still going through the place they started. Pleasant, too. Hankins, huh? Okay, Doc. Thanks. Autopsy surgeon? They're posting Beers now. Looks like homicide all right. Heavy blows stuck on the back of his head. Doc's offering eight to five. There'll be no monoxide in the bloodstream. Well, I won't cover that. Going somewhere? Yeah, the evening's still young. I might as well try to earn some of that big money. You think I'm getting paid for this job? Expense account, item 4. $2.25. Cab fare from Beverly Hills to the apartment of Johanna's assistant, Mr. Charles Carter. Come in. Doors open. Stripped down to a pair of shorts, Carter was standing on his head at one end of the room, heels resting lightly against the wall. Oh, a few dollars. What's the idea of that? What? The headstand turns up the system, reverses the blood flow. Good tonic for rejuvenating muscular tissue, strengthening the internal organs. You don't say. You should try it sometimes. Most beneficial. Amazing. What do you want here? $. Huh? Oh, well, I was just wondering where you were earlier this evening after you left the shop down at the beach. Exercise there for an hour every evening. Why? Hot off. Beer is dead. Not surprised. Oh. Overweight, disgusting, poorly cared for. Body can't abuse the machinery of life. $it'll refuse to function. In this case, the refusal wasn't voluntary. Oh, so that's why you wanted to know where I was. Well, now you know. Johanna wasn't with you, was she? No. I haven't any idea where she. Oh, now you going too far, Dar. Oh? Why? Johan is the epitome of all womanhood. A gentle, delicate soul. I'll not have her maligned by you or anyone else. That clear? Oh, sure. But I'd still like to know where she was. Tell me, Carter, how often do you do that headstand stunt? Twice a day. And how long do you keep it up each time? 30 full minutes. Remarkable. I hit a drugstore and tried to call Johanna's residence, but there was no answer. A call to Lt. Hankins brought the information that Plessman was still refusing to talk and that they'd finished searching both his house and that of Adolf Beers. The uncut canary was still among the missing. I was drinking a cup of coffee at the fountain when I suddenly remembered something Hans Plessman had said. I grabbed a yellow phone book and started looking for an optical lens manufacturer whose name was Albert. I found one. Albert Schoenbeck. Both an office and a residence phone were listed at that hour of the morning. The choice wasn't too tough to make. I have been making optical lenses for Joanna Vanderhoe for many years now and for her father before her. But to call at this hour of the night with such a Christian. And did you ever make lenses for a refractometer, Mr. Schoenvik? Yeah. Yeah. Therefore, Hans. It was Hans Plessman. Of course. Hans Plessman. Would you mind telling me what a refractometer is used for? You are asking me questions about this. You do not even know for what it is used. It's important, Mr. Schoenbeck. Yeah? For whom? Important for you or for Johanna? Both of us. Ah. So. All right, then I will tell you. It is for measuring the bend of light through a precious stone. With mirrors, lenses on the scale, this machine measures the stone's index of refraction and tells exactly what the stone is. You. You understand what I'm saying? Well, I think I get the general idea. Yeah. Could you use one to determine the proper cleavage of a diamond? For cleavage, you ask. Yeah. Would it help any? I. I have never thought a charge. It is possible, I presume, if there were some interior floor, some imperfect strata of crystalline structure that could possibly show up. Yeah. In. But why do you ask? What does all this have to do with. Your Honor, I'm not Quite sure. Thanks, Mr. Schoenbeck. Expense account item five, $3.60 cab fare to 621 West Canyon Road Drive at somewhere near the top of the Santa Monica Mountains, about 2 miles and a half from Sunset Boulevard. I just come in and was praying for bed when you rang, Mr. Dollough. Yeah, so I noticed. Well, if you would please tell me quickly why you have come visiting at this late hour. It's about the rumors. Rumors? Yeah. I understand that Jewelers Row believes that Johannes is heading for the financial rocks. You came up here tonight to discuss with me the financial status of my business, Mr. Dollar? Not exactly. Well, Dan. But suppose the rumors were true and you're hard up for cash with $125,000 tied up in an uncut diamond that can't be sold until it's cut and can't be Cut. Because it'll fly into bits. That is utter nonsense. Well, I'm glad to hear it. Why? It removes any motive you may have had for stealing the uncut canary yourself. I think I'd better leave now, Mr. Dallow. You haven't denied it. You've gone too far for that. Adolf Beers must have gone pretty far too. The reference is beyond me. Beyond Adolf now too? Or maybe you haven't asked yourself why somebody wanted to murder him. Adolf murdered? You didn't know? How could I have? Just wondering. Adolph murdered? But why? Well, I'd say you. Either Adolf took the stone and somebody got it away from him, or he knew who did steal it and was going to talk. Either way, the result's the same. Unbelievable. It's not quite as unbelievable as your statement that you talked to him on the phone when actually he'd been dead for two hours. Now it is time for you to leave, Mr. D. No further explanation? None. Okay. Oh, by the way, did you know Hans Plessman had confessed to stealing the canary? I did. I suppose you think that's unbelievable too. My attorney is arranging his release on eris of Habeas corpus at this very moment. Oh, that's very interesting. You sure you don't want to change your story about that supposed phone call from Adolf Beers? I do not. I didn't think so. The lack of transportation from Canyon Road Drive back to Beverly Hills didn't bother me. The walk would give me a chance to clarify my ideas about the uncut canary matter. It took me a little less than an hour to get back to Sunset Boulevard and an all night gas station where I called Lieutenant Hankins. Yeah, that's right. $. Hans Plessman was sprung about 45 minutes ago. You put a tail on him? Yeah, he went straight home. Expense account, item 6, $1.65. Cab fare again. It took about 15 minutes to get to Hans Plessman's house. Yes? Yes, who is it? Who is it? Hello, Mr. Plesman. Oh, it's you. That insurance man. Why? What do you want now? Have you cut it yet? Mr. Plusman was just about when you interrupted me. Do you mind if I watch you finish the job? That's tall. That's tall. Come in, come in. Thanks. In here. Right in here. Well, looks like you've got a pretty capable assistant, huh? Yes. I think our partnership in diamond cutting will prove quite successful. Of course it will. Of course. Your refractometer will make the difference. Told Adolf there, but he wouldn't listen. Was going ahead in his Own stubborn way. He would have smashed the stone just as he did 20 years ago. So Adolf Bears was the cutter who smashed your father's stone, huh, Johanna? Yes, that is quite right, Mr. Dollar. Ruined him. Ruined him and killed him. Couldn't let that happen to my little Johanna. Like my own daughter, you know. Couldn't let Al do that to her too. Couldn't. So you took the diamond to keep Adolf from cutting it. It was my fault, Mr. Dalla. I wouldn't have listened to Hans warning I was going to let Adolf go ahead with it. Wouldn't listen to me, who was like her own father. So I had to take the stone. I was going to cut it myself, Johanna, and give it back to you as a gift. I know you were, Han. Only Adolf saw me getting ready. He was going to Stockton so he could cut the diamond himself. He shouldn't have done that. Adolf shouldn't have done that. I had to stop him. Well, we have work to do. Put the stone on the c. Johanna. That's it. That's it. Now hold the steel blade right on the incline. That's it. That's it. Now hold it firmly, but without pressure. Not. Not too much pressure. So. Thank you. You have done it. Of course. Of course. But it had to be done my way. Only the factometer showed the proper place. Stubborn fool. Adolf would have grounded into bits. Bits. Well, I guess everything is all right now for you, hey, Johanna. I will see if your business all right. And you, young man, no trouble about the store now, is there? No trouble. No, no, Hans. There's no trouble about the stone. You understand how I couldn't let anything happen to my Johanna. Not to my little baby. Oh, his tone beautiful. Once I haven't cut and polished the. This. The stone, Hans. What is it? Don't you feel well? It's all right, Johanna. I'm. I'm a little. A little weak and shaky, that's all. I can't understand it. Weak, Shaky like this. How ridiculous. I. I think I'll lie down for a bit, Mr. Darlo. Sure, go ahead. I can't understand it. We shitty, Mr. Darling. I. You know. Yeah. So it was Hans and not Adolf who called you on the phone? Yes. He told me that he had hidden the stone in my house. That he had killed Adolf. And to him tonight, after his release from Jade. And there they are. What was once the nameless Jedi. So uncut canary. A gift hunt set. They'll accomplish everything he wanted to accomplish for me. And I'd rather I'd smash the stone into dust before it all began. It didn't want this gift from item seven, $179.25 airfare and incidentals from Beverly Hills, California back to Hartford. Expense account total 300, 173.85. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar stars John Lund in the title role and was written by Sydney Marshall with music by Eddie Dunstetter. Featured in tonight's cast were William Johnstone, John Stevenson, Hal March, Virginia Gregg and Fritz Feld. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Jaime Del Valle. This is Charles Lyon inviting you to join us again next week at the same time when from Hollywood, John Lund again transcribes his expense account as Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar has been a presentation of the United States Army Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. We just heard Boston Blackie, Richard Diamond Dragnet and yours truly, Johnny Dollar. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for for a salute to one of the great writers of the Old Time Radio era, Willis Cooper. Now, Cooper is a man who's most associated with the horror genre, given his work on shows like Lights out and Quiet Please. But he also lent his pen to several radio detective shows, Chief among them Whitehall 12, a radio series dramatizing cases from the files of Scotland Yard. We'll hear some Whitehall 12, 1212 as well as some of his other radio work as we tip our cap to Willis Cooper next week. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com Meansts OTR. Next time, a salute to Willis Cooper. Until then, good night and happy listening. And now, here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen, in a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.