Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio – “Bunco Squad: The Bookworm”

Episode Date: November 8, 2025
Original Airdate: April 15, 1950
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Show Featured: Bunco Squad (“The Bookworm”)

Episode Overview

This episode features a full dramatization of “The Bookworm” from the vintage radio crime series Bunco Squad. The story, based on true police records with names changed for anonymity, exposes a dangerous confidence scam targeting a trusting, retired couple. The Bunco Squad, specialized police investigators, reconstruct the crime to warn listeners of swindlers’ increasing sophistication and the devastating emotional and financial consequences their schemes inflict on victims. The episode ultimately offers a message of vigilance for listeners, while honoring the successful work of law enforcement in bringing con artists to justice.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to Bunco Artists and the “Case of the Bookworm”

• [03:08] Captain Frank Trumbull sets the scene, describing bunco (confidence) men as “the slickest, cleverest, most dangerous artist in the underworld.”
  • Memorable Quote: “Perhaps you haven't thought that bunco schemes can be dangerous. Well, then, listen.”
• The show is based on authentic police files, dramatizing how anyone can fall for an elaborate swindle.

2. The Victims: Wilbur and Jane King

• [03:50]–[04:51] The Kings are an honest, retired couple in St. Louis, described as “good, churchgoing folks.”
• The con begins innocuously at church when the Kings “accidentally” meet Charles and Irene Hollister, who claim to be new in town and mistake the Kings for someone else.
• An invitation to help the “lost” couple leads to a developing friendship and trust.

3. The Con Unfolds

• [05:47]–[07:32] The Hollisters skillfully ingratiate themselves:
  • They wine and dine the Kings, with Charles claiming to be a scientific writer working on a manuscript.
  • In a private moment, the Hollisters reveal their true intentions: Wilbur has $15,000, their target.
    • Quote (Irene): “A swell pitch this is gonna be… there’s a big pot of jam at the end of this rainbow. 15 grand worth.” [06:40]
• The con’s “hook” is set with a manufactured opportunity: Charles receives a fake telegram (“Advance order confirmed for 40,000 copies of his book for high schools”) and asks Wilbur to be a partner and invest $15,000 for half the profits.

4. Doubt and Treacherous Reassurance

• [11:13]–[14:28] Wilbur consults his lawyer, who is skeptical and phones “Mr. Sterling,” Hollister’s supposed literary agent, to verify the legitimacy.
  • The scam is meticulous: Sterling is a confederate, waiting to deliver a convincing confirmation.
  • Quote (Narrator): “The Hollisters were very wonderful people. And smart too. Smart enough to have their accomplice, Mr. Sterling, waiting in Jefferson City just on the chance that the Kings might call him.” [14:28]

5. The Victims Defrauded

• [15:26]–[16:22] Wilbur cashes in his savings for $15,000 and gives it to Hollister.
• The Hollisters disappear, and when the Kings can’t contact them, desperation sets in.
• Wilbur reports the crime, but is sent into a deep depression and attempts suicide.
  • Quote (Detective): “Wilbur King was in emergency hospital at death’s door...and attempted suicide the next day. Mrs. King went down to police headquarters and told her story.” [18:29]

6. Police Investigation

• [19:00]–[20:33] Mrs. King identifies the suspects. Detectives pursue leads:
  • The watch given by Hollister is traced—having a serial number and being bought in his real name.
  • The fraudulent book manuscript is exposed as an exact copy from a public library book.
  • Hollister, panicked by news of Wilbur’s suicide attempt, tries to break into a jewelry store to destroy the incriminating watch purchase record.

7. Sting and Capture

• [25:07]–[29:46] Detectives anticipate that Hollister may return for the watch. They set a trap by returning it to Mrs. King and staking out her home.
• Hollister and Irene attempt a final con to retrieve the watch, but police catch them trying to flee with the evidence:
  • Quote (Detection Scene): “Alright, get up those hands. I’ll just take that package out of the locker. If you look mine. Look, you’ve got nothing on us. I want an attorney. I know my rights.” [29:46]

8. Resolution and Real-World Warning

• [30:11]–[31:48] The narrator and St. Louis Chief of Police O’Connell explain:
  • The con criminals were convicted and sentenced; most of the Kings’ money was recovered, and Wilbur survived.
  • The scam reappeared in other cities.
  • Memorable Closing Quote (Captain Trumbull): “The Bunko artist is clever. The Bunko artist is vicious. The Bunko artist is dangerous. So be on your guard.” [31:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We open once again tonight the files of Bunko Squad... you will be guided through a case of bunco, step by step, as it actually happened, as it could happen to you.” (Narrator/Capt. Trumbull, [02:12])
• "A chance to make $60,000 on a $15,000 investment and at absolutely no risk. What would you do?" (Detective, [11:13])
• "But they were such nice people." (Mrs. King, expressing disbelief after the con, [19:16] and others)
• "We let them go on purpose. Lieutenant Scott is trailing them right now, right to wherever they've hidden your money." (Detective, [28:54])
• "The elements of tonight's case were true. Only the names were changed for the protection of innocent persons." (Narrator, [31:33])

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:08] – Introduction to the concept of bunco schemes.
• [04:51] – The “chance” meeting with the con artists.
• [06:40] – Hollisters privately discuss their plan to fleece Wilbur.
• [10:53] – The "investment opportunity" is presented.
• [14:28] – Lawyer's call to the fake agent.
• [16:03] – The Hollisters disappear; Wilbur’s despair builds.
• [18:29] – The scam’s tragic impact: Wilbur’s suicide attempt.
• [20:05]–[25:35] – Police investigation breaks the case, trap is set.
• [28:54] – Detectives let the con artists implicate themselves.
• [29:46] – Arrest and wrap-up.
• [31:33] – Chief of Police, and final warning to listeners.

Tone & Language

The dramatization is earnest, period-authentic, and moralistic, using formal but accessible language and classic radio serial tropes. The narration is direct, instructional, and filled with suspense and tension, while the character voices swing convincingly between affability (the con artists’ “nice people” facade) and calculation or panic (as the plot unravels).
The show strongly emphasizes public vigilance and the subtlety, persistence, and heartlessness of con artists—delivering an authentic sense of warning and social responsibility.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode vividly dramatizes a real-life bunco (confidence) scheme from the 1950s. Through evocative audio storytelling, listeners experience how ordinary people, entrapped by trust and charm, can fall prey to intricate frauds. The show serves as both an absorbing crime story and a cautionary tale, culminating in the successful work of police and a stern warning: “Be on your guard.” The production is a classic example of the Golden Age of Radio’s blend of entertainment and public service.