A Salute To The Law (Nick Harris) 38-07-15 (x) Fatal Ace of Spades

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "A Salute To The Law (Nick Harris) 38-07-15 (x) Fatal Ace of Spades"

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "A Salute To The Law," host Harold delves into a riveting crime dramatization featuring Detective Nick Harris. The episode, released on May 31, 2025, transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of pre-television family gatherings around the radio. The narrative centers on themes of revenge, justice, and the perils of taking the law into one's own hands, encapsulated in the story titled "Fatal Ace of Spades."

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Introduction to Detective Nick Harris

Timestamp: 00:38

The episode opens with Detective Nick Harris, a fictional Los Angeles criminologist, setting the stage for the night's tale. Harris introduces the premise by emphasizing the inevitability of crime and its unchanging nature:

Nick Harris [00:38]: "Crime never fails. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the message of the Nick Harris program."

He explains that each week's dramatization aims to illustrate common causes of violent crimes, particularly the quest for revenge and vigilante justice.

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The Story Begins: A Quiet July Night

Timestamp: 01:15 – 03:30

Detective Harris recounts an incident from three decades prior in Los Angeles. He positions himself as a cub reporter at the Daily Journal Desk, interacting with Sergeant McClure at the old police headquarters on Quirston Hill. Their conversation reveals a mix of nostalgia and skepticism about technological advancements:

Sergeant McClure [02:15]: "Someday we'll have clocks run by electricity... and telephones without no wires."

The night takes a turn when a distress call comes in about a shooting involving a young victim named Donald Atwood. Sergeant McClure dispatches Detective Klein and Sergeant Max to the scene, setting the investigative wheels in motion.

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Investigating the Shooting

Timestamp: 03:31 – 07:45

Upon arriving at the scene—a gambling house named Penfield—the team discovers Donald Atwood mortally wounded. As they attempt to save him, Atwood murmurs cryptic messages about his sister and his killer. Despite their efforts, Atwood succumbs to his injuries, leaving behind more questions than answers.

Detective Klein and Sergeant Max begin piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. Their investigation introduces Robert Pickens, connected to Atwood through familial ties, and shines a light on personal vendettas and hidden motives. Harris narrates the tension and urgency as the detectives seek to uncover the truth.

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Confronting Mrs. Pickens

Timestamp: 09:25 – 12:45

The investigation leads Harris and Detective Klein to Laura Pickens, Robert Pickens' wife. Through a series of intense interrogations, Laura reveals the strained dynamics of her marriage and her husband's infidelity. The conversation uncovers significant suspicions:

Nick Harris [10:01]: "We don't know yet, Mrs. Picken. But if there's any help you could give the police, it will all come out sooner or later."

Laura's reluctance to divulge crucial information adds layers of complexity to the case. The detectives' persistence pays off as they connect Laura's statements to the missing ace of spades card from their earlier pitch game with Pickens.

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The Climax: Unraveling the Mystery

Timestamp: 12:46 – 15:10

In a decisive moment, Detective Klein discovers the ace of spades card planted in Pickens' pocket—a pivotal piece of evidence linking him to Atwood's murder. The narrative builds suspense as Harris confronts Pickens, leading to his inevitable confession:

Nick Harris [14:50]: "The ace of spades... Mr. Harris, internationally famous Los Angeles criminologist..."

Pickens' downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unresolved vengeance and the dangers of assuming the role of judge, jury, and executioner.

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Conclusion and Reflections

Timestamp: 15:11 – 15:25

Detective Harris wraps up the story by highlighting the moral lesson drawn from the dramatization:

Nick Harris [15:12]: "John Atwood might be still alive today had he not tried to take the law into his own hands."

The episode concludes with credits, acknowledging the cast and crew who brought the story to life, and teases the next week's installment, "Drops of Blood," aimed at deterring youth from crime.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Revenge and Vigilantism: The central theme explores the destructive nature of seeking revenge outside the legal system.

2. Justice vs. Personal Vendetta: The narrative juxtaposes official law enforcement efforts with personal motives, questioning the efficacy and morality of taking the law into one's own hands.

3. Consequences of Infidelity: Robert Pickens' affair serves as a catalyst for the tragic events, illustrating how personal failings can escalate into violent outcomes.

4. Importance of Evidence: The discovery of the ace of spades highlights the critical role that tangible evidence plays in solving crimes and delivering justice.

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Notable Quotes

• Nick Harris [00:38]: "Crime never fails. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the message of the Nick Harris program."

• Sergeant McClure [02:15]: "Someday we'll have clocks run by electricity... and telephones without no wires."

• Nick Harris [10:01]: "We don't know yet, Mrs. Picken. But if there's any help you could give the police, it will all come out sooner or later."

• Nick Harris [15:12]: "John Atwood might be still alive today had he not tried to take the law into his own hands."

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Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully combines classic radio storytelling with a timeless exploration of human emotions and moral dilemmas. Through Detective Nick Harris' investigation, listeners are invited to reflect on the fragile balance between justice and vengeance, and the devastating consequences when that balance is disrupted. "Fatal Ace of Spades" stands out as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of law, order, and ethical conduct in society.

Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Wayfair Voice]

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[Nick Harris]

Harris in a salute to the law. Crime never fails. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the message of the Nick Harris program. That is the purpose of these weekly to life dramatization. To prove that crime never fails. And now, Mr. Harris. Thank you, Mr. Tong. And good evening everyone. We have been talking a great deal on these programs about the prevention of crime. Tonight's dramatization illustrates a frequent cause of crimes of violence. A desire for revenge. The determination to take the law into one's own hands. In an attempt to write some real or fancy drawing story I'm about to relate took place some 30 years ago right here in Los Angeles. All was peaceful that July night in the old police headquarters at Quirston Hill. I was a cub reporter on the daily journal desk. Sergeant McClure was on duty only midnight sergeant lacking one minute. Don't you ever forget to wind that old clock. I'll have you know there ain't the final time people this side of Chicago. Yes, unless you forget to wind it. That I do not niver leverage. Well, that will hold you for another day. You know, Mac, someday we'll have clocks run by electricity. Electricity, huh? Sure, why not? Clocks run by electricity. And horseless carriages too. And the other ships to fly and be like. And telephones without no wires. Well, I shouldn't be surprised. You shouldn't, huh? Well, they do say nothing ever as supplies of newspaper reports on. I know one thing that would. What's that, Nicholas? A story. A real front page story. A murder. Say, what's a murder you'll be wanting this night? Well, it doesn't have to be a murder, Mac, but I sure wish something would happen. Things have been a bit quiet around here lately and that's a fact. Quiet? Say, compared to this place, our Quaker meeting is a madhouse. The police phone, Mac. Maybe that's something. McClure on the desk. Yeah, Murphy Shooting. Whereabouts? Well, who are you? The indicator shows he's calling from first in spring. Oh, to be sure, Murphy. I'll have the wagon there directly. Hey, Klein. Yes, Max. What do you want get the reco and the patrol wagon down to first and swing as fast as you can. We're in a shooting scrape and Murphy wants some help. Get back. Get back, all of you. Hi. My feet. Hi, Jimmy. This is a stretcher case. Okay, I'll bring it in. Well, come on. Where's the victim? Third floor. Back this way and up these stairs. Follow me. Hey there. Where do you think you're going? Oh, nowhere, officer. I was just coming down to see if I could be of any help. Yeah, well, get back up them stairs and be quick about it. I said nobody was to leave the third floor till I gave you permission. All right, Officer. All right. What's your name? Pickens is my name. Robert Pickens. Stick around, Pickens. And don't kill to make a getaway. Why, certainly not. I was merely going to volunteer my services. All right, stay here. Yes, sir. In here. Over this way. Get back, Hugh. There, in this corner on the floor. Put the stretcher alongside him. Look at that. All right. Gosh, yes. Eyes closed. White as a sheep eyes. Lost a lot of blood already. What's the boy's name? I think. Atwood, he said. Donald Atwood. All the rest of these guys here when the shooting took place? Guess so, Jimmy. But none of them will admit seeing it. Well, get Atwood to the receiving hospital. Take Pickens with you and hold him. I'll herd the rest of these guys over to the station later. What do you think, Doc? Well, I have to probe the bullet right now. It's going to hurt like sin, Atwood. There's no other way. All right, Doc. You have to. You have to hold on, Doc. Has the boy made any statement? No, but he's in no condition make one now unless I get that bullet out right away. Internal, Henry. What'd you say, Doctor? Lie back, Atwood. Don't try to sit up. Lie back then. Am I going to die? Tell me. No, no. Not if you lie back and take it easy. Yes, I am. I'm going to die. I can feel it. The nights, they're getting dim. Look. My sister. Yes, what about her? Will you tell her something for me? Sure, Atwood. What is it? My killer. I did it for her, or I'll understand. But is she in Los Angeles? Yes. What's her address? 214-214. A quick. Dr. Donald Atwood. In there. Let me in. I've trouble see Donald Atwood. Who are you and what do you want? I want to see Atwood. They said he was in here. Where is he? There. Oh, he's dead. Oh, well, excuse me, will you? You see, I. Well, goodbye. Well then, who might he be? I don't know, but I'm going to follow him and find out. I'll go with you, Nick. Look, Klein, over there. Isn't that the cab we were chasing? Let me see much like it. Let's go over and question the driver. All right, Klein. Hey, Tabby. Pleasure fare. He's in that house telling me to wait. Who is he? I don't know. A guy by the name of Ramey. Come on, Harris. Who is this? Police. Open up. What do you want? I'm just leaving. And where do you think you're going, Mr. Ramey? I'm going to find the man that killed Don Atwood. You know who killed him? You there when he was shot? No, I was asleep when the boy brought the message. Don had been shot in Penfield gambling house. The boy didn't know who did it, but I do. Pickens did it. Pickens? Yes, Robert Pickens, John's brother in law. Don told me he was looking for Pickens. He must have caught up with him in thin field. Madwood wanted us to take a message to his sister. Said that he'd done it for her. But before he could give us, before she could give us her address, he died. You know it, Raymond? No, not the number, but I can take you there. Not now though. I've got to find Pickens first. Well, Pickens is at headquarters and he'll not be leaving until we've had plenty of time to question him. All right then, lets go. Somebody home? You sure this is the place, Raymond? Yes, I'm sure It is. Number 214 Klein. That's the number that Edward was trying to tell us. Okay, I'll try the skeleton key. Good. It opens. Maybe she's flown the coup. No, I don't think so. Two suitcases in this closet. Dresses hanging on the hood. She might be working. I remember now. Don told me Laura had been working as a waitress in an all night restaurant on Spring Street. Suppose I go see? Okay. If you find her, bring her back here. If you don't come back anyhow and let us know, we'll be waiting. Right. I'll be back as quick as I can. Well, looks like we're in for a wait play pitch Harris? A little. Yes. Forgot my card. There might be a deck here though. Sure, here's one. Clear that stuff off the table. All right. Full deck. Just counting to see. 40, 44, 48, 51. Shorter card. Oh, well, we can use it Anyhow, we know which card's missing. I'll sort them. Spade, heart, spade, club, spade, diamond, club, Ace of spades missing. And we'll make the tray the ace. Remember now, Harris, tray of spades is the ace of spades. All right, shuffle them. Go ahead, deal. High, low, jack and game. Like taking candy from a baby. What kind of pitch playing is that? Harris, why don't you pay attention to the cards? Sorry, Jimmy. I can't seem to get my mind on it. Listen, somebody's coming. All right. Hey, what you putting those cards in your pocket for? Just in case I get stuck out alone with you again sometime. Jimmy. Laura, this is Detective Klein of the police and Mr. Harris of the Journal.

[Wayfair Voice]

How do you do? How do you do, Mr. Harris?

[Nick Harris]

Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Pickens. I suppose Mr. Rami has told you. No, I haven't told Laura anything yet. Except. Except that you wanted to talk to her. So. Well, you see.

[Wayfair Voice]

Mrs. What is it? Has something happened to my husband?

[Nick Harris]

No, not yet.

[Wayfair Voice]

Well, tell me. Please tell me.

[Nick Harris]

I hate to be the one, but your brother's been shot.

[Wayfair Voice]

Oh. Oh, how terrible. Where is he? Take me to him.

[Nick Harris]

I would, Mrs. Pickens, gladly, only it's less.

[Wayfair Voice]

John is dead. Yes, but what happened? Who did it?

[Nick Harris]

We don't know yet, Mrs. Picken. But if there's any help you could give the police, it will all come out sooner or later. Laura, wouldn't it be better to tell the whole truth now?

[Wayfair Voice]

No. All right, I'll tell. Five years ago, back in a little town in Ohio, I met Robert Pickens, fell in love with him. My family objected strongly. I should have listened to them, of course, but I didn't. We eloped across the state line into Indiana. He took me to Denver and butin about two years ago to Los Angeles. Things went badly with my husband. Well, for a year now, off and on, we'd live in what I could earn in the wakelet. I hadn't lived with my family for years, and I thought and hoped they'd forgotten about me until about three weeks ago when my brother Don walked in on me unexpectedly. He wanted me to go back home and have his cues. Retorted and angry. I thought John had gone back east. But last night, just before time for me to go to work, I go on duty at seven, John came here.

[Nick Harris]

Listen, Laura, you've simply got to go back with me.

[Wayfair Voice]

I can't, Don. I couldn't do it. I'm not going, and that's final.

[Nick Harris]

All right. I didn't want to tell you this Laura. But it seems I have to. I have been checking up on the husband you've been supporting, and I find he's spending a lot of his time with another woman.

[Wayfair Voice]

Oh, no.

[Nick Harris]

Yes, Laura. And that's not the worst. This afternoon I followed them into a cafe in Chinatown with curtained off tables. I slipped into the booth next to theirs and this is what I heard. Well, do we or don't we slip off for Frisco tomorrow night, Effie?

[Wayfair Voice]

No, Bob, we don't.

[Nick Harris]

Then you mean you didn't mean it when you said you love me?

[Wayfair Voice]

Of course I did, Bob. You know I did.

[Nick Harris]

Oh, but you see, dear.

[Wayfair Voice]

Well, I've done plenty that I wouldn't want to tell my mother. But there's one thing I won't do, Bob, and that's come between a husband and his wife.

[Nick Harris]

But Laura's not my wife.

[Wayfair Voice]

She's not?

[Nick Harris]

No. She thinks she is. I never told her the ceremony was a phony. Laura's got no legal claim on me, Effie. Not a shadow of a claim.

[Wayfair Voice]

Well, then, in that case, presto. Tomorrow night. But in spite of all he had told me, I still refused to go back home with Don. He swore he'd make Robert go through another ceremony with me so that we would really be married. I knew that wasn't necessary. We were married. Robert was lying to that woman. And I begged John to forget the whole thing, not to worry about me anymore. When he left here. I thought he was going to, but evidently.

[Nick Harris]

I see. Well, thank you, Mrs. Pickens, for telling us. You haven't a thing to worry about. Well, come on, Harris. You'd better come along too, Raymond. Good night. Well, what do you make of it? Mostly neither head nor tail, huh? I thought so. I'd like to get my hands on him, but I won't start anything. Better not have Pickens. But I want to talk to that fella. You sound pretty sure it was Pickens, Jimmy. Dead sure, Mac. But I don't know how I'm going to prove it. Then go ahead. I'll have Pickens here in a minute. Why not come clean? Seconds. 4. Witnesses say you and Atwood were alone at that table when the shooting took place. All right, I did shoot Atwood. I had to in self defense. We were playing studs, see? Well, Atwood rung in. A phony caught on me. When I caught him at it, he pulled a gun. That's a lie. John never did a dishonest thing in his life. Easy that, Remy. What became of this phony card Dickens? Well, that would slip it back in his pocket when he reached for his gun. If it's there, you planted it on him. Hey, Klein, look. Klein, there is a card in that wood's pocket. Look at the back of it. And then take a look at the back of the deck we were playing pitch with in Pickens flat. Pickens owns deck. I can see him. All right, remember this deck was one card short. The ace of spades. What card is that? Piece of Magnus. Well, what card is it? Run it over here so I can see it. The ace of spades. The ace of spades. Yes, Mr. Tong. An unlucky card from Mr. Robert Pickens. He paid the bitter penalty for murder. 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 Spades. And thank you, Mr. Russell. Ladies and gentlemen, you have just heard another true life story brought to you by Detective Nicholas B. Harris, internationally famous Los Angeles criminologist and chief of detective agency bearing his name. Although this was a true story, fixatious names and places have been used throughout this narrative. The story was dramatized by Ralph Burkhardt, directed and produced by Carolyn Carroll. Mr. Harris wishes me to thank you following cast for their participation in this broadcast. Betty Carmine, Olive Thomas, Jack Coster, Thomas Melba, Eddie Bryan, Malcolm Bellairs, Robert Moore, Aldean Brennaman and George Conkling. And Eric Lord. Mr. Harris will again be heard over this same station next Friday evening at 8:45. In another interesting crime story entitled Drops of blood and which will prove to the youth of today that the folly of committing crime.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like a an untamed animal print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh.

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Nicole Byer]

This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair Voice]

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[Nick Harris]

You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less Expedia made to travel.