Episode 655 - Couples in the Cast (Richard Diamond, Suspense, The Line-Up, & Night Beat)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Down These Mean Streets – Episode 655 - Couples in the Cast

Podcast: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Date: February 8, 2026
Theme: “Couples in the Cast” – A special Valentine’s episode featuring Golden Age radio mysteries with real-life couples starring or collaborating on the microphone and behind the scenes.

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Episode Overview

This week’s episode celebrates Valentine’s Day by presenting four classic old-time radio detective stories, each spotlighting a real-life couple either performing together or connected through their work. The host introduces each segment with background on the stars and their partnerships, offering both nostalgic entertainment and insight into the golden era of radio.

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Key Segments & Discussions

[00:58] Introduction: Love & Mystery in the Golden Age

• Host sets the Valentine's Day theme, explaining the focus on real-life couples in classic radio detective roles.

  “Since love is in the air today, our show consists of four old time radio mysteries, each featuring a real-life couple.” (Host, 00:58)

The Lineup of Classics:

1. Richard Diamond, Private Detective

   • Stars: Dick Powell and real-life wife June Allyson
   • Airdate: June 21, 1950
   • Tone: Humorous, tongue-in-cheek missing person case

2. Suspense: "Love, Honor or Murder?"

   • Stars: Kathy and Elliott Lewis
   • Airdate: June 29, 1950
   • Tone: Dark, suspenseful noir morality tale

3. The Line-Up

   • With: Virginia Gregg (actress) and her director-husband Jaime Del Valle
   • Airdate: March 27, 1951
   • Tone: Police procedural

4. Night Beat

   • Stars: Joan Banks and Frank Lovejoy, married off-mic as well
   • Airdate: September 4, 1952
   • Tone: Human drama with a noir edge

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Details of Each Show

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Starring Dick Powell and June Allyson
Airdate: June 21, 1950

[09:20–34:08] Plot Highlights:

• June Allyson plays a mysterious, worried woman, Mrs. X, who hires Richard Diamond (her real-life husband Dick Powell) to find her “missing husband,” keeping secrets about crucial details.
• A blend of comedy, romantic banter, and gentle razzing characterizes their interplay.
• Powell’s Diamond is hungover yet sharp, matching wits with the secretive “Mrs. X.”

  “You want me to find him and you want me to trust you.” — Diamond (12:19)

• The case leads to the police precinct, run-ins with recurring comic cop characters, and a wild goose chase around town.
• The case concludes with a comedic twist: Mrs. X is revealed to be June Allyson herself, and the missing husband’s “disappearance” is due to his shock at her pregnancy and financial worries. The story ends with her leaving Diamond a thank-you note—and a nice check.

  “As for an explanation… I was going to have a baby. The realization that I wasn’t going to make any more money for the rest of the year was too much for him. The shock made him lose his mind and he… well, he just wandered off.” — Letter from “Mrs. X”/June Allyson (33:31)

Memorable Exchange:

• “Now, you look hot.”
• “I want to thank you very much for all you’ve done. And I want to apologize for running out on you.” (31:02)

[Timestamps]

• [12:00] – The mysterious hiring at Charlie’s bar
• [17:30] – Arrival at the precinct, comic police routines
• [27:00] – Looping through the city, comic exasperation
• [33:31] – The surprise explanation in the letter

Tone: Playful, witty, filled with gentle parody of detective tropes and affectionate chemistry between Powell and Allyson.

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[36:54–66:44] Suspense Presents: "Love, Honor or Murder?"

Starring Kathy and Elliott Lewis
Airdate: June 29, 1950

Plot Highlights:

• Kathy and Elliott Lewis play a working-class couple, Helen and Harry. Dissatisfied Helen wishes she could escape her marriage if only she had the money; Harry brings home a wallet containing $12,000 found in his cab.

  “If I ever get my hands on a thousand bucks, I’d get out of here so fast…” — Helen (37:33)

• Tension mounts as Harry debates returning the money versus keeping it at Helen’s urging.

  “If you leave this house with the money, when you come back, I’ll be gone.” — Helen (43:19)

• Helen manipulates Harry toward murder, suggesting the only way out is to kill the wallet’s owner, Sidney Walker, before he can report the loss.

  “You’ve got to kill him. It’s simple arithmetic.” — Helen (49:16)

• Twists include frantic phone calls, plans unraveling, Harry’s unwillingness to go through with murder, and Helen’s own downfall.

[Timestamps]

• [40:22] – Discovery of the $12,000
• [49:16] – Helen urging Harry to kill
• [61:14] – Helen calls the police to report a murder
• [63:20] – Climax: Harry turns on Helen

Memorable Moment:

• “Every man, even a weakling like you, can kill once. He’s got to kill to get rid of the thing that’ll destroy him.” — Helen (50:06)
• “In order to rid myself of the one thing in the world that can destroy me, I had to come back here to you, Helen.” — Harry (63:55)

Tone: Gritty, psychological, with a dark take on marital dynamics and crime.

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[66:54–93:39] The Line-Up

With Virginia Gregg (as supporting star), directed by Jaime Del Valle

Plot Highlights:

• Classic police procedural structure: A woman is found murdered in a city park, and the police investigate using forensic evidence and witness identification.
• Witnesses, suspects, and red herrings are methodically processed (1950s-style), culminating in the exposure that the murderer was hiding a deep personal secret to protect her husband, who had escaped prison decades earlier and built a new life.

  “We’re from the police department, Mrs. Elsner...” — (77:08) “He’s never done me any harm.” — Murder suspect Harry (49:19 from previous segment)

[Timestamps]

• [67:55] – Opening witness interview & police line-up
• [79:34] – Questioning the Elsners
• [89:23] – Discovery of the murdered woman’s real identity
• [93:39] – Confession and resolution

Memorable Moment:

• “She could never escape it... Until finally Edna Clooney was murdered. Edna Clooney ran up against a person like that just because she recognized an old friend who had a secret.” — Lt. Guthrie (93:13)

Tone: Methodical, serious, “true crime” procedural; strong character acting by Gregg.

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[97:56–122:10] Night Beat

Starring Frank Lovejoy and Joan Banks

Plot Highlights:

• Reporter Randy Stone (Lovejoy) receives a mysterious call from a woman warning that a bomb is on a Denver-bound plane.

  “There’s a bomb in the Denver plane tonight...” — Unidentified woman (97:58)

• The plane is grounded by fog, the bomb goes off but no one is hurt.
• Investigation reveals a love triangle, business betrayal, and a marriage torn apart—Joan Banks plays the anguished, morally ambiguous wife, Ellen.
• Emotional confrontations lead to a violent resolution and an ambiguous ending.

[Timestamps]

• [97:56] – Call with bomb threat
• [104:55] – Reporter traces the call and the woman
• [110:19] – The backstory: business, betrayal, and the bomb plot
• [115:44] – Hal's return and shattering conclusion
• [121:54] – Final tragic confrontation

Memorable Exchanges:

• “Hal, you’re not yourself. What do you want? Money? I’ll give you some luck.” — Bradley (120:29)
• “You love me, Hal, don’t you love me?” — Ellen (122:01)
• “Goodbye, Ellen.” (Culminating gunshot, 122:10)

Tone: Raw, noir drama—deep feelings, desperate acts, emotional devastation.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Meta-Reference/Joke – Dick Powell playing Richard Diamond, with his wife June Allyson as the “missing” wife, wittily referencing their real-life marriage and his various roles:

  “Well, Sam (Spade) drinks and runs around with women. I lead a rather sheltered life.” — Diamond (12:58)

• On Marital (Dis)Harmony

  “You, Bradley, you don’t owe me anything. It’s Ellen, what she’s taken from me. There’s only one way to square me.” — Hal (121:50)

• On Detective Tropes

  “Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave.” — Opening narration (00:00)

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Structure and Pacing

• Each segment opens with context about the real-life couple involved.
• Stories blend detective conventions with personal and romantic themes.
• The episode closes with the host previewing next week and Vincent Price’s classic “judge your neighbors...” PSA.

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Overall Tone & Style

• Engaging, witty, nostalgic: Teasing interplay between married stars; plenty of affectionate put-downs and comic misunderstandings alongside classic noir suspense and crime-solving.
• Intricate plotting: Each story handles relationship tension (love, betrayal, loyalty, manipulation) alongside the core detective narrative.
• Respect for legacy: The host’s framing gives historical and personal context to the performances.

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Useful for Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This episode is ideal for both classic radio fans and newcomers. The stories capture both the drama of detective work and the joys and perils of romantic partnership. With witty banter, moving reversals, and shocking reveals—performed by some of radio’s best real-life couples—it's a unique Valentine’s treat from the Golden Age.

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Notable Segment Timestamps

• [00:58] Host sets up “Couples in the Cast”
• [09:20–34:08] Richard Diamond (Powell & Allyson)
• [36:54–66:44] Suspense: "Love, Honor or Murder?" (Kathy & Elliott Lewis)
• [66:54–93:39] The Line-Up (Gregg & Del Valle)
• [97:56–122:10] Night Beat (Banks & Lovejoy)
• [125:47] Host wraps episode, thanks listeners

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Final Thoughts

This is a well-curated and enthusiastically presented Valentine’s episode showcasing not just the greatest radio detectives, but the love and partnerships behind their creation. Highly recommended for those interested in both vintage crime drama and stories of real-life creative collaboration.

Transcript

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Host/Announcer]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. This coming Saturday is February 14th, Valentine's Day. And since love is in the air today, our show consists of four old time radio mysteries, each featuring a real life couple. First up, we have June Allison and Dick Powell in a tongue in cheek missing person mystery from Richard Diamond, Private detective. This one originally aired on NBC on June 21, 1950 and June Allison plays a woman who hires Richard diamond, played by her real life husband Dick Powell, to find the missing husband of her character. Next we'll hear two legends of radio, Kathy and Elliot Lewis. Cathy Lewis was one of radio's best actresses. She co starred on the sitcom My Friend Irma. She played secretary Phyllis Knight on the Adventures of Michael Shane and she turned in supporting performances on everything from Sam Spade to the Whistler to Broadway as My Beat. And her husband Elliot was no slouch in the acting department himself. He played amateur detective Gregory Hood and he was sidekicked to Phil Harris on the Phil Harris Alice Fay Show. But Elliot Lewis may be best remembered today for his work as a radio director on shows like Suspense, Broadway Is My Beat and Crime classics. We'll hear Mr. And Mrs. Lewis today in Love, Honor or Murder? A suspense story from June 29, 1950. The couple in our third show today consists of an actress and a director. The actress is Virginia Gregg, one of radio's most versatile performers. Around here we probably know her best as Helen Asher on Richard diamond or as Claire Brooks on Let George Do It. Her husband was Jaime Del Valle, a director whose credits include Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and the Lineup. The police procedural we'll hear today in an episode that features Ms. Gregg in a supporting role. It's the lappenish Leiter upper case from March 27, 1951. And finally, we'll hear Joan Banks and Frank Lovejoy in an episode of Nightbeat from September 4, 1952. Ms. Banks made several appearances on Nightbeat where she co starred alongside her husband in his regular role of Chicago reporter Randy Stone. Our stars are married for mystery this week we'll Kick things off with Dick Powell and June Allison and Richard diamond right after these messages.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

The doctors we heard from had this to say a laxative should be effective, gentle, close to natural acting. A medicine that can be used with complete confidence. Now, Ex Lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because chocolate and Exlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Ex Lax is so gentle, so close to natural acting, there's no upset. That's why many doctors and millions of people use Ex Lax with complete confidence. Exlax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity gently, overnight. Say There's a girl in our neighborhood who's always been mighty fond of Brenda. Starr follows her adventures regularly in the funny papers. So she was mighty thrilled when she found that Brenda is one of the characters in that new series of comic buttons that Kellogg's Pep is putting out. Thrilled, in fact, that she started to specialize in collecting Brenda Star buttons. And she already has five of them pinned right on her jacket. Of course, most of the fellows and girls in the gang think that it's more fun to collect different buttons. And that's why they want Cindy and Vitamin Flint Heart and Superman and all the others. Of course. However you do it, it's doggone exciting fun, as you know. The best part is these comic buttons are so easy to get. You don't send in any money, not even the box Stop. And you can't buy them anywhere. But there's one of these exciting prizes in every package of Kellogg's Pep the Sunshine cereal. The crisp, tender whole wheat flakes with that catchy sunshine flavor makes mighty good eating for breakfast. So crisp and fresh and toasty that, well, you want to pitch right in and eat hearty. And that's always a good idea on a cold morning. Yes, sir, Kellogg's Pep is mighty good for you. Mom knows that, so remind her to get plenty of pee. He he. The Sunshine Cereal. Kellogg's Pep. And don't forget tomorrow when you ask your grocer for the new Rinso, buy a cake of Lifebuoy. At the same time, Lifebuoy's rich, purifying lather goes right after dirt and perspiration, leaves you feeling extra clean. So use Lifebuoy daily in your bath or shower. Remember, it's the only soap especially made to stop beyond. And here's a word from RCA Victor. Last week, the curtain went up on the 75th anniversary of the National Baseball League and the 50th anniversary of the American League. There's no better way to celebrate than by enjoying at firsthand the thrills and the clean sportsmanship of baseball today. Baseball today. It's the American way. Of course, the next best thing to a seat in the stands is a seat in front of a 19 inch RCA Victor television. RCA Victor's new Extra powerful picture pickup gives you the best possible reception everywhere. You know RCA Victor television is most in demand. But here's really important news. RCA Victor 19 inch television is available. It's on display now at dealer stores. So insist on the best. Insist on seeing 19 inch million proof television by RCA Victor. When you do, you'll agree, inch for inch, your best buy in television is RCA Victor 19 inch. 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. 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 evening, this is your Rexall family druggist speaking to you. For the 10,000 independent druggists who have made the word Rexall part of our own store names and who recommend and sell the 2,000 or more drug products made by the Rexall drug company like MI31. For example, Rexall's popular mouthwash, gargle and breath deodorant full strength MI31 kills contacted germs in seconds. Its zippy, tangy quality leaves a happy aftertaste. For a reliable yet refreshing mouthwash, use Rexall Mi31. And remember, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall. Good health to all from Rexall. Now your Rexall family druggist brings you a transcribed half hour with Richard diamond, private Detective. Detective starring Dick Powell. Dick's special guest star tonight is. Is. What was your name again?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'm sorry, but I really can't tell you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You can't tell me? Well, Brex all brings you Richard diamond, starring Dick Powell. Wow. Morning, Mr. Diamond. Morning, Charlie. Now fix me something, will you? Like that, huh? You look pretty good. Oh, you should have seen me when I got up. Both my heads were hissing each other. I'll fix you my special. You snap right out of it. Well, take it easy. I tried snapping out of it this morning and scattered myself all over the room. You relax for a minute. Just getting to work. Yeah, Helen gave a party last night. I think it turned out to be the finals of the Roller derby. Have a swallow a roller skate, Charlie. Once on A dare? A mouse. Oh, sorry, Charlie. Gotta mix it. Oh, that's a horrible machine to have in a bar. Some poor guy's liable to end up with a shell shock. Yeah. Hold your breath so you don't change your mind. What's in it? In your condition? That is a very touchy question. You just drink it. You'll feel better. Okay. No fudging all the way, Charlie. All the way. What are you, chicken? Oh. Oh, I knew it. I knew it. You snitched this stuff from a fire extinguisher. Tastes terrible, don't it? What are you gonna thaw me out with, a chisel now? I know it ain't that bad. No, a mortician would pay good money for the formula. Well, look what came in the front door. Oh, yes, sir.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Pardon me, but I'm looking for someone.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

There's nobody here but me and Mr. Diamond.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Here's a picture of him. Has he been in here?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, lady, a lot of people come in here.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, I mean this morning.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Mr. Diamond's my first customer.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Something wrong, miss?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I've just got to find him. I don't know where to look.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What made you think he'd be in here?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'm trying every place that's open. I lost him in this block someplace.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lost him?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, he. Well, he just disappeared.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Who is he?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

My husband.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I stopped to look at some hats in the window, started talking about how pretty they were, and the next thing, I turned around and he was gone.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You called home?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

We're living at a hotel. He hasn't shown up there. I've called everyone I know in New York.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You're from out of town?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes. Oh, I'm so worried.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, honey, from this picture, your husband looks old enough to find his way around. Why don't you go on back to the hotel?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You don't understand. My husband had quite a shock earlier this morning, and he was acting strangely.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

So you figure he might have gone looking for a drink?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I don't know what I thought. It isn't like him to wander off like that. I'm so worried.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, if you're that upset, why don't you go to the law? Missing persons.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I thought about that, but I can't.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You can't go to the police?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I can't explain why.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It just wouldn't be good.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Would you mind a completely new remark?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Haven't I seen you before, miss?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Nice name. Mr. Diamond sees a lot of people. Used to be a cop himself. Oh, private detective now.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Private detective.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Seems to me I've seen your husband someplace before too. Is this an old picture?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, I carry it around in my wallet. Are you really a private detective, Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Miss?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Like Sam Spade?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, no. No. Sam drinks and runs around with women. I lead a rather sheltered life. Steady, Charlie.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Mr. Diamond, I'm really frightened. I'm sure something awful's happened to my husband. Will you help me?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I might if you tell me two things.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What are they?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Why you can't go to the police and if you can afford 100 a day in expenses.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, I can afford the money.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You should have answered the first question first. Now I'm almost tempted to forget the last one.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But I can't go to the police.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Dear, dear, when people can't go to the police, it worries me. Your old man got a record or something?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

A record?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I've seen both of you someplace. You sure you aren't working some kind of a racket? Now, lady, take it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I lose my husband, I come in here for help and you think I'm some sort of a criminal or something?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look, dear, I don't know what to do.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I don't know where to go. I don't want to go to the police. And it has nothing to do with breaking the law.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Shame on you, Diamond. Here, lady, here's a handkerchief.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look, I'm sorry.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, you're not. You're terrible.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, please, please. Look, I'm in pretty bad shape myself. Okay, okay, I'll help you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wonderful. Mr. Diamond, where can we talk?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Hey, she turns them off like a hydrant.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You'll help me?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, yes. 100 a day in expenses.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Certainly. Get her.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah. You sure you didn't dip into one of Charlie's specials?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I don't drink.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

This isn't drinking. It's like diving into an active volcano.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Where can we talk?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

One of the booths.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Good. I don't want anyone else to know about this.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You mean, after this buildup, I ain't gonna even gonna hear what it's all about? Come on, dear. Relax, Charlie. Have one of your specials. Who knows? You may be the first one to reach the moon.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Is this booth all right, Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Just fine. Now, sit down, dear, and tell me all about it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, there's really not much to tell. I took my husband to the. Well, to an appointment this morning.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What kind of an appointment?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I can't tell you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

And you can't tell me your husband's name?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Not even his first name?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, I. I guess I could tell you his first name. It's Richard.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Richard Yes. You can't tell me anymore.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You want me to find him and you want me to trust you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

If you will.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Will you trust me?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Then I'll try and find Richard. But I'll need some help.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'll try.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No, no, no, please. I'll need some outside help.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Who?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

A policeman.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, no.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I told you and I told you. You want me to trust you? Okay, that's what I'm gonna do. But you gotta trust me, too.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But the police.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

If you and your husband aren't in trouble with the police, you got nothing to worry about.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But the police.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Not the police. A policeman. One man.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But he'll find out why Richard disappeared.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, don't you want to know why?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I. I know why, but I don't want anyone else to know why.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You don't want anyone else. You know why. But you. Oh, don't let me do this to myself.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I just want to find him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Okay, okay. I promise. The policeman won't say anything. I'm trusting that you have a good reason for not telling me any more than you have. But to find a man, this man in the picture and an old photograph at that, to find this man needs a lot of doing. Checking hospitals.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hospitals?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, don't start crying.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, I'm sorry. Go on.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

When you've got to check hospitals. Morge.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Morge, look.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look. Look, dear. You wait.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, I'm going with you. Good girl, Charlie. Thank you for being so patient.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

A pleasure, miss.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Shall we go, Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, yeah. And, Charlie. Yeah? I'd like to thank you, too. Anytime. Your hospitality and good manners are only equaled by your loyalty and perspicacity. Huh? All in all, you've been a living doll. Being a person who lives out in left field most of the time myself, I realized that these little disturbances in my life were pretty average. So with cute little Anonymous tagging along behind, I left Charlie's fancy bistro and headed for the Fifth Precinct police station in the. Good. Lieutenant Levinson. When we walked into the squad room, we bumped right into the one thing that science had been working 24 hours a day to find a cure for. Well, good afternoon, Sergeant Otis. Oh, how are you, Diamond? Hey. Oh. Unpucker, Otis. Mrs. X will think the lieutenant uses you to unstop sinks. Mrs. X? What kind of a name is that? You want to meet the lady? That's the name. Mrs. X.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How do you do, Sergeant?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh. Hey, ain't I seen you someplace before? Otis, haven't I seen you someplace before? Now, what are you talking about, Chalmers? Sure. You've seen me before, Mr. Diamond. Yeah, but this is nothing. Stick around him for a whole day sometime. Come on. Let's see the lieutenant. I see you later, Mrs.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, sergeant. It's been a pleasure.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Otis. Yeah? Your eyes are hanging out. So far they cover your badge. Oh, hello, Walt. Hi, Rick. I. Yeah. This is Mrs. Xvalt, dear. This is the mighty arm of the law, Lieutenant Levinson.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How do you do, Lieutenant?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

How do you do, Mrs. Mrs. Axe? Oh, let's not go into this thing again. The young lady prefers to be known as Mrs. X. Now, Walt, I want you to do me a favor. Yeah, A young lady. Haven't I seen you someplace before? Yeah, Walt. Even Otis is with us on that one. I said the same thing when she found me in Charlie's Bar. Now, the young lady's lost her husband, and I'm going to help her find him. Here's his picture. See if you got anything. Oh, yeah. Are you sure? I haven't seen you, Walt. We'll solve that one later. The picture. Go. Make like a policeman. Okay. She got a record, Lieutenant? Oh, well, I. I never forget her face. She's been trying to ever since he got Otis. Now, come on. Walt. Get a report for missing persons. Check the hospitals and the morgue.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The morgue?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lady, lady, please. It's a habit, honey. We gotta do these things just in case.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But you think he's. Aww.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Give me that picture. Lady, lady, please. Now, now, now, what's your husband's name? She can't tell you that, Walt. What do you mean she can't tell me that?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I can't.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, you look. Diamond, if this is one of your. First name is Richard. Richard what?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's something I really can't tell you. I wouldn't have told Mr. Diamond the Richard part, but it just sort of slipped out.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What are you two trying to do to me? You come in here and ask me to locate this guy in the picture, and you won't even tell me his last name. Look, Walt, I promised you'd do me the favor without the question. The young lady seems to have a very good reason for not wanting to give her name. Or her husband's. Now, all I want you to do is check the morgues. What's the matter with her? She wants her husband.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, I want my husband.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Before we continue with the adventures of Richard diamond, private detective, here's your Rexall family druggist. It's always a pleasure when a customer herself tells you why she likes your product. And last week, one said to me.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You know why I really prefer Rexall Milk of Magnesia? It's because one bottle won't be so thick I can't even pour it. And then the next one, thin and watery. Somehow, Rexall Milk of Magnesia always seems to be just right.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, ma', am, that's because every bottle of Rexall Milk of Magnesia has to meet an exacting standard of viscosity or it can't wear the Rexall label.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you mean by viscosity?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's the degree of thickness or pourability in a liquidity. Rexall conducts scientifically precise tests on every batch of Rexall Milk of Magnesia to be sure it meets this constant standard of viscosity. And that's not done just to please you with its consistency. What's much more important, it means you'll always get uniform dosage from every bottle of Rexall Milk of Magnesia.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

And I thought it was all an accident.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, no, ma'. Am. There are no accidents behind the fact you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall. And now back to tonight's adventure with Richard diamond, private detective starring Dick Powder. Well, I checked and know no one that looks like this guy is in any of the usual places.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, that's fine. Now let's start looking for him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Where?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I lost him, Mr. Diamond.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, swell. Well, Walt, we really just stopped by to say hello. Killing time, you know. Sure.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I appreciate everything you've done, Captain.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lieutenant.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Of course. Thank you very much. But now Mr. Diamond and I have to go and find my husband.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Richard?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I think you'd better wait a few minutes. What for?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, we've got to hurry. I've got to find my husband before the 8 o' clock plane leaves this evening.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You're leaving tonight? You didn't tell me that.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Richard has to be in California by tomorrow morning.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Got a little job to do.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

A very big job. Captain.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lieutenant. Well, what do you want us to wait for? Because I've got Otis checking on this girl, this Mrs. X. Oh, no, Walt, you promised. I promise nothing. You assume. Oh, you're a fine buddy, buddy schmutty. You might be taken in by her sweet innocence, but not me. You double crossed Mr. Diamond.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You promised.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But I didn't, lady. I just checked the morgues. Oh, now you shut up, Walt.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, I never.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I've seen this girl someplace, Rick. And I've got a sneaking suspicion she's wanted.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wanted?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You can't cross me like this, fatty.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wanted.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Won't tell me her name, huh? No, Won't tell me your husband's name, huh?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Then you're hiding something. Yes. Yes. Yes, meaning of course. Now, you stop that, Rick.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Rick. Is your name Richard, too, Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

My friends call me Rick. You ever in Chicago, lady?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Of course.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Of course. O F C O U R S E You stay out of this. You run around with Tony Capone when you were in Chicago. You're talking to me. I'm talking to her. Well, I'm glad Tony never gave me back my Elk's tooth.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, I don't know why you're talking to me, Captain. I never gave Mr. Capone an elks tooth.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That's Lieutenant there. You gotta stop promoting him. You'll get a swell head, you rat. You call me Lieutenant? No. Gee, don't scare me like that. I got something on this picture you gave me. Her husband. Yeah. Hello, Mrs. X. Hello, Carbo. Al. Yeah. You won't like it, Lieutenant. I won't like what? What I got on this picture.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Something's happened to Richard.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, take it easy. Well, what did you find out? I'll tell you whether I like it or not. Well, I sent it down to the boys in the morgue.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, no.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look what you've done, you mallet head. Well, gee, what did I say? Yes, said morgue.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, honey, honey, listen. This morgue is where they keep photographs.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, what did they come up with? Sergeant, she sure looks pretty when she cries like that. Oh, there's. Oh. Oh. Well, I shall quote from the report. Person in said photograph resembles one Richard diamond, private detective. What did you say?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Come to think of it, you do. Mr. Diamond, I shall continue.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Member of the New York police force for seven years. Height 6ft 1, 190 80. The general confirmation of the head note. Right. Oh, shut up. Oh, it gets real interesting. You didn't tell me about getting mixed up with that fan dancer back in 39. Diamond. I was simply interested in starting an ostrich farm. Otis. Yeah? Do you think that picture looks like Mr. Diamond? Kinda. Thank you, Patronage. Yes, and if I ever catch you wearing a sergeant's stripes again, I'll put you on a beach so far out that I have to fly food into you. Now get out of here.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Sergeant Levinson.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lady, please. It's Lieutenant.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, I don't care what it is. I think you were just horrible to that nice little policeman.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Is that right?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It certainly is. And I'm going to write a letter to the governor about you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, wait a minute.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

And what's more, I'M going to tell him what a horrible, mean, impolite person you are. But I come in here with Mr. Diamond, and simply because I won't tell you my name, you accuse me of being a mop.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Mop?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, mop. One of those gangsters girls.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Mop. Yes.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

And just because everyone thinks they've seen me before, I'm accused of all sorts of things.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Lady, I no telling what's happened to.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

My poor, wonderful Eisenman.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh. Oh, lady, please. Lady. You big bully. Yes, okay, I'm sorry. I apologize.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Can Sergeant Loveloon have his stripes back?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yes.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No. Thank you very much. Come on, Mr. Diamond. We've got to find Richard. Goodbye, Major.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I was ended up to my neck. Any other time, a client like Mrs. X would have scared me right into four months of hibernation. But she was such a cute little screwball that I just had to go along with it. We took the picture that looked something like yours truly and started making the rounds. Starting with the last place Mrs. X had seen her husband. We showed the picture to every shop owner within a four block circle, but no one had seen him. Mrs. X kept checking with the hotel, making me stay at a good distance so I couldn't hear the conversation. But no one had seen her husband. We ended up right back where I first ran into her. Charlie's.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wow.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Find him?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look, dear, why don't you check again with this place that you and your husband went to this morning for his business appointment? Maybe you went back there.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, I guess I could try it again.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Phone. In the back, on the wall.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Thanks. I'll call him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No luck, Diamond. No. How do I get into these things? Charlie, when someone wants to give you 100 a day in expenses, you get into phone. Brilliant deduction.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hello?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

A little lady will get it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Mr. Diamond?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It's for you. Captain Levinson.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You've been promoted several times in the last hour.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You think he's heard something about Richard?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Might be. Yeah. What is it, fatty? I thought you might be there. What made you think of Charlie's? It's pretty obvious you had a hangover. Well, maybe I stuck a bicycle pump in my nose and pumped up my head just to get a laugh out of Otis. You'll have to do better than that. You told me you met the girl at Charlie's. Shrewd. Shrewd.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Is it something important?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Honey, just relax. I'm getting to it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What if it's about Richard, the girl there?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah. What's on your mind? Well, I don't know. If it means anything, but we just got a report from the Johnson Sanatorium. Johnson Sanatorium? Never heard of it. Over on 84th Street. The missing husband? I don't know. The report fitted his description, but who knows from that old photograph? Well, it's worth checking. What's the address? 644 E. 84th St. Seems they found this guy wandering around the streets. Johnson Sanatorium. 644 East 84th street, huh? Did he give his name? Amnesia? Loss of memory. Seem to be suffering from shock. Thought I'd let you get there first. Felt kind of sorry for the girl when I realized her story might be kosher. Okay, Wal, I'll check it. Thanks. Meet you there. Well, honey, that might be. Hey. Hey, Charlie. Yeah, Mrs. X. Where'd she go? Took out of here like she was shot out of a gun. Something wrong? When are you gonna stop asking stupid questions? Well, that torrid Mrs. X was probably on her way over to the Johnson Sanatorium and with a good head start. So I went out and grabbed a cab for 84th Street. And kicked myself a dozen times for getting mixed up in a situation like that. Why not forget the whole thing and get some rest until my head returned to a normal circumference? Answer. Because I'd wasted a whole afternoon looking for the missing husband and hadn't even got a retainer.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, sir. Is there something I can do for you?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm looking for the man you reported. Hello, Rick. Oh, Walt. Have you seen Mrs. X? I just this minute got here. She's been and gone. What about the guy you got the report on? Took him with her.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The young lady came in, took a look at the man, claimed it was her husband, paid his bill and left.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You let him go like that? I thought the man had amnesia. Well, yes.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He was suffering from some kind of shock and had temporarily lost his memory.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But you just let him walk out of here, Greg. Let him finish your story.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The minute the man saw the young lady, he snapped right out of it. She said they had to hurry to catch a plane or something. Had a lot of packing to do.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Did she give her name?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, he sent the release.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Here, let me see it. Now, take it easy. Ring. It's signed Mrs. Richard Diamond. She used my name.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Is that your name?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You're dying, right? It is. She'd leave any address phony. I checked. Oh, swell. I'll cover the airports if it'll make you happy. Oh, it'll make me very happy. She did nothing for my hangover. She didn't Pay me one red cent for my trouble. And I think I may be getting hives. Oh, I'm going over to Helen's and have a complete nervous breakdown.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How do you feel now?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, I'm all right, Helen, dear, but my ulcers just had a parade.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Any word from Walt?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No, Ms. Helen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, what is it, Francis?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

A young lady at the door for Mr. Diamond. I'll get it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'll bet you will.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Wow.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hello, Mr. Diamond.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, look, I've got something to say.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I can't stop to talk. My husband's waiting in the car and we have to catch a plane.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now you look hot.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I want to thank you very much for all you've done. And I want to apologize for running out on you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But your husband.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He's fine, thank you. He just lost his memory for a while.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now I'm not.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I haven't got time to tell you anymore. We've got to catch a plane.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, I said that. Here's an envelope.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But I.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It explains everything. And there's something in it for you, but you can't. And here's something else, because you've been so wonderful.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I hope if you ever get to California, you'll look us up. Goodbye. And thank you again for everything. You're wonderful.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Bye.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, all right, blue eyes. What was that all about?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

H. Oh, no, that was her. She. The girl. The girl. Mrs. X.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What's that?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, it's an envelope. Said it would explain everything.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I hope it does. Especially that fond farewell.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, that. She was just being grateful. Yeah.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Go on, open the envelope.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Pardon, Miss Helen. Now it's the phone. Lieutenant Levinson for Mr. Diamond. I better tell him about the girl.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You'd better read what's in that envelope.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Hello, Walt. Wreck. That dame. Phone notice. Asked where she could find you. Oh, that's how she found the place. Yeah. The melon had told her you might be over at Helen's. Gave her. She's been there. Just left. And she left an envelope that she said would explain everything. Well, what did it say? I haven't read it. Well, read it. I want to know what this is all about. So does Helen. Well? Well, 500 bucks.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The explanation.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What about the letter? Well, it says, Dear Mr. Diamond, I know that I've caused you a great deal of trouble. So I wish to take this opportunity.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

To thank you for your patience and understanding. As for an explanation, well, here it is. But I count on your discretion and hope that you will keep my secret. This morning my husband and I went to a Doctor. Because I hadn't been feeling well, we discovered and were overjoyed to find out that I was going to have a baby. Immediately, I informed my husband that I had decided to give up working until after I had the baby. The realization that I wasn't going to make any more money for the rest of the year was too much for him. The shock made him lose his mind and he. Well, he just wandered off. Although he has recovered his memory, the thought of having to support us both for the rest of the year has left him nervous and despondent. So I'm taking him back to the coast to the family psychiatrist.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kindness and help. Signed. Oh. Sign Ho.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Rick.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Helen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Helen. What's wrong? He's fainted.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He looked at the signature on the letter and just flopped over.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, what about the signature?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It's signed June Allison.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Again. Here's your Rexall family druggist. Whenever you have a headache, remember this about Rexall Aspirin. When taken with water, the five full grains of pure aspirin in every Rexall tablet are ready to go to work for you even before they reach your stomach. Yes, whenever you have a headache, remember that about Rexall Aspirin. Ask for it at Rexall drugstores everywhere. And remember always, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall. Good health to all from Rexall. Richard Diamond, Private Detective stars Dick Powell in the title role and is written by Blake Edwards with music composed and conducted by Frank Wirth. June Allison appeared through the courtesy of Metro Golden Mayor and will soon be seen co starring with Dick Powell in the MGM motion picture Right Cross. Featured in tonight's cast were Virginia Gregg, Ted Decorcia, Wilms Herbert and Bob Sweeney. Richard Diamond, Private Detective, was transcribed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle. This is Bill Foreman inviting you to be with us next Wednesday at this time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Hi, you beautiful.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Get lost, bristlepuss. You need a shave.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But I have shaved. What else do you want me to do? Silly boy. She wants you to go stag. Go stag? But why? Because Stag is Rexall's exclusive line of men's good grooming aids. Like Stag, brushless shave cream. No fuss, no massage. Just smooth it on and presto. You get a clean, close shave. Your face stays smooth and whiskerless all day long. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll go stag. That's it. Join the stag line now at Rexall drugstores everywhere.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, to make girls care. Go stag.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Bill bendix leads the life of riley again Friday on NBC. Autolight and its 96,000 dealers present suspense. Tonight, Autolight brings you love, honor or Murder, a suspense play produced and edited by William Spear and starring Kathy and Elliot Lewis.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hello, Alice? Yeah, this is Helen. Look, kid, I'm not gonna be able to go to the dance after all. Well, Harry works a late shift with that taxi of his, so I've gotta stay home and look at the four walls again. I'm so fed up, sometimes I feel like leaving this house and Harry and the whole works. Believe me, the only reason I haven't is because I need the money to do it. Seven years of wedded bliss. Only thing to show for it is a stinking place. If I ever get my hands on a thousand bucks, I'd get out of here so fast it'd make it. I said if I had a thousand bucks, I'd kiss off Harry so fast it'd make it. Hold it a minute.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Alice.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Somebody came in. Is that you, Harry?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, it's me. Came home early.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, if you expect to find dinner at this hour, you're gonna be disappointed. It's Harry. Alice? Honey, what was I saying? Oh, yeah, the same old honey.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Cut the conversation. Something's happened. What? I said, cut the conversation. Here, give me that phone. Alice, Helen will call you later.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Goodbye, big man.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Baby, you know what I got here? $12,000. Yes, in a moment. Kathy and Elliot Lewis and a tale well calculated. To keep you in suspense. Wilcox. Where'll you spend your summer vacation? On the open road. Half my hapless pedestrian enjoying the remarkable performance of my auto light stay full battery. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. Ah. What? Sweet stay fullman. Correction, Wilcox. You mean sweet fulfillment. Ah, you walked into a trap. Hap milad. The auto light stay full battery brings sweet stay fullman because it has three times as much liquid reserve as batteries without stay full features. That's why it needs water only three times a year in normal car use. A man who puns like that won't live long. Wilcox. Ah, but happy Autolite stay full battery lives an incredibly long life according to tests based on SAE lifecycle standards. For example, this famous battery gave 70% longer average life than batteries without stay full features. I shouldn't have started all this. Oh, and speaking of starting, my friend, the Autolite stay full battery has plenty of starting stamina and dependability. So, friends, see your friendly Auto Light battery dealer tomorrow and ask for an Autolite. Stay full battery for your car. And remember, you're always right with Autolight. And now, with Love, Honor or Murder and the performances of Kathy and Elliot Lewis, Auto Light hopes once again to keep you in suspense. That's what I said, Baby. $12,000.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Are you out of your mind, Harry?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Helen, I found this wallet in my cab just a few minutes ago.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wallet?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Here, look inside. Open it up, Harry.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

$100 bill.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

50S and 20s and tens. More than $12,000.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

$12,000.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, is it all right to come home early?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Why cheat? I don't know what to say.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Take it easy, baby. Don't get too excited. I gotta give it back.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Give it back?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, yeah. Look at the name inside the wallet. Belongs to a regular customer. Mine. Sidney Walker, the news commentator. I take him around town every afternoon. He calls up for me personally.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

$12,000?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, but as far as we're concerned, it's not worth 12 cents, huh? If I don't turn it into the company before Walker coughs about it, they can throw me in a pen for five years.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Then why did you bring it home?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I don't know. I guess I shouldn't have at that. It's just that I never saw so much money before. I wasn't so far away and I. I just had to bring it home and show it to me.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You had to bring it home and wave it under my nose? That's like you. That's just like you, Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No. Give me the money, Helen. Walker's gonna remember leaving the money in my cab. He'll call up the company.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Wait a second. How long ago did you find the money?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

20 minutes ago. I came straight home.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What's the hurry?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

As long as you're home, why don't you wash up, go fix you some supper. I'll make you a good supper.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I don't know. I ought to get back.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Come on, honey. Go on, wash up.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Go ahead.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Give us a chance for a little while to kind of pretend the money belongs to us.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Ah, this coffee really hits the spot. Why didn't you eat, honey?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hmm?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I was thinking about the 12,000 bucks. Well, someday we'll have it, too, baby.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

We've got it right now, Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, for about five more minutes. Well, I guess I better report in now. It's been almost an hour. Walker will be calling the company pretty soon. I want the money to be in the safe when he does. Uh, you give me the wallet, Helen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How do you know Walker will call a company.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, we've been through all of that. He'll call because he'll remember the ride with me. We went over a bumpy stretch, easy for his wallet to pop out. Then he'll probably remember that.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He could have lost it in so many other places, he may not even think of the cab ride. And if he doesn't, won't you feel like a fool?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That's better than cooling my heels in some jail.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I know what I'd do if I were you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'd take the chance that Walker wouldn't remember, that he wouldn't call. I'd keep the money.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, Helen, stop that.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's what I'd do. But not you. You've always been afraid to take a chance. You'll always be content to be nothing.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm sorry I ever came here with the money. Now give it back to me. I'm turning it into the company.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You love me, Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, that's got nothing to do with it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, it has everything to do with it. If you leave this house with the money, when you come back, I'll be gone.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now you're talking like a SAP.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I mean it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Come on, give me the wallet.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Here it is, Harry. You come back, I'll be gone.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, I'll bet you will. Well, I gotta be gone. I'll see you later, honey. I'll be home later.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It doesn't matter when you come home. You won't find me here.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Pa. You stop talking like that. So long, Helen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It's really goodbye, Harry. I mean it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You. You. The first day we were married, you've been twisting me around your little finger. Only cause you know how much I love you. How much I need you. I guess you'll never stop doing that, will you, Helen?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What do you want me to do?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Nothing. Nothing. Leave everything to me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Fearless Cab company.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

This is Mr. Sydney Walker's personal secretary calling.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Don't tell me that cab Mr. Walker ordered hasn't got there yet. I sent it out hours ago. Oh.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, it got here all right. It's not that. I. We're trying to locate Mr. Walker and I just wondered if by any chance you might have heard from him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What? Well, no. If he got his cab all right, why should he have called us?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Of course, you're right. Well, thank you very much. Well, he hasn't reported anything yet.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That don't make sense. 12,000 bucks is a lot of money, even for Walker.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Give me the phone book.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Who are you gonna call now?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Mr. Walker, of course. We Gotta find out why he hasn't reported losing his wallet.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, luck. Why don't you let me bring the money back? Maybe. Maybe he'll give me a good reward. He might even.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You're not going to do anything. Let me see where we are. Here it is.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Here. You're going to get us in trouble, Helen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I know what I'm doing. Hello? H. Hello. I'd like to speak to Mr. Walker, please. Well, he's not in right now. This is Mr. Walker's housekeeper. Could I take a message? No, no, this is a personal matter. Where could I be certain of reaching him? Nowhere until 10 o'. Clock. 10 o'?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Clock?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, that's when he does his nightly broadcast, you know. Oh yes, of course. And what time does he reach the station? Five minutes of ten.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Uh huh.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You're quite sure he'll be there then? Oh, my heavens, you could stake your life on it. That's been his schedule for a good many years. Who's this talking? Are you a friend of Mr. Walker? Oh, yes, yes, my husband and I have known Sidney for a long time. Well, as long as you're a friend, I can tell you Mr. Walker has a busy evening ahead of him. Oh, he lost his wallet an hour or so ago. It contains a lot of money. Enough for a payment on a house he's wanted. That's too bad. I do hope he finds it. Oh, he'll find the wallet all right. He's out looking for it right now. Do you have any idea where he might have lost it? Oh, yes, he certainly has. And he might be disappointed it hasn't been returned. He knows who found the wallet? Well, not exactly the way he told it to me. He knows who should have found it. But that is, he didn't tell me the rascal's name. I see. He's too kind and easygoing, that's what he is. There, he's always been that way. I'd have called the police right away. Why hasn't he? Oh, he doesn't want to cause any embarrassment or hard feelings, you know. So first he's going to look everywhere else he's been this evening. And if it still doesn't turn up? Well, he says if this fellow he suspects hasn't come by the apartment to return the money by the time he gets home, then he'll report it all right.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

And.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, but my gracious, here I am gabbing away a mile a minute. I'm sure all this doesn't interest you. Oh, it does. Of course it does. Now, if we Want to reach Sydney before he gets home. You say he will arrive at the radio station just before 10? At 5 minutes to 10 on the dot. Well, then we'll contact him there. Thank you. Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yes?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That was his housekeeper. By what she said, he knows he left the wallet in your cab.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

See? I told you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah, but he hasn't reported it yet. Mr. Walker is a very fair man.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I'll have time to bring it down to the company.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Harry, how many times do I have to tell you? We're not going to bring it down to the company. Now, come on. We got to decide what we can do between now and midnight to keep Walker from reporting his loss.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

There's nothing we can do. You just said he knows he left the money in my cab.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's right.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, then, what is there to decide? Smiling about?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Was I smiling? Thinking of something.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Of what?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You know, there is really only one way in all the world to keep Walker from telling about that war.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What are you talking about? The only way to keep Walker from telling would be to kill him. Now. Now, look, we gotta decide what we're gonna do. So let's stop the jokes.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Do I look like I'm joking?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No. No, you don't.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It's that gun in the dresser door. Never been used. They can never trace anything to you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, Helen, what are you talking about?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You've got to kill him. It's simple arithmetic.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But how can I? He's. He's never done me any harm.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

If he lives, he'll call the police and tell him you've stolen his money.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That's why I gotta return the money.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

If you do that, you'll lose your wife.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No, but, Helen, look, listen to me.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Look how simple it is. At five minutes to 10, you can be absolutely certain that he'll be entering the broadcasting studio. If you were waiting outside for him, there's so many quiet places you could take him with a gun.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, but Helen, listen to me. Even. Even if I wanted to kill him, I couldn't. I have the nerve.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, yes, you have.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You see, Harry, there are some men who can kill a hundred times. Doesn't bother their appetite. They still get a good night's sleep.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, but not.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, I know. No, not you, not you, Harry. But every man, even a weakling like you, can kill once. He's got to kill to get rid of the thing that'll destroy him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, Helen, please. I can't.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You can, Harry. You can do it for me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Why don't you let me just bring the money Back. It'd be so much better that way.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Harry. What time is it?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What time is it?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's 10 after 9.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You couldn't bring the money back now even if I let you. But why? What time should you have reported in with your cab?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Half past eight. What difference? Oh, so that's it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

See what I mean? If Walker reports his loss now, you're in trouble no matter what you do. They'll know you were thinking of keeping the money. In their eyes, that's almost as bad as really keeping it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah, but I.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You know the rules of that company. You're supposed to inspect your cab after every fare. If they don't arrest you, they'll fire you, they'll blackball you. You'll never get another job.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That's why you kept me here? Ate supper for him, stalled around. You figured that one out too, didn't you, Helen?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, I figured that one out too. Walker will get to the station at 5 to 10. You've got 45 minutes. Start out and act as if you're on a regular run. That'll be your alibi. Later. Just stop at all the usual places and talk to the boys. And act as if it were just another night.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What about my schedule? I was supposed to be in at 8:30.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You can always tell him that business was so good you couldn't come in. Shall I get the gun, Harry?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yes. Auto Light is bringing you Kathy and Elliot Lewis in Love, Honor or Murder? Tonight's production in radio's outstanding Theater of Thrills. Suspense. Say, Wilcox, if you drive across the Arizona desert, take special note of the barrel cactus. I have. I have. It's a desert phenomenon. Holds water like a. Well, well, well. That reminds me of the Autolite Stay Full Battery. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. I was afraid it would. No need for fear, lad. Because the Autolite Stay Full battery has plenty of starting stamina and dependability. You see, this super battery has a fiberglass retaining mat protecting every positive plate. That keeps the power producing material in place and means extra long life. The little cactus lives a mighty long life too. Pardon me, Hap, but SAE Lifecycle standard tests show that the Autolite Stay full battery gives 70% longer average life than batteries without Stay Full features. Oh, there's no use talking. You're so right, Hap. The thing to do is see your friendly Autolite battery dealer tomorrow. Ask for an Autolite Stay Full Battery. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. And remember, you're always right with Autolight. And now Autolight brings back to our Hollywood soundstage our stars, Kathy and Elliot Lewis in Love, Honor or Murder. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Harry, is it you?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Beg pardon?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'm sorry. I thought it was my husband. What do you want?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, you must be Mrs. Blake, Harry's wife.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah. What do you want?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Say, have I talked to you on the phone before?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Why?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Your voice sounds kind of familiar.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You may have. Who is this?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

This is Dave Harris over at Peerless Cab Company.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Peerless Cab Company.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah. Say, have you seen Harry in the last couple hours?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, he's out working.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, he should have been through with his shift at 8:30. It's 25 to 10 already. That's not like Harry.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

25 to 10. Is there something wrong?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I don't know. One of Harry's regular customers, Sidney Walker, called up a few minutes ago from a restaurant on the way to that broadcast of his.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

He thinks he left a wallet in Harry's cabin. I said he thinks he left.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I heard you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, there was $12,000 in the wallet, Mrs. Blake. Walker says he looked everywhere else, that he might have lost it and it hadn't turned up. He just wants me to contact Harry as soon as possible and tell him to look in the back of his cab.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hell, if Harry should call, I'll tell him to get in touch with you right away. I should. What did you say before?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Huh?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Walker called and told all this before he started for the station.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What? What are you talking about, Mrs. Blake?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Nothing. Nothing. Walker called before you reach the station. Harry will be waiting at the station to kill him. But now Walker's already told him that maybe Harry took the wallet. Everything will point to Harry. They'll arrest him 10 minutes after he's killed Walker. Harry will tell him everything. He's weak. He'll try to blame me. He'll tell him I made him do it. I gotta call him back. I gotta stop him before he kills Walker. 25 to 10. 20 minutes to reach him. I got to reach him. 20 minutes to reach Harry. 20 minutes to call him back. I told Harry to make all the regular stops so everybody remember him. Won't let me think he'll stop for gas at the taxi garage. Yeah. Yeah, I reached him there before. Her number's written down someplace. There's that little book. She can sew a kit here. Here it is. Mutual 6552.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

5 5. In his garage. Max speaking.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

This. This is Mrs. Blake calling Harry Blake's wife.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Ms. Blake, has Harry been there yet? To get his gas, I mean.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No, he hasn't been here all night. Say, what's she been up to?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I just got a call from the main office to hold him here when he does show up.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Look, Mac, Harry always told me you were his friend.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Sure.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, he's in trouble, terrible trouble. I haven't got the time to explain. If I don't reach him right away, I don't know what'll happen.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I don't know what I can do, Ms. Black. Well, you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You can tell me the names and the telephone numbers. Some of the places that cabbage like Harry stop off at. Well, while they're on the runs.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, sometimes the boys stop at Gus's coffee shop on 6th Avenue for coffee.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What's that number?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Wait a minute. It's state 8570.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah, state 88570. All right, all right. Where else?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, maybe if he had a few minutes to spare, he'd go to Frank Stymond on Washington Boulevard. I don't know the phone number there.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I'll look it up.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'll look it up.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Where else?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Of course, he might go up to Union headquarters to chew the rank with the boys.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Union headquarters? Yeah, where else?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Look, there's lots of places he might stop off at. You gotta reach him by 10 o', clock, huh? Well, that doesn't leave you much time.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, it doesn't leave me much. I'm trying to locate Harry Blake. Has he been there tonight? He hasn't. Well, if he does show up, will you tell him to call his wife? Tell him it's very important. You sure Harry isn't in? Could you just kind of look around again? All right, if you're sure. But listen, if he does drop in, tell him to call home right away. Harry Blake? Yeah, the cab driver. He was in your place just a few minutes ago. Can you call him back, please? It's terribly important. I know you're awful busy and everything. Hello? Hello? Hello? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? I got to stop him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

How?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

15 minutes to 10. 10 minutes. Only 10 minutes.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I gotta think.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I got to think. Radio stations on 6th and Main. That's two miles away. Maybe I could get to Harry before Walker reaches there. I've got to try. I've got to try. I've got to stop him. Driver, when I got in your cab you told me you could get me to the radio station in 10 minutes.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I didn't give you no guarantees. Lady, I'm doing the best I can.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But I've got to get there before 5 or 10. You told me you could make it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It don't do no good to holler in my ear.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Lady, there must be some way to make better time. Can't you take side streets or something? Again, you're stuck.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's the traffic lane.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

But you told me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I know what I told you, but I didn't figure on so much traffic.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Please hurry. I'll pay you anything if you get me there.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, dang. Always hurry. Oh.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Now what's wrong?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I told you lady, the traffic is lousing us up.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What time is it now?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, about 10 minutes to 10.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Don't tell me about. I want the exact time.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Exact time. Seven minutes to ten.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Seven minutes to. To ten. How much farther is it to the station?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I can tell you this. We're not going to make it in two minutes.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

And there's no need to make it at all. Take me home. Just a minute or two before take in. He'll be coming home soon. Wanting to hide under the bed, whimpering like a dog. Trace the killing to him fast enough. They'll come here. They'll take us both away and the money too.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Money?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The money too. Wait a minute. Why should they come here? Why should they get the money? Why do I have to take the blame for what he did? I didn't commit the murder. That money I could get away. They wouldn't look for me too hard. Yeah, yeah. Why should I take the blame for what Harry did?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Police department, Sergeant Graham speaking.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I want to report a murder.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What's that?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You're too late to stop the murder, but you can still catch the killer.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Wait a second now. Just who is this killer?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

His name is Harry Blake. Drives a taxicab. Taxi number is 365. You should find him somewhere around the radio station.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Just who did he kill? He.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He killed Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Evening, Helen. Go on, finish your conversation.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How did you get back here so soon?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Good cabbie can make time when you ask him.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You killed him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's just after 10 o'. Clock. Turn on the radio and find out. Oh, you're talking on the phone. I'll turn the radio on for you, Harry.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The police will come here and look for you. They'll catch you, Harry. Did anybody see you doing. Did they try to?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

His brilliant analysis of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Sydney Walker. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Sidney Walker. Tonight I'm going to bring you a report on a recent interview I had with one of the most prominent industrialists of the world.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's all I want to hear.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I tell you his name.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You wouldn't get it at all. I should have known. I should have thought. I actually thought you went through through with it. You didn't have the nerve.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

No, I didn't kill him. But I did have the nerve. What? Yeah, you gave me the nerve. That pep talk before I left. That was very true, you know.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You remember. Even a weakling like me can kill once. If he's gotta kill to get rid of the one thing that'll destroy him. Those were your very words.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Then why didn't you kill Walker?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Because I got to thinking about what you said and how right you were. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Realized what?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That I was headed in the wrong direction.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you mean by that? Put that gun away, Harry.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

In order to rid myself of the one thing in the world that can destroy me. I had to come back here to you. Helen. Hello? Hello? What happened there? Hello? Hello? This is the police department, isn't it? I heard her speaking to you as I was opening the door. Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. It's the police department. What's going on there? What were those shots? Wasn't my wife reporting a murder? Yeah, she was. She gave us all the information. Except she didn't tell us who was gonna be killed. Oh, well, you see, Officer, until this very moment, she really didn't know. Suspense Presented by Auto Light Tonight stars Kathy and Elliot Lewis. Well, Harlow, I hope you and your Auto Light stay full battery. Have a wonderful vacation together. Thanks, Hap. And the same to you. See you August 31st, when suspense will return to the CBS Airways Same time, same stations. Until then, we'll say so long for Autolite. Makers of more than 400 products for cars, trucks, planes and boats in more than 28 plants coast to coast. Now, if you're planning a vacation motor trip, be sure to have your car carefully checked at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. And if your Autolite equipped car needs replacement parts, ask for and insist on Autolight original factory parts. Because they're engineered to fit together perfectly. Work together perfectly because they're a perfect team. Best wishes for a happy, carefree summer. And remember, friends, you're always right with Autolite. Remember. Thursday, August 31st. Suspense returns to the air with the first of a series of stories that is, as we say, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Tonight's suspense play was produced and edited by William Spear. Directed by Norman McDonnell. Music for suspense was composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lynn Murray. Tonight, Love on Honor or Murder is an original play written for radio by Larry Marcus. Kathy and Elliot Lewis can be heard in their new Columbia record albums, Happy Anniversary and Happy Holiday. Don't forget, suspense returns to the air Thursday, August 31st.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You can buy Autolite staple batteries, Autolite Standard or Resistor spark plugs, Autolite electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers. Switch to Auto Light. Good night.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Ladies and gentlemen, by transcription, we take you now behind the scenes of a police headquarters in a great American city where under the cold, glaring lights will pass before us the innocent, the vagrant, the thief, the murderer. This is the lineup. Gee, Lieutenant, I didn't figure I was getting all this.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I thought all I had to do.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Was to tell you what I saw.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

In Whitegate park last night.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That is all you have to do, Sydney. Here, sit down. Only take a few minutes. We want to see if you can identify the man in the park who walked past the bench where you and your girl were. That's all. We picked up someone who fits the description you gave us. Oh, yeah, sure. Well, like I said, Lieutenant, Gloria, my girl, that is, was repairing her lipstick when this guy sauntered by. Boy, imagine me putting a finger on a murder. Hold it, Sydney. Just look and listen, huh? You people out there on the other side of the wire in the audience room. May I have your attention, please? Thank you. My name is Greb. Sergeant Matt Greb. I'll explain the line after you. Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call off a number, their name and charge. If you have any questions or identifications, please remember the number assigned to the prisoner as I call his name. If you're sure or not too sure of the suspect, have him held. The officers who took your name will assist you. They're seated among you. Oh, wait till I tell the guys in the block about this, huh? Lieutenant, your identification. When the prisoners leave here, they are sent to the bathroom and dressed back into their jail clothes. It makes it quite difficult to bring them back after they leave here. The questions I ask these suspects are merely to get a natural tone of voice. So do not pay too much attention to their answers as they often lie. Bring on the line. All right, boys. All right, let's move this way. Over to the end of the stage. That's it. Now turn and face the front. Hands to your sides. Look straight ahead. Number one, Charles. Heltzer assault. Why were you fighting, Charles? Self defense. He said he wished I was dead. Talk up, Charles. It was self defense. He said he wished I was dead. Witnesses say you started it, Charles. Three witnesses are talking liars, his buddies. Number two, Maurice Calder. Drunk and disorderly on private property. Where do you live, Maurice? It all depends on the weather. Why did you start a disturbance in the theater lobby? I was drunk, I guess. Anyhow, when I got inside I found out I'd already seen the picture and they wouldn't give me my 40 cents back. Number three, Jimmy Vetter. Vacancy. How long have you been in town, Vetter? 61 years, Sergeant, on and off. I was born here. There, Lieutenant. That one, like I told you. Bald and with a nose as flat as a pancake. Sergeant Graham. Yes, Lieutenant. Number three, hold for interrogation. Okay. Better. Right in here. I'll be back in a few minutes, Ben. Okay, man. Come in. Better sit down over there. Yes, sir. We want a few facts, Veteran. Early this morning, an unidentified woman of about 60 was found choked to death in the park. A nice looking unidentified woman of about 60, Venom. Nice looking until she was strangled. So? So the coroner says she was murdered sometime between 9 and 11 last night. Hey, I don't get it, Lieutenant. This morning I'm picked up in an alley sleeping off a snootful. Now this was the connection. A kid who was necking in the park last night not 50ft away from the dead woman. That's the connection, Venom. A kid who read about the killing in this morning's paper and came in and gave us a description of the man he saw in the park at a little after 11. I still don't get it. Well, then try this. The description the kid gave us was a bald man with a nose flat as a pancake who keeps sniffing all the time. That better is the reason we picked you up. Not for sleeping in an alley. No, no. And just to make it all real tight, 5 minutes ago the kid identified you in the lineup. No, no, that ain't so. He couldn't. It was dark there in the parking. Okay, Lieutenant. I was in the park, all right. I might as well save us both a lot of time and tell you the rest. You killed a Venom? The stick up that got out of hand when she started to yell? No, Lieutenant, she was dead when I got there. Could I have a smoke, Lieutenant? Yeah. I was walking through the park, Lieutenant, looking for a good spot to flop for the night when I saw something shiny off in the bushes away this here house key. I bent down to pick it up. I saw the body. She was dead like a doornail and there was no one around. You sure of that? Positive. I look good. Anyhow, I was flat broke, so I went through a pocket. She didn't have no pocketbook. Just a buck and a half and change in a coat. That's all I took and I beat it. I walked slow past those kids on the bench so they wouldn't be suspicious. That's our lieutenant. The truth, so help me. The lineup's finished, Ben. Is there anything I can do? Yeah, turn Vedder here over to Sergeant Quine, will you, Matt? Gonna hold him on suspicion of murder, Lieutenant, I already told you. Let's go, Vedder. Be right back, Ben. Right. Hi, Becker. Hi, man. Good morning, Lieutenant. Here's the first report on that body in Whitegate Park. Not much. No identification yet. Becca. Mm. Mm. And it may be a while. Most of the stuff she was wearing was homemade and home washed, so no labels and no laundry marks. Mm. Also, there's no record of her prints here or in Washington. Coroner's office is checking on her dental work now. Call you as soon as we get something, Lieutenant. Hey, man. Yeah, yeah. Well, Ben, what did Becker have? Does it look like Jimmy Letter? Maybe. I don't know. He says he was walking through the park, spotted this key, and then the body admits robbing it. No more. Well, where do we go from here, Ben? Well, until we get something on the body, this key, I guess. Come on. Let's check with Harrison on the robbery detail. Get a listing of locksmiths. Lieutenant, you may be lucky at this key. How's that? Harrison? One thing. The number punched on it. But the locksmith who turned it out. This G104 here is a local serial number. Get the name and address out of the file in a minute. But better than that, the key itself is for a Brasso Dunlap lock. Pretty rare in this part of the country. So the locksmith may remember who he made it for. Of course, on a Yaler master padlock wouldn't stand a chance. Don't locksmiths have to keep a record on each key they turn out, Harrison? No, no, Sergeant. Only keep a record when they make a key for a specific lock, not when they make a key for key. Let's see who G104 is. G F, G80, 95. 1 103. 104. Here we are. Wallerman Key Shop. 3920 South Clement Avenue. Right where you joins Fine. Well, cross your fingers, Matt, and hope he's part elephant. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Now, gents, what can I do for you? We're from the police department, Mr. Walleman. I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This Sergeant Greb. We'd like to ask you about a key. Oh, key I made? Yeah. This key, Mr. Walleman, do you happen to know who you made it for? Dunlap, huh? Don't often make one of these. Once, twice a year. Good luck. All right, but it's unusual. What is it, Mr. Walleman, you remember something? Yeah, bad temper. Sure. About two months ago, officer. A guy with nice clothes and a nice way of talking till he got sore. Yeah, I remember now. Said I took too long. I was a blundering idiot. That's it. You know this man's name? Uh huh. His address? No, I don't, but he does live in the neighborhood. How do you know then? Cause I've seen him a couple of three times at Tommy Lowe's place. Tommy runs a Chinese hand laundry over the next block. This bird must be a customer of his. What does this man look like? Oh, he's kind of tall, thin face, sharp nose. But don't worry. Tommy Law. Know him, Officer? Just mention his temperature. No man you speak of. Very well. He named Mr. Leonard Elster. He live 105 Duane Boulevard? Yes? Mrs. Elsner?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's right.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

We're from the police department. Mrs. Elsner. I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This is Sergeant Graham. How do you do, Mrs. Elsner? Mrs. Elsner, is your husband at home? We'd like to talk to him.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, he's inside listening to the radio. Just a moment and I'll call him. Excuse me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Sure.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Leonard.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Leonard, let's see if that key fits. Will you, man? Yeah, yeah, yeah, it works all right then.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Uh huh.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Here's Elsner now. Mr. Elsner, I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This is Sergeant Graham. We'd like a few words with you, please. Very well. Living room is this way, gentlemen. Thank you. Oh, Mrs. Elson, if you don't mind, we'd like to talk to your husband alone.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Of course.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

All right, dear. Sit down, gentlemen. Frankly, I'm curious to know what this is about. Do you mind telling me? Well, it's about a woman, Mr. Elsner. An elderly, unidentified woman who was found choked to death in the park last night. What woman choked to death? I don't understand. You want to talk to me about that? That's right. Tell me, Mr. Elsner, did you read about this in the newspapers? No, I haven't seen the paper today. Do you mind telling us what you did Last night I stayed home. All evening, Ms. Delsner? Yes, all evening. Now, what is this all about? Ms. Delsner, do you recognize this key? Yours? My house key. One just like it. Do you have your house key with you now, Mr. Elsner? I do. Together with all my keys here. How many house keys are there for everyone who lives here? I mean. 3, 4, 5 maybe. I don't know. They're all around. Does the maid have one? Sheeta? At least she let herself in with one a few minutes before you arrived. And your wife, Ms. Delsner, she has a key? Of course. Of course. Now, look here. Enough of this. Why all these stupid questions about housekeeping? What, if anything, do they have to do with the woman who was strangled in Whitegate park last night? Well? Well, this key was found near the body, Mr. Elsner. And there were signs of a struggle, which could mean that whoever killed a woman dropped this key. Your key. But I have my house key. I just showed it to you there. And I'm sure my wife does, too. And what about extra keys? Are they around? I couldn't say. House keys are famous for getting lost, Lieutenant. Did you ever lose one since you've been in this house? Yes. Yes, about two or three months ago. Where'd you lose it? Here, at home, in the street? I don't know. It wouldn't be lost if I did.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Leonard. Leonard, darling, your temper. Please control yourself. Please.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, I. I'm sorry. Excuse me, I. I'll be glad to answer your questions. Carol, you'd better leave it. No, that won't be necessary, Mr. Elseman. Now, about last night. You say you were here? Yes. Carol here went to Bazaar. What was it again there?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

The Woman's Auxiliary of the North Point Country Club. I'm chairman. We're raising money to build a new clubhouse next spring.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I see. Ms. Elsner, did you have any callers last night? Any visitors of any kind? Yes, I did. Can you remember them specifically? I think so. There was the newsboy who was making his weekly collection. About nine, I'd say. For what paper? Ms. Delster? The Evening Star. And anyone after that? Mr. Elsner? Two people along, about ten. A delivery boy from the liquor store. A King. He brought two bottles of scotch at 10:30. A friend of my wife's dropped in looking for her. Ruth Malard.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

She lives at the park. Netherlands.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Stayed about 20 minutes. We watched a television show together. A quiz show called Number Please. A Brooklyn housewife won the jackpot. Some question about Stit renon, gentlemen. At 11 I had a long distance person to person call from a Mr. Saul Meadow toy jobber in Des Moines, Iowa. I manufacture toys now. Is there anything else? No, sir. Not right now anyway. We'll be in touch. Good night, Mrs. Elsner.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Good night. Good night, Sergeant.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Good night, ma'. Am. Good night, Mr. Elsner. Good night. You know, Matt, Mr. Elsner said he didn't read about the killing in the paper. So? So I'd like to know how he knew what happened in Whitegate Park. We never mentioned the park by name. Next Sunday, CBS brings you an exciting, timely appraisal of the world situation and some of the answers when 10 top CBS correspondents are heard in a special broadcast entitled the challenge of the 50s. Years of crises. For the past month, these famous CBS reporters have been interviewing world leaders. On next Sunday's broadcast, you'll hear on special recordings what these leaders predict. Edward R. Murrow will be the moderator. Don't miss this unusual, significant broadcast. The challenge of the 50s, next Sunday afternoon on most of these same CBS stations. Did you get that Willis on Walnut? Yes, King's Liquor Store. They're supposed to have sent two bottles of scotch to Elsner last night about 10, 20. Yeah, and get a hold of the muse boy who collects for that route with William. It's the Evening Star. Yeah, that's right. And put a tracer on a person to person call Elson, who claims he got at 11 from a Saul Meadows in Des Moines. Yeah, I want every bit of that alibi check. Right. You know, Ben, personally, I think you're wasting your time. What, checking Elson's alibi? Yeah. Yeah, it sounds good to me. Too many people involved to be a phony. Well, we'll see. There's something wrong there someplace, Matt. Well, the key maker backs up Elsner and his story about losing the key. For my money, you're reaching quite a ways to tie a well to do guy like Elsner into a threadbare old lady dead in a public park. Why would he do it, Ben? That's what beats me. Why? You got me. Well, anyway, I'd go easy if I were you. Allison is the the kind of bird that really blows his lid over a false arrest. In fact, there was. Come in. Call it Tenant. Matt. Hi, Becca. Well, we got an identification on the old lady in Whitegate Park. Good. We traced the shoes. They'd been half sold lately. And we finally located the shoemaker. A guy away out in the Henning district. He just now identified the body. Who is she? Edna Clooney, 4412 Durban Street. That's a walk up and it checks out. Who'd you talk to there, Becca? A landlady, a Mrs. Peters. She says Mrs. Clooney's had a room there for about six months. Let's go. Man.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I just can't believe it. She was such a sweet little old thing. Why, terrible. That's what.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What it is.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Down this way, gentlemen.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Thank you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

When did you say it happened?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Last night, Mrs. Peters. Sometime between 9 and 11. Didn't you notice she was gone today, ma'? Am?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, I didn't, Sergeant. Sometimes I go a week or more without seeing all my tenants. Especially the quiet ones. This is her door here.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

All right.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Duffy, in here. I better open the window.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I wouldn't bother. We won't be here long. Yeah, we just want to look around. Maybe she kept a date book or a diary or something.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

If she did, it'd be over there in that table with the drawer.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, here. Huh. Well, she was sure a tidy husky.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

She was a nice, sweet woman, Sergeant. One of the best tenants I ever had. Oh, it's just terrible. I can't imagine this picture.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Mrs. Peters. Who is it? Do you know?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Why, yes, that's her. Oh, my goodness.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What's the matter?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That's Jim, her son. Why, that boy doesn't even know yet that his mother was his dead.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Is he here in town?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Well, as far as I know, he lives over on the south side someplace. Works in the mill over there. Stamping mill, I think.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You wouldn't know the name of. Could it be McLennan and Land? She's got a metal ashtray here and a letter opener. Both stamped with compliments of McClendon. Land, 1024 South Market. Now, let's try it. Now, Mrs. Peters, leave everything just as it is and keep this room locked, will you? We may be back. This must be him, Ben. You the fellas who wanted to see me? I'm Jim Cloney. Yeah, and let's go inside here, Jim, out of this noise where we can talk. Go ahead, Jim. I'm Lieutenant Ben Guthrie. This is Sergeant Greb from the police department, Jim. Police? What do you want with me? No, wait, wait, wait. I'm afraid we've got some bad news for you. It's your mother we. Mom. What's happened to her? Is she hurt? It's worse than that fella. She's dead, Jim. Dead? It happened last Sunday night. Her body was found in Whitegate Park. But how? She was murdered, Jim. Mom. Murdered? Who did it? We don't know, but maybe you can help us. Just answer some questions. Sure, go ahead. I'm okay. What do you want to know? When'd you see your mother last year? Yesterday afternoon, about 1 o', clock, I guess. Buddy drove me out to her place. Lieutenant, I don't get this. Mom never went out at night? Oh, maybe once or twice to a movie, but the park, she never went in there When? When you were with her, did she seem upset about anything? No, not a bit. We just sat around and talked like always. Now, what did you talk about? Anything special? No, it's same old things. My job draft, my gas station. You've got a gas station? Jim, it's not really mine. It's one I'd like to have. It's out on Grand. The guy's gonna sell out and retire. He used to talk about me buying it and going into business for myself. I'll never have that kind of money. Yesterday, mom was kidding around that she was gonna borrow the down payment for me. She ran into a wealthy old friend, she said. Now who was that, Jim? Some guy she knew 25 years ago. Worked for the same company up in Evanston for a while after my dad died. She hadn't seen this guy since then, but. Well, she ran into him on the street last week and recognized him. She got a big kick out of it. Did she mention his name? Yeah, it was Melvin something. Melvin? Melvin Berry. It was. You know where we can get in touch with him? No. Why do you want him? Well, maybe your mother wasn't kidding about borrowing the money. I mean, mothers are funny where their kids are concerned, you know? By the way, did you ever hear of a Leonard Elsner, lives up on Dwayne Boulevard? Leonard Elsner? No. Wait a minute, that's funny. What's funny, Jim? Did you mention that Duane Boulevard? Why, what about it? Why, mom used to go up there quite a bit. She used to take a bus to the library up there. And. What, Jim? I think she said that that's where she was coming out of the library when she ran into this Melvin Berry. Say, Becca, you seen the telecom? Yeah, about 30 minutes ago, Matt. He was on his way down to file. Oh, okay, thanks.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

If they take the papers to the right person, they wouldn't.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Be back here, man. Any luck? Yeah, we had to dig back into the dust for this one. Have a look. Melvin Barry, escaped from State Penitentiary, February 1930. Evanston had him for embezzlement. Tried and convicted up there in December 1929. Got five years. He's a nice looking guy. Pretty dapper with that mustache Matt, do you see what I see? Huh? No, I guess not. Well, look, skip the mustache. Forget it. The eyes, Matt, the eyes. Holy smoke. You weren't wasting your time checking on that alibi after all. Ben, Lieutenant Guthrie. We're good. Put him on. Yeah, yeah, Go ahead, Willis. What? Checks all of it. You sure? Okay. Okay, Willis. That's all. Don't tell me. Yeah. Elson's alibi is airtight. That's almost impossible, matters of fact. Let's go, Matt. Go where? To the Elsin residence, 105 Duane Boulevard. But you just said. I know what I said. Let's. Now, look, Lieutenant Guthrie, when you fellas were here before, I tried my best to go out. I know, I know. But we found out a few things since then. We want to find out a few more. Like what? Well, for one thing, there are four parks in this city. That's an interesting bit of information. So how did you know the murder took place at Whitegate? You said you hadn't read about it. Neither of us mentioned Whitegate. By a perfectly natural assumption, that's the largest park in town. I simply assume. For another thing, we had a long talk with Jim Clooney today. He's the dead woman's son. He told us how his mother ran into an old friend right out here on Duane Boulevard. She hadn't seen the man in 25 years. So what? If you've got a point, get to it or get out of here. Leonard.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Leonard, please.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'll get to it, Mr. Elsman. The man's name was Melvin Berry. Be quiet, girl. Go on. Guthrie. We checked on him. He was convicted of embezzlement up in Evanston back in 1929. Escaped from prison in 1930. He was never caught. Of course, we have his picture in prints. It won't be any trouble. I don't know what you're talking about. If this is some crazy way of accusing me of murder, then arrest me. Go on.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Go on.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Nobody's accusing you of murder, Elsner. We know you didn't do it, huh? But you. Because now you were home here, your alibi checked all the way. That's right. But there are all the circumstances. We can't ignore them in spite of a perfect alibi. You know, Mrs. Elsner, a life like that Melvin Barry lives. Must be a well, Must be pretty miserable. Constantly afraid that the next time he turns around, somebody will recognize him. Always under a shadow of fear. No matter how successful he is, there's always the dread that sometime, someplace, someone will know him. Don't you think so, Mrs. Elsner? Must be even worse for a woman who loves a guy like that. Wouldn't you say, Mrs. Elsa? She could never escape it. Couldn't she? The more she stood to lose, like wealth and social position, the worse it got. Until finally. Until finally, finally Edna Clooney was murdered. Edna Clooney ran up against a person like that just because she recognized an old friend who had a secret. She didn't know about the secret, but she did want to borrow money. That's all it took, wasn't it? The killer could only figure one way. Blackmail. Everything was ruined. Suddenly, all the fears and all the suspicions that had been piling up for years broke loose. Didn't they? Didn't they?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Carol, don't.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes. Yes, Lieutenant. I can't take anymore. I had to do it. Had to kill her. I knew it from the instant Leonard told me. She'd recognized him as Melvin Barry. No other way out. No other way. I left the bazaar, arranged to meet her in the park. When she said she wanted money, I grabbed her, choked her. Eleonor didn't know anything about it until you came in for my key.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Okay. Give her some help, Elsa, until she gets hold of herself. Then we'll all go downtown and put it on paper. The lineup. Where before you pass the innocent, the vagrant, the thief, the murderer. Listen again next week when we again bring you the lineup. May I have your attention, please? You people out there on the other side of the wire in the audience room. May I have your attention, please? Thank you. My name is Greb. Sergeant Matt Graham. I'll explain the lineup to you. Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call off a number, their name and charge. If you have any questions or identification, please remember the number assigned. And prisoner, as I call his name, if you're sure enough to share the suspect. And in hell. The lineup, starring Bill Johnstone as Lieutenant Ben Guthrie and Wally Mayer, Sergeant Matt Grb, is written by Gene Levitt and Bob Mitchell with music by Eddie Dunstetter. Featured in tonight's cast were Gil Stratton, Ted Osborne, Parley Bear, Herb Butterfield, Robert Griffin and Virginia Greg. The lineup was transcribed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle. The big postseason football game of the year, the Rose bowl contest between Michigan and California will be broadcast next Monday, New Year's Day, over most of these same CBS stations for action, color, excitement. Be sure you're on hand for this great sports event, the Rose bowl game between Michigan and California. Dan Coverley speaking. This is cbs, where you find songs for sale every Friday night. The Columbia Broadcasting System SA. Hi, this is Randy Stone. I cover the night beat for the Chicago Star. In a newspaper office, the night seems especially reserved for all sorts of screwy crank calls. And if every wild tale that came in over the telephone was cracked down, there wouldn't be enough replacement quarters left around to make up a game of solitaire. This yarn started with one of those calls, but it ended differently. And how differently it ended. It was 8 o' clock in the evening, a heavy rain was falling. And I found an excuse to sit it out by polishing my next day's monumental trivia for the column I was looking for. The capital A on my typewriter. Him on the phone rang. Stone talking.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Mr. Stone, please listen.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm listening.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

A bomb in the plane to Denver.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

A what?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

In the Denver bomb. Plane tonight. A bomb. Don't you understand?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What's your name?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You have no time that the passengers.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

If you're on the level, you give me your name.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, my husband. I've got to go now. My bus is leaving.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You're in a bus depot. Which one, Mr. Stone?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You're wasting time. It's true, I tell you. The Denver plane.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, what time does the floor flight leave?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

8:30. I. I couldn't call till now.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You say 8:30?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes. Oh, please.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, lady, you phoned exactly 10 minutes too late. 20 minutes to 9 right now.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, no, no.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I repeat. Some nights are good for a dozen crank calls. But I couldn't take chances with this one. I called the control tower at the the airport. This is Randy Stone, Chicago star. Yes, Mr. Stone? You had an 8:30 flight to Denver? Yes, sir, but. Oh, well, you better contact that pilot immediately and tell him to make an emergency landing. Wherever he is. Have him load the passengers and let no one near the plane till the police get there. Yeah, but the Denver plane hasn't taken off. Fog came in suddenly and the flight has been grounded till it lifts. Where is she now? Far into the strip. Oh, good. We'll keep her there and warn all personnel down. Keep clear and I'll be out there as soon as I can. No, you do as I say. I found police headquarters and they sent a radio car to pick me up in five minutes. I was sitting in the back seat with Sergeant Skalski while the driver ripped up the streets at 70 miles an hour. If there's anything I can't stand, Randy, it's bombed. What time you got, Sergeant? 8:55 and me up duty 20 minutes ago. I was getting A ride home when the call came through. Oh, there she is. You can stop here. Okay, Come on. I don't mind telling you, Randy, I'm scared. Yeah, me too. I hope that call was a phony. It was a bomb, all right. And a big one. The explosion flew me to the ground. When the earth stopped tossing me around, I looked at the burning DC4 and people were pouring towards her out of the main building. I saw a jeep with a fire crew race for the plane. And I fought my way back to my feet. Are you hurt, Randy? I'm shaking up, that's all. We better get over there, Koski. Yeah.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

All right.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

All right. All right, folks, step back. Step back. Now. Let's clear the field. Now back inside the waiting room, all of you. The fire boys already have it licked. Yeah, looks like a ghost lying there. Well, what do we do now, Sergeant? Poke around a bit. It's safe now. Have to make a report on this. Cab boys will take over in the morning. But I got to make a report anyways. Well, exactly what are you looking for? Bomb fragments, maybe. Maybe a hunk of the container the bomb was in. Who knows? Oh, this is some mess. What's this? What's here? Could be a bomb fragment. You see anymore. Don't handle them, Prince. You mean Prince would stay on after an explosion like that? Yeah. Crazy, ain't it? Step aside sight for a minute. Why? What? A fragment, just like the other. And this one is embedded in a piece of leather. Yellow pig skin. Leather? Figure the bomb was in this bag? Maybe, maybe not. But it's something to go on. Now, let's go talk to the passenger. The pass. Why would a passenger put a bomb in his own luggage if he knew he's going to be blown to kingdom come? Nice guy, whoever did it. All right, folks, all right, settle down. You've got a little talking to do. Everybody here? That was to be a passenger in Flight 63. Officer, my name is Stephen Bradley. So we're badly shaken up. Some of us need medical care. You have no right to hold us here. Only the right to find out who tried to murder 40 people. All right, Randy, I'll handle this. Well, then it was murder. I knew it. Now, now, take it easy, folks, and you'll all be out of here in a few minutes. I said quiet, everyone. Now, we'll call you up one by one. All you have to do is tell us if this piece of yellow leather pig skin was part of your luggage. There's enough of it here to identify. Okay, Bradley, you're in a hurry. We'll start with. 36 potential corpses lined up and filed past the piece of yellow leather. None of them claimed it. Then Sergeant Koski checked their addresses and gave them the routine spiel about being available for further questioning. And he let them go. Well, there's not much more I can do. Tomorrow the Aeronautics Bureau will take over. I'll phone my report in my watch. Right. It's this quarter to 10. Yeah, it's right. You coming back to town with me? Well, if it's okay with you, I'll stick around here and do a little checking on my own. Okay, But I tell you what, if anything hot comes up, call me at home. Don't phone it into headquarters. I don't want him to think, you know. Perish the thought. Koski gave me his home phone number and left. A little prodding on. The baggage man remembered seeing the yellow pigskin suitcase. And then came the first big break. The baggage man found a delivery slip from the Minerva Messenger Service testifying to the fact that they delivered in good order. One pigskin leather suitcase to be checked on the ticket of one of the passengers, Mr. Steven Bradley. I found Bradley at his hotel. He hadn't checked in yet. Then I called Sergeant Kalski. There was no real welfare. So glad you called, Randy. Got the thing all wrapped up? No, no, but I. I found out who owned that yellow bag. Stephen Bradley. One of the passengers. Yeah, I remember him. I go out and pick him up. No, it's not going to be that easy. He's not at the address he gave us. I'll get him all right. So that's who it was, huh? I'll have him by midnight. What time is it now? It's 25 to 11. Where? You'll be at the Minerva Messenger Company. 24 hours service. Never heard of it. You will. The breaks were with us. The Minerva Messenger Company had a complete record of the pickup on the suitcase. They found an envelope in the mail slot that evening with two dollar bills and a key in it. And the typewritten, unsigned note had instructed them to pick up a suitcase in the locker at the Arlington bus depot and take it to the airport to be checked on Steven Bradley's ticket. It was nearly 11 o' clock when I got to the bus station. And near a row of long unboothed telephones there was a candy and cigar stick.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes, sir. Something for you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Those are the only payphones here, huh?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No closed booths. When it's quiet, you should know some of the conversations I listen to.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I guess you make change for a lot of them, huh?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah. Drive me nuts. My boss don't like me talking to men during working hours.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I'm disqualified. I'm a reporter.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Reporter? No kidding?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

There's no kidding. I'm trying to locate a woman who phoned me from here. She's about. Oh, about 20 to 9. Were you working then?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yeah. Yeah. What she look like? I don't know.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I don't know. She'd been crying. I'd say she was in her early 30s. Kind of a sexy voice.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

20 to 9, you say she was crying?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, toward the end of the conversation, she started crying.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I think I know who you mean. I talked to her.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Go on.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

She came in about 15 minutes after 8. Maybe 20 after. She looked scared, like she'd run away from somebody. So I watched her. That's my slow time.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You said you'd talk to her.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

She asked me if anyone had left a note for Mrs. Curran or Koran, some name like that. Mrs. Hal Curran. That's what it was.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You think she was Mrs. Coran.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I know it. She said if anybody asked for her, that she'd be back. A few minutes later she made the call. It must have been to you. She burst out crying and hung up.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What did she look like?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Like I wished I looked. Dark hair, five at three or four. Beautiful figure. Now, what are you looking for?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

She was alone.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Nobody with her that I know of. And she got on the bus all along.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You wouldn't happen to know what bus?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Sure. The Lake Forest bus. She asked me what time it left, and I told her, hey, that should make it a cinch. Her name is Mrs. Hal Koran and she lives in Lake Forest.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, that's almost too easy. It looks like she loaded you with information knowing that I'd be around.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

In a way, maybe. I don't blame her.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now, what's your name?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Marion. Why?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

When this story breaks, I'll share my byline with you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I don't know exactly what you mean, but I'm really all for it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I was looking for Mrs. Hal Koran. The girl who'd phoned me from the bus station to so accurately prophecy the bomb explosion on the Denver bound plane. And she left a trail easy enough for a tender foot boy scout to follow. In less than an hour, I was pounding on her door.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

That you, Hal?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Open the door, please.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Who is it?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Let me in.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you want?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Want to talk to you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you want?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm Randy Stone, Mrs. Coran.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I don't know you. Please get out of here.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, you called me earlier this evening at the Chicago Star, remember? Oh, you're. You're mistaken, Mrs. Coran. You warned me that a bomb would explode in a Denver bound plane. Well, it did.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What plane? I. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, now, let's face it. You're not very good at this sort of thing, Mrs. Curran. You gave yourself away half a dozen times. First you made your phone call from a bus depot. I found out which one it was by tracing the baggage back to the Arlington. That's where you called for.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You're crazy. I wasn't out of the apartment all day.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Then you walked up to a bright young girl at the candy counter and asked her if there was any Messages for a Mrs. Hal Curran. I talked to that girl. She described you to a T. Want some more?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You have no right to talk to me like this.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm just trying to refresh your memory. You took the Lake Forest bus, correct?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It could have made it easier if you wanted me to find you, and I think you did.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I never thought of it. Stupid. Stupid.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You wanted me to stop that plane and get to the person responsible, didn't you?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I tried to stop him. I begged Hal not to do it. But he was like a crazy man, your husband.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

He engineered this little thing.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Poor Hall. Poor mixed up hell.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, give me a description of him. We got to have him picked up.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, it's too late, I tell you. He said he was going to to take his own life after the bomb went off.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

NBC is bringing you Night Beat, starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. This month of September, many thousands of children will be going back to school. Four times daily, these children will be walking to and from school. You are urged to be careful, to be watchful, to be safe. In one year's time, 61,000 children were killed or injured by motor vehicles. Watch for children darting out from that blind spot between parked cars. Watch for them as they get on and off school buses. Watch for children playing on the sidewalks and crossing the streets, going to and from school. Remember this. A child may dare so drive with care. And now back to Nightbeat and Randy Stone. I got his description and phoned it into police headquarters. I asked him if Sergeant Kalski had brought in Bradley and they told me he hadn't. All the while I've been On the phone, Mrs. Koran sat there crying. Sergeant, if you locate Kalski, tell him I'm at. What's the number here, Mrs. Cloran?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Evergreen 3. 1074.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's Evergreen 3010. 7. 4. Thank you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He's dead. It's my fault. It's just like I did it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

There's no point in blaming yourself, Mrs. Coran.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It was the quarrel. Hal and Bradley had started the business together. They were equal partners.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Mrs. Coran, I'm a reporter. Maybe you'd better not say anything.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, Just like I killed him. I got to talk to someone.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

He may not be dead, but about.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Six years ago Hal gambled with company funds. Bradley found out and said he'd prosecute if the money wasn't returned. Where could Hal raise $6,000?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, that's quite amount of greenbacks.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

They made a deal. Bradley was to get Hal's interest and agreed to keep Hal on as one of the shop foremen. After that, he lost all his initiative. He stayed a laborer in a business he'd created. I begged him to break away, but he wouldn't and quarreled about it often. I didn't know it would lead to this.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Maybe you better try and have a rest.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Last night Al came home from work. I'd never seen him look so old and beaten.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Ellen.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Just a minute.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Hi, honey.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Cry. How come you brought all your things home from the office?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Let's not talk about it now. I'm dead.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hal, Something's wrong.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Not now. After supper, please.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, it's always not now with you, isn't it? Tell me, Hal.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

All right. I lost my job. Out of work and lost your job. I'll get another one.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Bradley fired you. Why?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It wasn't Bradley. It was new people.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

New people? Why is it you never start from the beginning? What new people?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Bradley sold him the business. They didn't want me, so I'm through.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Bradley sold out. That business is half yours, Hal.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

We've been over that before without a fight.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You let him sell out without opening your mouth? What kind of a man are you?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What was I supposed to do? Hit him over the head?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, that takes nerve.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

He's a dirty, rotten.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

And he didn't say anything to you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Till it was all over, huh? Well, he came up this morning, said goodbye. He's gone to the coast to live tomorrow night.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

To the coast with your money? And you just stood there and said, good luck, Bradley. Oh, Hal, this is the last straw. I can't go on living with a man who won't fight back. Spineless, incompetent.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, that's enough of that. Shall I kill him? Is that what you want?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You kill you, you coward.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm no coward, Ellen. And I'll prove it to you. I'm going out now, Hal.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Come back. What are you going to do?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What do you want? Kill Bradley? Kill Steve Job?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Who said anything about killing? Just go up to him and demand what's coming to you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

That's not what you really want, is it, Ellen?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, try talking sense, Hal.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm talking it for the first time in my life.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hal. Come back, Hal.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

And this was last night.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I didn't know he meant it. But this morning he brought it home. He had a gun too. He said he'd kill me if I tried to interfere. He was crazy.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What did he do with the bomb?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He put it in the suitcase and made me go with him to the bus depot. Put the suitcase in the locker. Later, he had a messenger pick up the key. Checked the bag through to the plane.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

But why a bomb? Why? Why take the lives of 40 people to murder one man?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I told you, he lost his mind. He wouldn't talk to me all day, just watched me every minute.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

And after the messenger came, he said goodbye to me.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He said as soon as Bradley was dead, he'd kill himself.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

We've got to find him. When he finds out Bradley wasn't killed, he'll go gunning for him. What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Bradley isn't dead. But the bomb, you said it went off.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, it did, but the plane was still on the ground. Your call was in time, after all.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Then nobody was killed.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What's the matter? Don't you understand? Nobody was killed. Nobody.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Killed himself for nothing. Poor Hal. Even this last thing couldn't come off right for him.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Well, I'm not so sure he's dead, Mrs. Corant. He may have been at the airport when the bomb went off. He may be looking for Bradley now, and with a gun.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He's dead, I tell you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

He's killed himself. The outburst tapered down and Mrs. Coran fell back, exhausted, on the couch. I called the police again. Still no news. Neither Bradley nor Koran had been located. Mrs. Curran had fallen asleep and I sat opposite her and waited. I heard someone opening the door and I turned around. He stood there in the doorway, an old, old man in his early 30s. His shoulders sagged and there was a look of utter dejection about him. And he blinked stupidly at me. And then he walked slowly over to the woman on the couch. What's the matter with her? Ellen. No, let her alone. Let her alone. She's exhausted. You're Hal Curran. I gotta talk to her. Ellen, wake up.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

What do you want?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

It's me, Hal.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You didn't.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I couldn't do it. I couldn't go through with it.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He couldn't do it. He couldn't do it.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

What's the matter with you? She's hysterical. That's what's the matter with her. Poor kid. It's my doing. Ellen, baby.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Get away from me. Don't touch me. I hate you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Ellen, listen. I'm arresting you, Mr. Koran. A citizen's arrest. Me? What's wrong? Well, just to remind you, the bomb in Bradley's suitcase. If that plane hadn't been grounded and your wife hadn't called me. What are you talking about? I. I couldn't go through with it. Do you understand? I. I was going to. But like Ellen says, I got no guts. When. When it comes to a pinch, I got no guts.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, Hal, lying won't do you any good. Haven't you even got the strength to admit what you've done?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I took it out of the locker and brought it home early this afternoon. You were out, Ellen. I. I disconnected the fuse and I put it in this drawer. And that's the truth. Right in here. Come here, mister. I'll show you. Well, it was here. I put it here myself.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

It's funny, Alice. It's funny the mess he makes of things.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I'm phoning the police to come and get you. Coran, put that phone down. Oh, give me that gun, K. I mean it. I. I put the bomb in that drawer. Somebody took it out. A gun? Please, Hal. What's the use? Helen? Somebody took the bomb out of the drawer. Stay put, mister. I'm leaving. How long do you think he'll last? Long enough. Don't try to follow me. I phoned the cops again and brought them up to date, and then I went looking for it. I figured he might be hiding close by. In a few minutes, the neighborhood was swarming with police. So I went back to stay with Mrs. Coran. I heard some movement behind her door. I was sure it was Koran. I wanted to get in quietly so that I could grab him from behind. A man was standing near Mrs. Koran when I got inside, but it wasn't her husband, Bradley. What?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Mr. Stone?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Oh, no, no, we haven't got him yet. It won't be long, though. This the newspaper man you told me about, Ellen?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Where you've been keeping yourself, Bradley? A lot of uniform men have been looking for you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Oh, he knew at the airport that Hal had put the bomb there, didn't you, Steve?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yes. I recognized the letter I'd given That bag to him for a birthday present. Why didn't you tell the sergeant? I wanted to square it my own way.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

I tried to stop it. I tried all I could.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You tried all right.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

I lock the door. Line up against the wall. All of you. Give me that gun. Karan, get back. I'll shoot you. I mean it. Well, the cops will be here in a minute. That's all I need a minute.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Hal, darling, put the gun down.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

We can settle this without guns. Crime. It came to me all of a sudden a few minutes ago. I got the turtle. I did take that bomb home.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, he's lying. He never came home all day.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

So I asked myself, who put it back in the suitcase and had it delivered? The answer was so simple, I had to laugh. Ellen. She took it back.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Leave. Leave.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Koran. You're not on trial here. Save your defenses for the right place. I'd suggest that you don't move. Anybody tries to stop me now, gets killed. Why bring Ellen into this? Why don't you be man enough to take? I asked myself that, too. Why would he?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Was anything going to stop him? Then it hit me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Helen been working me up on Bradley. Not because he was running out on me, but on her. Get it?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

He's crazy.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

When I told her Bradley was leaving, I. I couldn't understand why she went wild like that. Then I started remembering little things, like useless trips Bradley would send me on. Stuff like walking into a room and seeing him laughing about something. You know, that special kind of laugh. Hal, you're being ridiculous.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Poor Hal.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

When he showed he was going to run out on us, she. She wanted him dead. And she took the bomb out of the drawer, rigged it up again and sent it to the airport. You see the way it added up?

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Lies. Every word of it, lies.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You prove all that in court and you're in good shape. Hal. I can't wait for the court to straighten my accounts. I just got the turtle tonight and I gotta pay it off.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Steve. He's gonna kill you.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Hal. Look, you're not yourself. What do you want? Money? I'll give you some luck.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Steve will make it right with you, Hal. He will.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Tonight. Tonight. I got the picture. Bradley, Ellen and Hal. Ellen, Bradley and Hal. Hal always.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

No, no, no, that's not true.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You know when it all came to me after I left you a little while ago, Ellen, I didn't go running through the streets looking for a place to hide. I went to the apartment house next door. I sat down on the fire escape. Open up in there. Keep Quiet, all of you. Know what room I could see from the fire escape? This one. Ellen, I saw Bradley come in.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How you. Oh, hell. Honest, it didn't mean anything.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

You ran up to him and I saw a look on your face. The same look I used to see when we were first married. Honey.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Honey, you went out.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Hold it. He's got a gun. Shut up. You took that look away from me and gave it to Bradley. That made it a clean sweep for him. My business, my job, my wife. Hell, I'll make it right. Just give me a chance. You, Bradley, you don't owe me anything. It's Ellen, what she's taken from me. There's only one way to square me.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

How? You. You're gonna kill me.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Koran. Listen. I believe you. The court will too.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

You love me, Hal, don't you love me?

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Yes, Ellen, I love you.

[Female Characters (e.g., June Allison, Kathy Lewis, Joan Banks)]

Then you wouldn't.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Coran. Goodbye, ellen. You did it. He killed her. Yeah. Yes, I was in the middle of that one. Now I've got to write it up for tomorrow morning's eye opener. Now, whose point of view will I handle it from? Hal's. You couldn't do that. He's a murderer. You wouldn't want to sympathize with him. Bradley's. What's he done that a million other men haven't? And, Ellen, that reminds me of the song. Please don't Talk about me when I'm Gone. Now, we better leave Ellen out of this too. How about a nice bit on the green exhibit at the museum? Copy boy? Nightbeat, starring Frank Lovejoy is produced and directed by Warren Lewis. This transcribed story was a Lewis Rusoff script with music by Robert ir. The part of Ellen was played by Joan Banks. Others featured were John Stevenson, Paul Freeze, Stan Waxman and Sandra Gould. Frank Lovejoy appeared through the courtesy of Warner Brothers producers of the Miracle of Our lady of Fatima. Listen. Next week at this time and every week as Randy Stone searches through the city for the strange stories waiting for him in the darkness. Nightbeat came to you from Hollywood. Protect yourself, your savings, your very way of life by becoming an investor in America. Buy new, improved United States Defense Bonds regularly. Yes, buying defense bonds is the way you can directly contribute to America's success, security and your own. And it's so easy to save the defense bond way. Just join your payroll savings plan where you work or if you're self employed, sign up for the bond a month plan where you bank. This way you automatically put aside as much money as you want to each month before you know it you have a backlog for emergencies, savings for a trip, the down payment on that new home, as well as having helped Uncle Sam in the all important job of defense. And defense bonds are now an even better investment than ever with new improved interest rates and a quicker return on your money. So become an investor in America today. Buy more defense bonds more often because they're now even better.

[Host/Announcer]

We just heard Richard Dimon suspense the lineup and Nightbeat that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for more Old Time Radio Detectives. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meanstsotr I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio crime Solvers. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Narrator/Dick Powell]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen. Gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.