Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Boston Blackie 44-06-23 001 "The Jonathan Diamond aka-the Rockwell Diamond"

Release Date: January 26, 2025
Duration: 30:36 minutes
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Boston Blackie 44-06-23 001 "The Jonathan Diamond aka-the Rockwell Diamond"

1. Introduction

The episode "The Jonathan Diamond aka-the Rockwell Diamond" follows the charismatic anti-hero, Boston Blackie, as he navigates a complex web of deceit, mistaken identities, and high-stakes heists. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, this installment captures the essence of suspense and ingenuity that defines the Boston Blackie series.

2. Main Characters and Setting

• Boston Blackie (Chester Morris): A reformed thief with a knack for solving mysteries and outsmarting the police.
• Inspector Faraday (George Atwater): The persistent and determined police inspector obsessed with capturing Blackie.
• Lee Moray (Guest Character): A young woman desperate to recover a stolen diamond to save her engagement.
• Detective Monahan: Inspector Faraday's loyal assistant.
• Duke Walton: A cunning adversary boasting possession of the Jonathan Diamond.
• Tom: A minor character assisting Inspector Faraday.

Setting: The story unfolds primarily in New York, with key scenes set in airports, luxurious homes, and police stations, embodying the urban intrigue characteristic of the series.

3. Plot Overview

The episode centers around the elusive Jonathan Diamond, a valuable gem that becomes the pivot around which the story's tension revolves. Lee Moray, engaged to George Atwater, fabricates a story implicating Boston Blackie in the theft of her grandfather's money to leverage Blackie's expertise in recovering her family's stolen diamond. This intricate plan ensnares Blackie in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with Inspector Faraday.

4. Key Events and Discussions

a. The Setup ([03:53] - [05:16])

George Atwater commends the Chicago police for their cooperation and briefs Inspector Faraday on Boston Blackie's escape talents.

Notable Quote:
George Atwater ([04:08]): "Blackie's liable to get out of anything anytime. I remember once I had him in two sets of handcuffs, and the next minute, no handcuffs, no Blackie."

Blackie's presence is confirmed on Transcontinental Flight 17, setting the stage for the ensuing pursuit.

b. Lee Moray's Deception ([04:20] - [07:57])

Lee Moray confronts Blackie, falsely identifying him as the thief responsible for stealing her grandfather's money, thereby manipulating Blackie into assisting her in recovering the Jonathan Diamond.

Notable Quote:
Lee Moray ([06:02]): "I was with my grandfather when he was robbed and the money stolen. The thief wore no mask, and I recognized him from the picture of Boston Blackie that was in the paper last year."

Blackie, intrigued by the plea, agrees to help, despite being aware of Lee's desperation and the potential complications it may bring.

c. The Heist Planning ([07:02] - [12:18])

Blackie and Lee devise a plan to recover the diamond by leveraging Inspector Faraday's trust. Blackie arranges a meeting under the guise of helping Lee, intending to expose the real thief.

Notable Quote:
Boston Blackie ([07:02]): "Well, with these handcuffs on and two New York detectives guarding me, I couldn't be of very much help to anybody."

Blackie manipulates the situation, planting seeds of doubt and preparing to turn the tables on both Lee and Inspector Faraday.

d. The Confrontation at the Atwater House ([11:35] - [17:08])

Blackie infiltrates George Atwater's residence under the alias John J. Jones to investigate the whereabouts of the Jonathan Diamond. A tense standoff ensues when Blackie forces Atwater to reveal the safe's combination, leading to a showdown over the missing diamond.

Notable Quote:
Boston Blackie ([12:50]): "Well, I haven't time to make you remember it. Oh, the safe doesn't look too tough. Come over here where I can watch you while I go to work on it."

The confrontation escalates as the safe remains empty, prompting Atwater to accuse Blackie of theft, intensifying the conflict.

e. The Diamond's Disappearance ([17:08] - [22:16])

After a heated exchange, Blackie orchestrates a plan to recover the diamond by contacting an unknown individual who holds critical information about its location. Parallelly, Lee Moray grapples with the consequences of her deceitful actions, realizing the gravity of her predicament.

Notable Quote:
Boston Blackie ([20:55]): "I think that man has a Jonathan Diamond. Yes, I think so. But you don't have to worry about it."

Blackie's ingenuity shines as he deciphers the hidden clues and prepares to outmaneuver Inspector Faraday's dragnet.

f. The Climactic Rescue ([24:06] - [27:22])

In a dramatic final act, Blackie confronts Inspector Faraday and Duke Walton in a building that becomes a fire trap. Utilizing quick thinking and deception, Blackie retrieves the Jonathan Diamond from Duke Walton, ensuring both his and Lee Moray's safety while outsmarting the relentless inspector.

Notable Quote:
Inspector Faraday ([24:24]): "I'm gonna wait a couple of minutes. Blackie, some friends of mine are coming over with a car to take you on a little trip."

Blackie's masterful maneuvering leads to the capture of Duke Walton and the recovery of the diamond, restoring peace and solidifying his reputation as a clever and resourceful figure.

5. Resolution

The episode concludes with Blackie successfully returning the Jonathan Diamond to Lee Moray, thereby securing her engagement and simultaneously evading Inspector Faraday's clutches once again. The intricate dance between deception and truth encapsulates Blackie's enduring charm and strategic prowess.

Notable Quote:
Boston Blackie ([27:22]): "You must have it on you when you thought there was a fire. You'd have never left without it."

Inspector Faraday, although momentarily thwarted, vows to continue his pursuit, hinting at future encounters and adventures.

6. Conclusion

"The Jonathan Diamond aka-the Rockwell Diamond" is a quintessential Boston Blackie episode, blending suspense, wit, and the timeless battle between law and cunning. Blackie's ability to navigate complex situations and outsmart his adversaries reinforces his status as a beloved character from the Golden Age of Radio.

Listeners are left anticipating future escapades, where Blackie's ingenuity promises more thrilling adventures and clever resolutions. The episode not only entertains but also underscores themes of trust, deception, and redemption, making it a standout installment in the series.

Notable Quotes Compilation:

• George Atwater ([04:08]): "Blackie's liable to get out of anything anytime. I remember once I had him in two sets of handcuffs, and the next minute, no handcuffs, no Blackie."
• Lee Moray ([06:02]): "I was with my grandfather when he was robbed and the money stolen. The thief wore no mask, and I recognized him from the picture of Boston Blackie that was in the paper last year."
• Boston Blackie ([12:50]): "Well, I haven't time to make you remember it. Oh, the safe doesn't look too tough. Come over here where I can watch you while I go to work on it."
• Boston Blackie ([20:55]): "I think that man has a Jonathan Diamond. Yes, I think so. But you don't have to worry about it."
• Inspector Faraday ([24:24]): "I'm gonna wait a couple of minutes. Blackie, some friends of mine are coming over with a car to take you on a little trip."
• Boston Blackie ([27:22]): "You must have it on you when you thought there was a fire. You'd have never left without it."

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully intertwines multiple plotlines, demonstrating Boston Blackie's adeptness at handling precarious situations. The dynamic between Blackie and Inspector Faraday remains engaging, showcasing the timeless appeal of their rivalry. "The Jonathan Diamond aka-the Rockwell Diamond" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of radio dramas, offering listeners a captivating blend of mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling.