Episode 644 - Diamond Cut (Rogue's Gallery, Richard Diamond, & Lux Radio Theatre)

Summary

Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode 644 – Diamond Cut: (Rogue’s Gallery, Richard Diamond, & Lux Radio Theatre)

Date: November 16, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

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Episode Overview

This episode celebrates the birthday of Dick Powell, spotlighting his transformative journey from musical star to hard-boiled radio detective. The host curates a showcase of iconic detective performances by Powell, featuring three classic shows: Rogue's Gallery, Richard Diamond, Private Detective, and a special Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the film Johnny O'Clock. Each segment highlights Powell’s range, blending wit, grit, and musical charm, and takes listeners deep into the golden age of radio mystery drama.

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Introduction: Spotlight on Dick Powell

[00:57–04:26]

• The host enthuses about Dick Powell’s career evolution from song-and-dance man to defining radio’s private detective image.
• Celebrates Powell’s birthday (born November 14, 1904).
• Summary of Powell’s detective radio roles: Richard Rogue (Rogue’s Gallery), the signature Richard Diamond, and the Johnny Dollar audition.
• Sets the mood for the episode: “Powell starred on the air as a pair of private eyes, both of them named Richard…” (Host, [01:25])
• Describes each featured show:
  • Rogue’s Gallery: “a case called ‘Little Old Lady’ with a surreal, unconscious alter ego” ([01:57])
  • Richard Diamond: Two episodes, “The Tom Waxman Bombing” (1949) and “Death and the Letter” (1950)
  • Lux Radio Theatre’s Johnny O’Clock: Powell’s film noir role, reunited with notable co-stars.

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Feature 1: Rogue’s Gallery – "Little Old Lady"

[08:02–36:26]

Plot Structure

• Case Introduction: Richard Rogue, low on luck and love, is hired by singer Conchita Morales to retrieve incriminating letters from ex-lover Frank Maxson.
• Blackmail, Love Triangles, and Betrayal:
  • Conchita: “I will give you $250 if you will help me.” ([12:30])
  • Rogue: “Beauty’s a wonderful thing. Mexican type. But so is money.” ([12:26])
• Confrontation at Club Cuba:
  • Rogue tries to get the letters, is thrown out, and suspects deeper trouble.
• Twist—The ‘Little Old Lady’:
  • Mrs. Stam, desperate for help with her wounded, wayward son, enlists Rogue.
  • Rogue is drugged with knockout tea and framed for murder.
  • Key scene: “You poisoned me…” – Rogue ([21:38]), “That’s right, Mr. Rogue. I did.” – Mrs. Stam ([21:43])
• Mystical Interlude: Rogue’s alter-ego Yugor appears as he’s unconscious, nudging Rogue toward the truth.
• Frame-Up Becomes Deadly:
  • Rogue wakes up, finds Maxson murdered with his own gun, and is arrested.
• Investigation and Unraveling:
  • Rogue’s alibi vanishes; the “old lady” is revealed as Conchita’s mother, plotting with Conchita and her fiancé Tippy to frame Rogue.
  • Climax: Mrs. Shea (the “little old lady”) turns the tables, kills the true murderer, and confesses, providing Rogue’s alibi.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “You kind of put you away, didn’t she?” – Yugor, Rogue’s alter-ego ([22:16])
• “Don’t plan on me performing any miracles. If your son was shot during a robbery, he’s going to have to go to jail. You know that, don’t you?” – Rogue ([19:13])
• “Beauty’s a wonderful thing… But so is money. My time’s for sale.” – Rogue ([12:27])
• “You poisoned me… You…” – Rogue ([21:38])
• “That’s right, Mr. Rogue. I did.” – Mrs. Stam ([21:43])

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Feature 2: Richard Diamond, Private Detective – "The Tom Waxman Bombing"

[37:39–66:57]

Plot Structure

• Set-up: Richard Diamond describes his idle detective life—danger always lurking.
• Union Intrigue:
  • Union leader Tom Waxman warns of racketeers; there’s talk of trouble if info from his brother Phil (in California) arrives.
  • Tom’s home life: warmth, family, and humor.
• Catastrophe Hits ([43:39–44:05]):
  • A mail bomb (delivered in a package from Phil) kills Tom and injures his family.
  • Diamond is drawn in as a friend of the Waxmans; investigation begins.
• Investigation:
  • Phil is suspected but uncooperative due to his lawyer (John Wagner).
  • Marge (Tom’s wife) and Mama Waxman hold clues; Diamond doubts Phil’s guilt.
  • Links between the Laborers Assistance League (a corrupt gang) and the murder emerge.
• Clues and Confrontation ([52:01–60:34]):
  • Diamond uncovers Ralph Pryor’s involvement at the factory.
  • Pryor is picked up; his lawyer Wagner is revealed to be working for the League and plotting to silence him.
  • Dramatic chase and confrontation: “You picked up a dummy box sent from California to the factory, and you planted a bomb in it.” – Diamond ([60:38])
  • Wagner kills Pryor, but Diamond and police intervene.
• Resolution & Aftermath:
  • The government cracks down on the League, Phil is cleared.
  • Touching coda: Diamond visits the Waxmans. Mama, recovering, requests a Yiddish song ([64:41–65:50]). Warm, humorous family banter follows.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “You know, you’re sounding more like a mother-in-law every day.” – Diamond to Mama Waxman ([42:56])
• “You picked up a dummy box… and you planted a bomb in it.” – Diamond ([60:38])
• “Children are not kids. Kids are goats.” – Mama Waxman ([43:08])
• “Richard, we always wondered where you learned to sing in Yiddish.” – Mama ([64:37])
• “He says, as a cantor, you would make a fine dishwasher.” – Mama, translating Francis the butler’s wisecrack ([66:03])

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Feature 3: Richard Diamond, Private Detective – "Death and the Letter"

[66:59–92:12]

Plot Structure

• Cold Open: A wounded man stumbles into Diamond’s office, gives him a mysterious sealed envelope, and dies.
• Immediate Peril:
  • Two thugs attempt to intercept the envelope; Diamond mails it to Lt. Levinson.
  • He’s knocked unconscious, and the body disappears.
• Case for $500:
  • Nancy Lang hires Diamond for party security, introducing wealthy politician Senor Gallardo.
  • Suspicious events—including a ransacked apartment and another unidentifiable murder victim.
• Sinister Plot Emerges:
  • The envelope leads to a map… possibly tied to missing gold from a South American rebel plot.
  • Gallardo is revealed (through research and a hunch) to be the infamous rebel Ortiz, believed dead.
• Chase to Key West:
  • The map’s trail leads to Key West, former pilots, and ultimately the hunt for sunken gold bullion.
  • Diamond, the police chief, and Nancy catch up with Nancy and Ortiz’s henchmen as they try to raise the treasure.
  • Twist: Nancy Lang is Ortiz’s wife, lured into the plot for love and greed.
• Climax:
  • Ortiz is apprehended after a final betrayal; Nancy confesses her complicity and motives in a moving scene.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “You poisoned me… You…” – Echoes the prior episode, tying dark femme fatales to danger ([21:38])
• “Where are your wings, honey?” – Diamond regaining consciousness ([69:57])
• “This guy Gallardo. Senor Gallardo. I know I’ve read about him or seen his picture.” – Diamond’s suspicion pays off ([83:10])
• “He has the map?” “Yes.” – Key revelation from Nancy ([89:52])
• “What’s your connection with Ortiz, Nancy?” “He’s my husband.” ([90:00])

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Feature 4: Lux Radio Theatre – "Johnny O’Clock"

[94:11–147:41]

Plot Structure

• Hard-Boiled Noir Drama:
  • Johnny O’Clock (Dick Powell) is a slick, principled second-in-command at a gambling club, caught in intrigue, romance, and murder.
• Romantic Web:
  • Conflict with his boss Guido Marquettis and Guido’s wife Nell, who harbors feelings for Johnny.
  • Harriet, the hat-check girl, is first entangled, then found dead in an apparent suicide.
  • Harriet’s sister Nancy Hobson (Marguerite Chapman) arrives, seeking answers and finding Johnny instead.
• Corrupt Cop Angle:
  • The vicious cop Bladen is murdered; suspicion, jealousy, and violence swirl.
  • Inspector Koch (Lee J. Cobb) suspects both Johnny and Marquettis.
• Classic Noir Banter & Betrayal:
  • “A man who looks at a situation, says what’s best for me, and acts accordingly. That’s right.” – Johnny ([99:28])
  • “Guido, now we’re quits.” – Johnny exacts both money and retribution ([142:56])
  • Nell frames Johnny for murder; Nancy tries to save him, but Johnny’s finally cornered by fate and the law.
• Downbeat Resolution:
  • Johnny tries to escape after killing Marquettis in self-defense; surrender is inevitable.
  • “Did you drop it? You’ll never really know, will you, Koch?” – Johnny’s fate hangs in ambiguity ([147:41])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “You know, maybe it’d make you happier if you knew that Marge and I decided on five kids. Children are not kids. Kids are goats.” – Warm banter from a prior segment, echoing here ([43:08])
• “Play it safe like you always do.” – Nell challenges Johnny’s code ([119:22])
• “Guido, now we’re quits.” – Johnny’s final reckoning ([142:56])
• “Johnny o’ Clock’s no fool. He said no fool. That’s why he’s dead. Because he’s no fool.” – Nancy’s mournful closing words ([147:32])

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Thematic and Structural Highlights

• Transformation of Dick Powell: From light musical leading man to brooding, sly, and resilient detective, Powell’s radio persona exemplifies Hollywood’s mid-century noir turn.
• Cynicism, Style, and Sentimentality: Each story pivots between sharp-tongued repartee, existential threat, and moments of warmth—whether from clients, family, or doomed lovers.
• Recurring Motifs: Poison, frame-ups, double-crossing femme fatales, and a hero dangerously close to the edge but driven by principle.
• Community and Closure: Uplifting codas—songs, family dinners—counterbalance the back-alley violence.
• Meta Moments: Integration of the radio ads for shaving cream, shampoo, and saving bonds ("Fitch spelled F-I-T-C-H”), period-accurate and in-universe.

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Episode Timeline

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Introduction & Powell Overview | 00:57–04:26 | | Rogues Gallery: "Little Old Lady" | 08:02–36:26 | | Richard Diamond: "The Tom Waxman Bombing" | 37:39–66:57 | | Richard Diamond: "Death and the Letter" | 66:59–92:12 | | Lux Radio Theatre: "Johnny O’Clock" | 94:11–147:41 | | Host Wrap-Up | 153:50–end |

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Notable Quotes (with Speaker & Timestamp)

• “Beauty’s a wonderful thing… But so is money. My time’s for sale.”
  – Richard Rogue, [12:27]
• “You poisoned me…”
  – Richard Rogue, [21:38]
  “That’s right, Mr. Rogue. I did.”
  – Mrs. Stam, [21:43]
• “You picked up a dummy box sent from California to the factory, and you planted a bomb in it.”
  – Richard Diamond, [60:38]
• “He was good to me. … He sure made a mess out of a couple of guys I can think of.”
  – Nancy Lang (about Ortiz), [91:27]
• “Guido, now we’re quits.”
  – Johnny O’Clock, [142:56]
• “Johnny o’ Clock’s no fool. He said no fool. That’s why he’s dead. Because he’s no fool.”
  – Nancy, [147:32]

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Tone and Style

• Sharp, wisecracking, with emotional undercurrents and postwar noir cynicism.
• Balances playful banter, somber morality, and a sense of nostalgia.
• Original language preserved, full of idiomatic radio-era flair.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a sterling introduction to Dick Powell’s radio detective work—showcasing three distinct mysteries, each with period-perfect performances and razor-sharp writing. Brimming with classic one-liners, plot twists, and poignant musical moments, it's both a celebration of radio noir and a time capsule of mid-20th-century crime storytelling.

Recommended for: fans of film noir, detective fiction, Old Time Radio, and anyone curious about how Hollywood reinvented its leading men (and its heroes) in a darker, more ambiguous age.

Transcript

[Announcer]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those.

[Dick Powell]

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.

[Announcer]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of.

[Richard Diamond]

The man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Host]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. This week we're throwing a birthday bash for one of my favorite radio detective stars. He's Dick Powell, the song and dance man who successfully reinvented himself and launched a new era of his career when he played Philip Marlowe in Murder My Sweet. Performances and more crime dramas followed, including one he'll recreate later today on the show. And so did radio detective dramas. Powell starred on the air as a pair of private eyes, both of them named Richard, and he starred in the audition show for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. He passed on the role of America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator in favor of Richard Diamond, Private detective. It was a character created for Powell by writer Blake Edwards, and it perfectly merged the two phases of his career. Diamond was a tough private eye who usually closed out his week's adventure by singing a song to his girlfriend. Dick Powell was born on November 14, 1904, and today we've got a showcase of his radio detective work, beginning with Rogues Gallery and an episode called Little Old Lady. This one originally aired on Mutual on November 29, 1945. Powell played private eye Richard Roeg and Peter Leeds played Yugor. That's Rogue spelled backwards. Yugor was a troll who'd appear to taunt Rogue whenever the gumshoe was knocked unconscious, which was almost guaranteed to happen once an episode. Then we'll hear a pair of episodes from Powell's signature radio series, Richard Diamond. First up is a show known as the Tom Waxman Bombing. It originally aired on NBC on June 26, 1949. Then we'll hear Death and the Letter from November 8, 1950. Finally, we'll hear Dick Powell recreate one of his big screen roles as the Lux Radio theater presents Johnny O'. Clock. This production originally aired on CBS on May 12, 1947, and it reunited Powell with two of his movie Lee J. Cobb and Jeff Chandler, who won his small role in the movie because of his radio work with D. Dick Powell. Powell was impressed by the young actor. He had appeared on several episodes of Rogues gallery, and he got Chandler a small part in the movie, a role he recreates on radio. Of course, around here we know Chandler best as Michael Shane. The radio adaptation also features a supporting performance by Bill Johnstone, one of the radio voices of the Shadow, and Lieutenant Ben Guthrie. On the lineup, Richard Rogue, Richard diamond and Johnny o'. Clock. They're all on hand for our Dick Powell birthday celebration, and it begins right after these messages.

[Richard Diamond]

Why has Hollywood star Myrtle Oberon switched.

[Announcer]

To new Improved Green shampoo? Because compared to dulling soap shampoos, this wonderful new dream reveals up to 33% more sheen.

[Richard Diamond]

Follow Merle's secret for shining hair, it's.

[Dick Powell]

New dream for Hollywood Sheen Improved Dream for Hollywood sheen. Your hair can have that Hollywood sheen.

[Nancy Lang]

The very first time you use New.

[Dick Powell]

Dream get wonderful New Dream Shampoo.

[Announcer]

This is the cold season. What do medical authorities say about the common cold? Doctors tell us there's no known drug which will cure a cold. There are effective medications for treating complications accompanying or following a cold. If you've been taking sensible precautions and still have one cold after another, it's best to see your doctor. And here's another important health tip. When you have a cold and need a laxative, that's the time to rely on gentle Ex Lax Pleasant tasting Chocolated Ex Lax helps you toward your normal regularity. Gently overnight. Ex Lax gets along with any cold remedies you may be taking. And Ex Lax works where nature wants in the lower tract, not the stomach. Taken at bedtime, Ex Lax won't disturb sleep. Gives you the closest thing to natural action. The next morning, you're well on your way toward your normal regularity without upset or discomfort. So when you have a cold and need a laxative, take XLax, the laxative you can use with complete confidence. Ex Lax helps you towards your normal regularity. Gently overnight exlacs.

[Sergeant Otis]

When a cloud bursts.

[Nell]

And fresh, clean rain falls on a.

[Sergeant Otis]

Grove of rich green pine, it's mmm, so nice. And now that same clean scent of.

[Dick Powell]

Pine is in new pine scented Lysol.

[Richard Diamond]

Right now, the one and only genuine Lysol brand disinfectant comes in a new pine scent. It disinfects, deodorizes as nothing else does, kills diseased germs on contact.

[Dick Powell]

In laboratory tests, Lysol's anti germ action kept working for seven full days.

[Richard Diamond]

A bottle costs as little as 29 cents. And it's so easy to use. Just add new pine scented Lysol to your suds. When you clean in bathroom, kitchen, nursery, sick room, use pine Scented Lysol. Because Lysol deep cleans make your home.

[Nell]

Pine wheat Lysol clean.

[Announcer]

You can still get regular Lysol too.

[Dick Powell]

Inflation can work the same way in peace that it did in war. Prices rise when goods are scarce and people have money. Instead of making your dollars shrink by spending them needlessly when prices are high, why not make them grow with interest by investing in United States savings bonds? Here's the way it works. 75 invested now each month in U. S Savings E bonds will in 10 years turn into an income of $100 each month for as long a period as you bought the bond. It's as simple and as sure as that. And easiest when you use the payroll savings plan without missing a dollar. You'll be amazed how savings grow the E Bond way. $4 for every three. 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.

[Announcer]

The FW Fitch Company presents Dick Powell as private detective Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery.

[Richard Rogue]

This chisel's got you all fouled up in a murder, baby.

[Announcer]

You'll fry for it, Senor Rogue.

[Conchita Morales]

I don't know anything about a murder. Tippy killed him. He killed Maxim. Conchita knows nothing about it.

[Announcer]

Stop being chumps, will you? You're both in this with me. You help me frame Rogue for it with Maxim Kahn.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm the biggest operator in town.

[Announcer]

All we have to do is kill Rogue and we got the world by the tail.

[Richard Rogue]

You'll all go to the chair for it. You can't get away with killing me.

[Announcer]

I'm going to kill you, Rogue, right now. If you've got anything to say, say it. Cause here it comes. Fall.

[Richard Rogue]

Rogue speaking. This afternoon I found a little case in my crime gallery that brought back memories. You just heard a little of it. Enough to know that I was framed for murder. I call the story Little Old lady, and I'll tell you all about it in just a minute. But first, here's Jim Doyle, who is going to tell you men how to get a fast, clean shave without having to scrape and slave.

[Announcer]

You bet I am, Dick. Men, the simple, sure way to a comfortable shave is Fitch's no Brush Shaving cream. The instant you apply this grand cream to your face, the three important shaving ingredients contained in it go to work. They smooth down the flaky top layer of skin and soften up the beard. This makes it easy for your razor to cut whiskers close and clean without nicking or scraping. Among the important ingredients in Fitch's no Brush is a special skin conditioner. This conditioner gently lubricates your skin, protecting it from irritation and burning. After your shave, it gives your skin a cool, refreshed feeling that will linger for hours. For those who prefer a lather cream as Fitch's Brush Cream, it gives a swell Hurry up lather that stays moist and washes off quickly and easily. It too contains the special skin conditioner. For sensitive skin, ask for either Fitch's Brush or no Brush Shaving Cream. But for a solid comfort shave, be sure it's Fitch spelled F I T.

[Richard Rogue]

C H. Thank you, Jim. And now I'd like to go on with my story.

[Announcer]

Okay, here's Dick Powell as private detective Richard Roeg in another personally conducted tour through Rogues Gallery.

[Richard Rogue]

I was looking at the world through azure colored glasses that afternoon. I was as low as a centipede's hangnail and just about as irritated. A couple of lush cases I'd been working on had blown up without paying off. And the girl I was madly in love with that week was madly in love with some other guy. I needed some money, I needed a vacation, and I needed a new love interest. When the door to my office opened and in walked a Latin type panic who made my heart beat in a rumber rhythm that would have made Cougat sound like Spike Jones. I just sat there trading my blue thoughts in on a lot of purple ones while she closed the door behind her and walked toward me.

[Conchita Morales]

You are Richard Rogue, the detective?

[Richard Rogue]

A celebrated detective, yes. What can I do for you?

[Conchita Morales]

I need your help, Senor Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay. What's your name?

[Conchita Morales]

Conchito Morales.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, the singer, huh?

[Conchita Morales]

That's right. I'm in trouble, Senor Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

You know, I sort of suspected that was why you came to see me. What's your difficulty?

[Conchita Morales]

Well, it's hard to explain, but there is a man in this town who is threatening me.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, that's not hard to explain. You're the sort of a girl who is liable to be threatened.

[Conchita Morales]

What do you mean by that, Senor Rogue?

[Richard Rogue]

That you. You are beautiful and extremely desirable and. Well, pardon me, Ms. Morales. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just in a kind of an impolite mood today, I guess.

[Conchita Morales]

Then you don't really think I am beautiful or desirable.

[Richard Rogue]

Don't let that glassy look in my eyes fool you. Conceit, huh? I can see, and what I see pleases me. If you go for understatements, Then you will help me? You know, beauty's a wonderful thing. Mexican type. But so is money. My time's for sale.

[Conchita Morales]

I have money. I will give you $250 if you will help me.

[Richard Rogue]

What do you want me to do?

[Conchita Morales]

I want you to get some letters back for me.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, why?

[Conchita Morales]

Because I write them when I'm very young and foolish to a man I think I love. I do not love him. I hate him. I want to marry someone else. That man I love. But I cannot because of this letter.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, here, here. Slow it down to a gallop. Conchita, I'm getting a little confused. Who has the letters?

[Conchita Morales]

Frank Maxon is his name. He's no good. He is a what you call a poor loser.

[Richard Rogue]

Uh huh. And who is this man you love at the moment?

[Conchita Morales]

Tippy Dyer. We will be married soon.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, you will be married soon. Well, in that case, let's make this strictly business. What do you want me to do?

[Conchita Morales]

I'm having dinner with Frank tonight at the Club Kuba. I want you to meet us there. I want you to tell him he must give me back my letters. If he knows that I have employed you to help me, he will give them up. He is without courage. Don't see how I ever think I was in love with him.

[Richard Rogue]

Frank is considered quite a ladies man. Or was before you went up on that income tax wrap a couple years ago. I understand the boys and his mob are giving him a little trouble since he got out. Where's that two hundred and fifty you mentioned a while ago?

[Conchita Morales]

It is here. Just a moment.

[Richard Rogue]

That's a retainer. If the case gets tough, it's gonna cost you plenty more. Conchita, you know that I do not care.

[Conchita Morales]

I must have these letters. Here is $250.

[Richard Rogue]

Thank you. And now what time do I meet you at the Club Cuba?

[Conchita Morales]

Be there at nine. And I'm warning you, Mr. Rogue, come prepared for trouble. Oh, hello, Senor Rogue. You are late.

[Richard Rogue]

Sorry, I was held up in traffic. Oh, hello, Frank.

[Announcer]

Well, what are you doing here, Rogue?

[Richard Rogue]

Conchita invited me.

[Conchita Morales]

Sit down, please.

[Richard Rogue]

Thank you.

[Announcer]

What is this, a surprise party on me, Conchita.

[Conchita Morales]

Mr. Rogue is working for me, Frank.

[Richard Rogue]

Yep. I came down to help Conchita recover some letters from you. How about it?

[Announcer]

Nice of you to be interested, Rogue, but Conchita and I can take care of our own affairs without any outside assistance.

[Richard Rogue]

Goodbye, Rogue. No, I like it here. Where are the letters, Frank?

[Announcer]

You bore me, Mr. Rogue. I wish you'd leave.

[Conchita Morales]

Make him give them to You Richie.

[Nell]

Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

I want those letters, Frank. You ever hear of blackmail?

[Announcer]

I'm not blackmailing anybody. Those letters are mine. They came to me through the mail. I want to keep them, I will.

[Conchita Morales]

But you'll threaten me with them. That is Illegal, isn't it, Mr. Roche?

[Announcer]

Sure.

[Richard Rogue]

It's especially illegal for a guy who's out on parole.

[Announcer]

Who's gonna call the cops in on this deal? You, Conchita?

[Conchita Morales]

Mr. Roque will handle it for me.

[Announcer]

Look, sweetheart, it's no go see. You and I'll just have to work this out our own way.

[Conchita Morales]

Hit him, Mr. Rogue. Kill him.

[Richard Rogue]

No, no, no. Now, there are ways of handling petty larceney pasties. Pasties like Frank that you never heard of, Kita. Look, Frank, you know you've got two strikes against you. Are you going to play ball with me?

[Announcer]

Cheetah's mine and she's going to stay that way. Rogue, she's not getting away from me with your help or any other way. I've asked you two or three times to get out of here. Rogue. Are you leaving?

[Richard Rogue]

No.

[Announcer]

I'm sorry about this. I always liked you, Rogue. Oh, Smitty.

[Richard Rogue]

Yes, Mr. Maxson?

[Announcer]

Will you ask the boys to throw Mr. Rogue out, please?

[Richard Rogue]

Your thugs lay a hand on me, I'll break your neck, Maxson.

[Announcer]

We'll see. Throw them out, boys.

[Richard Rogue]

It occurred to me as I hit the sidewalk with the back of my head, among other things, that Frank owned a piece of the Club Cuba. And that it was a bad place to start a beef with him. I got up piece by piece, counted my arms and legs and waited a while for Conchita to come out. She didn't. So I felt in my pocket for that 250. It was there I went home. The next morning I went to the office and tried all forenoon to get in touch with my Latin type clothes at her swank apartment hotel, the Mayflower. Couldn't locate her. I had a late lunch and when I got back to the office about three, there was a little old lady waiting there for me. A lovely little old lady with rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes with a lot of laugh crinkles in the corners of them.

[Conchita Morales]

Mr. Rogue?

[Richard Rogue]

That's right. You waiting to see me?

[Conchita Morales]

Yes, I was. I've been waiting for quite a while, Mr.

[Nancy Lang]

Rogue.

[Conchita Morales]

I just had to see you.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, I'll have a chair. Don't tell me you're in trouble. No.

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, yes, Mr. Rogue, I am. I'm in trouble because my son is.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, tell me about it.

[Conchita Morales]

Well, there Isn't really very much to tell, Mr.

[Nancy Lang]

Rogue.

[Conchita Morales]

I know so little about what Norman has been doing. It's always been a little wild. But a few weeks ago he quit his job and he's had much more money than he ever had before. I know that he's been doing something wrong, Mr.

[Nancy Lang]

Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, now, Mrs. Mrs. Stam. Mrs. Stam, have you tried talking with him?

[Conchita Morales]

I haven't told you the worst yet, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Conchita Morales]

Last night he came home for the first time in 10 days. Oh, I've just been worried to death about him.

[Nancy Lang]

And.

[Conchita Morales]

And when he came in last night, he was so pale, and I tried to talk with him, but he went right to his room. Yeah, he called me after a while and I went in to see him. And. Oh, Mr. Rogue, he had been shot through the shoulder. He was bleeding badly.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, I see.

[Conchita Morales]

I asked him to let me call a doctor and he wouldn't. I know that he'd been shot while he was breaking some law. I took care of him as well as I could, and I think he's going to be all right. I want you to come and talk with Norman tonight, Mr.

[Nancy Lang]

Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, Mrs. Stam, I'm working on another case right now.

[Conchita Morales]

Just come out and talk with him. You could advise him what to do. He won't pay any attention to me, and I have to get him straightened out. Mr. Rogue, I have a little money and.

[Richard Rogue]

Where do you live?

[Conchita Morales]

In the southwest part of Town, at 2673 Spring Lane. Would you come out with me and talk with Norman? I'll pay you for your time, Mr. Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

I'll go with you, Mrs. Stam.

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, thank you.

[Richard Rogue]

That's perfectly all right. But please don't plan on me performing any miracles. If your son was shot during a robbery, he's going to have to go to jail. You know that, don't you?

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, yes, I know. I only want him to do what's right, Mr. Rogue. I don't want him to do anything foolish.

[Richard Rogue]

No, of course you don't. You have a car? No, we'll take mine.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, you certainly have plenty of privacy out here, Mrs. Sam.

[Conchita Morales]

Yes, it's lonesome, but my husband bought it many years ago. He thought then that it would build up out here, but it hasn't.

[Richard Rogue]

Did your son know you were coming.

[Richard Diamond]

In to see me?

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, no, I didn't tell him. He's right here in the front bedroom, Mr.

[Nancy Lang]

Rogue.

[Conchita Morales]

Please try to understand, Norman, Mr. Rogue. He's a very sensitive boy.

[Richard Rogue]

All right, I'll take it Easy with him.

[Conchita Morales]

He's gone.

[Richard Rogue]

There was the bed with blood on the sheets where a man's shoulder would have been lying. There was no note, no sign of the wounded boy I'd made the trip to see. The little old lady was almost hysterical. I finally got her calmed down. She made some tea, offered me a cup.

[Conchita Morales]

I should never have gone away and left him. I should have known better. He was frightened, Mr. Rove.

[Richard Rogue]

Now, now, drink your tea, Mrs. Stamp. Don't cry. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything for you. We'll find him.

[Conchita Morales]

You will help me, won't you, Mr. Rove?

[Richard Rogue]

Of course.

[Conchita Morales]

Please drink your tea. Don't you like it?

[Dick Powell]

I love it.

[Richard Rogue]

Yes, it's. Well, it. It is a little. A little bitter. I.

[Conchita Morales]

It's a special kind my oldest boy sent me from China.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, it. Oh, I'm feeling a little woozy.

[Conchita Morales]

You are? Well, that's right. That's the way it should be.

[Richard Rogue]

You.

[Conchita Morales]

You.

[Dick Powell]

You poison me.

[Richard Rogue]

You.

[Conchita Morales]

That's right, Mr. Rogue. I did.

[Richard Rogue]

My body dissolved before it hit the floor. And a warm breeze wafted me upwards gently, like a spark out of a chimney. I was drowsy and happy when I hit cloud number eight. I was at peace with the world until I heard that nail file laugh of my alter yugor.

[Announcer]

Well, Rogie, that little old lady kind of put you away, didn't she?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, shut up. Let me sleep. Midget.

[Announcer]

Don't you think you better get downstairs and see what's going on?

[Richard Rogue]

Why?

[Announcer]

Oh, there must be Some reason why, Mrs. Stam, if that's her name, gave you those knockout drops. Look at you. Knocked out by lavender and old Mickey's bright boy.

[Richard Rogue]

Why do you suppose she did it, Pest?

[Announcer]

Oh, I don't know, but you'd better find out. You're in a jam, Rogie.

[Richard Rogue]

I'll bet that Conchita dame fits in here someplace.

[Announcer]

Get out of here, Rogie.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay. Don't push, Ugor. You're my friend.

[Nell]

Going down.

[Dick Powell]

Going down.

[Announcer]

Next stop, planet Earth. Last car just leaving.

[Richard Rogue]

Cut it out. Pull it out.

[Nancy Lang]

Oh.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, here I go again.

[Announcer]

Goodbye, Rogie.

[Richard Rogue]

I came to in my car. My gun was gone. I. I looked for my money. It was still there. I looked at my watch. It was 9:30. I drove to my office, opened the door and stopped dead in my tracks. There was a dead man lying there in the middle of the floor. He'd been shot at close range through the head. My gun was lying a foot from the body. The gun that had been stolen from me. While I was knocked out, I closed the door and leaned up against the wall. To think I was still leaning there when the door opened. Hello, Rogue. Who's your friend? Oh, hello, Hello, Lieutenant Urban. What are you doing here? I got a call telling me you just killed a man. Yeah, well, that's Frank Maxson, that defunct character there. Your gun? Yeah. Looks to me like we're gonna have to hold you Rogue for murder.

[Announcer]

We'll return to our story in just a moment, but first we'd like to remind you that in Marie Antoinette's time, hairdressers stood on ladders in order to dress towering hairstyles. Today, the trend in hair fashions is simplicity, a style that requires shining, immaculately clean hair. Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo is ideal to keep your hair looking its loveliest at all times. Made from pure vegetable and coconut oils, it protects the hair from drying and becoming harsh no matter how often you shampoo it just a little. Fitch's Saponified Shampoo makes swirls of cleansing, fragrant lather that whisk away every bit of dust and dirt. And the special patented rinsing agent contained in the shampoo ensures the removal of all lather and other particles from the hair so you won't have to bother with additional after rinses. For a shampoo that assures praise winning results every time. Use Fitch's Saponified Shampoo. You can have a professional application at your beauty or barbershop or ask for an economical bottle at your drug or toilet goods counter. Fitch's Saponified coconut oil shampoo. Six full ounces, 50 cents. Now back to Rogues Gallery. Dick Powell, as Richard Rogue is telling our story.

[Richard Rogue]

What started out to be a very quiet day brought Conchita Morales, the Mexican singer, to my office. She wanted to get some letters back from a Frank Maxson. I went with her to meet Maxson in a cafe and we had a brawl in front of plenty of witnesses. After I made a few threats, I got thrown out. Next morning I tried to find Conchita and couldn't. That afternoon, a little old lady came to my office, told me her son, Norman Stam, had been wounded in a hold up, and I went with her to her home. When we got there, her son was gone. I drank a cup of tea which was sweetened with knockout drops, and I woke up in my car, drove to my office and walked in to find Maxson, the man I'd threatened shot to death with my gun. While I was standing there wondering what to do Next. Lieutenant Urban of Homicide walked in. Looks like we're gonna have to hold you Rogue for murder. Oh, I didn't kill him. You threatened him in a cafe last night. Plenty of people heard you. Where do you get all your information? The little bird that told me he was dead, that you'd killed him. How about I just got here. I've been gone since about 3:30 this afternoon. Yeah, Maxim. Looks like he's been dead since about seven. Where were you at seven? An old lady came in here this afternoon to see me and I went out to her home with her. You. You mean you've got an alibi? I. I don't know. What do you mean you don't know? Either got one or you haven't? Well, I. I went out to see this woman's son. He wasn't there when we got there. So you came back here and killed Maxson. Look, Rogue, somebody phoned Maxson at six o' clock and told him to be here at your office at 7. How do you know so much? We've been on the case since 7:30. Rogie. Looks like he went a little too far this time. Look, Urban. Look, Urban, I was doped. I've been out of the picture since about 5:30. While I was out, somebody lifted my gun. Rogie, just put yourself in my place. I find a guy you've threatened to kill dead in your office, shot with your gun. Then instead of an alibi, you give me a fairy story about wicked old witches and knockout drops. Where does this old lady live? This one that kidnapped you? Out southwest on Spring Lane. Go out there and talk to her, Urban.

[Announcer]

Okay.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay, Rogie. We'll just ride in the squad car just in case, eh? No lights on. There's nobody home. I think we'll go in, Rogie. As long as you say there's a wounded man in here, I don't have to have a warrant. Try the door. Well, it's unlocked. Come on. Turn on the lights. No, they don't go on. You got your flashlight? Yeah. Look, Rogie, the furniture's all covered. There's nobody living in this house. Urban, come over this way. Let's look in this bedroom. Are you sure you're all right, Rogie?

[Dick Powell]

Sure.

[Richard Rogue]

Come on over here. Well, there's not even any furniture in this room. That's right, but. But there was a bed with. With blood stained sheets. I'm sorry, Rogie. They seem to have disappeared with the old lady and your alibi. This house hasn't been lived in for months. Why'd you kill him, Ro? Look, Urban, you know me better than to think I'd pull a dumb rub out like that in my office. Yeah, but there are no fingerprints on that gun but yours, Rogie. And he was killed in your office. And you don't have an alibi. What am I supposed to do? I'm a cop. I've got to believe the evidence. Oh, sure, I can see it that way. Well, I. I've been framed by an expert. Have any ideas? Some vague ones. Well, I'm gonna pull up here and get some cigars in that cigar store. If you're not here when I get back, I'll expect you at headquarters in an hour. Thanks, Urban. Good luck, Rogie. Well, hello, Murphy. How's my favorite house detective?

[Announcer]

Oh, hello, Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

What are you doing here at the Mayflower, huh? I want to talk with one of your guests, flatfoot. Do you owe me any favors? Maybe. What do you want me to do? Give me the pass key to Conchita Morales apartment. You want me walking the streets? Ah, now, just give me the pass key. And if you hear any shooting come up. What's the deal, Rogue? A little murder. Is she in, do you know? Conchita isn't in. The old lady's up there, though. The old lady? Look, Murphy. What old lady? I'm looking for an old lady. Huh? Oh, you mean Conchita's mother. Yeah, Sheeta's mother. Hey, a little old lady about this high. Eyes with lots of laughs in them. White hair, plump. That Conchita's mother?

[Announcer]

Sure it is.

[Richard Rogue]

Her name's Shay. So's Conchita's.

[Nancy Lang]

Huh?

[Richard Rogue]

Her real name's Ellen Shade. She's no Mexican dame. No kidding. Give me your rod and a pass key. No, don't get up. Please, Mrs. Shea. Just keep your seat.

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, Mr.

[Nell]

Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah. Surprised to see me?

[Conchita Morales]

Yes, I am a little.

[Richard Rogue]

I can understand that, Mrs. Shea. You figured me for a murder app, didn't you?

[Conchita Morales]

Please don't point that gun at me.

[Richard Rogue]

For some reason or the other, Mrs. Shea. I don't trust you.

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Richard Rogue]

Where's Conchita or whatever your daughter's name is? That Latin from Manhattan, that phony Mexican.

[Conchita Morales]

I won't have you talking that way about my daughter.

[Richard Rogue]

What do you expect me to call her after the tour? You frame me for murder.

[Announcer]

Murder?

[Conchita Morales]

You said that before. What do you mean?

[Richard Rogue]

You're gonna drop that act? Murder, I said. And murder is what you frame me for. Now, sit down. Where's Conchita?

[Conchita Morales]

I'm expecting her any moment Drop that gun, Rogue. Oh, Tippy, where have you been? I've been waiting for you to come in. He keeps talking about a murder.

[Announcer]

I said drop that gun, Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

And why should I drop the gun?

[Announcer]

Because if you don't, I'm gonna pull.

[Richard Rogue]

The trigger on this one. And it's resting at the back of your neck.

[Announcer]

Come on, drop it.

[Dick Powell]

Ah.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, where did you come from?

[Dick Powell]

I was in the kitchen mixing myself a drink, fortunately.

[Richard Rogue]

Tippy Tyler, huh? I suppose you're the man Conchita's in love with at the moment.

[Conchita Morales]

That's right. They're going to be married, Mr. Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

In the death house. I hope.

[Announcer]

That's wishful thinking, Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

The two of you killed Frank Maxson, didn't you?

[Conchita Morales]

Killed him? Killed Mr. Maxson?

[Richard Rogue]

No, no, Rogue, you did. According to the cops and all the evidence, you were Frank's right hand man before he went up, weren't you, Tippy? Mm. He kind of took over while he was gone.

[Announcer]

Go on, talk, Rogue. I'm just figuring out what I'm gonna do with you.

[Conchita Morales]

Oh, Conchita.

[Richard Rogue]

Hello, Mama.

[Conchita Morales]

What are you doing here?

[Dick Powell]

Senor Rogue, he's making things difficult, Angel.

[Richard Rogue]

I just dropped in for a little chat about a house out on Spring Lane and a wounded man who wasn't there and a murdered man in my office. That's all. It was a very nice job of framing me, Conchita Ellen Shea. And you can drop that broken down accent.

[Conchita Morales]

Okay, Mr. Rogue. Smart guy, what happened? Who was murdered?

[Richard Diamond]

You ought to know.

[Richard Rogue]

You helped the planet.

[Conchita Morales]

I did not. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Announcer]

I've been arranging things for us, Conchita. Frank Maxson is dead. Your mother helped arrange it.

[Conchita Morales]

I didn't know what I was doing, Conchita. Honest, I didn't.

[Richard Rogue]

No, that's a lie and you know it. You and your daughter are in this thing too far to get out now unless you smart up fast.

[Announcer]

There's too much talk going on in here. Maxson's dead. He was found dead in Rogue's office. Shot with Rogue's gun. Rogue's as good as burn for him.

[Dick Powell]

Mama.

[Conchita Morales]

Did you kill him? No. No, I didn't, Conchita.

[Announcer]

Look, sweetheart, everybody heard Rogue threaten Maxson last night. It was our chance to get rid of him.

[Richard Rogue]

Conchita, listen to me. This chiseler's got you all fouled up in a murder, baby. You'll fry for it.

[Nell]

I don't know anything about a murder.

[Conchita Morales]

Tippy killed him.

[Nell]

He killed Maxon.

[Conchita Morales]

My Conchita knows nothing about.

[Announcer]

Stop being chumps, will ya? You're both in this with me. You help me frame Rogue for it. Max and Gahn, I'm the biggest operator in town. All we have to do is kill Rogue and we've got the world by the tail.

[Richard Rogue]

You'll all go to the chair for it. You can't get away with killing me.

[Announcer]

I'm going to kill you, Rogue, right now. If you've got anything to say, say it. Cause here it comes. Fall Gu.

[Richard Rogue]

The little old lady picked up my gun and let Tippy have it right between the eyes. He never knew what hit him. The house Dick came charging in and she told him the whole story. Tippy owned that house she took me to. He framed it with the old lady to get me out of the way, giving her some cock and bull story about wanting to search my apartment. She pleaded guilty to giving me the knockout drops, but denied knowing that he was framing me for murder. And as long as she saved my life and gave me an alibi for the time of the murder, I. I believed her. The judge let her off with a suspended sentence at my request. Conchita was. Conchita was very grateful to me. And when Conchita, she was grateful. Oh, the angel she sing.

[Announcer]

Oh, bro.

[Richard Rogue]

This is Dick Powell again, ladies and gentlemen. Don't I meet some lovely people in these stories. They love murder like Richard Rogue loves money. And it makes a very happy combination. Ray Buffum wrote the story, Leith Stevens composed and conducted the music, and D. Engelbach produced and directed. But don't forget, you've got a date with us all next Thursday night. We've got a story for you about blackmail, intrigue and sudden death. We call it Eve and the Apple. So make a date with us, will you? Thanks for listening and good night, Hall. Now here's Jim Doyle.

[Announcer]

Don't forget to tune in again next Thursday, same time. Oh, and by the way, be sure to see Dick Powell and his newest RKO picture cornered at your local theater soon. And as I was saying, don't forget to tune in again next Thursday, same time, same station, when you will again hear Dick Powell as Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. Remember, if dandruff is your problem, ask for Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo. Removes dandruff the first time it is used. Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo is the only shampoo whose guarantee to remove dandruff is backed by one of the world's largest insurance companies. This statement can Be made by no other shampoo. Ask for Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo at your drug or toilets. Good counter. Barber or beauty shop. Fitch is spelled F, I, T, C, H.

[Richard Diamond]

Here's Dick Powell as Richard Diamond. Diamond, private detective. Hello there. I'm Diamond.

[Richard Rogue]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

If you've got any idea how much trouble a private detective can get into sometimes. Well, if you happen to have an office at Broadway and 53rd street and the sign painted on your door reads Diamond Detective Agency, you're a setup for more trouble than a guy who goes bear hunting with a switch. I know because I've got that office and the sign painted on the door. Sure, I've got a lot of idle time, and I use it up sitting around with my feet on the desk, waiting. But idle time can be as dangerous as a rattlesnake taking a sunbath. It's just a preliminary. The lull before the storm. You might wait an hour, a day, or maybe even a week. But the quiet minutes keep multiplying, and sooner or later, things come to a head. Like one day last week, I'd been working on an extra long lull that didn't look like it was going anywhere. But in another part of town, a union meeting was taking place. It was going to keep me jumping around like a hungry flea at a dog show.

[Dick Powell]

I wanted to talk to you, man. It's time that we did something. The Laborers Assistance League is already functioning in a great number of factories in this city. And it's getting a stronger foothold all across the country. It continues to expand and gain power because it operates best where there's growing unrest and discontent within the factories. They cause trouble and make it look like the union's not doing a good job for the worker. I know for a fact that four or five men can sit in on a union meeting and cause enough trouble to make it look like the whole union is wrong. Now, this union is getting along fine.

[Richard Diamond]

He's really out to make trouble tonight.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

If he keeps it up, this is going to be a tough union to crack. He won't keep it up. We're going to take care of it. Oh, what good will that do? His brother Phil will be in from California next week. We can shut his brother up, too.

[Dick Powell]

Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

He planned this thing with his brother.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

When he gets in from California, he's bringing enough information to put us out of business. That just gives us a week.

[Dick Powell]

He's talked too long.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's break this meeting up.

[Dick Powell]

Is doing just that. Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

How do we know you're not talking through your hat?

[Dick Powell]

Well, now, look, you all know me. I gripe as much as the next guy. But I know for a fact that this league is not only working like that all over the country, but now it's beginning to move in on our factories and our unions.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but how do we know it's.

[Nell]

Such a bad thing?

[Dick Powell]

They're a bunch of racketeers.

[Richard Diamond]

And if you don't believe me, you.

[Dick Powell]

Come to this meeting next week and I'll give you the proof you want.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. Well, I guess you're right. He promised them proof in a week, and that's what his brother gets in. Don't worry about it. When he gets the package, he won't be able to give anybody anything.

[Nell]

Tom, bring in the rest of the dinner dishes, will you?

[Dick Powell]

Oh, sure, honey.

[Nell]

Here, Mama, let me wash them. You talk to Tom for a minute. He's going to another meeting tonight. Oh, meetings, meetings. Always meetings. Oh, Tom, you're working too hard.

[Dick Powell]

No, don't worry, Mama. Phil will be home tomorrow. You help me.

[Nell]

Oh, this is not a good business, Tom. The phone call, the threats. Come on, Tom, tell Mama.

[Dick Powell]

I can't, Mama. It'll all be over soon. Now, come on, we'll help.

[Nell]

Marge, I told you to go sit down and relax. You sound like I was getting to be an old lady. You take the dish towel and we'll both do them, huh?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Nell]

Your wife thinks I'm getting too old to wash dishes. Just you wait until she has a daughter in law. I think Mama's hinting.

[Dick Powell]

Mama, shame on you. You give us the time to get the son first, and there's plenty of time for a daughter in law.

[Nell]

Well, I had you and Phil by the time I was 18. Marge is 22, and you've been married over a year now.

[Dick Powell]

Mama, if you're so set on me raising a family, why don't you talk it over with Marge? Maybe you two can think up something.

[Nell]

We'll let you know.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, you do that, will you?

[Nell]

You better hurry up, Tom. You'll be late for the meeting.

[Dick Powell]

All right, Mama. Oh, I'll get it.

[Nell]

No, no, no, no. You say goodbye to your lovely wife. Why, thank you, Mama. You know, before your father died, I only had time to raise two screaming roughnecks. But now I plan to be the grandmother of at least five more.

[Dick Powell]

How about it, honey? Think we ought to make Mama happy?

[Nell]

This is a conspiracy. Who do you think's gonna get left with all the work?

[Dick Powell]

Maybe just Three then, huh?

[Richard Rogue]

Silly?

[Nell]

I love big family. Oh, I thought so. Smoochin when you ought to be on your way to the meeting.

[Dick Powell]

Can't guy even smooch with his own wife?

[Nell]

Who was at the door, Mama? The mailman. He left our special delivery package for you, Tom. It's in the living room.

[Dick Powell]

For me?

[Nell]

Yeah. Must be from Philip. It's from California.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, he must be sending some stuff on ahead. Well, why don't you open it, Mama? Maybe it's something for you, too.

[Nell]

Oh, the women have dishes to wash. It's a dress to you. If you don't want to open it now, so leave it till tomorrow. Now go on, get out of my kitchen.

[Dick Powell]

You know, you're sounding more like a.

[Announcer]

Mother in law every day.

[Conchita Morales]

Okay.

[Dick Powell]

You know, maybe it'd make you happier if you knew that Marge and I decided on five kids.

[Nell]

Children are not kids. Kids are goats.

[Dick Powell]

Well, you never know.

[Nell]

Tom, John Wagner called you earlier.

[Dick Powell]

Wagner? What do you want?

[Nell]

He didn't say. Who's the package from?

[Dick Powell]

It's from Phil, all right. I know it's a surprise because he sent it to me at the shop first and then they sent it on here. Wonder why I didn't get it at the shop.

[Nell]

Well, what is it?

[Dick Powell]

Just a second. Mama. Wrapped up pretty tight. Oh, it's sure heavy.

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond Detective Agency. Murder. Soft, cheap. We eliminate the middleman. Oh, by George, that was a good one. Is this Lieutenant Levinson, the homicide kingpin?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, get down here, will you? What's up, lover? Something pretty nasty. Well, tell Otis to stop leaving his bubble gum under the seats. No kidding, Rick, this is something that you ought to know about. Well, stop sounding like an auctioneer at a mortuary and tell me what it is. You know the Waxmans, Mama Waxman?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, sure.

[Richard Diamond]

Had dinner over there last week. Took Helen. What's happened, Walt? Last night someone sent Tom Waxman a box with a bomb in it. What? I knew you were a friend of the family and I've got to talk with you. Come down here, will you? You know it. I closed the office and grabbed a cab for Walt's precinct. All the way over I kept thinking about Mama Waxman and their two sons. I'd known the whole family when I used to be on the force. Tom, who used to sing first tenor at the synagogue, had gotten hit in the throat with a baseball and cater Weinberg asked me to take over for him. So I sang that day in Tom's place. Mama Waxman heard me and asked me over later for the best Dinner I'd ever eaten. We've been friends ever since. The cab dropped me off at the station, and I went in fast. Sergeant Otis was sitting at his desk reading the police gazette. Hello, Otis.

[Sergeant Otis]

Stop.

[Richard Diamond]

Panting they're just pictures. Oh, it's the comic gumshoe. Go on in, Diamond. The lieutenant expects you. Oh, thanks, Sergeant. By the way, when you gonna get a haircut? You're beginning to look like Rasputin with a Tony. Hello, Walt. Sit down. I got a real headache. How much damage did the bomb do? Plenty. Killed Tom and put his wife and mother in the hospital. Mama Waxman's pretty bad. Oh, that's awful. Any line on the killer? Yeah. That's why I got this headache. We're holding Phil Waxman, Tom's brother. Holding Phil? Are you crazy? Those two kids are inseparable. Tom's wife said that the box the bomb came in was from Phil. She heard Tom say so before he opened it. Well, she could have been mistaken. Someone could have copied Phil's handwriting. The story's got more holes in it than a fishnet. The package was sent from California, Rick. That's where Phil was. He got in this morning, and we picked him up at the train. What does he say? I thought at first he was gonna say plenty, but then some guy comes in and says that he's his lawyer. After the guy left, Phil shot up like a clam. He denies the crime, doesn't he? Oh, sure, but that's all. Can't get anything else out of him. Who was this guy who claimed to be his lawyer? I got it right here. Name is John Wagner.

[Richard Rogue]

Ah.

[Richard Diamond]

You check on him?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

He's a lawyer, all right, but we can't find an address on him. Moved his offices about three weeks ago. Can I talk to Phil? Won't do you any good. But if you want to have Otis take you over to the Tombs, I won't have to hold Otis's hand, will I?

[Dick Powell]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Go on. Get out of here. There's somebody to see you, Waxman. All right, Diamonds.

[Dick Powell]

You got five minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

How are you going to keep track, Otis? On my fingers. Well, that'll only get you up to 13. I'll scream if I need you. How are you, Phil? You ran on a tough wrap.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

You want to tell me about it?

[Dick Powell]

I've told the police everything I'm going to.

[Richard Diamond]

Who was the lawyer who came in to see you?

[Dick Powell]

Just a lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

John Wagner.

[Dick Powell]

Just a lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, what were you doing in California? Now, Phil, I know you didn't send that bomb why don't you open up and get yourself free?

[Dick Powell]

I've said all I'm gonna say. Now get out of here, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, it's like that, huh?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, it's like that.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, come on.

[Dick Powell]

Go on, get out. Okay, okay.

[Richard Diamond]

But don't forget your mother. You don't want to let her down. I'm going over to the hospital and see her now. Hey, Otis, let me out of here. Hello, Mama.

[Nell]

What?

[Nancy Lang]

Who?

[Nell]

Oh, Richard. How's my big policeman?

[Dick Powell]

Fine, Mama.

[Nell]

Did you know that one of my wonderful sons is dead? Did you know that, Richard?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, Mama. Now, you take it easy or the doctor won't let me stay.

[Nell]

They killed my Tom because what he.

[Dick Powell]

Said was the truth.

[Nell]

And that's why they are bad. Because they don't let people tell the truth.

[Dick Powell]

Who, Mama? My boy Phil knows.

[Nell]

He will tell everything about them and.

[Dick Powell]

Then they will be arrested. Sure, Mama.

[Richard Diamond]

But who does Phil know about? I just saw him and he won't tell me.

[Nell]

Mama, I feel so sleepy.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm tired, Mama.

[Nell]

You'll have to leave now, Mr. Diamond.

[Dick Powell]

Is she asleep, nurse?

[Nell]

Yes. We gave her an injection before you got here.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, then may I see Mrs. Tom.

[Dick Powell]

Waxman for a minute?

[Nell]

Yes, she's in this next room. She isn't as serious as Mrs. Waxman, but she has to rest. I'll give you a minute with her.

[Dick Powell]

Mind.

[Nell]

Yes? Who is it?

[Nancy Lang]

Rick.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, now, now, come on.

[Richard Diamond]

You gotta help me out. I'm the guy that's supposed to make people laugh. I'm the cornball with a bad line of chatter, remember?

[Nell]

I can't help it. I'm sorry. They. They gave me something to make me sleep and things don't make too much sense.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, dear, I want to help Mama.

[Dick Powell]

And I want to help you, too.

[Richard Diamond]

But the nurse will only let me stay a minute. The police are holding Phil. I just came from seeing him.

[Nell]

Did he tell you anything?

[Dick Powell]

Nothing.

[Nell]

I made a mistake and told the police that the bomb had arrived in a package from Phil. I didn't think. They can't believe Phil would ever do a thing like that. He was helping Tom.

[Richard Diamond]

Mama said Phil knows who did it.

[Nell]

He doesn't know. He just knows who's behind it. I'm pretty sure I know too.

[Dick Powell]

Who?

[Nell]

Marge, Tom's been making speeches against an organization that call themselves the Laborers Assistance League.

[Richard Diamond]

I've heard of them. King size bunco game.

[Nell]

Yeah. Phil's been in California. He joined the league and found out a lot of things about it. He used to write Tom once a week.

[Nancy Lang]

Your time's up, Mr. Diamond.

[Nell]

You'll have to leave.

[Richard Diamond]

Just a second, Marge. Did Tom tell anybody what his brother was doing?

[Nell]

I don't know. There was a man named John Wagner that called Tom all the time.

[Richard Diamond]

John Wagner? He's a lawyer.

[Nell]

Please, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Did he tell any of the men who work in the shop with him?

[Nell]

Yes, I think so. Mr. Diamond.

[Nancy Lang]

I'll have to call the doctor.

[Richard Diamond]

Please, nurse. This may mean another man's life.

[Dick Powell]

Marge, who did he tell?

[Nell]

Well, I. I can only remember one person. Ralph Pryor.

[Dick Powell]

Pryor?

[Nell]

Mama used to fix Tom and Ralph dinner after work sometimes. But he. He. He was Tom's closest friend.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Marge, now, you take it easy and I'll see what I can do.

[Nell]

Please, Rick, find the men who did this.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes.

[Dick Powell]

Well, I'll try.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, Nurse.

[Nell]

I shouldn't have let you stay this long.

[Richard Diamond]

What would I have to do to get you to take care of me?

[Nell]

Have an accident?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll see what I can come up with.

[Dick Powell]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

I left the hospital and walked out of the street. One of those sidewalk photographers snapped my picture and handed me a card in case I wanted to send him two bits for the print. I threw the cart away and headed for the factory where Tom had been working. The superintendent took me down and introduced me to the new foreman of the shop. Yeah, Pretty rough about Tom. That's an understatement. Tommy. When did you take over Tom's job as foreman? This morning. How long have you worked for the shop? About three years.

[Dick Powell]

Why?

[Richard Diamond]

Are you a cop? I might be. You know a guy named Ralph Pryor?

[Richard Rogue]

Sure.

[Dick Powell]

That's him right over there.

[Richard Diamond]

About that third turtley. Want me to call him over? No, I think I can make it under my own power. Hey, you Ralph Pryor? Yeah. You knew Tom Waxman pretty well, didn't you? Yeah. Well, don't cry on the machinery. It'll rust.

[Announcer]

Who are you?

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want? Name's Diamond. Let's say I'm a friend of the family. Well, good for you. What are you snooping for? I've got an Erector set. I just love machinery. Well, don't get too close to this machine, or it'll take your arm off. As long as it's not the one I count my money with. How long have you worked here? None of your business.

[Richard Rogue]

Where were you during the war?

[Richard Diamond]

Same answer. Well, thanks, Mr. Pryor. You've been grand. Hey, foreman.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

Did you talk to Pryor? He's the quiet type. How does the mail come in here? From the mail Room Ask a silly question. No, I mean who brings it in? No special one. Foreman usually sends someone after it. Do you remember a package coming here for Tom yesterday or the day before? No. If there'd been one, Tom would have seen it. He was the foreman then. Where can I find the mailroom? Up the halt, ahead of the stairs.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure is too bad about Tom. You said that. Say, didn't I know you all back in Little Rock, Arkansas? No, I'm from Malvern. I just thought of that. I went up and talked to the mail room clerk. And he was a little more help. There had been a package for Tom. He told me that he'd sent it down along with some other mail. But he couldn't remember who'd picked it up. I was beginning to get warm and I knew it. So I slipped into a phone booth and put in a fast call to Lieutenant Levinson, Homicide. Sergeant Otis. Otis. Let me talk to the lieutenant. Oh, it's you, Diamond. Why don't you stop playing like a detective? Why don't you buy the lieutenant a necktie for his birthday? A fuzzy green one. You think he'd like that?

[Dick Powell]

Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

And if the clerk hasn't ever seen a fuzzy green one before, just show him your tongue. Now put the lieutenant on. Lieutenant Levinson. Walt, did you find out anything about that bomb? Oh, yeah, Rick. It was dynamite. Highest grade. But I don't see how it could come all the way from California through the mails without the caps blowing the whole thing up. Neither do I. Do me a favor, will you? Pick up a Ralph Pryor. He works at the same shop that Tom Waxman did. What can I hold him on? Just picking him up. Pick him up for questioning. Since when do you need an excuse? Now, you wait a minute. If you know something about this. I've just got a hunch. Pick the guy up and I'll be down a little while and tell you all about it. I hung up on Walt. Just he was getting around to the wind you could censor. And headed back to the factory. I waited around outside for about 10 minutes. And then sure enough, a prowl car pulled up and two boys in blue got out and went in. In a couple of minutes they came back outside. Only this time they had company. Ralph Pryor. I waited until they pulled away. Then I hailed the cab and headed for the 5th Precinct myself. Where have you been? Snooping, Walt, I just saw your boys pick up Pry at the factory.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, would you kindly tell me what you wanted him picked up for? Oh, it's A long shot, Walt. I found out he knew what Tom's brother was doing in California. What was he doing? Getting some information on a racket that's been trying to muscle in on Tom's local union. In California? Yeah, they're operating all over the country. You've heard of them? Labor's Assistance League. Oh, those leeches. Well, I still don't see what this has got to do with Pryor. Well, I think that bomb was sent from the factory here in New York. I found out a little while ago that in order to get hold of that package, the killer would have to be working in Tom's shop. You think Prior did it? I'll tell you better when I see if anyone comes down to get him out.

[Richard Rogue]

Well? Well, what?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what are we gonna do? Sit here and look at each other? That's a pretty ghastly thought. How about a fast game of canasta? Oh, you know, it's a lousy two handed game. Well, I'm just trying to help. We could play jacks, but twosies. Throw me. Yeah, what is it, Otis?

[Richard Rogue]

The lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

John Wagner's out here. Says he wants to see the guy we just picked up. Fast word. Ralph Pryor? Yeah, he says he represents some kind of Laborer's Assistance League or something. Said the prior's a member. All right, let him see him. Okay. Lieutenant John Wagner, that lawyer who came in to see Phil Waxman this morning is back again. Rick, it's time to see Pryor.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what are you looking so smug about? Looks like the hunch is going to pay off. You mean this lawyer is tied in with the killing? Well, I'm not sure, but I think so. Tom Waxman was making speeches against the Assistance League. Now a lawyer from the League shows up to help the only guy who knew what Tom was up to and worked in the same shop with. Now I suppose you want me to hold a lawyer.

[Richard Rogue]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Why?

[Richard Diamond]

How do I know? That's what I asked you. What am I supposed to know? Everything.

[Richard Rogue]

Lock him up if you want to.

[Announcer]

What for?

[Richard Diamond]

He's not guilty. How do you know he's not guilty? Because you had me pick up Ralph Pryor. Well, let him go, too. Let him go where? With his lawyer.

[Announcer]

I thought you wanted me to lock up the lawyer.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, that was your idea. What was? Locking up the lawyer. I don't want to lock up the lawyer. Well, let him go. He's not in Priory.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, let him go.

[Dick Powell]

Who?

[Richard Diamond]

Phil Waxman. How did he get in here? I don't know. You Put him in. Of course I put him in. Now, why should I let him out? I don't know. I ask you. Ask me what? Why you put him in. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Otis, empty the jails and throw this idiot out of my office. Thanks, Walt.

[Dick Powell]

Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

I went out in the squadroom and spotted the lawyer just as Otis started back into Walt's office with a glass of bicarbonate. He was a little guy dressed neatly in a Homburg, blue suit and spats. I made sure that he was my man and I went out in front of the precinct to wait. I hung around for about half an hour until he finally came out, and then I started the tail. He grabbed a cab and so did I. We went across town and I watched him as he got out and went into a big building on 38th Street. I went in after him. We rode the same elevator to the eighth floor. We both got out. I made like I was looking for a room number and he went in the door with a sign on it reading, continental Shipping offices in New York, California and London. I got close to the door and could hear a phone being dialed. I'd have given my eye teeth complete with the fillings to have heard what the conversation was about. Yes? Yes. I just went down to see him. He'll be released in an hour. I've got him passage on the tramp steamer. When they release him, he'll meet me at a place I picked and I'll give him the ticket. I'll tell him the police are up to something and he'll have to get out of the country. Don't worry about that. He'll never get there. The captain of the ship is being paid to see that he doesn't.

[Richard Rogue]

All right.

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, everything is going as well as can be expected. Oh, one more thing. A friend of Waxman's, a private detective, is following me. One of our men took his picture coming out of the hospital after seeing Waxman's mother. Yes, well, don't worry about it. I can take care of him when the time comes. All right.

[Dick Powell]

Goodbye.

[Richard Diamond]

I waited until he came out of the building and the hunt was on again. I grabbed another cab and it took my last three bucks chasing him to a little waterfront dive on Canal Street. I followed him in and watched him sit down in a booth at the back of the room. I made like an unhealthy patron and took a table near the door where I could watch. An hour later, a guy walked in and headed for the lawyer's booth. He was Ralph Pryor. He talked with the lawyer for a minute, then took an envelope from him and got up. He went out, and I went after him. If I was right, he was my killer. The lawyer could wait. Ralph, I want to talk to you. I thought I told you to stop snooping bad. Right here. Let's step in this alley. For what? Get in the alley. Hey, what do you think you're shoving around? You're just full of questions. You know, mister, you're not so big that you can't end up with a busted head. Now let me go. I guess you better understand something. Oh, get the point. You just don't want to play, huh? Maybe you haven't guessed it, but I'm mad. I'm gonna kick you from one end of this alley to the other until you tell me who sent that bomb to Tom Waxman. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Dick Powell]

Okay.

[Richard Diamond]

The state might slap my wrist, but I don't like losing good friends.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, my nose.

[Richard Diamond]

You should see Mama Waxman. She looks a lot worse, but she's got a lot more troubles. She lost a son. Wait a minute.

[Dick Powell]

Wait a minute. I can't take anymore. Ah, sure you can. Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

Just think about something else. Tom Waxman, maybe, or his wife and mother. Want to tell me?

[Dick Powell]

Okay. No, please. Wait a minute.

[Nell]

All right.

[Dick Powell]

I did it. I did it. Leave me alone, will you?

[Richard Diamond]

You picked up a dummy box sent from California to the factory, and you planted a bomb in it.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Announcer]

Why?

[Richard Diamond]

Because Brother Phil had evidence enough to smear the League.

[Dick Powell]

You know a lot, don't you?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure.

[Dick Powell]

Tom was going to present the evidence in front of his union.

[Richard Diamond]

And the League sent an empty box from California dressed with Phil's forged handwriting.

[Dick Powell]

I went up to the mailroom and picked up the box, put the bomb in it and sent it to Tom's house.

[Richard Diamond]

You do it for the League?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, I did it for them.

[Richard Diamond]

Who's the boss of the league?

[Nell]

Well, I.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on. Come on.

[Richard Rogue]

All right.

[Dick Powell]

It's.

[Nell]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Now you'll never know. Wow. Mr. John Wagner. Complete with derringer. I hope you notice the error of his ways, Mr. Diamond. He talked too much. You got a funny way of keeping clients out of trouble. I'm glad you noticed. I'm gonna do the same for you. Won't you need a retainer?

[Dick Powell]

No. This one's on the house, so to speak.

[Richard Diamond]

I think you're gonna get one anyway. That cop at the end of the alley with a riot gun doesn't look like he's Hunting gophers? That is a very stale attempt at throwing me off guard. Anyone that would be stupid enough to try a worn out stunt like that deserves to die.

[Dick Powell]

You'll make it easy for me.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, suit yourself. Fire when ready. Gridley, what do you think? Thanks, Walt. You arrived in the nick. Nick. Pick a bigger zunt. Why can't you get mixed up with a wife beating or something? The taxpayers are getting tired of seeing their streets cluttered up with a lot of bodies. Why don't you yell at me? How did you find me? I knew something was up, so when Ralph Pryor was released, I tailed him. I saw you tailing Pryor. I saw the lawyer tailing you, so I tail the lawyer. Well, if you'd had an eight piece band, you'd had a parade. Oh, nuts. Oh, what's the matter, Walt?

[Dick Powell]

You.

[Richard Diamond]

You'd had to shoot him. He was gonna kill me. I'm not worried about that. Well, what is it? I forgot to bring my bicarbonate along. Well, the wagon came and created Pryor and the lawyer off to the morgue. When we got back to the station, Walt in a call to the feds and told them to check the Labor's Assistance League in California and pick up the guys who sent the package through the mails. Using the mails like that can be a tough rap. And three weeks later, the government closed in. They picked up the big wheel and threw the whole bunch away for 10 to 20. Tom's brother Phil was released and he went in front of Tom's union and gave them the evidence he'd collected while he was with the League. Needless to say, the League wasn't represented presented that night or any night after that. About three weeks after Mama Waxman came home from the hospital, she invited me over for one of her famous dinners. I brought Helen and her butler. Francis came along to help with the serving. Mama, I'm stuff.

[Nell]

Well, Richard, you didn't finish up the cheesecake.

[Richard Diamond]

Can't make it, honey.

[Nell]

I can't move. Helen's a good girl. She ate everything in front of her.

[Nancy Lang]

You know what?

[Nell]

You two should get married.

[Richard Diamond]

Her appetite is the best argument against getting married I can think of.

[Nell]

Keep working on him, Mama. All right, now, let's all go into the front room. If I know my big policeman, he still likes to stretch out on the couch.

[Richard Diamond]

You are so right. Here, let me help you, Mama.

[Nell]

Thank you, Richard. There's Francis. Oh, he's in making some coffee. Oh, he's been such a help before the accident. It was Nothing to serve supper.

[Richard Diamond]

You sit right here, honey.

[Nell]

All right. Thank you.

[Nancy Lang]

I won't have to eat another thing for a week.

[Sergeant Otis]

Here's the coffee, Mrs. Rexman.

[Nell]

Francis, you must call me Mama, like the rest. Oh, yes, ma'.

[Conchita Morales]

Am.

[Nell]

Mama. Did you have enough to eat also? Francis, it was simply wonderful. You know, someday, if Ms. Asher doesn't.

[Richard Diamond]

Mind, I'd like to stop by and. Well, just to swap recipes, as it were.

[Nell]

Well, I think that would be wonderful, Francis. Why don't you do that? I'll give you some fine ones, Francis.

[Richard Diamond]

Where's Phil tonight, Mama?

[Nell]

He had to go to our union meeting. He's going to work in Tom's shop. He also asked me to thank you for singing at the funeral.

[Richard Diamond]

Glad to do it, Mama.

[Nell]

Richard, we always wondered where you learned to sing in Yiddish.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I used to pound a beat on the Lower east side.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh.

[Nell]

Well, would you do me a big favor, Richard?

[Dick Powell]

Sure, dear.

[Nell]

I'm feeling a little sad about my boy tonight. Would you sing something for me? This song he liked you to sing.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm a little full of dinner, Mama.

[Nell]

Please.

[Dick Powell]

Really?

[Nell]

Oh, yes, please, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all right.

[Dick Powell]

Mimi. Mimi.

[Richard Diamond]

It's pretty good for a shaker, Mama.

[Nell]

Fine. What does it mean?

[Richard Diamond]

Don't tell her, Baba.

[Nell]

Oh, that was wonderful, Richard. You know, you would make a fine cantor.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, thank you, Mama. How'd you like it, Francis?

[Sergeant Otis]

Dishwasher.

[Dick Powell]

What?

[Nell]

Francis?

[Richard Diamond]

What did he say, Mama?

[Nell]

He says, as a cantor, you would make a fine dishwasher.

[Richard Diamond]

You have just heard Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell.

[Richard Rogue]

Hey, Eddie.

[Richard Diamond]

Eddie, you mind if I butt in for a minute? Not at all, Dick.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

I just wanted to tell the people that next week our show is going to be on at a different time and a different day. The day will be Saturdays instead of Sundays. And would you please look in your newspapers for the time? Thanks, Dick.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, Richard diamond will.

[Richard Diamond]

Come to you next Saturday at a new time. Be sure to check your newspaper for the hour. This program has come to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Announcer]

At the first sign of a cold, take Rexall antihistamine. Bottle of 15 tablets, only 39 cents at Rexall drugstores everywhere. And now listen. While the makers of Rexall drug products and 10,000 independent Rexall family druggists bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Good health to all from Rexall. Now your ex all family druggist brings you a transcribed half hour with Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah? What's the matter?

[Announcer]

You got to do something for me.

[Richard Rogue]

Hey, you're hurt.

[Announcer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

Now take it easy.

[Nancy Lang]

Sit down. Oh, no.

[Announcer]

You gotta listen to me.

[Richard Rogue]

You're bleeding all over the place. I'll call a doctor.

[Announcer]

No, please, please, wait.

[Richard Diamond]

But look.

[Announcer]

Knifed. I've been knifed bad.

[Richard Rogue]

I don't think I've got much time.

[Nell]

Here, take this right behind me.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm going to call a doctor.

[Announcer]

No, no, Listen, listen. Key west get envelope to the.

[Richard Rogue]

Hey.

[Announcer]

Hey, you.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, no. The man, whoever he was, had toppled over on his face and was very dead. He handed me a plain white envelope sealed with no address on it. I went over to my desk to put in a called Homicide when I heard someone moving around in the hall. I turned and saw the shadow of a man silhouetted against the glass section of my office door. I grabbed a pen and hurriedly scribbled the address of Lt. Walter Levinson, 5th Precinct Homicide, on the envelope, stuck a stamp on it, then headed for the hallway. I was about to open the door when the shadow was joined by another one. They opened it for me. Excuse me.

[Announcer]

Wait a minute.

[Richard Rogue]

We want to ask you. Later, later. I gotta mail a letter.

[Announcer]

Hey, stop him. Don't let him rail that thing.

[Richard Rogue]

They were both big men and could run. I beat them to the mail chute by a split second and dropped the envelope. They made a dive for it and when they missed, they forgot it and started concentrating on me.

[Announcer]

Oh.

[Nancy Lang]

Mr. Diamond, no. Mr. Diamond. Mr. Diamond, please try and sit up. It won't happen to you.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, where are your wings, honey?

[Nancy Lang]

You look as though someone had beaten you up.

[Richard Rogue]

No, don't be silly. It's the latest thing. Hey, I'm back in my office.

[Nancy Lang]

I found you lying here. You want me to call a doctor?

[Richard Rogue]

No, no, call Homicide.

[Nancy Lang]

Someone dead?

[Richard Rogue]

Certainly. That guy right over.

[Nell]

What guy?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, dandy. Well, honey, there was a guy. In fact, he was lying just about where I'm lying. And he was dead. Look, you can see the blood.

[Nancy Lang]

I thought that was your blood.

[Richard Rogue]

Rather than try and convince you, maybe you'd like to tell me why you came up to see me.

[Nancy Lang]

Well, my name's Nancy Lang. I want to hire you.

[Richard Rogue]

To do what?

[Nancy Lang]

I'm giving a big party tonight. Some very wealthy guests. I just want someone around to keep an eye on things.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, I'd like to help you, but I've got a bit of a problem with a missing body.

[Nancy Lang]

Oh, that's too bad. I was prepared to pay you $500 for the evening.

[Richard Diamond]

500?

[Richard Rogue]

Well, so a body gets lost who wants to hunt a corpse when he can tend a perfectly good well? Good afternoon, Sergeant Otis.

[Announcer]

Oh. Oh. How are you, Diamond?

[Richard Rogue]

Still breathing. Why don't you try it sometime?

[Announcer]

Oh, go jump. No lake.

[Richard Diamond]

Only if you lend me one of.

[Richard Rogue]

Your shoes to paddle around in. Hello, Walt.

[Announcer]

Hi, Rick. Oh, no. What happened to you?

[Richard Rogue]

Well, two charming gorillas used me for a fast game of squash.

[Announcer]

Who were they?

[Richard Rogue]

Never saw them before, but I got a hunch they killed the guy. Let's have a look at your mug file. I gave Walt the story and told him about the mysterious envelope he would be getting in the mail. But after two hours of checking the rogues gallery, we came up with nothing. So I went home, shaved and changed and went out to my client's house where she met me in a well appointed library. Her appointments were.

[Nancy Lang]

Well, Mr. Diamond, right on time. You look much better.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, I. I tried to wear something that wouldn't clash with my bruises.

[Nancy Lang]

I'd like you to meet Senor Gallardo.

[Richard Rogue]

Gallardo?

[Nancy Lang]

An old friend. A very wealthy politician from South America. This is Mr. Diamond. Mr. Gallardo.

[Announcer]

How do you do, sir?

[Richard Rogue]

How are you, Mr. Giardo?

[Nancy Lang]

Mr. Diamond is a private detective. He's here to guard the wealth.

[Announcer]

How very interesting.

[Richard Rogue]

Kind of an official watchdog, Mr. Yardo.

[Announcer]

Well, there will certainly be enough to. Ms. Lang's guest list is made up of some very wealthy and prominent personalities. In fact, I am very flattered to be among them.

[Richard Rogue]

I. I've seen you before.

[Announcer]

Very possibly. Have you ever been to South America?

[Richard Rogue]

A couple of times, but that's not it.

[Announcer]

My home is in Bogota.

[Richard Rogue]

No. Well, it doesn't matter. I'll think of it.

[Nancy Lang]

If you'll excuse us, Mr. Gar. Though, I want to show Mr. Diamond around the house and ground.

[Announcer]

Certainly. Certainly a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Diamond.

[Nancy Lang]

The House was my father's. He died several years ago. He used to love this garden.

[Richard Rogue]

It's beautiful.

[Nancy Lang]

Smell the jasmine.

[Host]

Yes.

[Nancy Lang]

What made you become a private detective?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, I don't know. Why? I make a pretty good living. My own boss. I was a cop for a long time. I like to work. That's quite a fountain. Trying to give Rockefeller set a competition.

[Nancy Lang]

It looks beautiful with the lights on there.

[Richard Rogue]

Yes, it certainly does.

[Nancy Lang]

You're not the type to be a private detective.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, I'm definitely the type of.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure.

[Richard Rogue]

Like everything else, it gets dull sometimes. But when things start popping, it can get pretty interesting.

[Nancy Lang]

Like this afternoon getting beaten up. Man you said was killed in your office.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, he wasn't killed there. He just died. There. Besides, how many guys can wake up lying on their office floor and have.

[Richard Diamond]

A beautiful girl offer them 500 to.

[Richard Rogue]

Come to a party?

[Nancy Lang]

I see what you mean.

[Richard Rogue]

Don't you think you'd better get back here? Guests are probably arriving.

[Nancy Lang]

Yes, I'll switch off the fountain lights.

[Richard Rogue]

Don't you leave them on? Your guests would love it.

[Nancy Lang]

My father used to sit and watch it for hours. I don't like to show it to everyone.

[Dick Powell]

Hmm.

[Richard Rogue]

Kind of like a part of the garden died.

[Nancy Lang]

You certainly are a strange man.

[Richard Rogue]

Never noticed myself.

[Nancy Lang]

Well, I have. I like you.

[Richard Rogue]

Where did you meet Mr. Giado?

[Nancy Lang]

In South America. He was a good friend of my father's.

[Richard Rogue]

Wealthy politician.

[Nancy Lang]

That's right, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Rogue]

It's Rick.

[Nell]

Rick?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, I. I think we better go.

[Dick Powell]

Back to the party.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm a fairly normal guy. Nancy was a very exciting girl. And the kiss in the garden was as nice as anybody could ask for. But there's one thing I do pride myself in, and that's a certain lack of stupidity. There was something wrong. Nothing I could put my finger on, but I sensed it. Like being lost in a dark room with a loose high tension wire. I circulated around and nothing out of the ordinary happened. By 3 o', clock, the party broke up and Signor Gallardo and Nancy were the only ones left.

[Announcer]

A most enjoyable party, Ms. Lange.

[Nancy Lang]

Thank you. It was nice of you to come, Senor Gallardo.

[Announcer]

Well, I must say good night. Have you remembered where you have seen me before, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Rogue]

Well, not yet, Mr. Gardo.

[Announcer]

Oh, it's too bad. Thank you again for a charming evening, Ms. Lang. Good night, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Rogue]

Good night.

[Nancy Lang]

Good night. Well, I'm exhausted.

[Richard Rogue]

A little beat myself.

[Nancy Lang]

You want some coffee?

[Richard Rogue]

Love it. We had some coffee and Nancy drove me home. I kissed her good night and left with a promise to call. As I reached my floor, I could hear my phone ringing. I opened the door and stumbled into the biggest mess I'd seen in a long time.

[Richard Diamond]

My room was a wreck. Someone had torn it to pieces.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, diamond, it's a quarter to four in the morning.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want, fatty?

[Announcer]

We fished a body out of the river about an hour ago. Died from a knife wound in the back.

[Richard Rogue]

Did he fit the description of the guy who died in my office?

[Announcer]

This one didn't fit any description. Someone was very careful to fix his face so we couldn't identify him.

[Richard Rogue]

Check his fingerprints.

[Announcer]

You're playing around with some pretty gory individuals. They amputated his fingers.

[Richard Rogue]

Somebody's given my room a good going over. Really? Took it apart. It's an odds on bet. They were after that envelope. Now, when you get it tomorrow morning, give me a call. It might tell us everything we want to know.

[Announcer]

Okay.

[Richard Rogue]

Walt. You ever heard of a man named Gallardo? South American, supposed to be mixed up in politics?

[Announcer]

No. Why?

[Richard Rogue]

Nothing. I met him at the party tonight.

[Announcer]

What's the racket?

[Dick Powell]

Ship.

[Announcer]

I met this guy at a party and.

[Dick Powell]

What?

[Nancy Lang]

Rick?

[Dick Powell]

Rick, what's the matter?

[Nancy Lang]

Rick?

[Announcer]

Who is this? This is Lieutenant Levinson. Who is this? Mr. Diamond is unconscious.

[Richard Rogue]

What?

[Announcer]

And if you ever want to see him alive again, listen carefully. Okay, go ahead. From Mr. Diamond's conversation, I understand you are to receive the envelope. When you do, go directly to the Staten Island Ferry. Ride on it all day if necessary. A man will meet you and pick up the envelope. Be alone. Do not notify the police or Mr. Diamond will surely d. And now back to tonight's adventure with Richard Diamond. Private Detective. Starring Dick Powell.

[Richard Rogue]

Someone had sapped me and sapped me good. I had a dull, throbbing headache. And when I began to find my way back to consciousness. I felt my coat pulled off and my right shirt sleeves rolled up. There was a sharp pain in my upper arm. And several seconds later, my headache disappeared in a surge of heat that spread out over my back and shoulders. I tried to fight it, but it. But it was like being on a sinking ship. Trying to crawl back up the slanting deck. The ship dragged me down, and I swallowed up in the black water. The next thing I remembered was a blinding circle of light overhead. Like the sun, if you were looking at it through a sheet of wrinkled cellophane. I shut my eyes and I could hear voices far off.

[Announcer]

Hollow.

[Richard Rogue]

Not making much sense. The light hurt my eyes, but I couldn't seem to shut it out. So I tried to relax and wait. Give the drug time to wear off. After what seemed like hours, the voices began to make sense. The light was easier to look at. It was just a plain ceiling lamp. The feeling in my fingers began to return. I realized I was lying on a bed.

[Announcer]

The restaurant on the corner. I won't be more than 10 minutes.

[Richard Rogue]

The other man had promised to be back in 10 minutes, so I had to do something in a hurry. I kept tightening my muscles, trying to get the circulation back. I had to make a try. I wasn't sure of my strength, but I had to try. I rolled off the bed.

[Announcer]

Hey.

[Dick Powell]

Hey. Coming out of it, huh?

[Announcer]

Trying to break your neck?

[Richard Rogue]

He leaned down to pick me up. And I hit him just below the Adam's apple with the side of my open hand. The man choked and turned blue. Grab for his shoulder holster and I kicked out with both feet. He doubled over and fell on his face. The effort had put him out of commission, but I was exhausted. I grabbed his gun, staggered for the door, but getting out of that room was like wading through an acre of glue. I made the hall somehow and started down the steps. I met the other man coming up. His arms were filled with beer and sandwiches. I shot him right through his dinner.

[Announcer]

Feel better?

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

Walt, a little more coffee, huh?

[Announcer]

You really had a rough time. They pumped you full of this stuff?

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah. I'm amazed. I was out nearly 14 hours, huh?

[Announcer]

Yeah. Lost a whole day. How you managed to get down here, I don't know.

[Richard Rogue]

I guess I'll never know.

[Announcer]

Drink your coffee.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah. And you gave them the envelope, huh?

[Announcer]

Yeah. About an hour before you staggered into the station. I rode that ferry all day. 5 o' clock a man came up to me and I gave him the envelope. Oh, I was smart. I had three men on the ferry and three men at each landing to tail him. He was a little smarter. He took the envelope, stuck it in a waterproof case and jumped overboard. Fast speedboat picked him up.

[Richard Rogue]

No identification on the guy I shot, no record.

[Announcer]

Nothing on him by the time we got there. What did the other guy look like?

[Richard Rogue]

I was so punchy I couldn't tell much. He'll have a sore throat for a long time.

[Announcer]

But they were the ones who beat you up yesterday at your office.

[Richard Rogue]

They were?

[Richard Diamond]

When you feel like it.

[Announcer]

I want you to take a look at that guy we dragged out of the river. See if you recognize his clothes or anything. He just might be the one who died in your office.

[Richard Rogue]

All right. Now, what was in that envelope?

[Announcer]

Well, I had a photostat made before I took it to the ferry. Looks like part of a map here.

[Richard Rogue]

So this is what's caused all the trouble. Boy, it must be worth a lot.

[Announcer]

Can you make anything out of it?

[Richard Rogue]

Water, section of land. And here's a. Oh, here's a longitude reading, but no latitude reading.

[Announcer]

Probably on the other half.

[Richard Rogue]

I wouldn't doubt it. Well, I've got a hunch about this. I want you to send Otis over to pick up Nancy Lang. Then take me over to the newspaper office and help me look at the files for something on a man named Gallardo.

[Announcer]

You know what you're looking for?

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah. This guy Gallardo. Senor Gallardo.

[Dick Powell]

I know.

[Richard Rogue]

I've read about him or seen his picture.

[Announcer]

I hey, Wall, you find something?

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, here he is. But his real name isn't Gallardo. It's Ortiz. Yeah, look at those headlines.

[Announcer]

Julio Ortiz Assassinated. Rebel Leader Killed After Plot to Take Over Government Failed.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, listen to this. Ortiz was expecting a large amount of American dollars to finance his army. Although the rumor is not confirmed, it was reported that Ortiz shipped a million dollars in gold bullion to someone in the United States. The plane was supposed to have crashed. And it is interesting to note that the recent plane crash in which two American pilots escaped, John Bishop and Bernard Combs were found floating off Key West. Key West? Holy smoke. That's what the guy in my office tried to tell me. He said Key west before he died. A wall. Don't you see? Ortiz is still alive. Maybe those two pilots double crossed him.

[Announcer]

He hid the goal.

[Richard Rogue]

That's what that map is all about. I'll eight to five that man you've got down in the morgue. Is one of those pilots John Bishop or Bernard Combs?

[Announcer]

I'll have the FBI send us the files on both those guys. If one of them is John Bishop or Bernard Combs, we won't need fingerprints nor a face. But check their dental records, birthmarks.

[Richard Rogue]

Let's get back and see if Otis has got the lovely Nancy Lang. That's right.

[Announcer]

Lieutenant Shane in town? She's gone on a vacation, a butler said.

[Richard Rogue]

Did he say where?

[Announcer]

No, he said he didn't know. He said this Ms. Lang left town about 4:00 this afternoon.

[Richard Rogue]

And I'll bet she's with Ortiz. Walt, when you talk to the FBI about those two pilots, have them check Nancy Lang, too. I'm going to Key West. Send any information to the chief of police there.

[Announcer]

Why, I'm glad to know you, Diamond. We just got a teletype from a lieutenant identifying the body. It was Bernard Combs, one of the pilots.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, here's the half of the map. Tell me, does that look like any section of coastline around here?

[Announcer]

Now, that's hard to say. I'll have it checked.

[Richard Rogue]

You ever heard of a man named John Bishop? He's the other pilot.

[Announcer]

Oh, sure. When them two boys was found floating around, they brought them into Key West. They was in the hospital here a couple of days. Bishop still lives in Key West?

[Richard Rogue]

Well, I hope so. He may have died here very recently.

[Announcer]

And you think this here Ortiz is in Key west, too?

[Richard Rogue]

I'll bet on it. He wants the other half of that map and may have it by now. He's got to go after that gold. You'll Need a boat and some diving equipment.

[Announcer]

What makes you think the gold's in the water? This map's got a shoreline, too.

[Richard Rogue]

Those two pilots couldn't carry a million dollars in gold bullion.

[Richard Diamond]

It either went down with the plane.

[Richard Rogue]

Or they dumped it and then bailed out and let the plane crash.

[Announcer]

Well, I'll get Bishop's address. We'll go over there and have a talk with him. He's on the next floor.

[Richard Rogue]

I hope you're right.

[Announcer]

Well, that's where he's been living. Right down here. Bisham. Hey, Bishop. Door's locked.

[Richard Rogue]

You got a pass key?

[Announcer]

Yeah. Bishop.

[Richard Rogue]

You.

[Announcer]

Lord have mercy.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

Is that Bishop?

[Announcer]

Yeah, that's him. Boy, he sure is dead.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, that accounted for the two pilots. So now all we had to do was find Julio Ortiz. It figured he now had both sections of the map. And his next move would be to hire a boat and diving equipment. There weren't many places in Key west where a man could rent a boat and diving equipment. So the chief rounded up his men and we all started checking. It didn't take long.

[Announcer]

No Captain Poirier hiding. My ship ain't come back yet. We ain't do the sail for an hour. What did the party look like? Pretty girl can't figure what she wants to go diving for. But I just ran them to keep my mouth shut.

[Richard Rogue]

Probably Nancy Lang or Tis is staying undercover until the last minute.

[Announcer]

Well, I'll spread my boys around. We'll keep out of sight. And when they show up, Skipper, you don't say nothing about us. Sure, sure. I just rent them and keep my mouth shut. About ready for that boat to sail?

[Richard Rogue]

They'll wait till the last minute.

[Announcer]

Just imagine a million dollars in gold. Just like a part story.

[Richard Rogue]

Not enough killings mixed up with it to be one. Hey, hold it.

[Announcer]

That them?

[Richard Rogue]

Ah, that's Nancy Lang, but Ortiz isn't with her.

[Announcer]

Who are them two fella?

[Richard Rogue]

I've never seen them before. Some of Ortiz's men. They're probably checking to see if everything's clear before Ortez comes aboard. We got as close to the schooner as we could and waited. The two men walked over and checked the diving equipment while Nancy Lang went below. We kept waiting, and still Julio Ortiz didn't show.

[Announcer]

Hey, they started engine.

[Richard Rogue]

I don't see Ortiz anywhere.

[Announcer]

They're casting off.

[Richard Rogue]

We better take them.

[Announcer]

Yep. We're gonna have to jump.

[Richard Rogue]

Look out for that when he's got a gun.

[Announcer]

I got him. Jump.

[Richard Diamond]

The other guy's running forward.

[Announcer]

Stop. You. He's going Over. Well, my man will pick him, huh?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. I'm going below, Captain.

[Announcer]

What in the world?

[Richard Rogue]

Hello, Nancy.

[Nancy Lang]

How did you find me?

[Richard Rogue]

Where's Ortiz?

[Nancy Lang]

I don't know who you're talking about.

[Announcer]

Is this the girl?

[Richard Rogue]

Nancy Lang, meet Key West's chief of police.

[Nancy Lang]

How do you do?

[Announcer]

Where's Ortiz?

[Richard Rogue]

She says she doesn't know who he is.

[Announcer]

Okay, young lady, I'm gonna hold you for the New York authorities.

[Nancy Lang]

Hold me for what?

[Richard Rogue]

Murder John Bishop and Bernard Combs. And we can make it stick.

[Announcer]

It might go easier on you if you tell us where Ortiz is at.

[Nancy Lang]

I still don't know any Ortiz.

[Richard Rogue]

Gallardo, the man I met at your party.

[Nancy Lang]

That's ridiculous.

[Richard Rogue]

Now, look, we know all about the gold. You don't have a chance of raising it. And eventually we'll get Ortiz.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Announcer]

We're back at the Dell.

[Richard Rogue]

If you don't help us, Nancy, it's pretty sure you'll get life for command complicity.

[Nancy Lang]

And if I do help?

[Richard Rogue]

I can't promise a thing. But it will make a difference with the court.

[Nancy Lang]

Julio is waiting 10 miles down the coast. We were to pick him up, then go out and raise the gold.

[Richard Rogue]

He has the map?

[Nancy Lang]

Yes.

[Announcer]

I'll tell the skipper to shove off again. We'll sail that 10 miles and grab Ortiz.

[Richard Rogue]

What's your connection with Ortiz, Nancy?

[Nancy Lang]

He's my husband.

[Richard Rogue]

A dozen police officers came aboard below decks. The skipper put out to sea and sailed parallel to the coast. Nancy told me all about her husband and his history as a rebel leader in South America.

[Nancy Lang]

I was stranded in South America with a show that folded. I married Ortiz after the gold was lost. He faked assassination and came to the United States. We located the two pilots. My husband was suspicious, so I played up to the one who came to your office. I got him drunk one night, and he told me about the gold and his half of the map.

[Announcer]

We've gone the 10 miles.

[Nancy Lang]

I'm glad it's over with.

[Announcer]

I see a man standing on the beach.

[Nancy Lang]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Rogue]

Yes.

[Nancy Lang]

I was supposed to lure you into that garden. Figured what I said at the fountain, I really. Oh, forget it.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

No sense making it any tougher. We pulled into a cove and got as close to shore as possible. Then we swung a dinghy over the side. The chief and I climbed in behind Nancy. We kept our hats down over our faces and hoped Ortiz wouldn't notice until it was too late. We both rode and kept our backs to him. Nancy sat in the stern facing us. Rick, we headed right. I don't Want to turn around?

[Nancy Lang]

You get it. All right. Rick. My husband has always been good to me.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm glad he was good to somebody. He sure made a mess out of a couple of guys I can think of.

[Nancy Lang]

But he was good to me.

[Announcer]

And we're nearly there. Hello, darling.

[Nancy Lang]

Hello, Julio. Yes, the police are with me.

[Announcer]

Why, you stupid little. He's running for it.

[Dick Powell]

Save the girl.

[Announcer]

Let him go. My men will pick him up.

[Richard Diamond]

I got a score to settled.

[Richard Rogue]

Ortez, stop.

[Announcer]

Okay.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, that. That makes the assassination permanent.

[Announcer]

Again, here's your Rexall family druggist. Good health to all from Rexall. Richard Diamond, Private Detective, stars Dick Powell in the title role and was written by Blake Edwards with music by Frank Worth. Dick Powell may currently be seen in the Metro Golden Mayor production Right Cross, in which he co stars with June Allison and Ricardo Montalban. Featured in tonight's cast were Barton Yarborough, Barney Phillips, Virginia Greg Wills, Herbert Arthur Q. Brian and Luke Krugman. Richard Diamond, Private Detective is transcribed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle. This is Bill Foreman inviting you to join us next week at this time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private Detective.

[Dick Powell]

For her birthday, anniversary or graduation, choose.

[Sergeant Otis]

A glamorous new Bulliva.

[Dick Powell]

Her Excellency Watch 21 Jewels America's greatest.

[Sergeant Otis]

Watch Value.

[Dick Powell]

By transcription Lux presents Hollywood Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Luxe toilet soap bring you the Lux Radio Theater starring Dick Powell and Marguerite Chapman in Johnny o' Clock with Lee J. Cobb and Janice Carter. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[Sergeant Otis]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. I don't know what your preference is, but when it comes to people in general, the favorite form of entertainment is not comedy, not melodrama, not even romance.

[Dick Powell]

It's mystery.

[Sergeant Otis]

Take, for example, Columbia Pictures current murder mystery Johnny o', Clock, which we're presenting tonight. Starting Dick Powell in the title role and Marguerite Chapman with Lee J. Cobb and Janice Carter. Dick and Lee in their original screen roles. We've had many requests for Johnny o', Clock, and one that we're happy to acknowledge comes from Ms. Marilyn Hires, who works as a car hop in a Pasadena drive in. And let me assure you that Southern California prides itself on the attractiveness and beauty of its car hops. She says in her letter. I started using Lux soap when I was attending high school. Now that I'm in contact with the public all day long, I appreciate the value of a nice skin and Lux soap has certainly been wonderful for that. Our thanks to Ms. Hires as we raise our curtain on Act 1 of Johnny O'.

[Dick Powell]

Clock.

[Sergeant Otis]

Starring Dick Powell as Johnny and Marguerite Chapman as Nancy Hobson. With Lee J. Cobb as Inspector Koch and Janice Carter as Nell. A spring evening in New York City. In the lobby of a better class midtown hotel. The desk clerk assumes the painful duty of speaking to a man who stands before the counter.

[Dick Powell]

I beg your pardon? Oh, I wanted to ask you about.

[Richard Diamond]

The ashes from your cigar.

[Dick Powell]

We have ashtrays, you know. Oh, sorry. If you want a room. I'm sorry. All filled. No, I'm just looking for someone. Fellow called Johnny O Clock. Does he live here? Never heard of him. Perhaps if I do.

[Sergeant Otis]

I'm sorry, I really haven't.

[Dick Powell]

Oh.

[Sergeant Otis]

Oh, a police officer. Mr. O' Clock's in. Sweet 14:15.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks, but I doubt if he's up yet. 9:00 clock at night?

[Nell]

Well, you see, he works very late.

[Dick Powell]

He rarely leaves here till the middle of the evening, you might say. I got time. I'll wait for him here in the lobby.

[Sergeant Otis]

Yes, sir. Now then, miss, what can I do for you?

[Nell]

Mr. O', clock, please. May I have his room number?

[Sergeant Otis]

He expecting you?

[Nell]

No, but.

[Dick Powell]

Sorry, miss.

[Nell]

If you wait in the lobby here.

[Sergeant Otis]

I think you'll be down.

[Dick Powell]

Charlie. I wouldn't let you sleep, Johnny, except you said.

[Nell]

Hey.

[Dick Powell]

Dressed already? Yeah. What does it look like? Out the window? Rough. Think it'll rain? What's eating you, Charlie? She called a while ago. Mrs. Marquettes wanted to know if this had been delivered in this box. Oh, from the jewelers, huh? Yeah. What is it? It's a watch. It's engraved too. To my darling, with unending love. Where's the newspaper? That's what you found about the box. To see if you got it. Hear what I said, Johnny? I heard you. Well, when you look at that front page. That trigger happy cop, that blatant, always with a gun that fella says he shot. Who was he? Oh, blatant. Just like the target. I'll see you later, Charlie.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm going to.

[Nell]

Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

Lobby.

[Nell]

Johnny, can I talk to you, please?

[Dick Powell]

Well, Harriet, what happened to your cheek?

[Nell]

Oh, it's nothing.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, nothing that Bladen hasn't done before, huh?

[Nell]

Could we take a walk, Johnny?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, maybe we'd better.

[Sergeant Otis]

Mr. O', clock, there's someone here to see you.

[Dick Powell]

The desk clerk means me. Koch is my name. Mr. O Clock. How do you spell it? C, O, P. The lady here.

[Nell]

I'll wait outside, Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

All right, I'll be right out. This has to do with a policeman named Bladen. Chuck Bladen. He's A friend of yours? Everybody's my friend. Well, Bladen's in trouble. He shouldn't have shot that man. Trouble? A cop in trouble? He won't be one much longer, Chuck. Blade never stuck to just being a cop. He liked to cut himself in on all sorts of enterprises. Matter of fact, he's had some dealings with you, hasn't he? Now you're guessing. Any more questions? No, no more questions. Just a proposition in return for certain information. You'll do what? Look, a man named Edo Marquettis runs a gambling house. Your second in command. Well, I'll give you a break. My arms or my legs, Mr. O', clock, from what I know about you, you're a man who looks at a situation, says what's best for me and acts accordingly. That's right. That's why the answer is no.

[Nell]

Johnny. Is it Chuck? Is he in trouble?

[Dick Powell]

Do you care? Mr. O', clock, I'm sorry to see you take this attitude. I'm sorry. You're sorry. Mr. Car. We could be useful to each other. Me to you? Not you to me. Oh, the young lady. You haven't introduced us. I'm on a blind date. Well, I'm a real patient man, miss. I can wait. Why did Bladen hit you, Harriet?

[Nell]

I don't know. His way of telling me off, I suppose. And he threw with me. Then he laughed at me. He said.

[Dick Powell]

Well, what did he say?

[Nell]

He said for me to go to you, to tell you. Oh, Johnny, what did I do?

[Dick Powell]

Blow your nose and wipe your eyes in the order named.

[Nell]

Oh, kid. With me, please.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, now, look, you gotta grow up, kid. You were in love with Bladen. But when a thing's over, it's over.

[Nell]

Not for me. I'm not like you. Oh, will you help me, Johnny? Will you?

[Dick Powell]

Sure. Sure. You know I'll help you. Now, come on, let's get out of the club. You just get here, Johnny? Yeah. Big night, huh, Charlie? Yeah. Hey, you seen Harriet? Some hatchet. Why can't you get here on time?

[Richard Diamond]

She's been with me.

[Dick Powell]

If she gets rushed, you get in the courtroom and help her. Sure, Johnny, sure. Oh, he's outside. Bladen? Yeah. Where? In the alley, back in the kitchen. Okay. You want me to go with you? No, I think I can handle Blade. Hello, Johnny. Hello. Hey, you've been reading my mail? No, no, just evening paper. Also been entertaining your friends? I didn't know I had any outside of you. Well, don't let it go to your head, Chuck. Two people came to see me about you, Harriet. And the guy named Koch, also in your line of business. Koch? You're not interested in the first party? Frankly, no. Why don't you mind your own business? Oh, I asked this in a friendly way. Oh, look, that kid doesn't know whether she's coming or going. All right, tell her she's going. You afraid to tell her yourself? I'll tell her. That's fair enough. Only don't start up with her again. I tell you this in a friendly way. You don't need to worry. She doesn't fit into my plans anymore. Now, look, chum. Marquettis has been able to keep this place open because he and I have been able to see eye to eye. Right? Go on. That's all. Except now I've served my apprenticeship. Edo Marquettis is taking me in as a full partner. Oh? Oh, does he know? Johnny, your boss has been out of town, remember? Yeah, he's due back tonight. I'm waiting for him to show. You know, of course, that Marquettis has a partner. You say he had a partner? Do you mind if I laugh in your face? That's the way it's gonna be. Me and Guido Marchettis, the grease ball and me. What a bet. Look, Johnny, you know me. You get in my way, I'll kill you. You know something, Chuck? What? You took the words right out of my mouth.

[Nell]

Hello, Johnny. How's business tonight?

[Richard Diamond]

Good evening, Mrs. Marchettis.

[Dick Powell]

We're doing okay, thank you.

[Nell]

Did Charlie give you the box?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, I got the watch.

[Nell]

Did you like it?

[Dick Powell]

Not enough to keep it.

[Nell]

I gave it to you for old time's sake.

[Dick Powell]

You're getting it back. For old time's sake. Johnny. Oh, hello, Guido. Welcome home, Johnny. I meet Chuck Bladen outside. Come in, Chuck.

[Host]

Come in.

[Dick Powell]

Thanks, Guido. Evening, Mrs. Marquettes. Hi, Nell. I thought I told you to meet me in the bar.

[Nell]

I just came in to talk to Johnny. That's all right, isn't it?

[Dick Powell]

Sure, honey. That's all right. I'm glad to see you, Johnny. Glad you're back, Dito. How was the trip? Oh, that's a fine place. Mexico. I buy lots of nice things, Johnny. What do you say, Marquettes? It's getting late, honey. I got a little business and. No, wait. First I want to show them what you give me for welcome home presents. Look, boys, a watch special made for me. That's some watch, Guido. Must have cost plenty. How do you like it, Johnny? Why, it's beautiful. Thing like this has to be special made. Shows where I stand with Nell, huh?

[Nell]

You know how I stand with you, Gail.

[Dick Powell]

I want everybody else to know. You're a lucky man, Guido. What do you think now?

[Nell]

I think I'm thirsty.

[Sergeant Otis]

I'll be at the bar.

[Dick Powell]

Johnny. Chuck says he's got business with me. You in on this? No, he's not in on it. It's all right if he sits around and listens. No, it's not all right, Guido. Let me tip you off on this guy. Go ahead, unload him. I'll see you around, Chuck. Sure, Johnny. I'll see you.

[Nell]

Johnny. Come on, sit down. Have a drink.

[Dick Powell]

Now, that was a nice trick. What was in your mind? Now, you give your husband the same kind of what you give me. It's like buying us a bowl of arsenic.

[Nell]

Oh, I didn't think about it. When I bought it, I. I had to give you something.

[Dick Powell]

Who said you had to? Oh, you play very cute and nasty.

[Richard Diamond]

Either way, you can't lose.

[Nell]

I can lose.

[Dick Powell]

Here's my watch. Take it.

[Nell]

You know I never take anything back.

[Dick Powell]

I said take it.

[Nell]

And I said no.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, Mrs. Michael.

[Nell]

Come on, Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

Give me a pencil, Harriet, and a piece of paper.

[Nell]

Johnny, did you see him? Did you see Chuck?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, yeah, I saw him.

[Nell]

What'd he say?

[Dick Powell]

This box. Harriet, see that Mrs. Marquettes gets it, will you? The note goes with it.

[Nell]

Johnny, I asked you about Chuck.

[Dick Powell]

He said he talked to you himself.

[Nell]

Johnny. Tell me.

[Dick Powell]

Okay, okay. You're through with him.

[Nell]

You mean he's through with me.

[Dick Powell]

You want my advice?

[Nell]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Well, then don't ask for it.

[Nell]

Oh, what were you going to say?

[Dick Powell]

Harriet? Don't see him anymore, not even tonight. He's no good for you or anybody else. Now, that box, don't forget. Give it to Mrs. Mar. You remember me, Mr. O' Clock Koch. I took the liberty of waiting for you here in the suite with Charlie. Come in. Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

You know, meeting you so often could.

[Dick Powell]

Develop into a nasty habit. What happened to you, Charlie? Oh, your man and I had a little argument. You keep bad company, Mr. O'. Clock. He stuck his foot in the door, Johnny. Looks more like he stuck it in your eye. Copper's always with the strong on stuff. If I meet this monkey without his badge. You're what? Lay off of him. You, Charlie, I don't like. So get out of here. You better wait inside, Charlie. Yeah, well, it's 4:00 in the morning, Mr. Koch, so if you don't mind, speak your piece early tonight. Your blind date. What about her? Her name was Harriet Hubbs. What do you mean, was? She's dead. Come again? Committed suicide a little while ago. Gas. I was going to her apartment on another matter. That's how I happened to find her. Suicide? When did you see her last? Leave me alone. Your grief is very convincing, Mr. O'. Clock. Get out of here before I knock your brains out. Can you think of any reason why you should do a terrible thing like that? I can think of a couple. Jack Bladen be one of the reasons. Hasn't reported to his precinct. He's disappeared. Did you look in the gutter? No. Well, I got a lot of work ahead of me investigating a suicide. I'm looking for Bladen. Oh, sure you don't know where he is? Look, friend, you can shove Charlie around, but not me. I once got a ticket for passing a light. And that's all that's on my record. Well, according to the law, that young girl's body has to be identified. Any relatives? She had a sister, Harriet. Said she was on the road somewhere. Nancy Hobson, an actress. You can check with Actors Equity. They ought to know. Yeah. Say, if you run into Bladen, you'll let me know, won't you? Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, I'll let you know. Well, looks like it's going to be a hot day. Yeah, very hot. Good night, Mr. O'. Clock. Good night, Mr. Koch. Hey, Charlie. Flat foot. Look, when we closed up tonight, I stayed in the office about an hour. Where did you go, Charlie? Out. Was that all right? Did you see Harriet before you left? No. What time did Bladen leave? I can find. Find out. Maybe. Skip it. I'll find out myself. You keep bad company, Mr. O'. Clock. You can shove Charlie around, but not me. Shut up. You know the way I met it. No, no. Tell me. If I have to tell you, it's no good. Maybe it ain't. Oh, now, don't get your dander up, Charlie. You better put some beef on that eye. Fill him in. That's the story, Ms. Hobson. I'm glad I was able to get hold of you as fast as I did. You must have taken a plane, huh?

[Nell]

Yeah, a plane.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Well, I would have met you at the airport, but I figured I better stay here in your sister's apartment.

[Nell]

Why? Why did she do it?

[Dick Powell]

This box, Ms. Hobson. It was in her bag. As a watch in it. Look.

[Nell]

My darling, with unending love.

[Dick Powell]

And this note. See what it says? I'm returning the watch. No sale.

[Nell]

Bladen wrote that, didn't he?

[Dick Powell]

It's possible. When did you see your sister, Ladd?

[Nell]

Not for months.

[Dick Powell]

You wrote to each other. She mentioned Bladen.

[Nell]

She said that she was going with him.

[Dick Powell]

She ever mentioned any other man? What, Johnny O. Clark?

[Nell]

Yeah. I thought that was a very funny name.

[Dick Powell]

What did she write about him?

[Nell]

Oh, he helped her get a job. He was very good to her.

[Dick Powell]

He was very good to her.

[Nell]

Inspector, this man Bladen, who is he?

[Dick Powell]

You might ask Johnny o'.

[Sergeant Otis]

Clock.

[Dick Powell]

Do you mind if I hold onto this watch for a while in the note?

[Nell]

No, I don't mind.

[Dick Powell]

Where can I get in touch with you?

[Nell]

I don't know. Here, I guess.

[Dick Powell]

Here.

[Nell]

A room's a room.

[Dick Powell]

You're all right, Ms. Hobson?

[Nell]

Yeah, hard as nails. Nothing ever moves me. I. Get out of here and let me cry by myself.

[Richard Diamond]

The doorman said you wanted to see me.

[Nell]

You're Mr. O'? Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

That's right.

[Dick Powell]

So you're her sister, huh? Harriet's sister.

[Nell]

They didn't want to let me in this place.

[Dick Powell]

Well, we.

[Richard Diamond]

We try to know the clientele.

[Dick Powell]

Besides, it's rather early.

[Nell]

I. I won't take up your time, but I just wanted to thank you.

[Dick Powell]

For what?

[Nell]

For being nice to Harriet.

[Dick Powell]

She was a nice kid.

[Nell]

That piano.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, well, he. He likes to play.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't ask me why.

[Nell]

Low down and mean.

[Dick Powell]

If you want to change.

[Nell]

Well, sounds the way I think.

[Dick Powell]

What do you want to know about your sister?

[Nell]

Anything. What she did, what she said, who she saw.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, what's the use of beating your brain down?

[Nell]

You would, too, if you felt about her the way I did. If you knew that part of what happened was your own fault.

[Dick Powell]

She was old enough to know what she was doing.

[Nell]

Old enough maybe, but not smart enough. I knew that when I left her. You knew? I was Nancy Hobson on the road to fame and fortune. Out of the way, everybody. I made it, too. Fourth from the left in a traveling girl show. You can tell that fellow to stop playing the piano. Bed for my eyes.

[Dick Powell]

Hey, you with the hands, go home.

[Nell]

Now, tell me where I can find Jock Bladen.

[Dick Powell]

Why me?

[Nell]

A detective named Koch thought you might know.

[Dick Powell]

And if you found Blade, I'd cut his heart out. Oh, now, look. These things happen.

[Nell]

A girl falls, my sister's dead. It didn't have to finish, the way this did.

[Dick Powell]

Close the books, Ms. Hobson. She was a nice kid. Let it go at that.

[Nell]

The words don't go with the music. Goodbye, Mr. O'. Clock.

[Dick Powell]

Wait a minute.

[Richard Diamond]

How long are you going to be around?

[Nell]

I'm leaving by plane tonight, so.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, well. See you sometime.

[Nell]

Yeah, I'll See you sometime.

[Sergeant Otis]

In a moment, we'll return with Act 2 of Johnny O', Clock, starring Dick Powell, Marguerite Chapman, Lee J. Cobb and Janice Carter. Meanwhile, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood Reporter. What's new in pictures, Libby?

[Nell]

20Th Century Fox's latest picture, Mr. Keeley. A delightful love story called Miracle on 34th Street.

[Sergeant Otis]

What an intriguing title.

[Nell]

Mm. And as you might surmise, the scene of Miracle on 34th street is laid in New York's largest department store. The picture was actually filmed there, too. Right in the midst of the Christmas shopping rush.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, the cameramen must have had a strenuous time of it.

[Nell]

Oh, everybody did, including the stars Maureen o' Hara and John Payne. You know, Maureen had to cut short her visit to Ireland and fly back to New York in a hurry. And then there was a great rush to get her picture wardrobe ready. A whole core of dressmakers worked on it.

[Sergeant Otis]

It takes stamina to work under those conditions.

[Nell]

Well, Marine o' Hara has plenty. I was in New York at the time and admired her serenity during all the rush.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, she's a fine little trooper. And very lovely to look at, too.

[Nell]

Oh, she. She looks stunning in the picture in those beautiful gowns they made for us. Mr. Kennedy, I wish you could have seen how especially smooth and soft her luxe complexion looked during all the busy days of picture shooting.

[Dick Powell]

I'll see that luxe complexion in the preview, Libby. I know Marina Hera has been a luxe girl for years.

[Nell]

Oh, that she has. She told me she took a supply of luxe toilet soap to Ireland with her. Never travels without her favorite beauty soap.

[Dick Powell]

Well, Libby, there's a great advantage in having a beauty care that's great. Quick and easy. When you're traveling fast and far, there's.

[Nell]

Always an advantage in using a care that's so effective. Active lather facials really work. Bring fresh new loveliness in no time.

[Dick Powell]

That's why nine out of ten lovely screen stars say they wouldn't be without luxe toilet soap.

[Nell]

I want to remind the ladies in our audience that Hollywood stars use luxe soap as a refreshing bath soap, too. They like the way it protects daintiness, the lovely fragrance it leaves on the skin.

[Dick Powell]

Right you are, Libby. Fine white luxe toilet soap is an all around beauty soap. If you haven't tried it, why not get some of Hollywood's own beauty soap tomorrow? Here's your producer, William Keeley.

[Sergeant Otis]

Act two of Johnny o'. Clock, starring Dick Powell as Johnny and Marguerite Chapman as Nancy. With Lee J. Cobb as Inspector Koch and Janice CARTER as Nell it's an hour later, but a sudden storm has grounded all planes and Nancy Hobson has returned to the city from the airport. At home in another part of town, Guido Marquettes and his handsome wife entertain a visitor.

[Dick Powell]

How do you like these, huh, Turk? All these beautiful things I find in Mexico. You sure like beautiful things around here, Guido. What else is money for, I ask you? Now, look.

[Sergeant Otis]

How's this?

[Dick Powell]

A painting in oil paint. That, Joe, ain't it? Now, look. Me, a painting of me.

[Nell]

It's oil paint, all right.

[Dick Powell]

A kid in Mexico City painted this.

[Sergeant Otis]

A kid? No more than about 16.

[Dick Powell]

He says I have an interesting face. A kid painting a picture like this. What do you think, Turk? How much it cost you? What's the difference? It's good. I know. How do you like it, huh?

[Nell]

Looks like you, Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

Hey, come in, Johnny. Thanks.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Nell.

[Dick Powell]

Boss. How are you, Turk? Fine. Johnny Turk is in town for a big game of poker. You gonna play, Johnny? I never gamble. Johnny, Look. This oil painting a kid in Mexico painted.

[Nell]

A young kid, no more than about 16.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, that's right. He sees me in the hotel and.

[Nell]

He says he has such an interesting face.

[Dick Powell]

How do you like it? It looks like you. You two been rehearsing? What's on your mind, Johnny?

[Nell]

He. He came to see me.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right. What. What goes, Nell? You told me you'd be alone all the time, Johnny Kid. Johnny. I hear you've been looking for Chuck Bladen. You hear right, Gil. He gave that head check girl a bad deal. I'm taking your advice, Johnny. I'm unloading, Bladen. Good. Good. How long are you going to be in town, Turk? Long as the poker game lasts. Me and Turk been talking over old times, Johnny. I've been telling him how many years you and me been together. All the things we've been through. Remember, Johnny? Yeah, I remember. That's why I know I'll never have to worry about you, Nell. What's the matter?

[Nell]

I choked on a piece of Scotch. Hand me another glass, Guito, darling.

[Dick Powell]

Here. And don't drop this one.

[Nell]

I always drop glasses, Turk. When I've had too much to drink. I drop a lot of glasses, mister. You boys will excuse me, I'll go out on the balcony and get some air.

[Dick Powell]

Wait a minute, Nel. Close the door.

[Nell]

We shouldn't leave our guests by themselves, Guido.

[Dick Powell]

I don't like for you to act that way in front of people.

[Nell]

You've got a way out, darling, when.

[Dick Powell]

I want it, not you.

[Nell]

Do you Ever let anything go when.

[Dick Powell]

I'm through with it? Stop it.

[Nell]

That's all right. They'll hear me laughing. Figure you said something funny. You did?

[Dick Powell]

No. They're looking at us tucking Johnny.

[Nell]

And give me a kiss. It'll make you look good in front of people.

[Dick Powell]

Get back inside. It's getting kind of late. If we're going to the fight, Turk, we better get going. Anytime you're ready, Gita. Johnny, do me a favor, will you? No. Maybe you take her out somewhere, show her a good time. You do this for me, huh? What about the club? Well, for a few hours you can get along without. You okay, Guido. It's as good as done. Thanks, Johnny. Let's go. Poker player.

[Nell]

You did come to see me, didn't you, Johnny?

[Dick Powell]

Oh, sure, sure. Couldn't stay away from you. You know why he left us here, don't you?

[Nell]

You afraid of him?

[Dick Powell]

You heard him mention what we've been through.

[Nell]

He'd be the first to stick a knife in your back.

[Dick Powell]

Johnny, baby, it's there already. I can feel the blood sticking to my shirt. There's something going on I don't know about. What? I don't know I don't like. You can help me.

[Nell]

How?

[Dick Powell]

Find out what Bladen and Guido talked about last night. Find out where Bladen is.

[Nell]

And if I do?

[Dick Powell]

Ooh, I'll owe you a favor.

[Nell]

Get out.

[Dick Powell]

Okay, okay. I was never here.

[Nell]

No, no, Johnny, wait. So I. So I flew off the handle.

[Dick Powell]

Look, Mel, we don't have to kid each other. I never kidded you, not until you met Marquettes.

[Nell]

I told you the way it was.

[Dick Powell]

You didn't have to tell me.

[Nell]

What did you expect me to do?

[Dick Powell]

Exactly what you did. Marry Marquette.

[Nell]

Us?

[Richard Rogue]

For what?

[Dick Powell]

You could get out of it. It wasn't enough you dealt it, honey.

[Nell]

Things change.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, stop playing us off against each other, Nell. It won't work.

[Nell]

What are you gonna do about it? Play it safe like you always do.

[Sergeant Otis]

That's right.

[Dick Powell]

Now. That's right. I'll play it safe. That's why you got the watch back.

[Nell]

I got what back?

[Dick Powell]

The watch.

[Nell]

Stop it. I never got it back.

[Dick Powell]

I gave it to Harriet. The kid in the check room. She was.

[Nell]

I never got the watch back. Johnny. Does that mean you have to leave?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. I better find that watch. It probably needs winding.

[Richard Diamond]

Be quiet.

[Dick Powell]

You all right? I'm sorry, I.

[Nell]

Do you mind if I put on the light? You. Boy, you're rough, Mr. O'. Clock.

[Dick Powell]

Well, I. I wasn't taking any chance. I. I thought you Were on your way.

[Nell]

Were you expecting to find in my sister's apartment?

[Dick Powell]

Nobody. But when I heard a noise, somehow I thought of Chuck Bladen.

[Nell]

I hate to be inquisitive, but why did you come here?

[Dick Powell]

Well, I. I was looking for something. Something I'd lone. Bladen.

[Nell]

What made you think it'd be here?

[Dick Powell]

You. You better have a cigarette. You're still shaking.

[Nell]

I gotta get back to the airport.

[Dick Powell]

I've got a car. I'll get you there.

[Nell]

How did my sister meet Bladen?

[Dick Powell]

I introduced her to him.

[Nell]

Now what are you doing?

[Dick Powell]

Hey, what's this? Right over there between the sofa cushions.

[Nell]

Looks like a 50 cent piece.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Yeah, it's a coin, all right. It's a Mexican coin. Brand new one.

[Nell]

Now, will you drive me to the airport? If I stay here here another minute, I'll bust wide open. Oh, it's you. The T.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, ma'.

[Nell]

Am. I'm from down the hall, remember? Can't you get her door open?

[Dick Powell]

I think I've got the door open.

[Nell]

Now what are you gonna do? Look, lady, I'll never forget as long as I live. Her lying there on the floor, gas all over the place.

[Dick Powell]

You mind very much if I work alone for a while?

[Nell]

You ain't the only one who's been here. Her sister just been here.

[Dick Powell]

And a man I know, I know was waiting for them to leave.

[Nell]

Newspaper. Just come. Know what it said in the newspaper? That poor girl had poison in her stomach. What does that mean?

[Dick Powell]

It means you're a very nosy woman. Now, will you please get out of here?

[Nell]

All right, I'll go. Handle it all by yourself then.

[Dick Powell]

Hello? Hello? Give me Homicide. Johnson. Hoch. I've gone through the girl's apartment again. I want you to pick up. What? When? What time? Okay, I'll be right over. Storm like this, Nancy, I doubt if anything's going to get off the ground for a while.

[Nell]

So the flight desk has told me.

[Dick Powell]

Attention all passengers. All flights have been canceled. Please check with your airline.

[Nell]

Well, I guess they mean it.

[Dick Powell]

No point standing here in the entrance. Come on, let's get in the car. You want me to stick around?

[Nell]

If you wanna.

[Dick Powell]

Well, then some questions.

[Nell]

Personal.

[Dick Powell]

The only kind I ever asked. Got a guy.

[Nell]

Had a guy split up. He was killed.

[Dick Powell]

Accident?

[Nell]

Yeah, the war. Oh, well, that's enough out of me. How about you?

[Dick Powell]

What do you want to know about me?

[Nell]

What do you want to tell me?

[Dick Powell]

Well, I want you to know.

[Nell]

Oh, you're cagey. Does that go with being a gambler?

[Dick Powell]

Well, I'm not a gambler. Gambler is a guy who takes a chance.

[Nell]

You never do.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, took a few, took a few. Never take a chance. You never know.

[Nell]

What do you know?

[Dick Powell]

You always lose. Learned that when I was a kid.

[Nell]

What were you like when you were a kid?

[Dick Powell]

Cute. Oh, you like skinny. You fill out nice.

[Nell]

What time is it?

[Dick Powell]

Oh, it's still. Still early. You hungry?

[Nell]

I could eat.

[Dick Powell]

Well, then let's get back to.

[Nell]

So this is where you live?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Charlie. Charlie? Oh, I guess he's gone to the club.

[Nell]

Who's Charlie?

[Dick Powell]

My man.

[Nell]

You say that like you're used to it.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, Charlie's a guy who just got out of the jug. I give him a place to live. Charlie's grateful. Can I get you anything?

[Nell]

No, I just want to sit. It's nice here. Very nice.

[Dick Powell]

Have some music.

[Nell]

Music goes with rain. And a fireplace.

[Dick Powell]

No, the fireplace is a fake.

[Nell]

Everything's a fake.

[Dick Powell]

I don't think you are.

[Nell]

Can you ever take a chance? You never know.

[Dick Powell]

Hey, things stick in your head.

[Nell]

I'm tired. Seems like such a long time since I've closed my eyes.

[Dick Powell]

I can go to the club for a couple hours. Why don't you take a nap?

[Nell]

No, don't go away. Stay here and talk to me. Tell me things, sweet and pretty things. And I'll close my eyes and make believe they're true. Charlie, you shouldn't kiss me. Look, can I tell you why?

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Nell]

What are you trying to prove? That you're a great boy with the ladies. And who are you trying to prove it to? To me or to yourself? Answer me.

[Dick Powell]

You know all the answers.

[Nell]

I like you, Johnny, if that's what you want to know.

[Dick Powell]

Put that in writing and I'll paste it in my scrapbook.

[Nell]

I mean it. That's why.

[Dick Powell]

Why what?

[Nell]

Why I didn't want you to kiss me.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, you're a strange kid.

[Nell]

I'm a mixed up kid. I guess you better go to the club.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, I thought so. Why don't you come with me?

[Nell]

In these clothes? Johnny o' Clock and his rag doll. Look, the rain stopped. I guess the planes will be taken off.

[Dick Powell]

They'll be taking off tomorrow and the day after.

[Nell]

I like you very much, Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

Like that's just a word.

[Nell]

Then let's be clear about it. Let's make the words mean what they say. It's gonna be for laughs. Okay. Only I want to be in on the joke from the start.

[Dick Powell]

Hey, you speak your mind all the time, do you? I want you to stick around.

[Nell]

Thanks, jon.

[Dick Powell]

Good evening, Mr. O'. Clock.

[Sergeant Otis]

Sorry, no mail.

[Dick Powell]

Oh. I want to get a room for Ms. Nancy Hopson.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, we're pretty short these days.

[Announcer]

You.

[Dick Powell]

Oh. Oh, thank you very much, Mr. O'. Clock.

[Sergeant Otis]

I think we can find a room for Miss Hobson.

[Dick Powell]

She'll be down to Redstone a little while and send us some flowers, will you? Oh, yeah, but.

[Nell]

Oh.

[Dick Powell]

Not waiting for me, are you, Inspector? Hello, Miss T.R. can I talk to you about Bladen? I don't know where Bladen is. Ms. Hobson didn't leave, huh? Well, if she did, you wouldn't know where to find her. We found Bladen. He's dead. Where? In the river. I guess we got a date, Mr. O'. Clock. You and me at headquarters. We pause now for station identification. You are listening to the Lux Radio Theater by transcription. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Sergeant Otis]

In a moment, we'll continue with Act 3 of Johnny O', Clock, starring Dick Powell, Marguerite Chapman, Lee J. Cobb and Janice Carter. Not every young dancer in her first important picture role lands on her toes as neatly is our guest of tonight, Ms. Virginia Hunter. You're off to a fine start, Virginia, being featured in Columbia's new Technicolor musical, down to Earth.

[Nell]

You can't imagine how lucky I feel, Mr. Keeley, to be given a dance routine with beautiful Rita Hayworth and her partner, Mark Platt. Rita placed her Psychora, goddess of dance, down to earth.

[Sergeant Otis]

Rita, as a goddess, should be lovely.

[Nell]

And how versatile she is. There's every type of routine from classical ballet to modern jive. Rita does them all. Handsome Larry park stars with it. Aha.

[Sergeant Otis]

Romance along with the dance.

[Nell]

Yes, and gorgeous costumes, too. You should see her stunning bolero and skirt of wild mink.

[Sergeant Otis]

Wild mink?

[Nell]

Yes, Mr.

[Dick Powell]

Cute.

[Nell]

It's really something.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, I should think so. You know, I have a feeling our friend John Kennedy here is going to be first in line when that picture opens.

[Dick Powell]

You bet I will. I never miss Rita Hayworth's pictures. She's one of our favorite luxe girls, Ms. Hunter.

[Nell]

You'll see some striking close ups of her lovely luxe complexion at the Cat Kennedy. I know it's a lux complexion because I visited her dressing room many times while we were making the pictures. She uses the same complexion care. I do active lather facials with Lux soap.

[Dick Powell]

Suppose you tell us how you take your luxo facial, Ms. Hunter.

[Nell]

All you do is smooth the creamy, fragrant lather well in, rinse with warm water, then cold and pat with a soft towel to dry. It really leaves skin lovelier Actual tests.

[Dick Powell]

By skin specialists prove that Ms. Hunter. In three out of four cases. Complexions improved in a short time. With daily luxe toilet soap care. No wonder this fine white soap is Hollywood's own beauty soap. Why not make it your beauty care too? See if you're not delighted with the fresh new loveliness it brings your skin. Here's Mr. William Keeley at the microphone.

[Sergeant Otis]

Act three of Johnny O'. Clock starring Dick Powell in the title row and Marguerite Chapman as Nancy. With Lee J. Cobb as Inspector Koch and Janice Carter as Nell. Johnny o' Clock's trip to Marketers gambling club has taken a sudden detour to police headquarters in Koch's office. The inspector hands him a freshly typed document.

[Dick Powell]

You can look at this if you want to. Statement just got from your friend Charlie. Oh, I don't have to read it. Charlie didn't say anything. He wants a good time rather than talk honor among thieves. Oh, you were right about your record. There's nothing on it says you were in the army. Yeah, I did. Four years. Yeah? What did you learn? What I knew before I got in. Who killed Blade? I don't know. How did you first meet him? Who? Bladen. How do you meet a cop? One like him? Any cop. It says in my book that a confession obtained by so called third degree methods is not admissible in court. It's nice to know you can read. Marquettes is here, Inspector. Send him in. Hello, Johnny. Kilo Gotch. Mr. Marquettes. I got word of the fight. How were they? Oh, they stunk. You want to see me? What? The rumble, Bladen. Yeah, I heard. Good news travels fast. You know, it's my opinion both of you had reasons to kill Bladen. It's my opinion you're whistling through your teeth. Let him whistle, Guido. I think you had more reason than he did. Now if you're going to put it that way.

[Richard Diamond]

From here on in, I make with.

[Dick Powell]

A lawyer who made any charge. I just hope to discuss it frankly and openly.

[Announcer]

Okay.

[Dick Powell]

Discuss your deal, Mr. Koch. Revenge, profit, jealousy. Those are the three most important motives for murder. Check. Revenge for you Marquettes, maybe profit for you, Johnny. Check all three. Three strikes and I'm out. I've yet to hear a man make a joke in the electric chair. Now let's examine the relationship between you two gentlemen. You're in business together. Marquette is the muscle o clock, the brain. No offense, Marquettis, but in my opinion, Johnny, you're being exploited. I do all right. Well, I'm glad you're satisfied. Because in a Situation like this, it's essential you trust each other, isn't it? Well, up until now, while you've gotten away with many things, it's always been a little dangerous. And suddenly a bright idea comes to. To who? Which one of you? You said you'd tell us. Oh, it doesn't make any difference. Hire a legal killer. Hire Bladen. Take a cop who earns a couple of hundred a month and corrupt him. I've got the newspaper clippings in my file. They all read alike. Gambler, shot for resisting arrest. That's a lie. The truth. Gamble. Shot for opening up when he was told not to. Who's your witness for all this? Bladen. He would have been a witness if he hadn't been murdered. Harriet Hobson would have been a witness if she hadn't been murdered. Come again? She was murdered the same night. Bladen was. Done very well too. The door locked, the key left on the inside. A trick used by old hotels. He is. Bladen called for at the club every night, didn't he? I don't know. I saw him with her the night it happened. This was in her purse when I found her watch and a note. This your handwriting? A cart. Let me see that watch. Yeah. Yeah, that's my handwriting. Did she give you the watch? A nice piece of jewelry. Yeah, she gave me the watch. Cost a lot of dough. Watch like that has to be special made. There was bad blood between you and Blade and o' clock on account of this girl. Besides, he wanted to cut you out with Marquettis. At least that's my opinion. Me, I have no opinion. You can go. No, not you, Johnny. Just Marquettes. See you later, Johnny. Now maybe you have something to say to me. Spider man spinning webs. I feel sorry for you. Yeah, you got tears in your eyes. I offered you a way out. All you had to say when I showed the watch. Just what I said. When I first met you, I thought maybe you had some human feelings. A girl's been murdered. I know that. I see now I was wrong. You're a hoodlum, a cop hater. I should have treated you like one. Smart boy. You're all alike. Stupid, stupid, stupid. How much money have you got? How much time have you got to live?

[Nell]

Back already, Johnny? I've just been taking a walk.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, the desk clerk told me. I called about your plane. It leaves in half an hour.

[Nell]

Well, just like that?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, just like that. Come on, I'll drive it to the airport.

[Nell]

Never mind. I'll walk.

[Dick Powell]

I said I'd drive You Charlie? Yeah. Go on up to the room. I'll be back in an hour.

[Nell]

Guido, Is that you? Guido?

[Dick Powell]

Hello, Nell. You didn't go out with Johnny, huh?

[Nell]

No, I. Guido, take me out. Please. Take me someplace.

[Dick Powell]

I can't. Turk and the boys, they're waiting at the club. I've just come to say goodbye to you.

[Nell]

Goodbye.

[Dick Powell]

You know, I've been showing this off all day. This wonderful watch, perfectly made. There's only two of this kind of watch around. Mine and who else?

[Sergeant Otis]

I ought to kill you.

[Dick Powell]

This is Guillermo Marched saying that's your husband, the Quitspaul. That's what you thought all the time, didn't you? Take him. He don't count. Give me a better reason. Like that. Go on, say it.

[Nell]

O', clock, o', clock, o'.

[Dick Powell]

Clock. All the time he keeps ticking in my brain.

[Nell]

I don't know. There's never been anyone between us. Ever since.

[Dick Powell]

Ever since.

[Sergeant Otis]

All the time.

[Nell]

Tell Johnny to come up here, Then ask him.

[Dick Powell]

I just get a telephone call now from a guy named Charlie. Johnny's dead. Some guys just knocked him off.

[Nell]

You're lying. When? When?

[Dick Powell]

At exactly 11:30 by this watch you gave me. See?

[Nell]

The watch says 12 minutes after 11.

[Dick Powell]

At exactly 11:30 by this watch. Hello? Hello, police?

[Sergeant Otis]

This is Mike's service station near the airport.

[Dick Powell]

Somebody just tried to murder somebody, huh?

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, this car, see, it comes by this other car 60 miles an hour and fills it full of holes, huh?

[Nell]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Otis]

The car went in a ditch, but they ran out a man and a girl. Nobody knows.

[Nell]

No.

[Sergeant Otis]

No, they just ran away.

[Nell]

Johnny. Johnny, wait. Wait, please.

[Dick Powell]

There's the airport over there. Get out of here and get on your plane.

[Nell]

This is why you wanted me to go. Those men in that car, you're crazy. You knew they were looking for you.

[Dick Powell]

I didn't know a thing.

[Nell]

Don't lie to me now.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, look, you've known me for less than a day and make out you never met me. Make out this week. Only had six days in it.

[Nell]

Johnny, listen. Only once before was that everything was me. The beginning, the end, day and night. I never thought it could happen again. But it has, Johnny, and I'm not going to lose it.

[Dick Powell]

When you get on that plane.

[Nell]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, Nancy. With me it's trouble and grief and capital letters. If you have some place to go, go.

[Nell]

There's no place to go, Johnny. No place. Only with you. Charlie, it's about Johnny. Let me in, please.

[Dick Powell]

What about Johnny?

[Nancy Lang]

He's hurt.

[Nell]

He's hurt bad. He needs A doctor.

[Dick Powell]

Where is he?

[Nell]

I'll take you there.

[Dick Powell]

Wait a minute. What do you mean he's. The body's still warm, Charlie. You couldn't wait, could you? Johnny Marquette wants was Marquettis, wasn't it?

[Nell]

Johnny? Stop it.

[Sergeant Otis]

Shut up.

[Dick Powell]

Why did you finger me, Charlie? Why shouldn't I? Johnny o' Clock with the girls. Johnny o' Clock with the clothes. I got you out of the jug. Yeah. Hitch, Charlie. Here's a phone. Here's a bed. Keep it straight. If cop comes in, who gets pushed around? Charlie, where's Johnny o'? Clock? Where he always is. Looking out for himself. Well, now you're dead, Johnny. Lay down.

[Richard Diamond]

You and me both.

[Dick Powell]

Now I'll tell you why you did it. You went to club last night after it folded. That's when Blayton got it. I had nothing to do with it. Though you knew about it.

[Richard Diamond]

That was enough.

[Dick Powell]

You had to stick with Marquettes or his back up the river. I'm a two time loser, Johnny. This time would have been for keeps. You couldn't have stopped it if then you were there. Not when the girl was murdered. I didn't see nothing when the girl was murdered.

[Nell]

When who was murdered?

[Dick Powell]

Come on, Nancy, let's get out of here.

[Nell]

Sick. I feel sick.

[Dick Powell]

Central Park. The big green bed of a big hearted town. On a hot night anybody can sleep on the grass.

[Nell]

Johnny. Who killed him?

[Dick Powell]

Marquettis, I think.

[Nell]

Then tell the police.

[Dick Powell]

Marquettis and I were partners. If Koch didn't sink me, he would.

[Nell]

What happens to Marquettis?

[Dick Powell]

He'll get paid off when the time comes.

[Nell]

When the time comes.

[Dick Powell]

First I'll go settle up with him. He owes me money.

[Nell]

You'd go back for that?

[Dick Powell]

What do you think we're going to do? Ride freight cars? Live in furnished rooms? We're gonna have everything.

[Nell]

Except a conscience.

[Richard Diamond]

All right then you tell me.

[Dick Powell]

What do I do?

[Nell]

Nothing. I don't want you to do anything.

[Dick Powell]

Play hero for you dead hero.

[Nell]

Not for me. Don't do anything for me.

[Dick Powell]

Well, don't you think I want to pay him off? But I'll pick the spot and I'll pick the time. And I'll get away with it. All my life I've operated that way. And all the time I've won.

[Nell]

Whatever you want.

[Dick Powell]

Whatever I've wanted. I'm no fool.

[Nell]

No, you're no fool. You're smart.

[Dick Powell]

Stop it.

[Nell]

My sister's been murdered. But Johnny o' Clock's no fool.

[Dick Powell]

Stop it.

[Nell]

Oh, shut it. They'll all wake up. Even my Sister Johnny o' Clock nor fool. Had to be you. Nobody in the whole world for me.

[Dick Powell]

But.

[Nell]

Good Johnny o'. Clock.

[Dick Powell]

That's right, baby. Nobody else for me. Now, let's get going. It looks like I'll have to interrupt a poker game.

[Nell]

Johnny, no, please.

[Dick Powell]

My dough, baby. I'm going to get it. All alone in a cab. Ms. Hobson.

[Nell]

Mr. Cox.

[Dick Powell]

Johnny just went into the club, huh? Oh, you were at the airport before. What happened? Why did you go in there just now? Oh, Johnny o' Clock's girl, just full of. Hello, Guido. Oh, hello, Johnny. Nell. Johnny, where'd Nell go? You send her in the kitchen for some more coffee, remember? Oh, she'll be back, Johnny. Want a hand? You know I. I never gamble, Turk. Maybe you want to see me, but something. Yeah, Guido, I want to see you. Inside here. Deal me out, boys.

[Announcer]

Who don't?

[Dick Powell]

Why lock the door? So we can be alone. And what about the other door? I'm leaving through that door. And I may be in a hurry. What's on your mind? Money. Guido.

[Richard Diamond]

My cut.

[Dick Powell]

It's the safe. Well, this. This is going to make us about even, Guido. You want to count it? I take your word. You going away? Yeah. Yeah. Far. How does it. Guido, now we're quits.

[Nell]

Can I come in? Or. Or is this a private farewell?

[Dick Powell]

Oh, come in. Now. Close that door, Guido.

[Nell]

No. Johnny's got a gun.

[Dick Powell]

Johnny would turn around. He would see for himself. What do you win if you shoot my wife? Mel, tell him. Yeah, tell me.

[Nell]

He won't come back, Guido.

[Sergeant Otis]

You'll go after him.

[Nell]

No. It's over.

[Dick Powell]

In your eyes. I can see it ain't over.

[Sergeant Otis]

Ever since he first walked in, I've.

[Dick Powell]

Seen it in your eyes. This is just what Koch wanted. And you, like a sucker, fall for it. Kutch was right. Yeah, about a lot of things you will never know. I know you gave it to Bladen. Ask him when you see him. And then to the kid, Harriet. She was waiting for Blade and she was there when it happened. Who are you talking to? The walls? To you, Guido. You took her home, made it look like suicide. Hotel thieves. Trick. Who did Cotch mean? Guido. Then you left your calling card. I found it. A brand new Mexican coin. The dying man makes a statement. Get out of here. Now.

[Nell]

No deal. Let him go. I promise you.

[Dick Powell]

You killed that kid, Gido. You had to. And now you have to kill me. Except there was something else in that safe, Guido. This. Get away from me. Oh, you made it, didn't you, Nell? You finally got what you wanted.

[Nell]

When they come. The police.

[Dick Powell]

I said get away from me.

[Nell]

I'll tell them how it happened. They won't hold you. It can all be ours now, Johnny. Yours and mine.

[Dick Powell]

It's yours. You can have it.

[Nell]

Johnny. If you walk out on me now, I swear I'll tell you.

[Dick Powell]

I know what you'll tell him. Now get away from that door before I give it to you. I shut anyway.

[Nell]

Give me the police.

[Dick Powell]

Just open up Mrs. Marchettis. Inspector. Cut.

[Nell]

I was just phoning the police.

[Dick Powell]

Who did it?

[Nell]

Johnny o'. Clock. He tried to hold up my husband. He shot him down in cold blood.

[Dick Powell]

Cover the alley. Mac Phillips. Watch the fire escapes. One of your men take Mrs. Marquette.

[Nell]

Johnny. Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

Nancy. Nancy. I told you to wait in the cab.

[Nell]

I heard the shots. I've been trying to find you.

[Dick Powell]

I will have a chance. Care Marquette's private office.

[Nell]

Johnny, I'm alive.

[Dick Powell]

This bag, take it. It's full of money. Take it and run. You little fool. I've just killed Marquettes.

[Nell]

You said this.

[Dick Powell]

I know what I said. I'd pick the time and the spot. Big joke. It's my word against hers.

[Nell]

Whose?

[Dick Powell]

I know what I know.

[Nell]

Trouble and grief, Johnny. You said that yourself. I said okay. I meant what I said. Now I gotta prove it to you. I don't care what you do or where you will.

[Dick Powell]

You run.

[Nell]

I can't. I can't leave you now.

[Dick Powell]

Quiet. Quiet. Turn out the light. Don't bother to raise your hands. Scotch. Just keep them at your side. You're out of your mind, Johnny. That's right. Crazy. Crazy smart. Put down that gun. I tell you what you're going to do, Koch. You're going to walk me out of here past everybody. If they stop us, you'll tell them I gave myself up. You've arrested me. You think I'd say that? Listen to me. I've got a bullet in my stomach and fire in my brain. It wouldn't take much for me to let you have it right now.

[Nell]

Jody, you don't know what you're saying.

[Dick Powell]

All I know is in this gun. All I know is I got to bring you in. Start walking, Koch. I'm right in back of you. When we get to the door downstairs, I'll tell them to shoot. All right, so they'll shoot.

[Nell]

No, it's not all right. Not for me, it isn't. Johnny, please give yourself up.

[Dick Powell]

I haven't got a chance, Nancy. All my life cops have been chasing me. Even if I told him the truth. What is the Truth? It was self defense. His wife said you shot him in cold blood for money. It's a lie. If it's a lie, it'll come out in storybooks. This is too good a frame. Nobody's out to frame you, Johnny. If you want him alive, Ms. Hobson, tell him to drop that gun.

[Nell]

No, I don't want him alive. I want him dead. I want to cry for him. I haven't had enough tears. I want more. I want to be able to say, do you know I was crying for him? Johnny o'. Clock. You know who he was? The smartest man in the world. I know because he told me so. Johnny o' Clock's no fool. He said no fool. That's why he's dead. Because he's no fool. Oh, Johnny.

[Nancy Lang]

Johnny.

[Nell]

Johnny.

[Dick Powell]

That gun slipped out of your hands, Johnny, or did you drop it? You'll never really know, will you, Catch? I think I know. Well, Johnny. Come on, baby. Well, Catch. Looks like it's gonna be a hot day. Nah, not too hot. Wanna bet? Bet? Even on my salary, Johnny, I lay your odds.

[Sergeant Otis]

The curtain falls on Johnny o' Clock and the spotlight falls on tonight's stars. Dick Powell, Marguerite Chapman, Lee J. Cobb and Janice Carter. Dick, it's a long cry from those juvenile singing roles to a character like Johnny in tonight's play.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all I can say is I.

[Dick Powell]

Enjoyed making the picture, Bill. And also working with you again tonight.

[Nell]

You know, Bill, Dick goes back to playing quiet, gentlemanly roles in his next picture.

[Sergeant Otis]

So I understand in Columbia's assigned to Treasury. I also understand, Dick, that you've changed your hobby from sailing to flying your own plane.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, Bill, that's right. I. I thought it was best on account of The Count of Mrs. Powell. June Allison Powell. That is for you, Car. You mean June approved for your selling the boat. Oh, more than approved. It was the first sail she enjoyed.

[Nell]

And how does she feel about the airplane?

[Dick Powell]

Frankly, she's all for giving at the air too.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, you know, Dick Lee's an experienced pilot too. Knows all the ins and outs of flying.

[Dick Powell]

Not so much the ins and outs, Bill, as the ups and downs.

[Nell]

It's funny you two never bumped into each other in the air.

[Sergeant Otis]

Have you ever done any flying, Marguerites?

[Nell]

I've taken just two lessons, Bill. Both at once.

[Dick Powell]

Both at once?

[Nell]

Uh huh. My first. And laugh.

[Sergeant Otis]

Well, Marguerite, we're just as happy to have you stay on solid ground where people can admire that luxe complexion.

[Nell]

That's just what it is, Bill. I've always sworn by Lux and I always will. I'd like to say the same for Luxo, Bill. It's my favorite complexion care too.

[Dick Powell]

Thank you, Janet.

[Sergeant Otis]

And I know your many fans are going to admire that beautiful complexion when they see you as the lead in your next Columbia picture, framed opposite Glen Fort, huh?

[Dick Powell]

By the way, what picture is being done on Lux next Monday night? BILL?

[Sergeant Otis]

Next Monday night we bring our audience another four star hit in that lovable, laughable comedy success from Allied Artists. It Happened on Fifth Avenue.

[Dick Powell]

It did. Hey, I hope you have the original screen cast, Bill.

[Sergeant Otis]

Indeed we have Victor Moore, Don DeFore, Charlie Ruggles and Gail Storm. With Victor Moore as the rib tickling vagabond philosopher who appropriates a mansion, fosters a romance and generally makes this screenplay one of the most engaging to come out of Hollywood in many moons.

[Dick Powell]

We'll all be listening, Bill. Good night.

[Sergeant Otis]

Good night and thanks for an exciting evening. Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Toilet soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Luxury Radio Theater presents Victor Moore, Don DeFore, Charlie Ruggles and Gail Storm in It Happened on Fifth Avenue. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Dick Powell]

Want to cut down your food bills? Here's a way to do it and help your country too. Bring your used kitchen fats to your butcher and get a high price for each pound. The worldwide shortage of fats and oils continues. By saving all you can, you help speed production of the many household items that are still hard to get. Things like refrigerators, washing machines and soap. So don't throw away any used kitchen fat. Pour it into a tin and take it to your butcher. You'll be surprised, surprised at the substantial amount he'll pay you. Dealers are now paying from two to three times as much for used fat as they did last year. So save turn in and get real cash for all your kitchen fats. Marguerite Chapman appeared through the courtesy of Columbia Pictures. Producers of Johnny O', Clock, Lee J. Cobb, appeared by arrangement with 20th Century Fox and is currently being seen in Boomerang. Janice Carter appeared through the courtesy of Columbia Pictures. Third in our cast tonight were Jay Novello as Marquettis, Ira Grocel as Charlie, Bill Johnstone as Bladen, Alvina Temple as Harriet and Edwin Max, Charles Seal, Noreen Gamill, Eddie Marr and Robert Bruce. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. This program is rebroadcast to our servicemen and women overseas through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear it happened on Fifth Avenue with Victor Moore, Don DeFore, Charlie Ruggles and Gail Storm.

[Nell]

Right when you bake and pie for your cake and pie get your shortening by rely on scry yes, it's pure.

[Dick Powell]

All vegetable spry for delicate nut sweet pastry crispy digestible fried foods lighter richer cakes the spry way makes things better.

[Nell]

Tasting rely on spry F C R Y.

[Dick Powell]

Be sure to listen next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of It Happened on Fifth Avenue with Victor Moore, Don Deforestation, Charlie Ruggles and Gail Storm. And why not tune in to Joan Davis every Monday night over most of these stations. The Lux Radio Theater was transcribed.

[Host]

We just heard Rogues Gallery, Richard diamond and the Lux Radio Theater production of Johnny o'.

[Nell]

Clock.

[Host]

That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio detectives. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense. That's 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 and every bit is appreciated. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio crime and crime fighters. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Dick Powell]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen, in a prejudice filled.

[Announcer]

America, no one would be secure in.

[Dick Powell]

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.