Podcast Summary: Amos & Andy - The Locked Trunk's Secret
Harold’s Old Time Radio | March 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of Amos & Andy, titled "The Locked Trunk’s Secret," the beloved comedy duo finds themselves entangled in a mysterious caper involving an unclaimed baggage trunk purchased at an auction. What begins as Andy’s attempt to strike it rich quickly evolves into a comical tale of mistaken fortune, dubious contracts, and an unexpected brush with the law. Notably, this episode features guest star Peter Lorre, whose character adds a suspenseful, almost noir twist to the proceedings.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Andy’s Auction Surprise

• [01:12 - 02:36]
  Andy recounts to Amos and Kingfish how he inadvertently bought a steamer trunk at a railroad auction. He was dozing when his unintended nod landed him the purchase for $5.

  “You know how they work it at these auctions...the auctioneer man put this thing up just as I was dozing off, and he say, who’ll bid $5? My head kind of dropped down. He say, you got it.” — Andy (01:28)

• Amos and Kingfish are immediately curious (and skeptical) about Andy’s latest “get-rich-quick” escapade.

2. The Unopenable Trunk

• [02:36 - 03:33]
  The trio examines the trunk, only to realize it’s locked tight with steel bands with no key in sight.

  “That’s right. I ain’t been able to open it yet because it’s got them steel bands around it, and on top of that it’s locked and there ain’t no key.” — Andy (02:42)

• Kingfish proposes getting Fluke Harris, a local inventor, to try opening it.

3. Fluke Harris and the First Mystery Man

• [03:40 - 04:50]
  Down in Fluke’s basement, they attempt to open the trunk. Parallel to this, Peter Lorre’s mysterious character arrives at Andy’s office, anxious about the trunk’s whereabouts.

  “Young man, that trunk must not be opened. And for the safety of all concerned, it would pay you to find Mr. Brown.” — Peter Lorre (06:13)

• Tension rises as it becomes clear that the trunk is of great significance to both Andy and this stranger.

4. A Sudden Offer and Kingfish’s Scheme

• [07:28 - 14:44]
  Amos conveys Peter Lorre’s generous offer: $50 for the unopened trunk. Sensing an opportunity, Kingfish convinces Andy to make him a half-partner for $2.50.

  “Now, why don’t you let me put up two dollars and a half, Andy, and let me buy half interest in this thing with you?” — Kingfish (11:30)

• The contract scene is full of Kingfish’s classic fast-talking and attempts to gain the upper hand, but Andy insists on being “party of the first part.”

• After formalizing the partnership, Kingfish finally discloses the lucrative buyback offer.

  “The man that owns the trunk is done traced it to us and has done offered us $50 for it. Funny how those things like that can slip my mind.” — Kingfish (14:20)

5. The Showdown at Peter Lorre’s Apartment

• [16:19 - 21:37]
  In a memorable sequence, Andy and Kingfish don their finest attire and attempt to finagle a higher price at Peter Lorre's apartment. The atmosphere is thick with suspicion and humor as the duo pretends to be indifferent to the $50 offer, pressing for more. Peter Lorre matches their every increase, but his patience wears thin.

  Kingfish: “$50 don’t mean nothing to rich men like us.” (19:58)
  Peter Lorre: “And I must ask you again not to bargain with me because it sometimes makes me do things that I’m very often sorry for.” (20:37)

• As they haggle up to $100 (and down again), the police burst in, revealing the true nature of the trunk – it contains $200,000 in stolen securities.

  “Don’t make a move, anybody. We’re police officers...We know there’s $200,000 worth of stolen negotiable securities in there.” — Police Officer (21:37, 21:54)

6. Aftermath and Comic Relief

• [23:18 - 24:09]
  After the police confiscate the trunk and arrest Peter Lorre’s character, Kingfish and Andy reflect on their partnership, “tearing up” their business contract and settling accounts to ensure fairness.

  “Here, I got my contract. Is you got your contract with you?...Give me that. We’ll tear them both up...But you gotta give me my $2 and a half back so everything be level.” — Kingfish (23:36, 23:45)

7. Epilogue: Andy Gets the Last Laugh

• [25:29 - 25:50]
  At the police station, it’s revealed that Andy wasn’t in trouble, but was called to collect a reward for helping recover the stolen goods — an irony not lost on Kingfish, who had tried to stay out of trouble.

  “Ex partner, dear. I glad you mentioned that. But the reason I come down here was to collect his reward. It must have just slipped my mind.” — Andy (25:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Unintended Purchase:
  “You done dozed yourself right out of five bucks there. That’s what you’re done.” — Kingfish (01:47)

• Mysterious Warning:
  “That trunk must not be opened. And for the safety of all concerned, it would pay you to find Mr. Brown.” — Peter Lorre (06:13)

• Classic Fast-Talking:
  “You is a slow talker, and that’s the trouble. Yeah, I oughta be the one to tell him. Cause I is a fast talker. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Look at that. Yeah, I can rattle that stuff off. I really rattles it off.” — Kingfish (08:47)

• Comic Negotiation:
  “We has done seed by now and you has done seed that we as rich men now, after all, we is going to have the $2 supper after we leave here. Andy gonna smoke another 25 cent cigar.” — Kingfish (19:43)

• Police Reveal:
  “We know there’s $200,000 worth of stolen negotiable securities in there. We knew it was in there the day it was checked at the depot.” — Police Officer (21:54)

Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:12] – Andy reveals his accidental trunk purchase.
• [02:36] – The friends discuss the mystery of unclaimed baggage.
• [04:50] – Peter Lorre’s character makes his first enigmatic appearance.
• [11:30-14:44] – Kingfish buys into the deal; the “partner” contract is drawn up.
• [16:19-21:37] – The haggling and final reveal at Peter Lorre’s apartment.
• [21:54] – The police’s entry and revelation about the trunk.
• [23:45] – Andy and Kingfish “tear up” their partnership, returning money.
• [25:50] – Andy collects a police reward — the perfect comic twist.

Final Thoughts

This episode perfectly captures the blend of comic misadventure, clever dialogue, and suspense that has made Amos & Andy a lasting classic. With snappy one-liners, character-driven gags, and a twist-laden plot, “The Locked Trunk’s Secret” delivers both nostalgia and entertainment, culminating in Andy’s accidental heroics and Kingfish’s comeuppance.

Special Mention:
Peter Lorre’s guest appearance is a highlight, injecting the proceedings with a sense of mystery and menace that is expertly played off by the regular cast.

For listeners new and old, this episode is a masterclass in old-time radio comedy—full of heart, wit, and the timeless delights of a well-locked trunk.