Bright Star 52-11-20 (05) George The Informer

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Bright Star 52-11-20 (05) George The Informer

Episode Release Date: August 11, 2025
Duration: Approximately 26 minutes

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1. Introduction: Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Irene Dunn introducing "The Irene Dunn, Fred McMurray Show," spotlighting the comedic and romantic escapades of Susan Armstrong (Irene Dunn) and George Harvey (Fred McMurray) within the bustling environment of the Hillsdale Morning Star newspaper.

Notable Quote:

• Irene Dunn: “Well, let's listen. History Hickstree, read all about it.” [00:00]

2. Rising Action: George's Exposé and Rising Tensions

Susan Armstrong reviews the newspaper's successful press run, noting a 1,500 increase in circulation. She expresses concern over George Harvey's sensational articles targeting Joe Mantelli, a notorious racketeer.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Armstrong: “The facts and the figures are too pat. They're too accurate.” [03:46]
• George Harvey: “Racetracks, Racetracks, racetracks.” [05:33]

3. Introduction of Charlie Collins: The Informant

George introduces his informant, Charlie Collins, who claims to be a reformed mobster aiming to dismantle Mantelli's operations. Charlie's arrival heightens the suspense as he divulges plans to take over Pittsburgh's rackets.

Notable Quote:

• Charlie Collins: “Pittsburgh. Chief, Joe Mantelli is planning to take over Pittsburgh.” [09:35]

4. Susan's Investigation and Confrontations

Susan grows suspicious of George's sources and starts investigating Mantelli herself. She meets Charlie Collins, questioning his legitimacy and intentions. Their interaction becomes strained as Susan demands transparency.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Armstrong: “I'd like to meet your Charlie Collins.” [05:54]
• George Harvey: “You're as strong as a horse.” [08:14]

5. Joe Mantelli's Threats: The Libel Scare

Irene Dunn portrays a phone conversation where Joe Mantelli threatens to sue the newspaper for libel due to George's defamatory articles. This confrontation underscores the dangerous stakes involved in George's reporting.

Notable Quote:

• Irene Dunn (as Joe Mantelli): “Wouldn't you have read the papers? You see what that Harvey had today?” [13:32]

6. The Framing Plot: Attempting to Trap Mantelli

George and Irene devise a plan to frame Mantelli by manipulating his suitcase with a secret compartment for diamond smuggling. They enlist Patience, the cook, to assist in the ruse, aiming to expose Mantelli's criminal activities.

Notable Quotes:

• George Harvey: “The way you prove a crook is a crook is to frame him.” [18:37]
• Fred McMurray: “Maybe we could get Patience to help us.” [19:07]

7. The Reveal: Charlie's Betrayal and Sabotage

In a twist, Susan discovers that Charlie Collins has been using plots from detective and gangster magazines to deceive George. It becomes evident that Charlie's intentions were not genuine, leading to George’s downfall as Charlie betrays him by exposing his reliance on fictitious information.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Armstrong: “It's all here, George. Latest issue of Action Gangster magazine. Old Charlie Collins has been reading these stories and telling them back to you.” [23:26]
• George Harvey: “I don't know. I guess it's just that danger attracts me.” [24:13]

8. Conclusion: Fallout and Resolution

The episode concludes with George realizing the extent of his betrayal by Charlie Collins. Susan confronts the repercussions of George's misguided trust, and both characters face the consequences of their actions. The narrative wraps up with a humorous nod from Irene Dunn, teasing future adventures.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Armstrong: “You keep out of this. There. Look at this. A false bottom in the suitcase.” [22:01]
• Irene Dunn: “Our stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be back in a moment.” [25:54]

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Episode Insights and Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The central theme revolves around George's misplaced trust in Charlie Collins, leading to his professional and personal downfall.
• Investigative Journalism: The episode highlights the perils and ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when exposing powerful criminals.
• Comedy Amidst Tension: Despite the serious undertones, the interactions between Susan and George infuse humor, maintaining the show's light-hearted essence.

Conclusion

"George The Informer" masterfully blends suspense, comedy, and drama, showcasing the intricate dance between investigation and personal relationships. Through sharp dialogues and well-timed plot twists, the episode captivates listeners, offering both entertainment and a reflection on the challenges of uncovering the truth.

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Enjoyed this summary? Tune into Harold's Old Time Radio for more nostalgic adventures from the Golden Age of Radio!

Transcript

[Irene Dunn]

The Irene Dunn, Fred McMurray Show. Starring Irene Dunn as Susan and Fred McMurray as George together in the gay, new exciting comedy adventure Bright Star. The irene Dunn Fred McMurray Show. The gay, exciting, romantic adventures that take place around the Hillsdale Morning Star. Yes, things are happening at the Star, and as usual, they concern Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray as Susan Armstrong and George Harvey, respectively. And it must be exciting because. Well, let's listen. History Hickstree, read all about it. George Harvey tells more on Joe Mantelli Expose Inside story on racetrack racket. Get your Morning Star here. Mentelli blasted as number one racketeer in the state. Read all about it. Inside information on Mentelli. Get your Morning Star here. Hamstring.

[Susan Armstrong]

Here's a Press Run report, Ms. Armstrong. Gee, we went up 1,500 yesterday. Yes, I know. That's pretty good, huh? Maybe. Boy, those articles Mr. Harvey's writing on Joe Mantellier, well, they're selling like hotcakes. Sammy, you want to be a newspaper man yourself someday? Sure. Then try to avoid such old cliches as selling like hotcakes. Well, gee, Ms. Armstrong, I don't know any new cliches. All cliches are bad style, Sammy. It's not a good habit to get into. Okay, Ms. Armstrong, all I want to do is follow in Mr. Harvey's footsteps. That's another cliche. Don't you see how trite and old fashioned they sound? Well, maybe you're right. Well, to me it's six of one and a half a dozen of the other. Oh, gee, Miss Armstrong, you must be a mind reader. Well, go and ask Mr. Harvey to come in here, will you? Well, you see, he. Well, he must have gone down to the press room. You mean he hasn't come in yet? Well, Sammy, why do you always try to cover up for Mr. Harvey? Oh, I just hate to see him get fired. Yes, he's a wonderful reporter, isn't he? Oh, it isn't that. He usually owes me anywhere from two to eight bucks and I gotta protect my interest. All right, Sammy, send him in as soon as he gets here. Yes, ma'. Am.

[Fred McMurray]

Good morning. You little monster.

[Susan Armstrong]

See, Mr. Harvey, I never know whether you really hate me or you're just.

[Fred McMurray]

Sammy, I'm as puzzled about it as you are. I admire you as a man, but I loathe you as a creditor.

[Susan Armstrong]

The boss wants to see you right away.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, that hardly merits such an extremely grave tone. Two more Mantelli articles and the whole world will want to see me.

[Susan Armstrong]

Aren't you going to see what she wants?

[Fred McMurray]

I might if I feel like it. And on the other hand, I might not.

[Susan Armstrong]

Then why you heading straight for our office?

[Fred McMurray]

Okay, Sammy, you cleared it all up for me. I hate.

[Susan Armstrong]

This is a fine hour to be getting in.

[Fred McMurray]

That's what I love about the newspaper game, the directness. No good morning? No how do you feel? No greetings of any kind. Just bang right out with a complaint.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good morning.

[Fred McMurray]

Good morning.

[Susan Armstrong]

This is a fine hour to be getting in.

[Fred McMurray]

I never win, and I've given up hoping to. But once in a while, I would like to run a respectable second. Hey, what's this? Print run went up 1500 yesterday. Pretty good, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wish you wouldn't read the things on my desk.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay, but you know what's selling those extra pages, don't you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, I know. Your articles on Mentelli. Well, George, I'm worried about them.

[Fred McMurray]

Worried about them? Here we're setting the town, in fact, the whole state, right on its ear with facts and figures on the Mentelli mob, and you're worried about it? Yes.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, that's just it, George. The facts and the figures are too pat. They're too accurate. You couldn't possibly get this information from anybody except a member of Mantelli's own staff.

[Fred McMurray]

So what, George?

[Susan Armstrong]

Who's your source of information?

[Fred McMurray]

You know I won't tell you that.

[Susan Armstrong]

Okay, then I'm going to have to stop running the article.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, now, Susan, have a heart. I've got a real chance with that series. Mentelli's the real big shot of crime in this state, and I can prove it. Nope.

[Susan Armstrong]

I just can't take a chance on running any more of that stuff unless you're willing to prove it's accurate.

[Fred McMurray]

That's final?

[Susan Armstrong]

That's final.

[Fred McMurray]

Then I quit.

[Susan Armstrong]

Waiting for anything.

[Fred McMurray]

Why don't you ever bleed me?

[Susan Armstrong]

When I quit, I used to every week.

[Fred McMurray]

You still won't run the staffer?

[Susan Armstrong]

Nope. Not until I'm convinced.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, then I guess you've got to meet Charlie Collins.

[Susan Armstrong]

Charlie Collins?

[Fred McMurray]

He's my source. I ran into him one day and, well, I was sitting at a soda fountain.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, this is supposed to be convincing?

[Fred McMurray]

Okay, so I was at Clancy, sitting in a booth, when this little nervous kind of guy sort of eases up to the table. He sits down opposite me and.

[George Harvey]

Mr. Harvey. Yeah? I'm ready to talk.

[Fred McMurray]

Ready to talk.

[George Harvey]

You are George Harvey of the Star, aren't you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yeah.

[George Harvey]

Okay, I'm ready to talk.

[Fred McMurray]

Look, my friend, I don't feel like talking? If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.

[George Harvey]

You don't get it. I don't mean just talk. I'm ready to spill.

[Fred McMurray]

What have you got to spill?

[George Harvey]

You've heard of Joe Mentelli, haven't you?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Yeah, of course.

[George Harvey]

I work for him. I'm in the mob. Oh?

[Fred McMurray]

What's the angle?

[George Harvey]

I want to go straight. I figure if you do one of them exposes on Mentelli, that'll take care of him.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay, start talking.

[George Harvey]

Racetracks, Racetracks, racetracks.

[Fred McMurray]

That's how I got the dope for the first article.

[Susan Armstrong]

What does that prove? Collins could be making the whole thing up.

[Fred McMurray]

Sure he could. But be reasonable. Why would he?

[Susan Armstrong]

I don't know.

[Fred McMurray]

He'd be sticking his neck out a mile.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'd like to meet your Charlie Collins.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, he certainly won't come here. Mentelli's smart enough to have this place watched.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, why don't you bring him out to the house? Or you come out for dinner and then have him meet you there.

[Fred McMurray]

Of all the unreasonable, suspicious females.

[Susan Armstrong]

Now, is it unreasonable to ask you for dinner?

[Fred McMurray]

Okay. I'll try to contact Collins and get him out there.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good.

[Fred McMurray]

And thanks for the invitation.

[Susan Armstrong]

You're welcome. George?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah?

[Susan Armstrong]

Why did you want to be alone in Clancy's?

[Fred McMurray]

I wanted to think.

[Susan Armstrong]

Just to think or. Or to think of someone.

[Fred McMurray]

As a matter of fact, I was thinking of someone.

[Susan Armstrong]

Who?

[Fred McMurray]

I was thinking about Richard Harding Davis. He was a great man and a great reporter. You know, some of that stuff of his is. Susan. What's the matter? You're not listening.

[Susan Armstrong]

See you at dinner, George.

[Fred McMurray]

I don't get it. You ask a question, I tell you the answer. Then you're angry.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm not angry, George, just a little hurt.

[Fred McMurray]

Just so. That's where Sammy gets those cliches.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why, you.

[Fred McMurray]

Susan, you could kill a man throwing a paperweight like that at him.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, go. So you got him coming out to dinner again. Well, this is partly business. Patience business. You lay more traps for that man.

[George Harvey]

Than Daniel Boone on a busy day.

[Susan Armstrong]

Somehow he always eases out of them. It's because you fight with him too much. Did you ever try faintin'? Fainting? Woman I once used to cook for.

[George Harvey]

Was trying to catch a certain fellow.

[Susan Armstrong]

And every time an argument started, she'd go into a faint. Did it work? No. But by the end of an evening, she was certainly well rested. I'll get it. He's never late when you ask him for dinner, is he? Hello, George.

[George Harvey]

Hi.

[Fred McMurray]

Collins will be here any minute.

[Susan Armstrong]

Collins?

[Fred McMurray]

Charlie Collins. My source on the Mantelli stuff. That's why I'm out here, isn't it?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, Charlie Collins.

[Fred McMurray]

What other Collins do you know?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George, now, let's not argue. I feel a trifle faint.

[Fred McMurray]

You faint? That's a laugh. You're as strong as a horse.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, so much for that. No, nothing. Go and sit down, George. Dinner. Be ready soon.

[Fred McMurray]

That was an awkward kind of thing to say. You know, about you being as strong as a horse. I. I didn't exactly mean it the way it sounded.

[Susan Armstrong]

Quite all right.

[Fred McMurray]

No, no, it's just that, well, I see you around the office all day, and I forget what a charming, lovely gal you really are.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, George, what a nice thing to say.

[Fred McMurray]

Then I see you out here looking like an illustration in one of those slick paper magazines. Yes, and I forget what a stubborn, quarrelsome dame you can be around the office.

[Susan Armstrong]

I give up. Let's fight.

[Fred McMurray]

What's the matter now? I thought I was paying you a compliment.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, never mind. George.

[George Harvey]

Hmm?

[Susan Armstrong]

Somebody's raising that window behind you.

[Fred McMurray]

No, it's probably Charlie. He's foxy, never uses the door. Come on in, Charlie. Right on time. Charlie, this is Miss Armstrong, the owner of the paper.

[Susan Armstrong]

How do you do, Mr. Collins?

[George Harvey]

How do?

[Fred McMurray]

Miss Armstrong wanted to talk to you herself, because that stuff we've been running is pretty strong.

[George Harvey]

Okay.

[Susan Armstrong]

I wondered why you've been giving Mr. Harvey this information.

[George Harvey]

Because when the time is right, when we busted up the mob and wiped them out, the chief is going to publish the name of the man who helped him.

[Susan Armstrong]

The chief. Well, George, am I learning for the first time that in your youth you were a papoose?

[Fred McMurray]

Well, Charlie sort of got in the habit of calling me Chief. It's just an expression.

[George Harvey]

And I'm number seven.

[Susan Armstrong]

Number seven? But there are only two of you.

[George Harvey]

In an operation like this, you always use numbers instead of names. Oh, Chief, I got news. Big news.

[Fred McMurray]

What's happening, Charlie?

[George Harvey]

Pittsburgh.

[Fred McMurray]

Pittsburgh?

[George Harvey]

Pittsburgh. Chief, Joe Mantelli is planning to take over Pittsburgh.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I know the answer to that. Yes.

[Fred McMurray]

Susan, please.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right, I'll be quiet.

[Fred McMurray]

Are you sure of that, Charlie?

[George Harvey]

The plans are almost set. I'll give you the full details as soon as I get them.

[Fred McMurray]

Right.

[George Harvey]

I better be going now. Mintelli is keeping a close watch on everybody.

[Fred McMurray]

Good work, Charlie.

[George Harvey]

Thanks, Chief.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, Number seven.

[George Harvey]

Yeah.

[Susan Armstrong]

Don't slam the window on the way out.

[George Harvey]

Okay.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, what have you got to say now, George?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm still worried.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, you asked to meet the man. I had him come out here. What more can I do? Get Mentelli to dictate the story.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, of course not. But I just hate to run a sensational series on the word of a man like that.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, you don't get crime material from society people, you know.

[Susan Armstrong]

I know, but. Oh, I just wish you'd consider dropping the series.

[Fred McMurray]

Drop the series. That does it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Now, don't quit before dinner. Patience has cooked something that you like.

[Fred McMurray]

Very funny. And goodbye.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah?

[Susan Armstrong]

Just because Mr. Collins left by the window. You don't have to leave by the window.

[Fred McMurray]

I. I guess I got excited.

[Susan Armstrong]

Ah, please stay. I'm asking it as a favor.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, why is it I can't say so? Are you?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wish I knew. I'd use it more often. Mrs. Gilhooly. Prices are terrible. Oh, they are, Mrs. Herity, they are. And where will it end? Oh, I don't know. I'm sure tis the economic stabilization will do for us all. Oh, good evening, Mr. Collins.

[George Harvey]

Good evening, Mrs. Herity. Any messages for me?

[Susan Armstrong]

None tonight, thank you.

[George Harvey]

Good night, lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good night. Good night, Mr. Collins. If only all the other boarders were like him. He's a pleasant spoken man. Indeed. And never a bit of trouble. Though lately he's been acting odd. Odd? Yes. How? Oh, you know, he's always subscribed to every one of them detective story and gangster magazines. Yes, he gives them to me, Timmy, after he's through with them. Well, yesterday morning I was cleaning the hall outside his room and I heard him reading one of them gangster stories out loud. And then, well, a little later, I heard him telling the same story over again with a few changes in it, just as if he was practicing telling it to someone else. Why would the man be doing that? Do you think he could be planning to turn into a writer, maybe?

[Irene Dunn]

No.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why would Mr. Collins want to turn into a writer? And him with his fine job as head cashier for the transit company these 20 years don't sound very like it.

[George Harvey]

Just remember of this, boys, I'm in. I'm taking over. Reach for that rod, Rocky, and it's.

[Fred McMurray]

The last move you'll ever make.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, saints preservers. What's that? Oh, just Mr. Collins rating to himself. The new Cry magazine came today. Will you have another cook, Mrs. Gilhooly? I don't mind if I do, Mrs. Harbor.

[Irene Dunn]

Now back to our two stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray, and the second act of our story. Well, it's only natural that all those newspaper stories George has been writing About Big Joe Mentelli should have repercussions. And right now, Joe seems to be taking some action.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello?

[Irene Dunn]

Hello, Harcourt. What's the sense of you having a private wire if you let it ring that long? Who is it? Joe Mantelli. You cheesy lawyers get enough money from me every year, you should recognize my voice.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, good morning, Joe.

[Irene Dunn]

Did you read the papers? You see what that Harvey had today?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah.

[Irene Dunn]

Well, what you gonna do about it? What do you want me to do about it? Sit down on the curbstone and have a nice cry. You're a lawyer. You know what to do. Ain't a word of truth in what Harvey's writing. Sue him for libel. If you do that, they'll put you on the witness stand, Joe. So they'll put me on the stand. What of it? I'm a respectable businessman now, likely to ask you about those horse wires. All right, horse wires is illegal, but they ain't a real crime.

[Fred McMurray]

What about the warehouse deal?

[Irene Dunn]

How can they ask me about that Texas setup? Or dad?

[Fred McMurray]

And how about the.

[Irene Dunn]

But those are just sidelines.

[Fred McMurray]

I can ask about them.

[Irene Dunn]

Well, all I gotta say is it's a fine state of affairs when a guy like Harvey can print them things about a respectable businessman and get away with it. And don't you send me no bill for that kind of advice.

[George Harvey]

Justice.

[Irene Dunn]

When you don't want it, they stuff it down your throat. When you do want to try and get it. Yeah? Who?

[Fred McMurray]

What?

[Irene Dunn]

Send her in.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli?

[Irene Dunn]

Yeah. So you're Miss Armstrong, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes.

[Irene Dunn]

I was just getting ready to sue you for libel.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, were you? Well, then perhaps it's a good thing I'm here.

[Irene Dunn]

You gonna print a retraction?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I can hardly do that.

[Irene Dunn]

Then I'll sue.

[Susan Armstrong]

On the whole, I rather doubt that you will.

[Irene Dunn]

What makes you think that?

[Susan Armstrong]

But if you were going to sue, you'd have started already.

[Irene Dunn]

Got it all figured out, haven't you?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm trying to just.

[Irene Dunn]

Why'd you come here?

[Susan Armstrong]

I wanted to make up my mind about something. The best way to do that seemed to be to come and have a talk with you.

[Irene Dunn]

You got your doubts about that stuff Harvey's been writing, huh?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, I have.

[Irene Dunn]

Well, there ain't a word of truth in it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Are you willing to prove that?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, if you do, the articles will stop immediately.

[Irene Dunn]

I can't quite figure out how to go about proving it to you. But I could show you the books. But anybody can make up a set of books.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, that's true.

[Irene Dunn]

I Guess the best way is if you got the time for you to stick around and watch me conduct my business.

[Susan Armstrong]

Just what is your business?

[Irene Dunn]

Oh, investments of different kinds of.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. As a matter of fact, while I'm here, I might do a straight article on you myself. It might make up for the others we ran.

[Irene Dunn]

Hey, that's a good idea. You're pretty smart, little lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Irene Dunn]

You know, with someone like you that tell me the right forks to use and stuff like that, there's no telling where I might wind up. Yeah. First ex mobster ever to become president. It's not so impossible. He's called the chief executive, ain't he? So what's an executive? A fellow who people does what he tells them. Well, people do what I tell them.

[Susan Armstrong]

Hey, Mr. Harvey, how about letting me have a little on account, huh?

[Fred McMurray]

Out of my way, junior.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, gee, what are you so sore about? Hello, George.

[Fred McMurray]

Why isn't my Mantelli article in today's paper?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, George, don't get angry.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm not getting angry. I am angry. Why wasn't my stuff in?

[Susan Armstrong]

Because I told them to hold it.

[Fred McMurray]

You told them to hold it?

[Susan Armstrong]

Why? Well, we just might be on the wrong track.

[Fred McMurray]

I thought we'd settled that last night.

[Susan Armstrong]

Listen, I went to see Mr. Mantelli this morning.

[Fred McMurray]

You went to see him?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, and as nearly as I can tell, he's conducting a legitimate business.

[Fred McMurray]

Ah, women.

[Susan Armstrong]

I know it's a disappointment to you, but we've got to be more certain of our ground before we go on with this series.

[Fred McMurray]

That's a woman. Every time you go to see him, he flashes you a big smile, pays you a couple of phony compliments, and you're ready to believe anything.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. I started to do a straight article on Mentelli, but he's leaving for Mexico on business. He invited me to go along, all expenses paid. I said I couldn't.

[Fred McMurray]

Very nice offer, though.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli said he can tell the difference between a dame what's a lady and a dame what's a dame?

[Fred McMurray]

How do you make out?

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm going and I'm going to do a whole series on him.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, Susan, you can't be seen around with a man like that.

[Susan Armstrong]

Can't I? Just you watch me.

[George Harvey]

Hi, chief. I got some big news for you.

[Fred McMurray]

And I've got some big news for you. Miss Armstrong went to see Mentelli this morning. How come you didn't know about it?

[George Harvey]

She went to. To see Mantelli?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes. Why didn't you know It?

[George Harvey]

Why, I knew it as soon as I. Soon as I heard of it, I. I figured I'd better stay out of the way. Why? Why, if she'd give one flicker of recognition, we'd both have been rubbed out.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, you've got a point there.

[George Harvey]

But listen, chief, this new angle, it's about the dance halls that are being.

[Fred McMurray]

Never mind the new angle, and don't call me chief. Oh, gee, Chief, he's got to convince that he's legit. She's even going to cover a business trip of his.

[George Harvey]

Then we just got to prove to her that he's still in the rackets.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, but how?

[George Harvey]

The way you prove a crook is a crook is to frame him. Everybody knows that.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, Charlie, don't try to be funny.

[George Harvey]

I'm not. Where's he going?

[Fred McMurray]

Mexico.

[George Harvey]

Well, look, suppose he was going to smuggle back a load of diamonds. Suppose he was going to smuggle them back in a secret compartment in her bag.

[Irene Dunn]

Oh, great.

[Fred McMurray]

All we have to do is get Mentelli to put a secret compartment in her suitcase and. Oh, you. You mean we do it right? It might work at that. Let's see. Maybe we could get Patience to help us.

[George Harvey]

Do you think she would?

[Fred McMurray]

She might, if I eat enough lemon pie.

[George Harvey]

Lemon pie?

[Fred McMurray]

Patience is one of the best cooks in the world, but the one thing she's proudest of is her lemon pies, and they're terrible.

[George Harvey]

Maybe you better see her alone.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, no, you don't, little man. We're in this together.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, it seems kind of crazy to me, but if this Joe Mantelli is what you say he is, I guess I'd better help you keep Miss Susan home.

[Fred McMurray]

You're sure you've got this straight? Now, Patience, tomorrow morning, you send her bag over to his place. If she asks you about it, tell her he sent for it.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why would he do that?

[George Harvey]

To make sure it would get to the airport in time.

[Irene Dunn]

Yeah, well, okay.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, say, Patience, this is mighty tasty pie.

[George Harvey]

Charius, if there's anything I love, it's a good piece of custard pie.

[Fred McMurray]

It's lemon.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, that's what I meant to say. Lemon.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, we'll take the suitcase, fix it up and get it back to you this afternoon in time for you to pack it.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right.

[Fred McMurray]

We'll be back at four.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good. And by the way, just in case you think I'm doing this because you praised my pie, it was custard.

[Irene Dunn]

How much time we got? 12 minutes. Where's the dame? Don't worry. A Classy little lady like that never stands anybody up. Look. See? What'd they tell you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Hello, Mr. Mantelli. Afraid I'd miss the plane?

[Irene Dunn]

Ah, not me. Dutch was a little nervous. This is Dutch Krause, Miss Armstrong. Dutch is kind of a assistant of mine.

[Susan Armstrong]

How do you do, Mr. Krause?

[George Harvey]

Likewise.

[Irene Dunn]

We can go on board the plane now if you want to.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I'd rather wait here a few more minutes.

[Irene Dunn]

Expecting anybody to see you off?

[Susan Armstrong]

No, I guess not.

[Irene Dunn]

Well, okay with me. It's as easy waiting here as anyplace else.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Irene Dunn]

Dutch, you better get the baggage weighed in, put on the plane. Right.

[Fred McMurray]

Just a minute there. I want to take a look at those bags.

[Susan Armstrong]

George.

[Irene Dunn]

Who's this guy?

[Fred McMurray]

I'm George Harvey.

[Irene Dunn]

Oh, so you're the guy who's been riding that stuff.

[Fred McMurray]

That's right. Mantelli, Miss Armstrong isn't getting on that plane.

[Irene Dunn]

I don't know that you've got anything to say about it, bud. It's up to the little lady.

[Fred McMurray]

Susan, this guy is exactly what he always has been.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, now, if this is some more information from your precious number seven, I'm not interested.

[Fred McMurray]

He's even planning to use you, and I can prove it.

[Irene Dunn]

Well, that's kind of interesting. Just how you gonna do that?

[Fred McMurray]

He may have told you he's going to Mexico on business. But do you know what that business is? It's diamond smuggling.

[Irene Dunn]

People certainly know things about me that I never heard of myself.

[Fred McMurray]

And he's planning to use you, Susan.

[Susan Armstrong]

Look.

[Irene Dunn]

Hey, what are you doing with that bag?

[Fred McMurray]

You keep out of this. There. Look at this. A false bottom in the suitcase. That's where the stones were going to be brought back. And if anything went wrong, you'd be the one to be caught.

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Mantelli, how about this?

[Irene Dunn]

Listen, little lady, I never argue. If you want to believe that, you go ahead and believe it.

[Fred McMurray]

It's right here for her to see, isn't it, buster?

[Irene Dunn]

I said I. Don't argue. The way I happen to feel about you, if I ever got started, I couldn't stop.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, anytime you're ready, let me know.

[Irene Dunn]

I will.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, Susan?

[Susan Armstrong]

No explanation, Mr. Mantelli.

[Irene Dunn]

None.

[Susan Armstrong]

That's that, then. Well, you'd better take me home, George.

[Fred McMurray]

Tough luck, Joe.

[Irene Dunn]

Some you win, some you lose.

[Fred McMurray]

I wonder how that secret compartment got there.

[Irene Dunn]

That beats me. I wasn't planning to smuggle no diamonds in her suitcase. I was going to use a hat box.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, the modern age is certainly on us. If you got to Mexico and back.

[Fred McMurray]

In that time, she didn't leave.

[George Harvey]

Gee, Chief, you got her. That's great. They can't beat old Charlie Collins.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, you think so, do you? Pittsburgh, huh? Pittsburgh, slot machines, race wires.

[Fred McMurray]

What are you talking about, Susan?

[Susan Armstrong]

It's all here, George. Latest issue of Action Gangster magazine. Old Charlie Collins has been reading these stories and telling them back to you. Young Mr. Harvey, he's been.

[Fred McMurray]

Charlie, Charlie. Is that what you've been doing?

[George Harvey]

Chief, I.

[Susan Armstrong]

And the issue before this had the story you gave us on crooked roulette. Chief, I.

[George Harvey]

There's no use. I did it. Well, I guess this is goodbye, Chief.

[Fred McMurray]

Charlie, how could you do a thing like that to me?

[George Harvey]

I don't know. I guess it's just that danger attracts me. Boy, when we'd sit there and figure what Mentelli was gonna do next and how we'd expose him.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, that was real thrilling, chief. Good grief. And you can stop calling me chief. Well, Chief, I'll be going.

[George Harvey]

Miss Armstrong, can I ask one last favor?

[Susan Armstrong]

What is it?

[George Harvey]

This is the last time I'll be.

[Fred McMurray]

Here, so do you mind if I leave by the window?

[Susan Armstrong]

Okay. Number seven.

[Fred McMurray]

Thanks.

[Irene Dunn]

Our stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be back in a moment.

[Fred McMurray]

Susan, there's something I've been wondering about. How did you happen to find out about Charlie Collins? You don't normally read things like Action Gangster magazine.

[Susan Armstrong]

No, but I ran across this whole stack of them the day I went to Mantelli's office.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, I don't get it.

[Susan Armstrong]

They were in his desk drawer, right next to his gun.

[Fred McMurray]

Why would Mantelli read things like this?

[Susan Armstrong]

I don't know. I guess it reminds him of home. Oh, don't touch that issue, George. I go off.

[Fred McMurray]

You mean you took the gun, too?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, of course, George.

[Fred McMurray]

Why?

[Susan Armstrong]

Because it seemed that sensible thing to do.

[Irene Dunn]

Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be back next week in another exciting comedy adventure in the gay new series, Bright Star. This is Harry Von Zel inviting you to join us. Then.

[Susan Armstrong]

Sam.