21st Precinct 19xx.xx.xx Body Found In Sewer

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode Summary: "21st Precinct 19xx.xx.xx Body Found In Sewer"

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Introduction

"Harold's Old Time Radio" transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with authentic-sounding broadcasts that capture the essence of classic radio dramas. In the episode titled "21st Precinct 19xx.xx.xx Body Found In Sewer," listeners are immersed in a gripping police procedural set in the bustling streets of New York City. This detailed summary delves into the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

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Setting the Scene

The episode kicks off in the nerve center of the 21st Precinct, where Lieutenant King briefs the team on an urgent call regarding a body found in a sewer.

• Lieutenant King: "You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st briefing." [00:51]

Captain Frank Canelli introduces himself, providing background on his shift and the day’s conditions, setting a tense and cold atmosphere.

• Captain Frank Canelli: "The morning was dark and chilly and it appeared that we were in for some snow." [02:20]

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Discovery of the Body

The narrative swiftly moves to the discovery of an unidentified male body in a sewer trench during a routine construction job.

• Lieutenant King: "Man, looks like Homicide." [06:12]

The officers assess the scene, noting the lack of identification and the initial absence of gunshot wounds, leading them to suspect foul play.

• Lieutenant King: "No, sir. The medical examiner says death was apparently caused by a fractured skull." [12:43]

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Investigation Progress

As the team delves deeper, they uncover that the body belongs to Philip Robert Balney, a 34-year-old longshoreman with a prior record for grand larceny.

• Sergeant Waters: "Philip Robert Balney. B O L, N E Y." [17:34]

The investigation also reveals a recent safe burglary at the Fern Hill Radio and Appliance Company, connecting the crime scene to potential suspects.

• Captain Frank Canelli: "They tried to get the safe downstairs. Apartment was found at the bottom of the steps, unopened." [08:00]

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Interviews and Interrogations

A pivotal moment occurs when Louise Balney, Philip’s wife, is brought in for questioning. Her testimony raises suspicions, especially regarding her husband’s activities the previous night.

• Louise Balney: "He was supposed to be home by 1:00, no later. But when I woke up this morning, he wasn't in bed." [15:17]

Further interrogation reveals inconsistencies in accounts, especially concerning a mysterious friend named "Red."

• Louise Balney: "He did say something about Red. About not having to go someplace with Red, you know, on business." [18:11]

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Suspect Identification

The investigation narrows down to John Gilliam, also known as "Red," a known associate with a history of burglary investigations. Despite extensive searches, Red remains elusive until a tip leads detectives to a Greenwich Village bar.

• Captain Frank Canelli: "Look, Red, we got a lot of things on our mind around here." [25:08]

The tension heightens as Red is spotted near a truck, prompting immediate pursuit by the officers.

• Lieutenant King: "Yankee jacket, no hat. Headed for the truck. It's him." [23:20]

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The Confession and Resolution

In a dramatic turn, Captain Frank Canelli confronts Red Gilliam. Under pressure, Red confesses to his involvement in the homicide, revealing a deeper conspiracy intertwined with the safe burglary.

• Red Gilliam: "Phil and I were together. We tried to rip the safe off, but things went south." [25:36]
• Captain Frank Canelli: "I didn't lay a finger on him." [26:42]

The confession unravels the complexities of the case, indicating that Red and Captain Canelli orchestrated the crime to cover their tracks.

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Conclusion

The episode culminates with the precinct successfully apprehending Red Gilliam, bringing closure to the case of Philip Balney’s untimely death. The narrative highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by the 21st Precinct team, showcasing their dedication and teamwork.

• Narrator: "21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city..." [27:29]

As the precinct wraps up the case, listeners are left with a sense of satisfaction from the resolution, encapsulating the spirit of classic radio detective stories.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Lieutenant King: "You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st briefing." [00:51]

2. Captain Frank Canelli: "The morning was dark and chilly and it appeared that we were in for some snow." [02:20]

3. Lieutenant King: "Man, looks like Homicide." [06:12]

4. Sergeant Waters: "Philip Robert Balney. B O L, N E Y." [17:34]

5. Louise Balney: "He did say something about Red. About not having to go someplace with Red, you know, on business." [18:11]

6. Captain Frank Canelli: "Look, Red, we got a lot of things on our mind around here." [25:08]

7. Red Gilliam: "Phil and I were together. We tried to rip the safe off, but things went south." [25:36]

8. Narrator: "21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city..." [27:29]

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Final Thoughts

"21st Precinct 19xx.xx.xx Body Found In Sewer" delivers a compelling narrative filled with suspense, intricate plotting, and authentic character interactions. By weaving together elements of mystery and police procedure, the episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the rich tradition of old-time radio dramas. For enthusiasts of classic radio shows and crime dramas alike, this episode offers a captivating listen that remains true to its era's storytelling prowess.

Transcript

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[Captain Frank Canelli]

When he faced precinct Sergeant Waters. Where? How do you know he was killed? Now where is this? Between third and Lexington or second and third? Well, who found him? Oh, looks like he. What?

[Lieutenant King]

You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st briefing.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Now look, the officers will be there right away. Well, keep everybody from there if you can. That's right, keep them back. The officers will be right there. You just stay around until they come.

[Narrator]

21St Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The 21st.

[Lieutenant King]

160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I am the boss. My name is Canelli, Frank Canelli. I'm Captain in command of the 21st. It was 10 minutes after 8am I signed the blotter after I turned out the platoon and left the station house at the end of my night tour after having been on duty since 4 o'clock the previous afternoon. The morning was dark and chilly and it appeared that we were in for some snow. I walked to the corner and up Lexington a half a block to the barbershop.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Come in, come in. Your next Captain. No waiting this morning.

[Lieutenant King]

How are you, Joe?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, no complaints. I take your coat.

[Louise Balney]

Thanks.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

And the hat?

[Lieutenant King]

Yep.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

In the chair, Captain. You got in the fight last night, Captain?

[Lieutenant King]

No, and I was working. Boy, some fight.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

It was. Some fight.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I don't know how the guy stood on his feet as Long as he did, I don't know. What'll it be this morning? The works?

[Lieutenant King]

No, just a haircut, Joe.

[Sergeant Waters]

Just a haircut.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah. So how's the police business? Quiet. Knock on the woods.

[Louise Balney]

Huh?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Knock on woods. I guess that is the only business in the world.

[Lieutenant King]

When you're in it, you like it to be quiet.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right. You want a little more off on the top this time, Captain? About the same.

[Lieutenant King]

About the same?

[Joe]

About the same.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

You come into work or going?

[Lieutenant King]

Oh, I just signed out.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, I never could get straight how.

[Lieutenant King]

You work days, nights, what? Well, I've been on the job since 4:00 yesterday afternoon. I was off at 8 and I'm not due back until 8 tomorrow morning.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Then what?

[Lieutenant King]

Until 6 tomorrow night.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Boy, some hours. Especially that. 4 in the afternoon to 8th in the morning deal.

[Lieutenant King]

Like.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Like the fighter last night. How could you stand on your feet?

[Lieutenant King]

Not so bad, Joe. If things quiet down about 3, 4 o'clock in the morning, I get a little sleep on the couch in my office.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

It's not like being home in the beds, believe me.

[Lieutenant King]

I believe you, Joe.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

They must be Police department.

[Phil Balney]

Say they two customers.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Two policemen. Look, Captain, how about Sherry? You mentioned goalie. Lieutenant Gorman told me you thought you.

[Joe]

Said you were coming here. What's selling? They tell you we've got a Homicide Tavern. Where?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

78Th street near 3rd Avenue. Homicide? What's that? Murder.

[Joe]

Unidentified male, about 35 years old.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Sean, they don't know yet. Cat BPM has a street cut open.

[Joe]

For a new sewer connection there.

[Lieutenant King]

Men came to work this morning, found the body at the bottom of the hole.

[Joe]

Looks like a ride job.

[Sergeant Waters]

Some people.

[Lieutenant King]

Hey, Joe, take this thing off.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

How can you go out unfinished?

[Lieutenant King]

I'll be back.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

It would be a good idea, believe me.

[Lieutenant King]

Are you in a car or on foot?

[Joe]

Cony, check the car too.

[Lieutenant King]

Captain, I was instructed if you were.

[Joe]

Here and wanted to take a ride over there to drop my partner on post and drive in.

[Lieutenant King]

I want to go.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, I helped you with a coast guest.

[Lieutenant King]

Thanks, Joe. What time did the call come in, Coley?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

About 14 minutes after 8, Captain. Don't forget to come back, Captain. I'll be here. Okay. Because walking around like that, there's no recommendation for my work.

[Lieutenant King]

I drove to the scene in sector car number two with patrolman Coley. It had started to snow and the flakes were coming down thick and wet as we pulled into the block. On the job were sector car number one, the sergeant's car and the detective squad car. There were two trucks from the office of the borough president, Manhattan parked near the streetcar and a dozen laborers who came to continue work on the sewer connection to a building under construction was standing around trying to keep warm. Sergeant Waters had pressed them into service to aid in keeping civilians back on the sidewalk, and incidentally, to keep the laborers out of the way. Coley pulled the car up as close as he could manage. All right, pocket down the block, Coley.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant King]

No sense in tying this up any worse.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Excuse me there, will you?

[Lieutenant King]

Police officer coming through here, talking Waters.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Hello, Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

What's it look like?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, there he is. Down the hole. All right, mister, I told you to stay behind a barricade. Now stay behind there.

[Lieutenant King]

Who found him?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The laborers came to work on the sewer connection and Ape, one of them spotted the body in that form and rang in. Now, look, mister, I'm not going to tell you again.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, the detectives got on the job fast enough, didn't they?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant King]

I'll go talk to Lieutenant King.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Look, you know better than anybody else. Right behind that fire what's going on.

[Lieutenant King]

Hello, Matt.

[Joe]

Hello, Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

What do we got?

[Joe]

Man, looks like Homicide. All right, Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Who is he?

[Joe]

No idea yet. We're waiting for the medical examiner and the photographer should be here any minute.

[Lieutenant King]

Is that how we found.

[Joe]

Yes, sir. Right down there at the bottom of the trench.

[Lieutenant King]

This is a pretty busy street. Surprising somebody didn't Notice him before 8:00. Where was the man on post?

[Joe]

Oh, I thought that too at first, Captain. But that slit's only 2ft wide and about 4ft deep from the side. Somebody had to get almost to the edge of the trench to see the body. Nobody passed close to this edge because of that dirt piled on both sides. No one could see into the hole from that end because of the wooden barricade there along the sidewalk. That motor compressor blocks the view at the other end.

[Lieutenant King]

No idea how long the body's been in there?

[Joe]

No, sir. The crew quit working at 4:00 yesterday afternoon. Any time between dark last night and dawn this morning.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I got the names and addresses of all the BPM crew, Lieutenant.

[Joe]

Good.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Hello, Captain. The foreman wants to know how long it'll be before they can get on the job here.

[Joe]

Better tell them it'll be an hour at least. We're waiting for the medical examiner, the homicide squad and the photographer.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir. I'll tell him.

[Lieutenant King]

What makes you so sure it's Homicide, Matt?

[Joe]

He could have been drunk, fallen in there. You haven't had a close look at him, Captain. You got it working Over. He couldn't have gotten banged up that way, falling into the ditch. He was thrown in there. Probably dragged out of a car and dumped.

[Lieutenant King]

Any sign of a gunshot wound?

[Joe]

He might have been shot. We can't tell from the position the body's in. We'll know more about that when we can move in.

[Lieutenant King]

There wasn't any sign of anything in these piles of dirt, was there? If the body was dumped, whoever did it had to walk across these piles of dentists.

[Joe]

There might have been, captain, but there isn't now. When the first officer got on the scene, those 12 laborers were all over the place. Looks like this might turn into a pretty heavy snowstorm. Yeah, All I need a homicide case and go home and shovel the snow.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Captain Canelli.

[Lieutenant King]

Yes, sergeant. I just rang in.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Lieutenant Gorman told me there's a report of the safe budgetary and this briefing. Yes, sir. The Fern Hill radio and appliance company. 734 East 82nd Street. I opened up the store this morning and found that burglars had been in during the night. They tried to get the safe downstairs. Apartment was found at the bottom of the steps, unopened.

[Lieutenant King]

Did the desk officer ring the squad?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir. Gave it to Novak. Novak notified the safe and lost squad and then one himself. D. And Whitey Howard.

[Joe]

All right, thanks, Bill.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, you don't have to worry about shoveling any snow, man. You won't get home until it's ours.

[Narrator]

You are listening to 21st Precinct, a factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsyth.

[Phil Balney]

Hey, honey, I'm home.

[Lieutenant King]

Daphne.

[John Gilliam]

Drop dead.

[Phil Balney]

Uh oh. What's the matter, honey?

[John Gilliam]

Don't you speak to me, you. You Don Juan.

[Phil Balney]

Don Juan? Daffy, I'm no Don Juan. No habil espanol.

[John Gilliam]

Very funny.

[Louise Balney]

Ha ha ha.

[Phil Balney]

Well, it was no prize winner, but.

[John Gilliam]

Neither are you, you, you Lothario.

[Phil Balney]

I've often wondered, what's a lothario?

[John Gilliam]

I don't know, but that's what the wives on TV always call their husbands. I guess it applies.

[Phil Balney]

Do you want me to go out and come in again?

[John Gilliam]

As far as I'm concerned, you can go for a long walk, preferably on a short pier.

[Joe]

Well.

[Phil Balney]

Oh, come on, Daphne.

[Joe]

What's wrong?

[John Gilliam]

Your good friend Harry called and he spilled the beans.

[Phil Balney]

Which beans?

[John Gilliam]

He said, quote, tell Joe he was right about those blondes. They're great, unquote.

[Phil Balney]

Blondes?

[John Gilliam]

That's what he said.

[Phil Balney]

Well, he didn't say blondes. He said bonds, savings bonds.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

What Sure.

[Phil Balney]

I buy them on the payroll savings plan. And I told Harry he ought to do it, too. Savings bonds have a guaranteed interest that pays back $4 for every three, which is a pretty good investment.

[John Gilliam]

That's a pretty good story, too.

[Phil Balney]

It's true, so help me. That's why Harry's so happy. Savings bonds are great.

[John Gilliam]

Well, maybe you're right. You wouldn't really fool around with blinds, would you? You're too faithful and sweet and kind and fast talking.

[Narrator]

Now back to 21st Precinct and Captain Frank Kennelly.

[Lieutenant King]

Within another few minutes, detectives from the Manhattan East Homicide Squad and a deputy medical examiner had arrived at the scene. While the Homicide Squad photographer made the required pictures, Lieutenant King, as the ranking officer of the Detective Division present, dictated to the Homicide Squad stenographer a detailed description of the position and appearance of the body and of the surrounding conditions. No identification of any kind was found in the pockets of the victim. The medical examiner reported to Lt. King that preliminary observation revealed no gunshot wounds. Death appeared to have been caused by a fractured skull. Finally, Patrolman Adam Austin, the first member of the force at the scene, placed a UF95 tag on the body and it was removed to the Bellevue morgue for identification and autopsy, and the investigation began. I then went to the scene of the Safe burglary at 734 E. 82nd St. Detectives of both the Safe and Lost squad and the 21st squad were on the job. The uniformed officers had already resumed patrol. I returned to the barbershop. Joe completed my haircut, and I walked around the corner to the station house where Lt. Gorman was desk officer. And Sergeant Daughters was now on telephone switchboard duty.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Hello, Captain. Sergeant, this is Canelli called.

[Joe]

I forgot the phone.

[Lieutenant King]

I got tied up.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I explained it, Captain. I told her we had a homicide in the safe place.

[Lieutenant King]

Oh, thanks, Bill.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

She said call her when you get a chance.

[Lieutenant King]

I will, as soon as I find the block.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Listen, 21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. How many dogs? Well, there's no law against people having dogs, lady. I know, well, but. Lady. Lady, you'll have to take that up with your landlord. If he promised he wouldn't rent anybody with dogs, that's between you and him. There's nothing we can do about it. All right. You're welcome.

[Lieutenant King]

What was that, Bill?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

She's allergic to dogs. Family's moving into a building with two of them.

[Joe]

Hello, Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

Man, I want to see you.

[Joe]

I'd like to see you, too, Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, how's it going?

[Joe]

Nothing much yet.

[Lieutenant King]

Come on into my office for a minute.

[Joe]

Captain Fleisch was upstairs talking to those two men from the borough president's office. Go ahead. Thanks. The captain of the homicide squad is on his way up with the chief of detectives.

[Lieutenant King]

Any identification on him yet?

[Joe]

No. I just spoke to Vitale. They rolled some prints off the man as soon as they got him to the Bellevue morgue. He just brought them into bci. They're trying to get a make on him now.

[Lieutenant King]

The man wasn't shot or stabbed, was he?

[Joe]

No, sir. The medical examiner says death was apparently caused by a fractured skull. He's got other marks and bruises all over him. One thing's sure. The fall into the ditch couldn't have done it. He was dead before he got anywhere near the ditch. What I wanted to find out is you were up at the safe burglary, right, Captain?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, man.

[Joe]

Well, I've been running around in circles on this other deal. Haven't had a chance to speak to Novak and Howard about that.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

They were up there.

[Lieutenant King]

And two men from the safe and lost squad.

[Joe]

I've got the district captain upstairs now. The chief of detectives and probably the borough chief run away. They'll have to start throwing questions at me. On a safe job. Haven't even been over there.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, they didn't get anything out of there night. It was a bust.

[Joe]

Yes, sir, I know that.

[Lieutenant King]

There's this radio and appliance store. They gained entry through a side door, the freight entrance. Jimmy the Nightl. Apparently they went straight upstairs to the office on the balcony. Tried to rip the safe. Didn't get very far with it. Might have thought they needed more tools or more time. Decided to carry it out. Apparently it got away from them coming down the stairs.

[Joe]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Must have made a lot of noise.

[Lieutenant King]

And they left in a hurry. I left all the tools on the job.

[Joe]

Probably stolen.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Probably.

[Lieutenant King]

Come in.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Excuse me a second. Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

Yes, Sergeant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

There's a woman out there talking to Lieutenant Gorman.

[Joe]

Yes?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Her husband didn't show up at home last night. And, Captain, sounds to me like she's talking about the man that was found in the ditch.

[Joe]

Did you say anything to her?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, sir.

[Joe]

Ask her to come in here.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir. Mrs. Balmy?

[Louise Balney]

Yes?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Could you step in here a minute, please?

[Joe]

You don't mind, Captain?

[Lieutenant King]

No, that's all right.

[Louise Balney]

Do they know something?

[Joe]

Come in. Mrs. Barney.

[Louise Balney]

Yes. Yes, I'm much obliged.

[Lieutenant King]

All right, Sergeant?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes, sir.

[Joe]

Sit down, please.

[Louise Balney]

Do you have Phil here arrested, honey?

[Joe]

No, we don't.

[Louise Balney]

Oh, I thought you did.

[Joe]

How do you spell your name?

[Louise Balney]

Bony, B, O, L, N, E, Y.

[Joe]

Your Husband's first name is Phil.

[Louise Balney]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe]

What's your first name?

[Louise Balney]

Louise.

[Joe]

What do you.

[Daphne Forsyth]

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[Joe]

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[Louise Balney]

Mrs. Bowie at 3422 Lewis Avenue in the Bronx. I was led to believe that. That you did have Phil here. I thought he was arrested.

[Lieutenant King]

What made you think that?

[Louise Balney]

Well, he said he had some business last night. He left right after supper and he said he'd be home at 1:00, no later. Well, about 11:00, I turned off the radio and went to bed. Slept all night. When I woke up this morning, he wasn't in the bed. I don't know. I couldn't imagine what happened.

[Joe]

Does he ever stay out all night?

[Louise Balney]

Well, late sometimes, but never all night. He always comes home, no matter what time, in the morning? Always. He don't drink much, so I'm never worried about that. A few beers maybe.

[Joe]

I still don't understand what made you think he was arrested.

[Louise Balney]

A detective called and spoke to you? No, but not to me. To the super of the building. We don't have a telephone.

[Joe]

Did the detective leave his name?

[Louise Balney]

He just told the super if I'd come to the 21st Precinct, they'd know all about Phil.

[Lieutenant King]

Did the super say the man told him he was a police officer?

[Louise Balney]

Well, I don't know, but what else could he be? He said, come to the 21st Precinct.

[Joe]

Mrs. Baloney, how old is your husband?

[Louise Balney]

34. 34 in March.

[Joe]

You know his height? How tall he is?

[Louise Balney]

Well, not so tall. Maybe four or five inches taller than me.

[Joe]

About five nine.

[Louise Balney]

About five nine, yes. Listen, don't you know anything? I mean, who'd call and say such a thing? And Phil not coming home?

[Lieutenant King]

Has your husband ever been arrested?

[Louise Balney]

Well, he's. He's been in a little trouble. Yeah?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

What kinds of trouble?

[Louise Balney]

He was away.

[Lieutenant King]

Where?

[Louise Balney]

Thinking. But he's been all right. He's had no trouble since he's been back. No trouble at all. He Was getting along fine. He's got a job. He's working every day. And the parole officer says he was doing very well.

[Joe]

You said he was in the habit of staying out late at night. He's not supposed to do that if he's on parole.

[Louise Balney]

Not awesome.

[Lieutenant King]

You know who he was out with last night, Mrs. Boney?

[Louise Balney]

Some friends. I don't know. On business.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Excuse me.

[Louise Balney]

Where could he be?

[Joe]

I don't know.

[Lieutenant King]

21St place in Captain Kennelly.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Sergeant Ward is our T.S.

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain, Detective Vitali is ringing in for Lieutenant King. Says it's important.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

All right. Mad.

[Joe]

Yes.

[Lieutenant King]

For you, Vitali.

[Joe]

Okay. Thank you, Lieutenant King.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go ahead, Lieutenant. Natalie.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Lieutenant, where are you?

[Sergeant Waters]

Down at dci. We got a make on the Prince of the Dead man.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, he's a good boy. He did a bid for grand larceny and some time before that as a juvenile.

[Joe]

What's the name?

[Sergeant Waters]

Balney. Philip Robert Balney. B O L, N E Y. The cards down here don't have a recent address on him, but he must have been reporting to the Board of Parole. I can check and see what address they've got.

[Joe]

No, that won't be necessary. But tally.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir?

[Lieutenant King]

Even get a mug shot from BCI.

[Joe]

And come on in here.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.

[Joe]

They got a mate, Captain.

[Lieutenant King]

Did they?

[Joe]

Yeah. Where did your husband work, Mrs. Bowley?

[Louise Balney]

On the docks, on the west side. Alongshoreman.

[Joe]

Have any idea who he might have gone out with last night?

[Louise Balney]

Oh, no, not exactly. He has lots of friends.

[Joe]

Which friend in particular do you think he might have been with last night?

[Louise Balney]

Well, he did say something. What, about Red. About not having to go someplace with Red, you know, on business.

[Joe]

Red who?

[Louise Balney]

I don't know his last name. He talks about this Red all the time, as if somebody that works with him. You know, Doc Wallopin.

[Lieutenant King]

Would you know this Red if you saw him?

[Louise Balney]

No, I never met him. I only heard Phil talk about him. Listen, if you don't have him arrested here. Phil. I mean, where is he? Where could he be? Just you think maybe he went right to work this morning?

[Joe]

No, Mrs. Barnley, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure we know where he is.

[Louise Balney]

Well, this is a fine time to tell me. Why didn't you tell me before? But, Captain, why didn't he tell me?

[Lieutenant King]

We just found out about it.

[Louise Balney]

Oh, where is he?

[Joe]

Down at Bellevue, we think.

[Louise Balney]

What's he doing down there? Was he sick?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Who?

[Louise Balney]

Is he in? He's not dead.

[Joe]

Yes, he is. I'm sorry.

[Lieutenant King]

After a few minutes, Lieutenant King took Mrs. Baloney upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad. There she was questioned by Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Shapir. In the presence of Lt. King and the top command of the Detective Division, the chief of detectives, the borough chief, the homicide captain and the district captain. She was able to give no information other than the fact that she thought her husband might have been in the company of a friend named Ray. Nor could she suggest a reason this Red or anyone else would want to murder him. At 11:30am Mrs. Boney was driven to the Bellevue mob to identify the body of her husband. I remained in my office and cleaned up some paperwork that had hung over. Little after 12, the top command of the Detective division signed the blotter and left the precinct. I walked out of my office and into the lieutenant's locker room where a pot of coffee was on the fire.

[Joe]

Captain.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, come in, lad.

[Joe]

Well, I guess there won't be much snow to shovel whether I'm home or not.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Stopped. Oh.

[Lieutenant King]

How about a cup of coffee?

[Joe]

Yes, sir. Thanks.

[Lieutenant King]

Grab a cup.

[Joe]

Smells good.

[Lieutenant King]

Sugar's in the drawer.

[Joe]

Nothing.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, how are you doing?

[Joe]

All right, I guess. She identified the body as her husband's. Red is a fellow named John Gilliam. He didn't show up for a job in the docks this morning.

[Lieutenant King]

Well, that's a good sign for us.

[Joe]

Yes, sir. Not for him. I've got six men out looking for him.

[Lieutenant King]

All your bosses seem to think it's in pretty good shape. Man that fell and troop out of here.

[Joe]

Well, they can't sit around and twiddle their thumbs, captain. Don't have much to go on yet.

[Lieutenant King]

What kind of fellow is this Red?

[Joe]

Well, he's been in a couple of jams. Never any convictions. But he's been questioned in connection with some burglary deals.

[Lieutenant King]

Oh, incidentally, anything on the safe job?

[Joe]

No, not much.

[Lieutenant King]

Listen, Matt, did you speak to the medical examiner again on this Phil Bowney?

[Joe]

Yes, I was.

[Lieutenant King]

All these fractures and bruises he had, were they all internal injuries?

[Joe]

No open cuts? No, sir.

[Lieutenant King]

You know something?

[Joe]

What?

[Lieutenant King]

Bowman did time for grand larceny. The information you got is that this Red was picked up a couple of times for investigation of burglary.

[Joe]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant King]

Are you willing to listen to a wild guess?

[Joe]

Don't listen to anything, captain.

[Lieutenant King]

It washes out a homicide case for you.

[Joe]

That's the last thing I need, Captain, a homicide case. I'm listening.

[Lieutenant King]

After I finished my conversation with Lt. King at 1:30, I signed the blotter and left the station house. All that Day and that night, detectives of the 21st Squad and the Homicide Squad beat the brush for John Gilliam, also known as Red Gilliam. They were waiting at the pier where he usually worked. At the afternoon Shape Up. He did not appear. They traced out his home address, a furnished room in the West 20s.

[Joe]

He hadn't been seen.

[Lieutenant King]

The place was planted. Detectives spoke to all the acquaintances of Red Gilliam and Philip Boney they could locate. None had any information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive. The plants at Red's ruling house and at the address of a girlfriend were maintained throughout the night. At 8:20am the next morning, there was a phone call for Detective Vitali from one of the acquaintances of Red Gilliam he had spoken to the previous afternoon. The caller, another longshoreman, told Vitali that he had seen Red Gilliam at a Greenwich Village bar during the night. Red told the informant he was broke and needed a loan. He had promised a small loan if Red would come to the pier where he worked. Just before the whistle blew for the afternoon. Shape Up. The county gave this information to Lt. King along with five other detectives, all dressed in work clothes. He was instructed to cover this beer in the event that Red Gilliam showed up.

[Joe]

This looks like a bus wedding.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yep. He'll blow the whistle for the Shape up in a minute. If Red hasn't shown up by now. He won't. Where's his friend? I don't see him now. I got him there against the fender of that truck.

[Joe]

The pickup.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Oh, yeah.

[Joe]

Oh, here comes the hiring boss.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

When they shape up, let's move in with them. Okay. Come on. Yeah. Whitey. Yep.

[Joe]

Where is.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I think.

[Joe]

Where?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yankee jacket, no hat. Headed for the truck. It's him. All right. Let's grab him.

[Joe]

Watch yourself.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

He might be healed. Don't worry. Brad. Yeah. Wait a minute. We want to talk to you. Look, fellas, I'm in a rush.

[Joe]

We're police officers, Red. Oh. Turn around.

[Lieutenant King]

Lean up against that truck.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Go on. Yeah. All right.

[Joe]

Hold still. I'm clean.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I'm not carrying anything. That's what we want to make sure of. Listen, what's the beef? What do you want me for? Don't you know, Red? How should I know what you guys want? You always want to know something. Yeah, Red, we always want to know something. So come on. Let's go.

[Lieutenant King]

I had been on duty since 8am At 1:20, I was upstairs in a detective squad office. Conferring with Lt. King about a renewal application for a pistol license.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yes? Come in, V. All right, Ren.

[Joe]

Inside.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Sit down over there, Ren.

[Joe]

Yeah, that's good. Sit right there.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Shut the door, Will you be.

[Joe]

Yeah, sure.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

L. He says he does know a thing, Lieutenant.

[Joe]

This is where you come to learn, eh, Red?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

What's it all about that you gotta tell me?

[Joe]

Let's start off with introductions. This is Captain Kelly. I'm Lieutenant King. So you don't want to waste any time, Red. We want some straight answers.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

About what?

[Joe]

You were out with Phil Balmy the night before last, right?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Who said that?

[Joe]

William? No. Where, William?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I spent practically the entire evening with a girl. Till about 3:34 o'clock this morning.

[Joe]

Well, if that's so, it'll clear up a lot of things, Red. What girl is that?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Her name is Isabel. Isabel Gamer.

[Lieutenant King]

Where'd you live?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Down on 17th street, near Ninth.

[Joe]

You know that's a lie, Red.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

No, it's not.

[Joe]

Detective Vitale spoke to Isabel yesterday. She said she didn't see you since Sunday. Isn't that right, Veek?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

That's right, Lieutenant.

[Joe]

So it's a ride. Look, Red, we got a lot of things on our mind around here.

[Lieutenant King]

We don't want to waste any time.

[Joe]

What do you think I'm doing?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

You think this is accomplishing something for me?

[Joe]

Bill was found dead on the street. Our information is that you were with him that night. And what about the truth?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

If I told you the truth, you wouldn't believe it.

[Joe]

Wouldn't we?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I guarantee you wouldn't.

[Joe]

Better try us, Red, because you're looking a murder beef right in the face. If the truth is going to help you, you better let us have it. You wouldn't believe it.

[Lieutenant King]

Maybe we already know the truth, Red.

[Joe]

Maybe we just want to hear it from you.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

You won't believe it. I guarantee it. But if you want it.

[Joe]

All right. What?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Well, you see, Phil and I were together. Yeah, we've been doing a few things together. I had this store spotted over in East 80s.

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The safe looked like an easy touch. Well, we went in there together and tried to rip the face off. It wouldn't come. So we decided to go down the stairs with it and load it in the car. It was small enough. We started down. Phil was below and I was up above the thing slipped or he slipped or something. Anyway, he went rolling down the stairs with it. I thought he was just knocked out. Yes, well, that's all I figured. Get him out. Get him out fast. So I loaded him in the car and when I got a few blocks away, I saw he was dead. What was I going to do with him. I passed by this place where they had the street dug up.

[Lieutenant King]

That looked good enough for me.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

So I dumped him in there. And that was us, was it? There, you see?

[Lieutenant King]

You wanted the truth.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

That's it. What does it get me?

[Joe]

Did you call his wife?

[Captain Frank Canelli]

Yeah, the next morning. I figured you got to know. You've got to find out at least. Well, don't look at me like I was an idiot. That's what happened. That's exactly what happened. Such truth. It's the honest to goodness truth. If I had a stack of barbers, it wouldn't be any more than truth.

[Louise Balney]

I didn't kill him.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

I didn't lay a finger on him.

[Joe]

We knew it, Red. We believe you. Why shouldn't we? The captain had it figured the same afternoon.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

The whole thing sounds so screwy. So nuts to get caught in a set of circumstances.

[Joe]

Red, you're caught in a little bit more than a set of circumstances. You're caught in a safe burglary.

[Captain Frank Canelli]

When he. First Precinct. Sergeant Waters, what you say about a gun? Oh, you get a license to carry one.

[Lieutenant King]

And so it goes. Around the clock through the week, every day, every year. A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry goron. Anyone can catch the brass ring, all right. The brass ring can catch anyone.

[Narrator]

21St Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police.

[Joe]

Department, City of New York.

[Narrator]

Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ben lynch as Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Louis Van Ruten, Bill Lipton, Harold Stone, Les Damon and Julie Stevens. Written and directed by Stanley Nist Art Hannah Speaker.

[Phil Balney]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.

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[Joe]

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