Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: A Salute To The Law (Nick Harris) 38-07-15 (x) Fatal Ace of Spades
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview

In the episode titled "Fatal Ace of Spades," hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio through a gripping dramatization narrated by Detective Nicholas B. Harris. This true-to-life story delves into the complexities of crime, revenge, and the relentless pursuit of justice in Los Angeles three decades ago. The episode meticulously unfolds the investigation of a violent shooting, highlighting the intrinsic message that "crime never fails."

Introduction by Nick Harris

The episode opens with Nick Harris setting the stage for a compelling crime narrative:

[00:07] Nick Harris: "This is Nick Harris in a salute to the law. Crime never fails. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the message of the Nick Harris program."

Harris emphasizes the purpose of his weekly dramatizations—to demonstrate that criminal endeavors ultimately lead to downfall.

The Crime Scene

Setting the Scene:

Nick Harris recounts a tranquil July night in Los Angeles that is abruptly shattered by a violent incident. As a cub reporter for the Daily Journal, he interacts with Desk Sergeant McClure, highlighting the mundane yet essential aspects of police work.

[00:45] Desk Sergeant McClure: "Don't you ever forget to wind that old clock."

This seemingly trivial conversation underscores the theme of time and its inevitable passage, paralleling the unfolding of justice.

The Shooting Incident:

The tranquility is disrupted when a shooting is reported at First and Spring. Detectives Max Klein and Jimmy Murphy respond swiftly, arriving at the old police headquarters to find the victim, Donald Atwood, gravely injured.

• Victim's Last Moments:

  [04:50] Donald Atwood: "Tell her I did it for her. Laura will understand..."

Atwood's dying words introduce Laura Pickens, adding a personal dimension to the crime and hinting at underlying motives rooted in familial relationships.

Investigation Begins

Initial Investigation:

Detectives Harris and Klang commence their investigation by interviewing witnesses and piecing together the sequence of events leading to Atwood's death.

• Interview with Ramey:

  [06:30] Ramey: "Pickens did it. Pickens is at headquarters and he'll not be leaving until we've had plenty of time to question him."

This revelation points to Robert Pickens as the primary suspect, setting the detectives on a focused path to uncover the truth.

Searching for Laura Pickens:

The investigation takes a turn as Harris and Klang seek out Laura Pickens, Don Atwood's sister, believing her insights could shed light on the motive behind the shooting.

• Discovery of Laura's Residence:

  [07:50] Laura Pickens: "I can't, Don. I couldn't do it. I'm not going, and that's final."

Laura's reluctance to reconcile with her brother introduces familial strife as a potential catalyst for the crime.

Interrogation of Laura Pickens

Unveiling Secrets:

In a pivotal scene, Laura Pickens is interrogated, revealing a complex web of relationships and deceit.

[10:41] Nick Harris: "Yes, Laura. And that's not the worst. This afternoon I followed them into a cafe in Chinatown...”

Laura discloses her tumultuous marriage to Robert Pickens, highlighting infidelity and deception.

• Laura's Confession:

  [11:00] Laura Pickens: "Oh, but you see there. Well, I've done so pretty that I wouldn't want to tell my mother. But there's one thing I won't do, Bob. Enough come between a husband and his wife."

This confession not only deepens the narrative but also aligns with the episode's theme of crime born out of personal vendettas and moral compromises.

Confrontation with Robert Pickens

The Ace of Spades Revelation:

The investigation reaches its climax as Harris and Klang confront Robert Pickens. Through meticulous detective work, they uncover the significance of the missing ace of spades card in their card game—a pivotal piece of evidence.

[08:55] Laura Pickens: "How do you do? How do you do, Mr. Harris?"

[11:20] Laura Pickens: "Well, then, in that case, presto. Tomorrow night."

Pickens's confession is a turning point, revealing his motive driven by betrayal and the desire to eliminate those who threaten his clandestine activities.

• Pickens's Admission:

  [12:00] Robert Pickens: "All right, I did shoot Atwood. I had to insult a fence."

His admission underscores the inevitable downfall that accompanies criminal actions, reinforcing Harris's central message.

Evidence Unveiled:

The detectives present incontrovertible evidence linking Pickens to the crime, culminating in his arrest.

[13:45] Nick Harris: "An unlucky card for Mr. Robert Pickens. He paid the bitter penalty for murder."

This resolution encapsulates the triumph of law and order over criminal endeavors.

Conclusion and Moral

Final Reflections:

Detective Nicholas B. Harris wraps up the episode with a moral takeaway, reiterating the adage that crime does not pay.

[14:30] Nick Harris: "John Atwood might be still alive today had he not tried to take the law into his own hands. As proven to you in this true life story I have entitled the Fatal Ace of Fate."

Harris emphasizes the importance of justice and the futility of seeking personal vendettas outside the legal system.

Closing Credits:

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the cast and a teaser for the next story, "Drops of Blood," reinforcing the ongoing battle against crime.

Key Takeaways

• The Inevitability of Justice: The narrative demonstrates that regardless of attempts to evade the law, justice prevails in the end.

• The Complexity of Human Relationships: Personal vendettas and familial conflicts are portrayed as underlying catalysts for criminal actions.

• Meticulous Detective Work: The episode showcases the importance of thorough investigation and attention to detail in solving crimes.

• Moral Lessons: Reinforcing societal values, the story serves as a cautionary tale against taking the law into one's own hands.

Notable Quotes

• Nick Harris on Crime:

  [00:07] "Crime never fails. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the message of the Nick Harris program."

• Desk Sergeant McClure on Time:

  [00:45] "Don't you ever forget to wind that old clock."

• Laura Pickens on Deceit:

  [11:00] "Oh, but you see there. Well, I've done so pretty that I wouldn't want to tell my mother. But there's one thing I won't do, Bob. Enough come between a husband and his wife."

• Nick Harris on the Conclusion:

  [14:30] "John Atwood might be still alive today had he not tried to take the law into his own hands."

Final Thoughts

"Fatal Ace of Spades" expertly weaves a tale of crime, investigation, and moral rectitude, staying true to the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through Detective Harris's narration, listeners are reminded of the timeless truth that justice, though sometimes delayed, ultimately prevails over wrongdoing.