A Salute to the Law 1934-02-13 (xxx) The Case of the Avenging Angel

Summary

A Salute to the Law 1934-02-13: The Case of the Avenging Angel

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a gripping episode titled "A Salute to the Law 1934-02-13: The Case of the Avenging Angel," released on January 9, 2025. This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, offering a dramatized true-life story that highlights the complexities of justice and the lengths individuals might go to enact it.

Introduction: Detective Nicholas B. Harris

The episode commences with George Applegate introducing Detective Nicholas B. Harris, the esteemed chief of the Los Angeles Detective Agency. Harris is portrayed as a beacon of law enforcement, dedicated to solving intricate cases and educating the youth about the perils of crime. Applegate sets the tone by emphasizing Harris's international reputation and his commitment to upholding justice.

Encounter with Mr. Collins: The Avenging Angel

At [01:34], Detective Harris discusses the peculiar individuals he encounters in his line of work. This leads to the introduction of Mr. Collins, a well-dressed and enigmatic gentleman who seeks Harris's assistance. Collins reveals his true intentions early on:

Mr. Collins: "All I want is your help in helping me to help others." [02:03]

He aspires to become the "Avenging Angel," a vigilante dedicated to punishing wrongdoers who escape the reach of the law. Collins believes that there are instances where legal systems fail to deliver justice, and he is determined to fill that void.

Mr. Collins: "I wish to be known as the Avenging Angel. To avenge those who cannot avenge themselves. To punish those who would otherwise go unpunished." [02:09]

Detective Harris remains skeptical but acknowledges the necessity in situations where the law might falter.

The Newton Family Case

Detective Harris introduces the central case involving the Newton family. Jimmy Newton, a young boy, seeks help after his father is inexplicably taken away by unknown men. The family's distress is palpable:

Mrs. Newton: "I didn't call you. I'm sure it's a mistake. Anyway, I don't want to talk to you." [04:25]

Jimmy, determined to find his father, fears for his family's safety if he involves the police, as the kidnappers have threatened further harm.

Jimmy Newton: "If I did [notify the police], those men would take us away, too, where nobody would ever find us." [02:16]

Mr. Collins sees this case as the perfect opportunity to implement his Avenging Angel mission, believing that he can provide the justice that the legal system has failed to deliver.

Investigative Efforts and Rising Tensions

Detective Harris and Mr. Collins embark on their investigation, visiting the Newton household. They encounter resistance from Mrs. Newton, who is too terrified to divulge any information about the kidnappers. Jimmy provides crucial details about the mysterious men, including their possible origin from Arizona and their association with his father's mining activities.

Jimmy Newton: "I think they were from Arizona." [06:26]

As the investigation progresses, they discover unsettling clues that suggest the situation is more dire than initially perceived. The tension escalates when Mr. Harris breaks into the Newton home, only to find that the woman they believed to be Mrs. Newton might not be his actual mother.

Jimmy Newton: "She ain't my mom." [11:12]

This revelation leaves Detective Harris and Mr. Collins in a precarious position, unsure of the next steps to take and the true nature of the threat facing the Newton family.

Cliffhanger Conclusion

The episode culminates in a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving listeners eager for the next installment:

Detective Harris: "Well, sorry, George, but you'll have to wait until next Tuesday at the same hour for the rest of the story of the Avenging Angel." [12:08]

This unresolved ending heightens the intrigue, promising more twists and developments in the ongoing investigation.

Notable Quotes

• Mr. Collins: "All I want is your help in helping me to help others." [02:03]
• Jimmy Newton: "If I did, those men would take us away, too, where nobody would ever find us." [02:16]
• Mr. Collins: "Well, it's in situations of that kind, Mr. Harris, that I wish, with the help of your agency, to play the role of the avenging angel." [02:33]
• Jimmy Newton: "I think it was those men, because who else could it be?" [09:16]
• Jimmy Newton: "She ain't my mom." [11:12]

Production Details

The narrative is skillfully dramatized by Ralph Burchard and produced by Carolyn Carroll. The voice talents of Dorothy Wade, Harriet Childs, Calvin Ellison, and Charles E. Bender bring depth and authenticity to the characters, immersing listeners in the story's suspenseful atmosphere.

Conclusion: A Tease for Future Episodes

Closing the episode, George Applegate hints at future content designed to educate listeners about modern detective work:

George Applegate: "All the scientific methods used in modern day crime prevention are explained by Mr. Harris. He reveals the mysteries of the fingerprint system, the lie detector and hundreds of other interesting details in the life of a modern day Sherlock Holmes." [13:18]

This teaser invites the audience to return each Sunday for more insights and adventures with Detective Harris.

Final Thoughts

"The Case of the Avenging Angel" exemplifies the allure of old-time radio dramas, combining suspense, moral dilemmas, and engaging characters to captivate its audience. Through Detective Harris and Mr. Collins's pursuit of justice, the episode explores themes of law, vigilantism, and the complexities inherent in ensuring true fairness within society.

Transcript

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[George Applegate]

Presenting Detective Nick Harris in a salute to the law. Ladies and gentlemen, we again bring you Detective Nicholas B. Harris, chief of the internationally known Los Angeles Detective Agency, bearing his name in another dramatized true life story, proving to the youth of today the folly of committing crime. And now, Mr. Harris.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Thank you, Mr. Applegate, and good evening, everyone.

[George Applegate]

In your line of work, Mr. Harris, I suppose you encounter fanatics with fantastic schemes to reform or save the world.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yes, George. They're not only always so fantastic either. For instance, there was a man who called himself the Avenging Angel. The first time I met him was several years ago when a quiet, well dressed gentleman called at my office.

[Mr. Collins]

Frankly, Mr. Harris, the name Collins is not my real name.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Professional name, I presume.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, call it that, it won't be necessary, will it, for you to know my real name?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, that depends entirely on what you want me to do.

[Mr. Collins]

All I want is your help in helping me to help others.

[Jimmy Newton]

How?

[Mr. Collins]

Well, I wish to be known as the Avenging Angel.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

I don't quite understand, Mr. Collins.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, to avenge those who cannot avenge themselves. To punish those who would otherwise go unpunished.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, the law takes care of that.

[Mr. Collins]

The law tries to, or is intended to. But aren't there cases where the law is not applied? Cases within the law, perhaps, where a great wrong and a grave injustice is perpetrated, yet nothing is or can be done by the law enforcement agency?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, unfortunately, Mr. Collins, there are such cases.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, it's in situations of that kind, Mr. Harris, that I wish, with the help of your agency, to play the role of the avenging angel.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

I see. Then just when would you like to start?

[Mr. Collins]

At once, if possible.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, here's a case that has all the earmarks of being the kind you described. During the noon hour, the switchboard girl took a call asking us to send someone to an address on the south side. Checking back, we found no telephone at that address. Ordinarily, that would have ended it, unless we heard from it again. But it so happened one of my operatives, Joe Martin, had business at San Pedro. So I asked him to stop on his way down to investigate that phone call. I guess the woman didn't realize the window by the front door was open from the top. So Martin could hear everything she and her son had to say.

[Mrs. Newton]

I don't know where those men could have taken your father, Jimmy. Look through the window, Jimmy, and see who that is.

[Jimmy Newton]

It's the man, Ma. I bet I know who he is.

[Mrs. Newton]

Who, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Newton]

The man from the detective agency.

[Mrs. Newton]

Detective agency?

[Jimmy Newton]

Yes, the one I called from the phone at the drugstore.

[Mrs. Newton]

You called detective? Oh, Jimmy, you shouldn't have done that.

[Jimmy Newton]

Well, gee, Ma, we gotta do something about getting dad back.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, but I told you what those men said they'd do to us if we notified the police.

[Jimmy Newton]

Sure, the police. But they didn't say anything about not calling the detective agency.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, it's the same thing, senor.

[Jimmy Newton]

Worse.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, tell him to go away. Tell him it's all a mistake.

[Jimmy Newton]

But, Jima.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, never mind. I'll tell him. And don't you say a word, Jimmy. Understand? Not one word.

[Jimmy Newton]

Yes?

[George Applegate]

My Name's Martin, ma'am. Mr. Harris of the detective agency asked me to stop here.

[Mrs. Newton]

What about?

[George Applegate]

Well, I don't know exactly. That's what I expected you to tell me.

[Mrs. Newton]

Well, there must be some mistake.

[George Applegate]

No, no. This is the address given us over the telephone.

[Jimmy Newton]

What?

[Mrs. Newton]

I didn't call you. I'm sure it's a mistake. Anyway, I don't want to talk to you.

[George Applegate]

Now, look, Mrs. Newton, if you're in some kind of trouble.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

No, no, no.

[Mrs. Newton]

I'm not in any trouble in any way. I can't talk about it now.

[George Applegate]

Mr. Harris will be glad to help you.

[Mrs. Newton]

I can't talk about it, I tell you. Please go away.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

So Martin had to go down to San Pedro on his other case. And he gave me that report over the telephone. Mr. Collins, just before you came in.

[Mr. Collins]

It's plain that this Mrs. Newton is.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

In serious trouble and too terrified to tell anyone about it. But from what you've heard, does this sort of case interest you?

[Mr. Collins]

It sounds like just the sort of case I'm looking for. Can you go with me now to call on Mrs. Newton?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yes, but I think we'll get further talking to her son, Jimmy.

[Mr. Collins]

How can we? I mean, without seeing Mrs. Newton first?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Shouldn't be difficult if we can get to Jimmy's school before closing hour. I'll pick up a map on the way out. That'll tell us which school he attends. I'm Mr. Harris, ma'am. Possibly you remember me.

[Jimmy Newton]

Oh.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Harris. You spoke to our pupils at an assembly last year.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Could you tell me offhand if you have a boy in school here by the name of Newton? Imagine, in the fifth or sixth grade.

[Jimmy Newton]

Oh.

[Mrs. Newton]

Oh, you must mean Jimmy Newton.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yes. I'd like to talk to Jimmy, if I may.

[Mrs. Newton]

Why, certainly. I'll send for him.

[Jimmy Newton]

Jimmy, this is Mr. Harris.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

I'm glad to know you, Jimmy, and thank you very much, Ms. Rankin.

[Jimmy Newton]

Not at all. Are you the detective?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yes. Jimmy.

[Jimmy Newton]

Gee, I'm sure you came.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Are you? Well, look, suppose we walk out to the car.

[Jimmy Newton]

Okay. Yeah. I sure am glad you came to the school too. You see, my mother's afraid to talk to anybody and she says I mustn't need her.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Why not?

[Jimmy Newton]

Because she's scared. Scared of what they'll do to her and to me.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Scared of what who will do?

[Jimmy Newton]

The men that took my father away.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Do you know who they were?

[Jimmy Newton]

Not for sure. But I got an idea.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Let's sit here in the car.

[Jimmy Newton]

Okay.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Hop in, Jimmy. And this is Mr. Collins.

[Jimmy Newton]

Hello.

[Mr. Collins]

I'm glad to know you, Jimmy.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

You sit in the back seat with Mr. Collins, and I'll sit in the front. Now, you say you have an idea who these men were?

[Jimmy Newton]

I don't know for sure because I wasn't home when they came. But I think they were from Arizona.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Why do you think that?

[Jimmy Newton]

Well, I was playing football. You know, not regular football, just kicking and catching punts. Up the street, I saw a car stopped in front of our house. And when it went by awful fast, somebody kind of hollered.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Your father?

[Jimmy Newton]

I think so. Now, the car had an Arizona license.

[Mr. Collins]

What was your father's? I mean, what is your father's business, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Newton]

He used to be a painter by trade, but lately he's been mostly mining.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

You mean working as a miner?

[Jimmy Newton]

Dad has some coins claims, see. And he worked them himself, mostly.

[Mr. Collins]

All alone?

[Jimmy Newton]

Oh, he had fellows to help him sometimes when he had money enough to pay them.

[George Applegate]

Where.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Where were these claims?

[Jimmy Newton]

Well, one was up near the desert. Dad took mom and me up there a couple times lately. That was over a year ago. Dad had to quit work because he couldn't go any deeper without machinery. But he's sure there's gold on that mine because it could only get down to it.

[Mr. Collins]

What's your father been doing lately, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Newton]

I don't know. He's been away from home mostly. We never know when he's coming, and then he's always gone before daylight. The last time dad was here, I didn't know a thing about it until I got home and found my mother crying.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, Jimmy, what did she tell you then?

[Jimmy Newton]

Not much. Just that two men came and made dad go away in the car. And I mustn't tell anybody anything about it or notify the police, because if I did.

[Mr. Collins]

Or what, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Newton]

If I did, those men would take us away, too, where nobody would ever find us.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Does your mother know who these men are?

[Jimmy Newton]

I think so, sir. But Ma won't talk about it, not even to me. Gee, what are we gonna do?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, the first thing, Jimmy, is to persuade your mother that we're her friends and only want to help her. We'll drive you over to your own home now. Because, you see, Jimmy, unless your mother will tell us all she knows about these men, it'll be hard for us to do anything about locating your father.

[Jimmy Newton]

Yes, sir. You turn to the right at the next corner.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

I know, Jimmy. This is the street.

[Jimmy Newton]

Yeah, it was right here where our skids were playing football. Like I told you when that car with the Arizona. Hey, look.

[Mr. Collins]

What? Jimmy, look.

[Jimmy Newton]

There's a car coming around the driveway now. They're coming out fast. They're going two blocks ahead.

[Mr. Collins]

They're turning to the left. Look at them go.

[Jimmy Newton]

Look at them skids. Gee, they're gonna crash. They made.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Did you recognize that car, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Newton]

Huh? Never saw it before. Anyhow. I don't think I did.

[Mr. Collins]

Looked like a brand new car.

[Jimmy Newton]

I bet it was those men, because who else could it be?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, we'll soon know. Let's go to your house.

[Mr. Collins]

All right. Come on, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Newton]

Mom? Hey, Mom. It's me, Jimmy. Hey, Mom. Gee, that's funny. Gee, Mr. Harris, maybe those men.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Did you key Jimmy? No.

[Jimmy Newton]

Mom's always here to let me in. Or if she's out to the store or anything. She leaves the back door key under the steps. Can you see anything through the window, Mr. Collins?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

No.

[Mr. Collins]

Jimmy, run around back and see if the key's there.

[Jimmy Newton]

Yeah, sure. I'll go right now.

[Mr. Collins]

Harris.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yeah?

[Mr. Collins]

Look in this window, please.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Yeah. Dark inside. Hard to see anything.

[Mr. Collins]

Over in the farthest corner. Isn't there something? Someone lying there huddled against the wall?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

You're right. Must be the boy's mother. And she looks as if we might have come too late. I'm going in through that window. And when Jimmy comes back, keep him out here until I call.

[Mr. Collins]

Right.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

I'll open that door from the inside.

[Jimmy Newton]

No, the Key isn't there, but Dad's old car's in the garage, so mom must be. Where's Mr. Harris?

[Mr. Collins]

All right, Jimmy. Mr. Harris broke the window in order to get into the house.

[Jimmy Newton]

Then you did see something. Mom. Let me go. Let me go. Mr. Collins, please. I gotta get married.

[Mr. Collins]

Mr. Harris will open the door for us in a minute.

[Jimmy Newton]

Jimmy, it was those men. It must have been. What have they done to Mom?

[Mr. Collins]

I don't know. I don't know any more than you do.

[Jimmy Newton]

Let me go so I can see.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Jimmy.

[Jimmy Newton]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Now, get hold of yourself. Your mother's going to be all right, but she's badly hurt. And you can help her most by keeping the stiff upper lip and taking this like a man. Understand?

[Jimmy Newton]

Yes, sir. Can I see her?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

In a moment. No telephone here, is there?

[Jimmy Newton]

No, sir.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

All right. You go into the next room and help Mr. Collins lift your mother onto the davenport. I've got to go to a hospital. Get her there as quickly as possible. And I'll take a car at the corner and phone and be right back.

[Mr. Collins]

Okay. Her. Come on, Jimmy. Oh, I must have drawn in.

[Jimmy Newton]

Hey, Mr. Collins.

[Mr. Collins]

Yes, Jimmy, what is it, Mr. Collins?

[Jimmy Newton]

She ain't my mom.

[Mr. Collins]

Not your mother? Well, who is she?

[Jimmy Newton]

I don't know, Mr. Collins. I never saw her before.

[Mr. Collins]

But, Jimmy. Well, whoever she is.

[Jimmy Newton]

But where's my mom? What's become of her? What was that?

[Mr. Collins]

Someone in that room.

[Jimmy Newton]

Must be Mom. I'll go see.

[Mr. Collins]

Jimmy, don't go in that room. Stay here.

[Jimmy Newton]

But it must be Mom. Mr. Collins. Who else could it be? Hush.

[Mr. Collins]

We'll see you in a minute.

[Jimmy Newton]

Look, the woman, she's opening her eyes. She's trying to sit up.

[Mr. Collins]

Yes, that's good. Now, just take it easy. It's gonna be all right. Don't try to sit up. Lie back. I said.

[Jimmy Newton]

The door, it's opening. Let me go. Let me go. Let me go. Let me go.

[George Applegate]

Say, Mr. Harris, is that any way to leave us?

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

Well, sorry, George, but you'll have to wait until next Tuesday at the same hour for the rest of the story of the Avenging Angel.

[George Applegate]

Well, at least Mr. Harris, tell us who.

[Detective Nicholas B. Harris]

No, but we'll begin next week at the precise moment when that door opens, and I promise you that.

[Jimmy Newton]

Well.

[George Applegate]

Thank you, Mr. Harris. Ladies and gentlemen, you've just heard another true life story brought to you by Detective Nicholas B. Harris, internationally famous Los Angeles criminologist and chief of the detective agency bearing his name. Although this was a true story, fictitious names and places have been used throughout this narrative. The story was dramatized for radio presentation by Ralph Burchard and is a Carolyn Carroll production. Those participating in this radio drama were Dorothy Wade, Harriet Childs, Calvin Ellison and Charles E. Bender. And now may we call your attention to a new series of crime prevention programs featuring Detective Harris. Entitled How Detectives Work. This new series is heard each Sunday over this same station at 12:30 o'clock. All the scientific methods used in modern day crime prevention are explained by Mr. Harris. He reveals the mysteries of the fingerprint system, the lie detector and hundreds of other interesting details in the life of a modern day Sherlock Holmes. Remember the time 12:30 on Sundays. The station KECA and the program How Detectives Work featuring Detective Nicholas B. Harris.

[Jimmy Newton]

SA.

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