A Salute To The Law(Nick Harris) 39-06-27 (x) Murder on Impulse

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: A Salute To The Law (Nick Harris) 39-06-27 (x) Murder on Impulse
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

In "Murder on Impulse," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping true-life drama featuring Detective Nick Harris. This episode, part of the "A Salute To The Law" series, meticulously unravels the mysterious and sudden murder of Lola Bain, showcasing Detective Harris's relentless pursuit of justice. Through engaging storytelling, authentic character portrayals, and suspenseful narrative twists, the episode underscores the perils of impulsive actions and the intricate process of criminal investigation.

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Detailed Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a brief advertisement for ZipRecruiter, humorously noting the prevalence of the F-word, setting a playful tone before diving into the main narrative.

At [01:07], Detective Nick Harris introduces himself as the president of the International Secret Service Association and a seasoned criminologist based in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the program's mission to educate the youth about the consequences of criminal behavior, framing the upcoming story as a cautionary tale.

The Crime Unfolds

At [02:00], the tranquility of a quiet neighborhood is shattered when a car speeds into the hills and comes to an abrupt stop. Moments later, the chilling sounds of a scream and frantic dialogue emerge:

• Woman’s Voice: "She's dead. She's dead." ([02:10])
• Man's Voice: "This is murder. There's blood." ([02:15])

The perpetrator panics, attempting to cover his tracks and contemplating involving the police to deflect suspicion.

Initial Investigation

Detective Harris narrates the discovery of the body, emphasizing the importance of caution when parking in secluded areas. The victim, Lola Bain, is found in a ditch with superficial knife wounds forming a triangle on her neck, suggesting an impulsive act rather than premeditated murder.

Key pieces of evidence include:

• Car Tracks: Three distinct sets leading to the crime scene but none returning, indicating the killer's escape route. ([04:00])
• Personal Belongings: Lola's jewelry is missing, hinting at robbery as a possible motive. ([04:30])

Interviewing Witnesses

Detective Harris conducts interviews to gather more information:

1. Mr. Fred Sharp: Claims to have discovered the body accidentally. His evasiveness raises suspicion, especially when he avoids leaving the scene unnoticed. ([06:00])

2. Mrs. Bain: Lola's mother, portrayed as distraught and grief-stricken. Through her emotional testimony, several key details emerge:

   • Lola had been planning to go home early due to a "heavy date" at 2 o'clock. ([08:03])
   • The date was with a man named Carl, described as a tall, dark, and good-looking railroad engineer. ([08:38])

   Notable Quote:
   Mrs. Bain laments, "I wish I was dead right now." ([12:25])

3. Miss Betty Sparks: Lola's best friend, who provides critical information about Lola's recent behavior and her interactions with Carl. Sparks reveals that Lola was enthusiastic about Carl, despite warnings about his questionable character. ([07:41])

Confronting the Suspect

Detective Harris focuses his investigation on Carl White, leading to a pivotal confrontation:

• Discovery of Evidence: A hunting knife is found in Carl's car, linking him directly to the murder scene. ([13:02])

• Carl's Confession: Under pressure, Carl admits to the crime, detailing how an impulsive moment led him to kill Lola. His justification reveals a lack of clear motive beyond sheer impulse.

  Notable Quote:
  Carl confesses, "I didn't have any reason at all. I just did it. I just had to do it." ([13:15])

Resolution and Reflection

Detective Harris concludes the episode by reflecting on the nature of impulsive crimes and their devastating impact on both victims and perpetrators. He reinforces the program's educational goal by urging listeners to consider the consequences of their actions and the importance of making thoughtful decisions.

Final Message:
Harris advises, "Be careful of the company you keep," highlighting the influence others can have on one's actions and the critical role of personal responsibility. ([14:30])

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Impulsivity in Crime: The episode delves into how sudden, unplanned actions can lead to irreversible consequences, as demonstrated by Carl's inability to control his impulses.

2. The Investigation Process: Through Detective Harris's methodical approach—gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and confronting suspects—the episode showcases the thoroughness required in criminal investigations.

3. Impact on Families: Lola's mother's grief underscores the profound emotional toll that crime takes on victims' families, reinforcing the personal cost of criminal actions.

4. Influence of Associations: The narrative emphasizes the importance of the company one keeps, suggesting that negative influences can lead to destructive behaviors.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Detective Nick Harris:
  "Crimes in the headlines startle us when we read in the daily press articles concerning the activities of a certain class of criminals." ([01:30])

• Mrs. Bain:
  "She was such a good girl and always so happy." ([05:30])

• Miss Betty Sparks:
  "I told her a long time ago she'd better cut out that drinking, that she was headed for trouble. But she only laughed at me." ([07:47])

• Carl White:
  "I didn't have any reason at all. I just did it. I just had to do it." ([13:15])

• Detective Nick Harris:
  "Be careful of the company you keep." ([14:30])

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Conclusion

"Murder on Impulse" is a quintessential example of Harold's Old Time Radio's ability to blend suspenseful storytelling with moral lessons. Detective Nick Harris's compelling narrative not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reminder of the unintended consequences that can arise from a momentary lapse in judgment. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas from the Golden Age, offering listeners both intrigue and introspection.

Transcript

[Detective Nick Harris]

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[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Detective Nick Harris]

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[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Detective Nick Harris]

Presenting Detective Nick Harris in a salute to the law. Ladies and gentlemen, we again take pleasure in bringing to you the eminent Los Angeles criminologist and president of the International Secret Service Association, Detective Nick Harris in another true life story, proving to the youth of today the folly of committing crime. And now, Mr. Harris. Thank you, Mr. Gibson, and good evening, everyone. Crimes in the headlines startle us when we read in the daily press articles concerning the activities of a certain class of criminals who prey upon sweethearts and parked cars. I have often endeavored to point out to my younger listeners on these programs the danger of parking in lonely and secluded places along our highways. This story you're about to hear, I am sure will prove in a most glaring fashion just what might happen should this warning not be heeded. Because here's what took place not so long ago. One night in the early morning hours, a car speeded up into the hills and stopped. Shortly afterwards there was a piercing scream and. She's dead. She's dead. No. No, she can't be. Why? Why? This is murder. There's blood. I must get away. No one must see me here. There isn't a thing to identify her by. Just a girl in the woods. Dead. No. No. I'd better tell the police, for someone might have seen me come up here. Yes, yes, that's what I'll do. Tell the police I'll cut through the woods here. That'll bring me out on the boulevard. Maybe there'll be a policeman there. Officer. Officer, you standing over there in the corner. What's all the excitement about, mister? There's a woman dead up there in the hills, just around the bend from here. I think she's been murdered. Get into my car. It's over there and wait for me. I'll phone headquarters. No, I haven't time to wait. I'll be late for work. Oh, I wish I hadn't got myself mixed up in this. Get into the car. I want you to go with me. Now, just where is the body? About a block from here, right up this road. It's lying in a ditch. You know the woman? No. I live in the white house up there on the hill. I was making a shortcut to the place where I work and I ran right into the body. What's your name? Fred Sharp. There's the body right over there. I thought a Persia was a sleep, but then I saw the blood and I knew she was dead. You didn't touch anything, did you? No. No, I only turned her over a little so I could look at her face. I looked around a bit, but I couldn't find any clues. Be careful where you step. I don't want those auto tracks spoiled. Do I have to wait until the rest of the policemen get here? Yeah. I want to ask you some questions. Now, just where did that dirt road lead? The writing academy. It's about two miles from here. She is dead, isn't she? I've been dead sometimes. Stabbed to the heart. She wasn't killed here either. She was thrown from some car. Look at. Look at those three knife wounds on her neck. They. They form a triangle. Yeah, I see them. Superficial wounds, not deep enough to do any real harm. Last night my wife woke up and told me she heard a girl scream. But the young people come up here and park so much she didn't think anything about it. They're always so noisy, laughing and screaming. You say you don't know of. Then why are you so nervous? You'll keep me out of the papers, won't you? I can't afford any sensational publicity just now I'm running for one of the chairs in my lodge and it might hurt my chances of getting it. Find out anything? How? Well, not much, Inspector. Only whoever did this smart enough not to leave a clue. As far as I can find out, there are no signs of a struggle and nothing to identify her by. How about those car tracks over there? Three different sets of tracks. And I checked on them all of them stopped here and then went on. None turned around. We better photograph them along with the body. Looks like she'd been robbed, too. A girl as well dressed as she is would have had some rings and probably a wristwatch. Yeah, there's a mark on her wrist showing she did wear a watch. No ring marks on her fingers, but they might have been loose. I'll go back to headquarters in your car, Howl. You boys take care of the details and get that body to the morgue. And watch out for fingerprints. May I go now? All right, Sharp, you may go. But we may need you as a material witness. I hope not. I don't want to be mixed up. Now, let's go. Just come this way with me, Mrs. Bain.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh. Oh, and Laura didn't come home last night. Oh, I was so frightened. But she never stays out all night. Oh, she's such a good girl and always so happy.

[Detective Nick Harris]

I know this is hard for you, Mrs. Bain, and I wish there was some other way. But we must have someone to identify the bot. Now, try to be calm. It'll be easier for you.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, Lola, my baby. My pretty little baby. Oh, who could do this terrible thing to you?

[Detective Nick Harris]

Then you do recognize her?

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, yes. This is my little girl, Lola. Oh, I'll never hear you laugh again. Oh, she was always so happy. Laughing and singing about the house. Oh, she worked so hard. She was so ambitious. Oh, just see how beautiful as hell is. It always shines like gold. Lola, I want to speak to your mother just once more.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Come away, Mrs. Payne. I want you to tell me just a few things. Some things that might lead us to the one.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, but I don't know. I can't think. I can't believe it.

[Detective Nick Harris]

We want to know who her friends were.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, she had lots of friends, both girls and boys. She was popular. Oh, and it isn't true that she'd been drinking? She never drank. Oh, I'm sure it isn't anyone she knew, for they all loved her too much to hurt her. Oh, why should this happen to Mind the girl.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Hello, Thompson. Why, sir Glum. Sit down, Howl, and take a load of her feet. Did Mrs. Bain recognize the body as that of her daughter? Yes, she did. Many more scenes like that and I'll turn in my badge. Yeah, it's almost as hard on us as it is on the family of the victims. She didn't seem to know a great deal about Lola's affairs. She was in such a hysterical state, I didn't question her long. What do you know? We located One of her girlfriends, a girl who works in the same beauty parlor. Anderson's bringing her in here. She seems to know more about Lola than anyone else we've questioned so far. Find that boy she's been running around with so much? Yeah, they quarreled about a month ago and he hasn't seen her since. I checked his alibi. Nothing doing there. He's out. Sit down, please. You are?

[Mrs. Bain]

I'm Miss Betty Sparks. Oh, isn't it terrible? Poor Lola.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Did you know her well, Miss Sparks?

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, I should say I did. She was my best friend. I told her a long time ago she'd better cut out that drinking, that she was headed for trouble. But she only laughed at me.

[Detective Nick Harris]

When did you see her last?

[Mrs. Bain]

The night she was murdered. Who killed her?

[Detective Nick Harris]

Do you know anything unusual happened that night?

[Mrs. Bain]

Nothing unusual.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Only.

[Mrs. Bain]

Well, you see, a crowd of us had dinner together and then after dinner went to a dancing place and danced until 12 o'. Clock. Lola didn't have a date. She just went along with her gang. When we started home, Lola told me she wasn't going, that she had a heavy date for 2 o'. Clock.

[Detective Nick Harris]

That late?

[Mrs. Bain]

Yes. I told her she'd already been drinking too much. The thing for her to do was to go home and get some sleep. She looked like heck in the shop the next morning. Us girls have to look our best, you know. It's part of the business. You can't very well sell beauty creams to a woman if you don't look nice yourself.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Did she tell you with whom she had the date?

[Mrs. Bain]

Not at first, but she knew I wouldn't approve. But later she did.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Then you know who she had the date with. What was his name?

[Mrs. Bain]

I don't know his last name, but his first name's Carl.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Oh.

[Mrs. Bain]

She didn't know him very well, but she was kind of crazy about him. She said he was a very tall, dark and awfully good looking. She'd only been out with him once or twice and she said he was kind of fresh. I told her she was a fool to go out with a boy like that. And she said she could take care of herself.

[Detective Nick Harris]

I see.

[Mrs. Bain]

He's a railroad engineer.

[Detective Nick Harris]

That'll be all for now, Ms. Sparks. You may go, but we'll want you later. This looks like the place. Thompson. Yeah. You boys go around the house and cover all the exit. Hal and I will Go on in. Bell don't ring, I'll knock. That's a woman coming to the door.

[Mrs. Bain]

Good morning.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Does Carl White live here?

[Mrs. Bain]

Yes, he does, but he isn't up yet. I'm his mother. He was out late last night and I thought I'd let him sleep. He has to go on his run later on.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Well, we'll wake him up.

[Mrs. Bain]

Well, you can't come inside.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Oh, no.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh. Oh, your policeman. Is there something?

[Detective Nick Harris]

I just want to speak with him about his car. Where's his room?

[Mrs. Bain]

Down the hall here.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Come on, howl. And watch out, there may be trouble.

[Mrs. Bain]

This is his room right here. Carl. Carl, wake up. There are some men out here who want to speak to you. I'll have to go in. He sleeps so soundly. I'll wake him. Carl. Carl, wake up. It's Mother.

[Detective Nick Harris]

What time is it, Mom?

[Mrs. Bain]

Carl, wake up.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Leave me alone. I want to sleep. Come on, pull yourself together with the police. I want to ask you some questions. For the police? Yes. Get your clothes on and no funny business. Okay? Where is your driver's license? What's over there on the dress? Get it? Howell.

[Mrs. Bain]

Are you sure you're not in trouble again, Carl?

[Detective Nick Harris]

Of course not, Mom. Go on out so I can dress.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, I hope so.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Ever know a girl by the name of Lola? Sure. Lola Bain. She's a fine girl. Pretty as a picture. She has lots of red gold hair and blue eyes. Sure, I know her. What about her? Take a look at the morning tape. Lola Bain murdered. Well, what do you know about that? I told that girl she'd better watch her step. You seem surprised. Didn't you see yesterday morning's paper? Oh, no, I didn't see a paper all day yesterday. What do you ask for? Isn't that yesterday's paper there under the edge of the bed? Oh, well, somebody must have thrown it. Ever see this knife before? Yeah. That's a good looking hunting knife. Looks sharp too. Where'd you find it? It was thrust down between the cushions in your car. Oh, you never found it in my car? I never saw it before. That's your car standing under the palm tree in front of the house, isn't it? Yes, but I always park it there. Well, I found this knife in your car. And the tracks that go up into the hills where the body of Lola Bain was found were made by your car. You killed her with this knife. You might as well come through and tell us about it. We had a date with her at 2 o' clock the night she was killed. You met her in front of the Mason Hotel. She got in your car and drove away with you. Oh. And? Oh, well, it's quick work, boys. I thought I didn't Leave a clue. What did you do with her jewelry? Her rings and watch are over there in the top dresser drawer. I kept them to remember her by. She was a swell kid. Where's her hat, her handbag and her gloves? I dumped them in the ash can in the alley back of the house. Here. Are these the rings and watch? Yeah. Gee, you fellas think of everything. Why did you cut that triangle on her neck? You made those three cuts? Well, I. I cut them to see she'd bleed. She didn't, so I knew she was dead. Well, after I'd killed her, I stood around and smoked for a while. Then I took her out of the car and dumped her into the ditch. Then I went home and went to bed. Why did you kill her? Had you been quarreling? Well, after I picked her up, we drove up into the hill.

[Mrs. Bain]

Same old thing, day after day, year in and year out. I get up in the morning, go to work, work all day, home at night and to bed.

[Detective Nick Harris]

I guess not. Home. You're out with your gang every night making Hooby.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh, well, I have to do something or I go crazy. Sometimes I wish I were dead. I wish I was dead right now.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Oh, no, you don't. Think of the fun you'd miss. And remember, when you talk like that, you'll be dead a long time. You better hang on as long as you can. Do you want to go home?

[Mrs. Bain]

No. So would I care if I died this very night?

[Detective Nick Harris]

Oh, I would.

[Mrs. Bain]

I know you wouldn't. You'd forget all about me. Less than a week. I don't think my family'd care very much.

[Detective Nick Harris]

You are low tonight.

[Mrs. Bain]

Of course, you would miss me For a little while. But they'd soon get over it. Come. Fed up. I wish I had some poison. I take it right now.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Why poison? There are lots of quicker ways than that to kick off.

[Mrs. Bain]

Well, what would you suggest?

[Detective Nick Harris]

This.

[Mrs. Bain]

Huh? A knife. Where'd you get that? Hunting knife.

[Detective Nick Harris]

I've had it a long time. It's sharp too. Here. Hold still while I put it up against your cheek. Feel how nice and cool it is.

[Mrs. Bain]

Yeah. A knife would be quicker.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Right there below the edge of your dress. Where your neck looks so white in the moonlight. Just one swift blow over the heart and you'd never smile again. Do you want me to do it?

[Mrs. Bain]

You wouldn't have the nerve.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Oh, no.

[Mrs. Bain]

No, you wouldn't dare. I dare you.

[Detective Nick Harris]

Just one swift sure blow. Like this.

[Mrs. Bain]

Oh.

[Detective Nick Harris]

That'S how it happened. Gee, I don't know why I did it. Maybe if she hadn't dared me to do it. What makes a man do things like that? I didn't have any reason at all. I just did it. I just had to do it. Something made me. Carl White had been in trouble all his life. Had been in reform school and arrested for theft. He claimed he had purchased the knife several months before. Police later discovered that he bought the knife the day of the murder. Whether he killed the girl on the impulse of the moment, as he claimed he or had planned it will never be known. So again, I repeat, be careful of the company you keep. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Ladies and gentlemen, you have just heard Detective Nicholas B. Harris, chief of the internationally known Los Angeles Detective Agency bearing his name, in another true life drama entitled Murder on Impulse. Fictitious names and places have been used throughout this narrative and any similarity to persons living or dead in is purely coincidental. The story was dramatized for radio presentation by A Dial A Comer and is a Carolyn Carroll Production. Mr. Harris wishes me to thank the following cast of characters. Louise Bradford as Lola Bain, Betty Lee as Betty Sparks, Bob Shopfer as Fred Sharp, Mary Ryan as Mrs. White, Lenore Thompson as Mrs. Bain, Bob Poulton as Carol White, Charles E. Bender as Detective Thompson and George Thomas as Officer Howell. Wesley Turtleot was at the console of the electric organization. Mr. Harris will again be heard next Sunday afternoon at 12:30 over this same station. This program originated in our main studios. You are tuned to station keca, Los Angeles.