
Boston Blackie 44-06-30 002 The Manletter Bank Case aka-fifty Hunter Street
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Nicole Byer
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Boston Blackie
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Chester Morris
Rinso R I N S O so soapy Rich Rinsoe presents Boston Blackie Starring Chester morri.
Ms. Rochelle
Hello.
John Partridge
Is Mr. Man Leather there?
Ms. Rochelle
Why, no, I'm sorry, he's not. This is his secretary, Ms. Rochelle. Can I help you?
John Partridge
Yes, you can deliver a message for me. I've been trying to reach him all day. This is John Partridge, president of the morton national bank.
Ms. Rochelle
Mr. Partridge. But. Well, Arthur Borden is president of the Morton bank, isn't he?
John Partridge
Not since yesterday, he's not. Give this message to Mr. Manletter. Please. Tell him that his notes to the bank were due and payable on Monday of this week and we must have our money.
Ms. Rochelle
But Mr. Partridge, we. We showed our books to Mr. Borden only last week. And he agreed to extend the notes until our accounts receivable came in. Our business is in fine shape, Mr. Partridge. Our books prove it.
John Partridge
Please tell Mr. Manletter that we'll accept our money in the morning, Ms. Rachelle.
Ms. Rochelle
But it's $100,000. We can't possibly raise that money overnight.
John Partridge
I'm sorry. That's Mr. Manletter's problem. Goodbye.
Ms. Rochelle
$100,000.
Chester Morris
Hello, Jean.
Ms. Rochelle
Mr. Manletter, the bank just called. There's a new president and they.
Chester Morris
They want to foreclose on my notes.
Ms. Rochelle
How did you know?
Chester Morris
Read this letter I got at the house this morning.
Boston Blackie
Here. Read it.
Ms. Rochelle
If you want to know how to prevent the bank from foreclosing on your note, have your friend Boston Blackie visit a house at 50 Hunter street at 7:00 this evening. Signed, a friend, Mr. Manleter. What does that mean?
Chester Morris
I don't know. I can't see any connection between the bank and Blackie. But I do know I won't ask him to go to Hunter Street.
Ms. Rochelle
Well, can we raise $100,000 for the notes overnight?
Chester Morris
I don't think so, but I'll try. Only there isn't much hope.
Ms. Rochelle
Then you must call your friend Blackie.
Boston Blackie
No.
Chester Morris
It can only mean trouble for Blackie. I don't know how or why. But it must be trouble for him if I'm being forced to ask him to go there.
Ms. Rochelle
But Blackie thrives on trouble, Mr. Manletter. And it'll save your business.
Chester Morris
No, I won't call Blackie. I'm going out to try to raise the money. You'll hear from me later.
Ms. Rochelle
All right, sir. Alice, will you call a number for me, please? Get me Boston Blackie.
Chester Morris
Get me Boston Blackie. Four words that the weak use to call their champion. You know, some expressions seem so natural and right. We use them all the time without even thinking. Like ruby red and sky blue and so on. Well, what I get a particular kick out of is the fact that we've added a new one to the nation's vocabulary. Yes, I hear tell that nowadays you ladies say Rinso White. When you want to talk about really white clothes. Of course, there's a mighty good reason why Rinso gets your clothes so white. Rinseau's soapy rich suds won't take no for an answer from dirt. They pitch right in in your tub or washer and go to town. Yes, Rinseau gets out more dirt. And that's why you ladies are able to turn out those beautiful Rinso White Rinse O Bright washes. So next wash day, whistle for the kind of wash you're proud to hang on your line like this. And remember, it stands for Rinsot White. Now meet Chester Morris as Boston Black.
Shorty
Tell me, Blackie, which one of these girls do you like best? Come on, take a look at their pictures.
John Partridge
Come on, will you?
Boston Blackie
All right, Shorty. I'll judge your personal beauty contest for you now. This blonde here. Yeah. Hold it, Shorty. I'll get the phone. Hello, Blackie?
Ms. Rochelle
Yes, Blackie, this is Gene. I had to call you. Mr. Manletter's in terrible trouble.
Shorty
Hey, come on, will you? Blackie? Come on. Get off that phone. I gotta know about this redhead.
Boston Blackie
Lay off, Shorty. What is it, Gene? What's the matter with Arthur?
Ms. Rochelle
The bank called an hour ago. I've been trying since then to reach you. They're going to take over the business if Arthur doesn't redeem his notes for $100,000 by tomorrow morning.
Boston Blackie
They can't do that, Jean.
Ms. Rochelle
Yes, they can. The notes are overdue.
Shorty
Hey, boss, what about this brunette? Now, come on, come on, will you?
Boston Blackie
Quiet. Not you, Jean. Look, honey, I haven't anywhere near 100,000. And I wouldn't know where to go to get it by tomorrow morning.
Ms. Rochelle
I didn't expect you would, Blackie. But Mr. Manletter received a message saying that if you come to 50 Hunter street at 4:12, at 7:00 tonight, the notes will be renewed.
Boston Blackie
If I go to 50 Hunter Street? Well, what does that mean?
Ms. Rochelle
I don't know, Blackie.
Boston Blackie
But if I show up, they'll renew.
Ms. Rochelle
That's what the note says. Mr. Manletter knew you'd be in some kind of danger if you went and he wouldn't ask you.
Boston Blackie
Oh, don't worry, Chick. You'll hear from me. Bye.
Shorty
So you finally got done. Now, come on, help me look at it. See, I got 50 pictures here. Pick out the one I should pin.
Boston Blackie
Up on my wallet. I can't do anything about your pinup problem now, Shorty. I've got something at 50 Hunter street that I've got to pin down.
Arthur Borden
Come in, Blackie. Come in, Blackie. Come in, Blacky.
Boston Blackie
What is this? Sounds like a record. Hey, you behind that desk. You in the mask. What is this? Come on, talk.
Arthur Borden
First of all, Boston Blackie, don't try anything foolish. There's one of my men behind you with a gun. Now that you've turned around to see, let me tell you that you are listening to this recording which I made because I don't want you to know what my voice sounds like in person.
Boston Blackie
A record, huh? Well, personally, I prefer Harry James.
Arthur Borden
Blackie, I want you to listen carefully to what follows. Have you anything to say?
Boston Blackie
Sure I have. I hope you'll.
Inspector Faraday
Okay, boss. Take the record off. He's out cold. I hope I didn't hit him too hard, boss. There's no sense killing him. The law is going to do that for us very soon.
Shorty
Gee, Blankie, where you been? I've been having pups.
Boston Blackie
Well, I hope they look like their mother. Well, I'm back, Shorty. Only I'm not the same guy.
Shorty
You should have had your head examined for going down to that Hunter Street Journal.
Boston Blackie
Yes, I. I had it cracked. That's worse. Take a look at this, Shorty.
Shorty
A bullet hole.
Boston Blackie
Yeah, yeah.
Shorty
Cold pocket. Who'd you shoot, Blackie?
Boston Blackie
I didn't shoot anybody, Shorty. Somebody slugged me and when I woke up, my gun was gone and this hole was in my pocket. I must have been out for hours. It's. It's almost 11:00. I called Jean and she told me the bank renewed Manletter's notes the minute I showed up at the Hunter street place.
Shorty
Somebody sure took an awful crack at you. Hey, Blankie.
Boston Blackie
Yeah, it's more than that, Shorty. Only how much more and exactly what? I don't know. Get my robe, will you, please?
Shorty
Yeah, yeah, sure, boss. Give me your coat and I'll hang it over this here chair.
Boston Blackie
Well, here it is, Blackie.
Shorty
What do you make of this business this afternoon?
Boston Blackie
I don't make it. It's got me stumped.
Shorty
Yeah, me too. Well, here's your robe.
Boston Blackie
Thanks. I think I'll lie down and relax for half an hour. Would you mind fixing me some coffee, Shorty? Sure, sure.
Shorty
Have it for you in just a minute, boss.
Boston Blackie
Thanks.
Wayfair
Hello, Blackie. Glad to see me?
Boston Blackie
Well, Inspector Faraday, of course I'm glad to see you. Which goes to prove how easy I am to please.
Wayfair
Very funny. Now, Blackie, I think you overdid it this afternoon.
Boston Blackie
Well, my head sure feels like I did.
Wayfair
That isn't what I mean. Did you ever hear of a private detective named Fred Visual that crooked Jammes?
Boston Blackie
Yeah. Oh, sure, I've heard of him. And he's heard of me, too. Faraday. I got the guy's license suspended when he tried to blackmail me. Old couple of friends of mine, you know, last year.
Wayfair
That's the guy. He didn't like you, Blackie.
Boston Blackie
You know, I'd feel a whole lot worse if you said Rita Hayworth didn't like me.
Wayfair
You didn't like him either.
Boston Blackie
I hate rats, Faraday. Come on, what's all this about?
Wayfair
Nothing. Only Visual was found shot to death an hour ago.
Boston Blackie
What?
Wayfair
I'm taking you in for his murder, Blackie. Now, let's get going.
Boston Blackie
Now, look, Faraday, you've done ridiculous things every day of your life, but right now you're borrowing from next week. What makes you think I bumped off Visual?
Wayfair
I don't think it, I know it. We've got your gun and it's got your fingerprints on it. Oh, we found it near Viswell's body. And if I'm not mistaken, isn't that a bullet hole in the pocket of this coat of yours on the chair you fired from your pocket.
Boston Blackie
Well, maybe I burned the hole with a cigarette.
Wayfair
No cigarette ever burned a hole like that. Come on, let's get going. Bucky, get dressed and hurry up. Take off that robe. Put a coat on. You're coming with me. Come on, take that robe off.
Boston Blackie
All right, all right.
Wayfair
Pretty robe, isn't it? Too bad you won't be allowed to wear it in jail.
Boston Blackie
You like this robe, Inspector? Well, here, take a good look at it. Lovely. Take a good look at it right over your head. Shorty. Shorty.
Shorty
Yeah, yeah, I'm Right here, boss. I was waiting for a signal for.
Boston Blackie
Me before I cocked you. Help me tie him up, Shorty. We'll use the cord from the rope. Now, quiet, Inspector, quiet. Don't you know it's impolite to talk with your mouth full?
Shorty
You'll be tied up like a chicken in just a little minute now.
Boston Blackie
Well, I know what the score is now, Shorty. Somebody's fixed it to look like I knocked off Fred Biswell.
Shorty
Yeah, I heard. In a very pretty picture. Is it, boss?
Boston Blackie
I'm not worried about the picture, Shorty. I'm worried about the frame.
Ms. Rochelle
Who is it? Who's there?
Boston Blackie
Let me in, Jean. Hurry. It's Blackie.
Ms. Rochelle
Blackie.
Boston Blackie
Oh, thanks.
John Partridge
Hi.
Boston Blackie
I'm sorry about coming to your apartment at this hour, Jean, but I couldn't reach you on the telephone.
Ms. Rochelle
Well, they closed the downstairs switchboard at midnight. What is it, Blackie? What's wrong?
Boston Blackie
I need information, Gene. I need all you know or can remember. There's some connection between a private detective named Fred Viswell and somebody at the Morton National Bank. Now, who was it that spoke to you on the telephone?
Ms. Rochelle
The new president. His name is John Partridge.
Boston Blackie
Well, that's the man I'm going to see. Faraday's on my trail again, Gene, and I've got to clear myself.
Ms. Rochelle
Oh, you'll never be able to get into the bank to see Partridge. Especially if Faraday has a dragnet out for you. As soon as you show up, they'll throw you in jail.
Boston Blackie
Oh, don't worry. I'll figure out a way to get in to see him. But if I don't get anywhere with Partridge, I'm a dead duck.
Ms. Rochelle
Good morning, Mr. P. Good morning.
Wayfair
Good morning, Mr. Good morning.
Ms. Rochelle
I left you a mail on your desk, Mr. Partridge.
John Partridge
Thank you. I'll be in my office if anyone wants me.
Boston Blackie
Don't open your mouth, Partridge, or this gun will shut it permanently.
John Partridge
Why?
Arthur Borden
What.
John Partridge
What do you want? Aren't you one of the special police that protects the bank?
Boston Blackie
Oh, well, don't let this uniform fool you. I wore it just to get in here and keep away from your desk. You know I'm allergic to the sudden pushing of buttons. Ah, that's better. Now, do you know who I am? No. I'm Boston Blackie.
John Partridge
That doesn't mean a thing to me.
Boston Blackie
No, I think it does. You called Arthur Manletter's office and told him the bank wouldn't renew his notes. But he received a letter saying that if I were to go to 50 Hunter street, the bank would renew.
John Partridge
Maybe you know what you're talking about, but I don't.
Boston Blackie
You've got to be the man behind a pretty shrewd frame up, Partridge. Unless you're acting on somebody's instructions. Now, which is it?
John Partridge
Do you know that if I raised my voice, you'd be shot dead by the bank guards before you could go through the front door?
Boston Blackie
Well, I'd have company, Partridge, believe me. You. Inspector Faraday thinks I killed a man. They don't hang you twice for double killing. Why was I framed for the murder of Fred Visible?
John Partridge
I don't know any Fred Visible. And I don't know anything about any telephone call that was supposed to be made by me to Arthur Manletter.
Boston Blackie
No, you don't, eh? How about the renewal of Manletter's note?
John Partridge
There never was any question about renewing Manletter's note. His credit is excellent. The note was renewed by me personally at 10 o'clock yesterday morning with a notary attesting to the time. And that was certainly long before my alleged phone call.
Boston Blackie
You played it cozy, huh? You knew Manletta would call me, so you bluffed him.
John Partridge
How long are you going to make me stand here? Can't you see there's nothing I know that can help you? Why don't you go?
Boston Blackie
I will. I've got another stop to make. But the minute I leave this office. You'll call for help, of course.
John Partridge
Of course.
Boston Blackie
Oh, but you're not going to, you know. The only way you can do any calling, Partridge, is to talk in your sleep. Mr. Borden? Yes? I'm sorry to disturb you at your home. My name is Boston Blackie.
Arthur Borden
How do you do, Mr. Blackie?
Boston Blackie
I. I came up here to see you, Mr. Borden, about your bank.
Arthur Borden
You mean about what used to be my bank?
Boston Blackie
I'm sorry. Who decided to replace you as president?
Arthur Borden
The board of directors.
Boston Blackie
Oh. And was it done suddenly?
Arthur Borden
Yes, Very.
Boston Blackie
Uh huh. And where did John Partridge come from?
Arthur Borden
I don't know. He had been on our board of directors only a short while. Oh, I'm an old man, Blackie. The loss of my bank was a blow to me. Everything came so suddenly. I haven't gotten used to not being there anymore. Will you forgive me if I'd rather not talk about it?
Boston Blackie
Oh, I understand, Mr. Borden. I'm going to try to get your bank back for you. But I need some help. Now, here's an address where I can be reached. Oh, you must have some loyal employee at the bank you can depend on. And Would you call him and get him to find out something about Partridge? And if you get any information, send me a message. And send that ring you're wearing with it so I know it's from you.
Arthur Borden
I'll send you a message if I get it. But with just a paper clip on it. I haven't been able to get this ring off in years. The paper clip will identify my messenger.
Boston Blackie
If I hear anything good, give me a little help. I'll turn a murderer over to Inspector Faraday, get rid of the charge against myself and give you a bank right in your side pocket. We've got to stay down here at my waterfront hideout during the day, Shorty. Every cop in town is on our tail. And Faraday sworn he won't sleep till he brings me in.
Shorty
It's okay with me, Blackie. And go ahead, it's your deal.
Arthur Borden
You got me.
Shorty
Let me see, you got me. 60 to 17 and two boxes. Go ahead, it's your deal.
Boston Blackie
You know, one thing about gin rummy, it sure passes the time away.
Shorty
Yeah, it passes my dole away, too.
Inspector Faraday
Okay, you two, hoist him. Come on, Patsy.
Chester Morris
Yeah, yeah, I'm coming.
Inspector Faraday
Now, look, Blacky, stand up and don't try. No, no, nothing foolish. I. I know all about you and your trucks.
Boston Blackie
Well, I wasn't exactly going to ask you to pick a card. Who are you?
Inspector Faraday
A guy who ain't going to be outsmarted by you.
Boston Blackie
Huh?
Inspector Faraday
Tie the little guy up, Patsy.
John Partridge
Yeah, yeah, I'll tie him up good, too.
Inspector Faraday
Don't talk, tie.
Chester Morris
I'm tying him. He ain't gonna go nowhere for a while.
Inspector Faraday
Okay, suppose we start moving, Blackie. You ready, Pensy?
John Partridge
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm ready, mug.
Boston Blackie
Well, of course, don't anybody ask me.
Inspector Faraday
You're ready, Blackie, but you don't know for what. Now start moving.
Boston Blackie
Oh, this is a ride, huh? Okay, one way.
Inspector Faraday
Oh, I wouldn't say that, Blackie. We're coming back, Patsy and me. But we got orders to get you.
Boston Blackie
Orders to get me, huh? Dealing in the blackie market.
Inspector Faraday
You'll strain an arm reaching for jokes like that.
Boston Blackie
I thought that was rather clever, but.
Inspector Faraday
You might as well know something. Yeah, we ain't taking you on any gang ride. We're turning you over to the cops.
Boston Blackie
Yeah, I'll bet. Couple of hoods like you wouldn't go within two miles of headquarters. I guarantee Faraday's got charges hanging over both you guys.
Inspector Faraday
Maybe. Only he'll be so glad to see you, he won't be able to think straight all right, let's get moving, Blackie. And remember, I'm the guy that's got the gun on you.
Boston Blackie
Okay, mug, but take my word for it, someday you're going to beg me to forget that.
Arthur Borden
Blackie.
Wayfair
There's something natural about the way you look behind bars. They look good on you.
Boston Blackie
Oh, thanks.
Wayfair
You've got no idea how nice it is to see you sitting so sweetly in that cell.
Boston Blackie
Now, Faraday, listen, I didn't knock off Fiswell. No kidding, of course not.
Wayfair
And you didn't throw your bathrobe over.
Boston Blackie
My head and tie me up either, did you, Blackie? Well, yes, I did do that, Faraday. You know I did. But I did it to help you.
Wayfair
Oh, this is going to be good. Now tell me how.
Boston Blackie
Well, somebody knocked off Fred Viswell. Your job is to catch murderers, Faraday. I. I had to be free to help.
Wayfair
You see, Blackie, you should have been a lawyer.
Boston Blackie
Thanks.
Wayfair
Only you're overlooking a slight something. Your gun. Your pretty little gun with your fingerprints on it and a slug from it in Visual's head and the bullet hole.
Boston Blackie
In your coat pocket.
Wayfair
Nobody else killed Viswell, Blackie. You've got no alibi, you hated the guy and your gun did the job. Looks like kind of a perfect job to me.
Boston Blackie
This is a frame up, Faraday. Now you've got to do something you've never done before. What? Use your head.
Wayfair
Look, you're in jail, Blackie, and you tell me to use my head. Don't you think this is a spot.
Boston Blackie
Where you should use yours?
Chester Morris
Well, it seems as though Inspector Faraday is about to realize a lifelong ambition and has finally found a charge against Boston Blackie that will stick. However, that remains to be seen. Of course. You know, you ladies really have it all over the men folks when it comes to being sensible about clothes. Come summertime, for instance, you know that one of the tricks of keeping cool is to look cool. And what could look cooler, crisper and prettier than those bright cotton washables you wear? It's important though, to remember to keep them bright and crisp. And that's where our soapy, rich Rinso comes in. No point in working your head off in summertime boiling and scrubbing clothes. And you don't have to with rinse. So a short soaking in Rinso suds, often as little as 10 minutes is enough. Then a few quick finger rubs on extra soiled places and your clothes are ready to rinse. And believe you me, you'll be mighty proud of how your wash looks Too. Your lovely colored, washable cottons will stay fresh and bright week after week, wash after wash. And your white clothes, well, it goes without saying they'll be yes, Rinso White. So get Rinsoe next wash day for a Rinso White. Rinso Bright wash. And now back to Boston Blackie, starring Chester Morris. Blackie is in jail. Inspector Faraday knows that it was Blackie's gun that killed Fred Viswell. And Blackie can't clear himself while he's in prison. Into the cell block where Blackie is being kept walks a young lady.
Ms. Rochelle
The policeman at the end of the corridor said I could come in and talk to all the other policemen in the whole jail. And you're the other policeman, so I thought I'd come over and talk to you.
Inspector Faraday
All right, miss, but about what?
Ms. Rochelle
About the ball, of course. Everybody knows about the ball.
Chester Morris
What ball?
Ms. Rochelle
The ball we're giving. But I'm selling tickets only to policemen.
Inspector Faraday
Well, now I've heard everything. Selling tickets to policemen for a civilian's ball. How much are they?
Ms. Rochelle
A dollar. But the policeman at the end of the quarter said that if I came up.
Inspector Faraday
Here's a dollar and keep the ticket. And the next policeman is right down past this row of cells. Go bother him, will you, please? And don't tell me that bag you're carrying is full of tickets. There aren't that many policemen.
Ms. Rochelle
You're so silly. Of course not. I always carry a bag. It makes me look as if I'm always about ready to go someplace.
Inspector Faraday
Well, you can go right now. I'll unlock the door. You can walk down the corridor till you find another cop at the end of it. His name's Murphy.
Ms. Rochelle
Isn't every policeman.
Inspector Faraday
Oh, I don't know. All right, go. Go on, miss. Right down the corridor. Don't mind them mugs in the cells.
Boston Blackie
Blackie. Jean, what are you doing here? This isn't visiting day, Blackie.
Ms. Rochelle
Listen, I've got to keep walking when the guard looks this way.
Boston Blackie
Oh, don't be silly. Come in. The door's open.
Ms. Rochelle
The cell door's open.
Boston Blackie
Sure try.
Ms. Rochelle
Is, Blackie. How did you do that?
Boston Blackie
Closed the door. You know, I could open the cell door all right, Gene. That was a cinch. But I haven't figured out yet how to get past the guards at both ends of the car.
Ms. Rochelle
Stop figuring it, Blackie. Here, look at this bag I brought. It's an outfit that matches the one I'm wearing, only it's a couple of sizes larger. Put it on, quick.
Boston Blackie
What? And Leave you in the cell. Oh, nothing doing, honey.
Ms. Rochelle
I'll go out the door. I came in Blackie, and you go out the other one. Only hurry, the guard might get curious.
Boston Blackie
Okay, but it won't take me a second. I'll first roll my trousers up, then on with the dress. Oh. Oh, you brought a wig too, huh? You think of everything. Can I. Can I get into these shoes?
Ms. Rochelle
Sure you can. And hurry. Blackie, don't forget your hat.
Boston Blackie
Say, it's a cute one. All right, zip me up, will you? All set.
Ms. Rochelle
Now, just walk out. Black in Telecom, the end of the corridor. His name's Murphy. Tell him he ran out of tickets. Can you talk like a girl?
Boston Blackie
Who, me?
Ms. Rochelle
Of course I can. You better not talk. Bye, Blackie. And luck. Meet me back in my apartment.
Boston Blackie
Thanks, Gene. You're wonderful.
Ms. Rochelle
See you later, Blackie. You look awful cute in that outfit. Watch out for the wolves.
Boston Blackie
Oh, not me. For once, I want to be on the receiving end of a. This is the house, Shorty. 50 Hunter Street. I don't know what I'd expect to find here, but let's go in.
Shorty
Why, boss?
Boston Blackie
Well, maybe I can pick up something inside that'll give me a clue to that masked man. You see any lights?
Shorty
No, no, there ain't any.
Boston Blackie
But okay. Now, don't hit your flashlight till we close the street door. Oh, what kind of a lock is this?
Shorty
I don't know, but if you're working on it, it's an easy lock. I'll guarantee that.
Boston Blackie
No, Shorty, it's an open lock. Come on in.
Ms. Rochelle
Shh.
Boston Blackie
Quiet. Hit your flash, Shorty. Right. Yeah, this is the room where I got conked. The masked guy sat right over there facing me with his hands folded on that table, and he. Shorty, what happened? I know now who the masked guy was, Shorty. Yeah, I'm going to straighten out this whole mess. Wait till I look up a number in this phone book. Let's see.
Shorty
Who you calling, Blackie?
Boston Blackie
I'm calling the murderer of Fred Biswell. Wait a minute. Yeah, yeah, here it is. Well, now, let's hope I sound like the mug. Hey, boss, this a mug. Come right down to Hunter Street House. I got Blackie here. He's Hoyt. Oh, you wanna talk to him? Okay, talk to the boss, Blackie, or you'll get it again. Here, take the phone. So you're the boss, huh? What am I supposed to do, applaud? Give me that phone, Blackie. Okay, boss. Yeah, yeah, that sure is Blackie, huh? Oh, you'll be right Down.
Shorty
Good work, eh?
Boston Blackie
Good. Yeah.
Shorty
What a swell.
Boston Blackie
Okay, Shorty, now you beat it. I'm staying right here and I'm handling this alone. But I have a job for you when you get outside.
Shorty
Okay, boss.
Boston Blackie
It may decide who dies for the murder of Fred Viswell. And just between us, I'd rather it wasn't me.
Arthur Borden
Mug. Mug, Are you in here, mug?
Boston Blackie
Turn on the light.
Wayfair
It's dark.
Arthur Borden
I can't see. You turn on a light.
Boston Blackie
Here's a light, Mr. Borden.
Arthur Borden
Right in your face, Boston Blackie.
Boston Blackie
That's right, Boston Blackie. You had a very nice frame up all fixed for me. But I think you're going down to explain it all to Inspector Faraday now, do you?
Arthur Borden
Well, I don't. So the phone call to me was a gag, eh? I might have known it was one of your tricks, Blackie, but I didn't. No harm done, though. I'll just leave.
Boston Blackie
Oh, just like that.
Arthur Borden
And don't think you can threaten me, Blackie. As long as I'm alive, I'm a potential alibi for you. Only you and I know you didn't kill Fred Biswell and that I did. And you've got to let me live in the hope that someday I'll confess.
Boston Blackie
Yes. Yes, I guess maybe I do. Oh, you're a pretty smart man, Borden. You'd have to be to have me in this kind of a jam. What did Viswell ever do to you?
Arthur Borden
He thought he could outsmart me, the fool. Some private investors had him checking the books at the bank. Found that I'd taken quite a bit of money that didn't belong to me, and he thought he'd try a bit of blackmail. He didn't get very far.
Boston Blackie
Pretty thorough, aren't you?
Arthur Borden
I think so. How did you know I was the masked man, Blackie?
Boston Blackie
Well, two ways, Borden. Yes. One was the fact that I gave you the address of my waterfront hideout. And later your hoods paid me a visit down there. You were the only one that had that address. The other was that ring you're wearing. You know, the one you told me you couldn't take off. When I came in tonight, I remembered the masked man was wearing that ring. You know, putting John Partridge in your place as president of the bank. Sounds like a wonderfully smart idea.
Arthur Borden
It was. I was tired of working, and I can throw Partridge in jail anytime I like for a little embezzlement job he did, so he must do as I say. And now, Boston Blackie, let's go visit Inspector Faraday.
Boston Blackie
Well now, Mr. Borden, I. I don't think I care to see the Inspector. Denied.
Arthur Borden
No. Perhaps this gun will make you change your mind. I happen to know that Faraday has your gun. You're still under suspicion of murder, you know. And if you try to escape, Blackie, I'll think nothing of killing you in cold blood.
Boston Blackie
You know I believe you would, Borden. All right, all right, I'll go with you. I guess I'd rather be a live prisoner than a dead suspect.
Arthur Borden
Here's Inspector Faraday's office, Blackie. Walk right in. Go on.
Boston Blackie
Okay, if you say so, Borden. Hello, Inspector. Say, look, don't you ever sleep?
Wayfair
Hello, Blackie. I've been expecting you. You're a little late.
Boston Blackie
Would you mind telling this gentleman in back of me to get rid of his gun? Please, Inspector, he doesn't realize that it's impolite to point. His name is Arthur Borden.
Wayfair
Okay, Mr. Borden, I'll take that gun.
Arthur Borden
Certainly. Here you are.
Wayfair
Well, looks like I've got a first rate murder suspect right here in this room.
Arthur Borden
It certainly does, Inspector.
Wayfair
Better lock him up in just a minute. In fact, I might as well do it very legal and proper. Arthur Borden, you're under arrest for the murder of Fred Viswell.
Boston Blackie
What?
Arthur Borden
Me?
Wayfair
Why, I. David, I wish it was Blackie, only it isn't. We've got your confession in your own voice, right? On a dictograph record.
Arthur Borden
A dictograph planted in my Hunter street house. That's impossible. Nobody could have put a dictograph in there.
Wayfair
You tell him, Blackie. You figured this thing out well before.
Boston Blackie
You came into the Hutter street house tonight, Mr. Borden, I dialed the Inspector's private number on the telephone and left the receiver off the hook. You see, I had Shorty call him before and tell him to expect his private telephone to ring. All the while you were telling me how perfectly you would frame me. The Inspector was listening on this end.
Wayfair
Yeah, not only listening, but having the whole thing taken down on a record.
Boston Blackie
Say, Inspector, I did you a favor, didn't I? By turning up Visual's murderer.
Wayfair
You did yourself a bigger favorite. But what's on your mind?
Boston Blackie
Well, I'll tell you, Inspector. Shorty told me you have Jean Rochelle booked here.
Wayfair
You said it, Blackie. She helped you escape from jail.
Boston Blackie
Well, maybe she did. But if she did, I brought you in a murderer. So you certainly owe her a favor too, right?
Wayfair
Well, maybe. What do you expect me to do, Let her go?
Boston Blackie
Sure, you've held her Long enough. Now it's my turn.
Chester Morris
You've heard about making mountains out of molehills. But here's how to make mountains of dishes go right down to nothing In a hurry. You put some Rinso in your dish pan and up go the suds. Plenty of thick suds from surprisingly little Rinso. And down goes that stack of dishes in practically no time. Yes, dishwashing is a mighty easy, simple job with Rinso. Helping out. China, silver, glassware. They're all shining brightly in a jiffy with Rinso soapy, rich suds on the job. Why, even your pots and pans come clean easily. When Rinso gets to work. Use Rinso, too, for all the soap and water jobs around the house. It's swell. Now a glimpse at next week's adventure of Boston Blackie.
Wayfair
All right, Monahan, give me a little more juice in that light.
Shorty
No, now, don't do that. I can't stand it.
Wayfair
That's better. Now listen, Shorty. You say you don't remember what happened.
Shorty
I don't. I keep telling you I don't.
Wayfair
All right, maybe you don't remember. You were slugging. Now, we don't want to know anything except one thing. Now think hard, Shorty. Who was the last person you saw or talked to before you were slugged? Now, that's all we want to know.
Shorty
I'm thinking, Inspector Arlis. I'm dizzy, trying to think. I don't know. I just don't know. Hey, wait a minute. Oh, yeah, I remember now. The last person I talked to before I got conked was Boston Blackie.
Chester Morris
Be sure to listen in at this same time next week for another exciting adventure with Boston Blackie. Starring Chester Morris. With Richard Lane as Inspector Faraday. You can see Chester Morris as Boston Blackie at your favorite movie theater. Boston Blackie's latest Columbia picture is One Mysterious Night, soon to be released. Original music for the program was by Charles Cornell. This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for the makers of Rinso. And wishing you all a very pleasant good night. Warm weather's ahead, and that means greater danger from perspiration. Protect yourself. Use Lifebuoy in your daily bath. You know, of seven leading brands, Lifebuoy gives you the most soap for your money and its rich, purifying Lifebuoy. Lather agrees with your skin. And don't forget, Lifebuoy is the only soap especially made to stop. This is the National Broadcasting Company.
Boston Blackie
It.
Podcast Summary: Boston Blackie 44-06-30 002 The Manletter Bank Case aka-Fifty Hunter Street
Podcast Information:
In this riveting episode of Boston Blackie, hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The story unfolds with Boston Blackie, the charming and clever amateur detective, finding himself entangled in a complex bank fraud and murder case that threatens his freedom and reputation.
The episode kicks off with Chester Morris as Boston Blackie receiving distressing news from Ms. Rochelle, Arthur Borden’s secretary. Arthur, the recently ousted president of Morton National Bank, is under immense pressure from the bank’s new president, John Partridge, to repay overdue notes totaling $100,000 by the next morning (02:21). Despite assurances of the business being in good standing, the sudden demand for repayment leaves Arthur desperate.
Ms. Rochelle implores Blackie’s help:
"If you want to know how to prevent the bank from foreclosing on your note, have your friend Boston Blackie visit a house at 50 Hunter Street at 7:00 this evening." (02:07)
Reluctantly, Blackie decides to assist, understanding the gravity of Arthur’s predicament. He contemplates the mysterious connection between the bank and the ominous address on Hunter Street but remains determined to help despite the potential dangers (02:36).
Upon visiting 50 Hunter Street, Blackie is ambushed and swiftly framed for the murder of Fred Viswell by Arthur Borden. Inspector Faraday seizes the opportunity to accuse Blackie, presenting fabricated evidence linking him to the crime (06:20). Blackie is swiftly arrested, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats as the protagonist faces wrongful charges.
Inside the jail, Blackie ingeniously orchestrates his escape with the help of Shorty and Ms. Rochelle. Disguised in a police uniform and wig, Blackie maneuvers through the prison to regain his freedom (20:35). Once free, he returns to 50 Hunter Street to uncover the truth behind the framing.
Blackie confronts Arthur Borden, uncovering the deep-seated embezzlement and manipulation that led to his predicament. In a clever twist, Blackie uses the evidence collected to expose Borden’s crimes. Bringing this to Inspector Faraday, Blackie proves his innocence and unravels the complex scheme that sought to destroy him.
Arthur Borden admits his wrongdoing:
"I. I had to be free to help." (16:38)
In a final showdown, Blackie ensures that Borden is arrested, clearing his name and restoring his standing as a beloved detective.
Boston Blackie:
"I didn't shoot anybody, Shorty. Somebody slugged me and when I woke up, my gun was gone and this hole was in my pocket." (07:11)
Arthur Borden:
"I'll think nothing of killing you in cold blood." (24:54)
Inspector Faraday:
"We've got your confession in your own voice, right? On a dictograph record." (26:10)
Boston Blackie 44-06-30 002 The Manletter Bank Case aka-Fifty Hunter Street masterfully intertwines suspense, clever detective work, and classic radio drama elements. Through Blackie’s resourcefulness and unwavering determination, the episode delivers a satisfying resolution that upholds justice and showcases the timeless appeal of this beloved character.
Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next adventure, cementing Boston Blackie’s legacy as a quintessential hero of old-time radio.
Boston Blackie 44-06-30 002 is a quintessential example of Golden Age radio's ability to blend intrigue and character-driven storytelling, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic detective dramas.