21st Precinct 53-08-18 (007) The Mainliner

Summary

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Podcast Summary: 21st Precinct - “The Mainliner”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 21st Precinct 53-08-18 (007) The Mainliner
Original Broadcast Date: August 18, 1953
Date of Podcast Release: February 22, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode of the classic police procedural radio show “21st Precinct” delves into a case that begins as a seemingly routine dispute over an unpaid cab fare, but quickly escalates into a revelation of forgery, family drama, and the emotional complexities underlying crime. Captain Frank Kennelly and his team at the 21st Precinct navigate the investigation and its personal dimensions as they pursue a young woman “papering the town” with bad checks.

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Key Discussion Points & Segment Breakdown

1. The Cab Fare Dispute (00:35–03:40)

• The episode opens with Captain Kennelly returning from patrol to find a cab driver, Joe Swanagi, and a distressed young woman, Elizabeth Elwood, in the precinct's muster room.
• Elizabeth claims she lost her wallet and is unable to pay a $2.40 cab fare after a ride from Idlewild Airport to Manhattan.
• She offers to pay the cabbie by check and, despite initial reluctance, he eventually accepts it.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Do you have any identification?” — Captain Kennelly (03:24)
  • “No, it was all in my wallet...I’ve got my checkbook though.” — Elizabeth Elwood (03:26)

2. Elizabeth’s Backstory and the Lost Wallet (06:46–09:48)

• Captain Kennelly questions Elizabeth about her travels and circumstances.
• Elizabeth details coming from Braxton, PA, seeing off a friend to Europe, and then losing her wallet.
• She requests a further $10 to get home, offering to leave her watch as collateral; Kennelly personally cashes her check for her.
• Notable Quote:
  • “You don’t know how much this saved my life. It really saved my life.” — Elizabeth Elwood (09:40)

3. Routine Police Work Continues (09:48–11:19)

• The narrative fast-forwards to a busy week at the 21st Precinct: robberies, fires, thefts, and a traffic fatality.
• Interspersed, Sergeant Burns and Captain Kennelly discuss routine and minor events.

4. The Forgery Revealed (12:19–13:30)

• News comes in: Elizabeth Elwood’s check was part of a string of forged checks under the name “Elizabeth Hans Elwood,” a prominent name in Philadelphia.
• The Forgery Squad and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating, as over two dozen bad checks surface.
• Kennelly realizes he’s been duped by a convincing act.
• Notable Quote:
  • “That kid sold me a bill of goods. If she sold you—” — Desk Officer (13:30)
  • “Next time, I’ll take the watch.” — Captain Kennelly (13:32)

5. The Real Mrs. Elwood Appears (15:13–19:08)

• The real Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood visits the precinct. She reveals her identity and offers to make restitution.
• Mrs. Elwood confides she knows who’s forging the checks: her own daughter, Liz.
• She describes family troubles, including Liz seeing her father with another woman, and how Liz abruptly left home.
• Mrs. Elwood expresses confusion: “She’s had everything all her life...I don’t understand why she does it.” (18:55)

6. The Emotional Heart – Parent & Child (21:08–27:41)

• Mrs. Elwood shares her intent to bring Liz home, despite her husband's reluctance due to concerns of scandal.
• The team continues their cabaret inspection duties and, during a visit, encounter Liz in a nightclub.
• Captain Kennelly arrests Liz for passing forged checks. Liz is defiant but ultimately admits her actions.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “You would have, Carl. You would have. Everybody does. Even policemen. Everybody loves me.” — Liz (23:51)
  • “I just wanted to get money from people to prove they liked me, that’s all. If they were willing to take a check from me, that proved they liked me, didn’t it?” — Liz (25:38)

7. Final Confrontations & Emotional Resolution (25:37–27:41)

• Liz refuses to speak to her mother by phone, claiming, “I’m not ashamed of anything, but I couldn’t talk to her.”
• She laments that her parents equate sending her money with love, “but it isn’t. It really isn’t the same, is it?” (27:25)
• Kennelly’s closing observation underscores the difference between money and real affection.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Captain Kennelly’s Reflection:
  “People make a city...the rich and the poor and the good and the bad pour their lives together and stir up the city as in the 21st.” (01:05)

• Emotional Paradox:
  “I just wanted to get money from people to prove they liked me...that’s all I wanted to prove.” — Liz (25:38)

• Parent’s Dilemma:
  “She’s had everything all her life. Everything. Not a thing she wanted we didn’t give her.” — Mrs. Elwood (18:57)

• Final Commentary:
  “All they’ll do is send money. They think it’s the same thing, but it isn’t. It really isn’t the same, is it?” — Liz (27:25)
  “No, Liz. There’s a big difference. All the difference in the world.” — Captain Kennelly (27:41)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Cab fare and introduction of Elizabeth: 00:35–03:40
• Elizabeth’s story and lost wallet: 06:46–09:48
• Forgery discovery and investigation shift: 12:19–13:30
• Mrs. Elwood’s explanation: 15:13–19:08
• Liz’s arrest and confession: 23:18–25:37
• Emotional denouement between Liz and her mother: 25:37–27:41
• Final reflection and precinct routine resumes: 27:41–28:04

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Episode Tone & Style

True to the “21st Precinct” style, the episode is methodical and empathetic, blending procedural accuracy with genuine human emotion. Captain Kennelly’s narration provides insight into the weary compassion at the heart of his job. The tone is somber, sometimes cynical, but ultimately humane, offering a window into both everyday police work and the deeper troubles that drive human behavior.

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Summary

“The Mainliner” is an exemplary episode of 1950s radio drama, taking listeners through a layered story that—beneath the police procedures—explores loneliness, family disappointment, and the longing for real connection. Through the case of a young woman’s forgeries, it poses tough questions about love, trust, and what truly constitutes value in human relationships.

Transcript

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[Captain Kennelly]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Burns. I can hear you. What's the trouble? There is you all alone. How much is on the clock? $2. And what? Why can't you pay it? But she loses.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Where?

[Captain Kennelly]

You are in the muster room at the 21st briefing. 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. All right, you're driving a hat. Drive her into the station house. We'll talk about when you get here. Just drive around the station. We'll get it all settled here. 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 persons, their homes and their property is my job. My job and the job of the hunter. And 60 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st. What makes a city? Not buildings, not subways, not business. People make a city. From dawn to midnight, from midnight to dawn, the rich and the poor and the good and the bad pour their lives together and stir up the city as in the 21st. A little over two weeks ago, I was working my 6pm to 8am tour. At 1:55am following patrol, I returned to the station house. In the Musker Room, Sergeant Burns was on the boxes. Lieutenant Snider was the desk officer. A hat driver and a well dressed, very pretty young woman about 20 stood in front of the railing. I walk around behind the desk to make an entry in the blotter that I had returned from patrol. What's doing, Sergeant? Nothing much, sir. It's been a quiet tour. Look, I got no time to stand here and discuss the pros and cons. There was pseudos and 40 cents on the clock. Now all I want is my money.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

That I'd pay you if I had it. I told you I lost my wire.

[Captain Kennelly]

Hello, Lieutenant. Captain. Lady, just give me the two dollars and 40 cents. She says she lost her wallet. But why couldn't she look and see if she had a wallet before she got in my cab? And idle wild airport, lieutenant. Why'd she have to wait until we get to 80th street in park Avenue before she finds it out?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I looked in my purse for a cigarette and I noticed the wallet was missing. I told you I'd give my cab lady.

[Captain Kennelly]

When I turn the cab in at 4 o' clock in the morning. The boss wants cash for what's on the clock.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

He don't want check.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I don't have the cash. I lost my wallet.

[Captain Kennelly]

Why do I get all the sad stories I never seen? Now, where were you going from? Idle wild, miss. She said Penn State. All right, 19. What's your name, miss?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Elizabeth Elwood.

[Captain Kennelly]

Do you have any identification?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

No, it was all in my wallet. New tenant. I've got my checkbook, though I'm not into it.

[Captain Kennelly]

What's your name? Swanagi. Joe Swanagi. Well, now, look, Joe. These things happen, but only to me. Why, who are you, anyway? I'm Captain Finelli. Beg your pardon? I just like to know who I'm talking to. You're wasting time here. Not news to me, Captain.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I didn't want to come here.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'd suggest that you take the young lady's check and get back on the job. The only other thing to do is file a complaint against it. I got a good mind to do just that.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

What does that mean? I haven't arrested 20 first place things.

[Captain Kennelly]

Sergeant, do you know anybody around here that you can call and get the money from? Oh, you take your meal now.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I don't know a song, not a Sarah. I'm from out of town.

[Captain Kennelly]

You wouldn't want to spend the morning in court, would you, Joe? I want to spend the morning sleeping. All right, give me the check. Let me get out of here.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, I really appreciate it. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

[Captain Kennelly]

Miss, you want a pen?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, yes. Thanks. Thanks a lot. I haven't wanted it made out.

[Captain Kennelly]

Just the cash. That's good enough.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

$2.40. I'll make it for $4. That'll be a good tip for all the trouble I caused you.

[Captain Kennelly]

That's up to you, lady. Yes.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

You know, I lost my wallet and I don't have a cent of cash. I couldn't make it for $10 and you give me 6,000.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, you couldn't. Now, listen. Just make it for $2.40. Just give it to me and let me get out of here.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

All right, but what are you harmonizing?

[Captain Kennelly]

Plenty of harm. 25 cents for enough for reutenburns. Yes, sir. Hold on. Captain Canelli is a division lieutenant for you. Okay. Lean up against the desk of the riders, sir. I'll take it here. Captain Kennelly. Yes, Dev. No, I can't spare him. I'm short two sergeants now. Waters went sick yesterday. Inclined on vacation. I can't. No, I know. There's no harm in asking. All right, Deb. That's okay. So long. How is Sergeant Waters, Captain? Did you hear from him? He's better. His wife called last night. Oh, I have to go to. Here.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Sorry to cause so much trouble. I. I made it out for $4 anyway. Here.

[Captain Kennelly]

Braxton, Pennsylvania. Where's Braxton, Pennsylvania?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

It's near Philadelphia, Lieutenant. Did I get the pen from you?

[Captain Kennelly]

That's fine.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Captain Kennelly]

You're welcome. Can I go now? Yeah, go ahead. Well, I'll. I'll be seen.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Goodbye. I can't blame him, I guess.

[Captain Kennelly]

21st Precinct, Sergeant Burns.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

But I couldn't help it.

[Captain Kennelly]

Singleton. Do you live in Bankston?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

You want to go? That's back.

[Captain Kennelly]

Put him on here.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Philadelphia.

[Captain Kennelly]

What are you doing in New York, Senator Snyder?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, it's a long story.

[Captain Kennelly]

Listen, you put unidentified on the UF95 tag for that DOA. The aided card says he was registered into the hotel as Herbert Rowden. Now, which is right, Miss? Walk across the hall there to my office, will you?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Over there?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, That's a card in the car that showed what name? And just have a seat in there.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

There. Yes, sir. She was.

[Captain Kennelly]

How do you spell it, Sergeant? Did you check and see if her wallet was turned in on a D? Came in a minute before you did. All right. I'll be in my office. Yes, sir. Elizabeth Alwood. How do you spell that?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

E, R, L, W, O, O, D.

[Captain Kennelly]

What were you doing out at Idlewild?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, you see, I came to New York on the train with a friend of mine. She left on the plane for Europe at midnight. I was going back to Philadelphia.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, all right. That's okay.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I'm sorry. And I put her in the plane and took the cab to go back to Penn Station. When I opened my pocketbook for a cigarette, I noticed my wallet was missing. I fell. There is to It I couldn't help.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did you have your pocketbook open at the airport?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, yes, several times. I bought a couple of magazines and we went to the bar and had a drink several times.

[Captain Kennelly]

You didn't miss it before you got in the cab?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

No, sir. I told you I was going to smoke a cigarette.

[Captain Kennelly]

You were on your way to Penn Station to get a train to Philadelphia?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Yes, sir, that's right, To Philadelphia. Then I'd have to change there for Braxton. That's on the other side of Philadelphia on the Main Line. I really couldn't help it. I can't blame the cab driver for being mad. He's entitled to his money. But I couldn't help it. I didn't want to lose my wallet.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, I know. Do you have any friends in New York?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, there are a couple of people. People I went to school with, but I wouldn't know where they are exactly.

[Captain Kennelly]

Would you like to call you home?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, I don't think that would be a good idea at this time of night. You see, I didn't even tell my mother and father I was coming to New York. They'd get scared to death. He's nervous anyway, and he's probably not home. He stays in town a lot. Philadelphia, that is. Grover C Irlwood. Did you ever hear of him?

[Captain Kennelly]

No.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

He's a pretty good man.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, if you don't call him, you have to do something.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

All I want to do is get to Penn Station and get on the train, that's all. I had a return ticket, but that was in my wallet, too.

[Captain Kennelly]

How much money did you have?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, I don't know. 35 or $40, something like that. Not much.

[Captain Kennelly]

Excuse me. Captain Kennelly, Sergeant Burns. Captain, I called both the 103rd and the Port Authority Police at Idlewild. There's been no wallet turned in. Okay, thanks. Your wallet hasn't been turned in? Not as yet.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, I don't know what I'm going to do. Look at me. I look terrible.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Donut.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, there's no reason for you to have been crying.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I'll be all right. I just had the money to get home. That's all. I needed about $10. Catherine, would you pass a check for me for $10?

[Captain Kennelly]

$10?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

That's all? I could get a train home and pay the cashier from the Braxton Station to my house. That's only would take $10.

[Captain Kennelly]

Look, Ms. Earlwood, if I cashed a check for everyone who walked in the door.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Good. I promise it's good.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, I don't doubt that.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I'll leave my watch with you. Look, it's a beautiful watch. My father gave it to me. 17 jewels and a gold case. You keep it until you're sure about the check.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. Never mind the watch, Ms. Irwin. Just write out the check. I'll cash it for you.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, thanks. You don't have any idea how this saved my life. It really saved my life.

[Captain Kennelly]

I took the young woman's check and gave her $10 from my own pocket. She pouted her nose, thanked me profusely and left the station house at 2:20am the rest of the tour was quiet. At 8am I turned out the platoon for the day tour, signed the blotter and left the precinct to go off duty. It was a heavy week. We were plagued by a series of housebreaking. There was a three alarm fire, two armed robberies, a rash of car thefts and a traffic fatality during the next few days, all in addition to the ordinary occurrences. On Friday morning at 8am I arrived in the precinct for my day tour. I turned out the platoon, then returned to my office to read the reports and communications which had accumulated. These I signed while I spoke to George Underwood, the precinct youth patrolman, in regard to his plans for a championship playoff among softball teams from the various playgrounds in the precinct. About 10:30, I had finished the paperwork and interviews. I walked out into the muster room. 21st Precinct, Sergeant Burns.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Oh, Ralph.

[Captain Kennelly]

Walk around to 346 and see the super city marshal is on his way to serve an eviction of it. Super says the tenant might give a little trouble. He's a fighter. Yeah, yeah, that's right. Okay, let me know. What have we got, Sergeant? Nothing much, Captain. Pretty quiet, hey, Captain. Yeah, sure. Hello, man. Hi. Hello, Lieutenant. What's the trouble?

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[Autotrader Mom]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now?

[Autotrader Child]

Really?

[Autotrader Mom]

At a playground?

[Autotrader Child]

Yeah, really. Look at these listings from dealers.

[Autotrader Mom]

Wow, your search can really get that specific.

[Autotrader Child]

Really?

[Autotrader Mom]

And you just put in your info and boom. Cars in your budget.

[Autotrader Child]

Mom needs a second.

[Autotrader Mom]

Honey, you can really have it delivered.

[Autotrader Child]

Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership. One sec, sweetie. Mommy's buying a car.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Mommy, look.

[Autotrader Mom]

I think your kid is walking up the slide.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Kyle again? Really?

[Autotrader Child]

Autotrader buy her car online. Really?

[Captain Kennelly]

Did you take a check from a girl a few days ago? A kid, 18 to 20, honey colored hair, very pretty? Yes, that's right. For $10. How did you know about it? I just got a call from downtown. We're notified by the Pennsylvania State Police with fort you. You're kidding. No. Your bank will notify you today. I guess that girl's been papering the town with those checks. Put out a couple of dozen of them. How do you like that? The Forgery Squad got in the hole this. This morning. Somebody down there recognized your name. They phoned up and asked her for review. It's me. Who is she? Do they know? No. Really? Laying down that paper all over New York. Just small amounts. But you sure picked a good name to Forge. Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Earlwood. Big name in Philadelphia. I see how she does it. I do. That kid sold me a bill of goods. She came in here with a real sad story about losing her money. That's what she's been using. According to the Forgery Squad. Same story. Bank down there just threw their hands in the air when all these chicks started showing up. They sold me. She really sold me. Yes, sir. Sweet, innocent and in trouble. You see how she hung that paper all over town? If she sold you.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Captain, just.

[Captain Kennelly]

Next time be careful. No, ma'. Am. Next time I'll take the watch. An alarm was put out for the young woman who forged the name of Elizabeth Hance Erwood to more than two dozen checks and passed them on various merchants and individuals in the city of New York. But the alarm didn't stop her. In the next few days, a dozen more such checks were refused payment by the bank at Braxton, Pennsylvania. In New York, the investigation was handled by detectives of the Forgery Squad. One of the several organizations of specialized investigators who operate on a citywide basis from the central office. In the meantime, the tour by tour activities continued. In the 21st briefing on Saturday, we had a bad homicide. On Sunday morning, a seven year old girl on her way to church was struck by a hit and run driver on first Avenue. Both her legs were broken, but she was more worried about her dress. The house burglaries continued. No leads there. Monday morning at 11:40, I returned to the precinct from patrol. In the marker room, Sergeant Burns was On the boxes, Lieutenant Snyder was on duty as desk officer. Hello, Red. Captain. Hello, Captain. What's doing, Sergeant? Nothing much, sir. It's a quiet tour. Couple of messages for you. No, thanks. That Mr. Escher wouldn't leave his first name. He said he'd call back. Oh, I know who he is. Oh, is this one Congressman Thompson? Yes, sir, that's right. He said he'd be at that number until 2:30pm do you want to sign the blotter, Captain? I've got the entry made. Yeah, all right. Red. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Burton. Watch that new pen. Captain, the ink really flirting? 17. Thanks, Captain. All right, Sergeant, See if you can get Congressman Tarbin back for me. I'll take it to my office.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Where may I find Captain Kelly?

[Captain Kennelly]

Over here, ma'. Am. You'll have to make inquiries at the dead. That's all right, Lieutenant. I'm Captain Kenally.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Oh, how do you do? I'm Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Earlward of Philadelphia. Oh, you know me?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, let's say I've heard of you.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I'd like to talk to you, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

In here, Mrs. Elwood.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Thank you.

[Captain Kennelly]

Have a chair.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Thank you.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, somebody's been using your name in vain, Mrs. Elwood.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

That's what I want to talk to you about. Captain Kenelly. How do you pronounce it? Kenelly or Kennelly?

[Captain Kennelly]

Kenelly.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

The Mrs. Conwood who shared with me on the Philadelphia Ellie mercenary board. She was a Kenelly. Mrs. Byron Conwood.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Is she your family?

[Captain Kennelly]

No, I'm afraid not.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Perhaps it was Kennedy.

[Captain Kennelly]

What can I do for you, Mrs. Elwood? You know I'm not handling the investigation. I'm just another victim in this case.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Yes, and it's too bad. I know you were just performing an act of kindness. You were being a Good Samaritan.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I was trying to be.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

You were. And I want to make restitution of the $10 you lost.

[Captain Kennelly]

You're under no obligation to do that, Mrs. Irwin.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I think I am. It was $10, wasn't it?

[Captain Kennelly]

Those checks were forged on your bank account. The responsibility belongs to the first endorsement.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

The responsibility belongs to me, Captain. You see, I know who forged all those checks.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who? Well, or. Excuse me.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Of course.

[Captain Kennelly]

Captain Kelly. Captain, I have Congressman Carpent for you. Oh, all right. I'll just be a minute, Mrs. Elwood.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

That's all right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Hello, Frank. Oh, I tried to reach you yesterday, Congressman. Yes, I know. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. What can I do for you, Frank? Well, just a Little information, that's all. Congressman, do you know Father Cortella of St. Agnes? Yeah. Well, he has a student he's very interested in. The boy finished his first year at CCNY and he's made excellent marks. He's right up there at the top of his class. Good athlete, nice young man. Well, there's not much money in the family. They have a little hardware store. The boy wants to get into West Point. He'd be good. Father Catella knows there are competitive examinations before you make your appointments. He just wants to find out how to go about getting him on the list. I told him I'd call you. Sure, Frank. I'll have my administrative assistant get in touch with Father Catella. All right, fine. You want the boy's name?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, not yet. We had all the information on him from Father Katella. Thanks for calling, Frank. Thank you. Good night. Bye.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Want a Good Samaritan?

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, it's all part of the job, Ms. Irwin. You. You said you knew who forged those checks.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Yes, I do.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

My daughter.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Oh, don't look so surprised, Captain. I have a daughter that age. My daughter, Elizabeth. So you see, it's not really forgery. Her name is Elizabeth too. It's not really forgery.

[Captain Kennelly]

Is her middle name Hans?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No.

[Captain Kennelly]

Does she have an account at that bank?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No. But she has an account at the bank in Philadelphia in her own name. She has money in there? Plenty of money. I deposit $50 a week to her account. I don't understand why she does it. I don't understand.

[Captain Kennelly]

Have any officers come to see you at home, Mrs. Irwin?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Oh, yes. A very nice young detective from the Pennsylvania State Police. Very nice.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did you tell him you suspected it was your daughter?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No.

[Captain Kennelly]

Why not?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

My husband told me not to. I wanted to tell the bank to pay the checks, just to let them go through, but my husband told me not to.

[Captain Kennelly]

Do you have any idea why your daughter is doing this? She's forged and passed nearly 40 checks in New York alone.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I don't know. I really don't.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

She's had everything all her life.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Everything. Not a thing she wanted we didn't give her. And she just left home all of a sudden. And the next thing we knew, the check started. I didn't even know she was in New York.

[Captain Kennelly]

Why did she leave home, Ms. Elwood?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, there must have been a reason.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

It was something with her father.

[Captain Kennelly]

What?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Well, it's really very personal, Ms. Elwood.

[Captain Kennelly]

Your personal matter isn't personal anymore. It's very public. About 40 people in New York are victims of it.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I'd rather not go into it.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'm afraid you have to.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Well, I'm involved in it too. In a manner of speaking, yes. Well, you see, my husband was away. He told us he was going to Chicago on business. The weekend came, and Liz was invited out to Wilmington for a party on Saturday night.

[Captain Kennelly]

She didn't want to go.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

She never wants to go. But I talked her into it. Anyway, she went. She had a very good time. After the party, the young hostess and her friends decided to go to an inn on the shore for coffee and a snack. She saw her father there. Oh, he was with another woman.

[Captain Kennelly]

How old is Liz?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

19. She'll be the 20th of October.

[Captain Kennelly]

And did she talk to her father?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No. Luckily, he didn't see her. But she came home very upset. I had no idea what the trouble was. Finally, on Monday or Tuesday, she spoke to me, told me she'd seen him. Well, I said, liz, I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but it's been going on for years. Your father has his friends and I have mine. I swear, Liz.

[Captain Kennelly]

What did she say?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Nothing.

[Captain Kennelly]

Nothing at all.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Well, as a matter of fact, I was just on my way out of the house and I. I told her I was late for a dinner party.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did she leave right away?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Oh, in a day or so.

[Captain Kennelly]

Do you have any idea where she's staying in New York?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, could she be with friends?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Well, she only has one friend here. I called her even before the text started, but she hadn't heard from Liz. Captain, that girl has had the best education money could give her. She has a car all her own. A 1952 convertible. All her own. It has clothes, lots of and lots of clothes and money of her own.

[Captain Kennelly]

What made you decide to come to New York, Ms. Elwood?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I wanted to find her and bring her home. That's the natural thing for a mother to do. I want to get the things straightened out. My friends were beginning to ask questions.

[Captain Kennelly]

Does your husband know you came?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

No, he'd be against it. He's afraid she'll cause a lot of trouble. He doesn't want any trouble or any scandal.

[Captain Kennelly]

Very annoyed with Liz, is he?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I admit I don't understand her myself.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

What's gotten into her?

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Why would you do this to me?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, I'm not sure I can answer that, Ms. Elwood. I'm only a policeman. I took Mrs. Elwood upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad and introduced her to Lt. King. He called Detective Scanlon or the Forgery squad. Who was handling the squeals in this case? Detective Scanlon, along with Lt. King, interviewed Mrs. Ellwood. As she repeated the story she told me, I went back to my office. A new alarm was put out for the young woman. And a communication to the Pennsylvania State Police advised them of the actual circumstances in the case. The next day, orders came through from the chief inspector instructing each precinct captain to accompany the patrol sergeant on cabaret inspection at the rate of no less than two a night until all cabarets were visited. Delegates to two recent conventions had complained that they were being overcharged in a few midtown nightclubs. We were instructed to look for such violations of the state liquor law and city licensing regulations as might lead to the clipping of patrons. These included the lack of a bill of fare, plainly stating prices, improper lighting, and mingling of entertainers and employees with patrons. Everything looks all right here, Captain. Yeah. Did you take a look in the kitchen? Yes, sir. Are they prepared to serve food? Yes, sir. There's a cook on the job. All right, let's go. We can go around the corner to the High Low Club, Captain. We'll see. Oh, just a second. Wait here a minute. Someone at the bar I want to talk to. Yes, sir. It depends, honey. It depends on how you feel about it. Excuse me. What's on your mind? I want to talk to the young lady.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

What do you want to talk to me about?

[Captain Kennelly]

Listen, it's a private conversation, fella. Get lost. I'm a police officer. Oh, excuse me.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

What do you want to talk to me about?

[Captain Kennelly]

Now, lady, you remember. Listen, what's the trouble anyway? What's your name, mister? Why do you want to know that? Because this girl is wanted for passing 39 forged checks, that's why.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

It's so, COL. It's absolutely so.

[Captain Kennelly]

Listen, I only met her tonight only an hour ago. What's your name? Holt. Carl Holt. Not the truth. You can ask her.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Isn't it the truth?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

It's the truth.

[Captain Kennelly]

Did you cash a check for him, Mr. Holt? For me? No.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

You would have, Carl. You would have everybody die, even policemen. Everybody loves me.

[Captain Kennelly]

I called Sergeant Burns over, and we took Liz Orwood and her companion to the station house. On the way in, Patrolman Novak, who had relieved Sergeant Burns on T.S. told me that Lieutenant King was in. I instructed Sergeant Burns to resume his duties and went upstairs to the 21st squad. After a few minutes of questioning, Carl Holt convinced us that he had, in fact, only met the girl that evening in another bar. He gave his address and promised to Appear again if needed. Then he was allowed to go. Detective Scanlon of the forgery squad was called while he was on route. Matt King and I talked to the girl. Is that the only reason, Liz?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Well, I had to.

[Captain Kennelly]

Liz, you want to call your mother, you can place a call to her.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

No, I don't want to call her.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

I don't want to talk to her.

[Captain Kennelly]

You don't? Liz. I do. Is this phone to T. S? Max? That's right, Evan.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I haven't anything to say to her.

[Captain Kennelly]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Byrne. This is Captain Kennelly. Yes, sir. Would you step in my office and look in the corner of my desk blotter? There's a note with the number of Mrs. Elizabeth Hance Irwood in Braxton, Pennsylvania. Braxton? Yeah, that's right. Place a collect call to Mrs. Elwood at that number. Right away, Captain. You have a bank account of your own, Liz? Why'd you have to forward checks in your mother's name?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I don't know. Just seems like I should.

[Captain Kennelly]

What made you?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I don't know.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

If I knew, I'd tell you.

[Captain Kennelly]

You know, you hurt a lot of people.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Did I? I didn't mean to.

[Captain Kennelly]

About 40 people, including Captain Kelly.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, you know. I'm sorry, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

I hope you are.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I just wanted to get money from people to prove they liked me. That's all. If they were willing to take a check from me, that proved they liked me, didn't it? That's all I wanted to prove.

[Captain Kennelly]

You could have given checks on your own account to prove the same thing.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

No, that's not so. It wouldn't prove the same thing. It wouldn't prove the same thing because. I don't know. It just wouldn't.

[Captain Kennelly]

What were you doing out at Idyllwild that night?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Idlewild?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, the airport.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

When.

[Captain Kennelly]

When you said you didn't have money to pay the cab driver.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh.

[Captain Kennelly]

What were you doing there?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I went out there just to cash a check. That's all. I thought that would be a nice place. I'm sorry. I didn't realize I'd caused so much trouble. I really didn't. If that's my mother, I don't want

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

to talk to her.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I don't.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. I get it now.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

I won't.

[Captain Kennelly]

Captain Kennelly. Sergeant Burns. Captain, I have Mrs. Irwood. Oh, all right. Go ahead. Hello?

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Captain Kennelly?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, this is Captain Kennelly. We have Liz here Mrs. Irwood.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Oh, you have Howie.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

She all right?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, she seems all right.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Not all clever, Liz. No, I told you.

[Captain Kennelly]

No, I'm sorry, Ms. Elwood. She won't come to the phone.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Why won't she?

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, she just refuses Mrs. Elwood.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

Well, tell her I'll be there. Tell her I love her.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

Tell her I'll take the next train. Her father too.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right. Goodbye.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

The next train. I couldn't talk. I'm sorry. I couldn't. I'm not ashamed of anything, but I couldn't talk to her.

[Captain Kennelly]

She said to tell you that she loves him. She and your father had taken the next train.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

They won't be here.

[Captain Kennelly]

They told the Captain they wouldn't.

[Elizabeth Elwood]

No, they won't. All they'll do is send money. They always send money. They think it's the same thing. But it isn't. It really isn't the same, does it?

[Captain Kennelly]

No, Liz. There's a big difference. All the difference in the world. 21st briefing, Sergeant Barnes. What do you mean you were robbed? Held up where this happened. Where did he have a gun? Well, there were two men. When was this? Just now.

[Mrs. Elizabeth Hans Elwood]

How long ago?

[Captain Kennelly]

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 go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone. 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 Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Gene Gillespie and Barbara Weeks, Wendell Holmes, Bill Zuckert, Bill Lipton and Louis Van Rutten. Written and directed by Stanley Nist Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.

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