Casey Crime Photographer 48-11-25 26 4 Holiday

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Casey, Crime Photographer – “Holiday” (Casey Crime Photographer 48-11-25)

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: “Holiday”
Original Broadcast: November 25, 1948
Podcast Air Date: November 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

This classic radio drama episode features ace photographer Casey and his companions as they navigate a tense Thanksgiving holiday, intertwining themes of redemption, loyalty, and the ever-present shadow of crime. Set during Thanksgiving, the story revolves around Biff Connors—a reformed safecracker—who is drawn back toward crime by blackmail. Casey, determined to help his old friend without involving the police, concocts a daring plan to bring down a dangerous criminal while trying to keep Biff out of trouble. The episode balances suspense and humor with its signature 1940s charm.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Thanksgiving at the Blue Note (01:19–04:03)

• Setting the Scene: Casey and Annie Williams stroll past the Blue Note Cafe, discussing old acquaintances.
• Reunion: Casey recognizes Biff Connors, an ex-safecracker now supposedly reformed.
  • “Closer to four. … I heard some nice things about you, Biff. They tell me you’re married now, raising a family, got your own business, doing fine.” – Casey (01:41)
• Initial Suspicion: Annie immediately notices Biff’s nervousness.

2. Biff’s Dilemma (05:16–10:31)

• Biff’s Confession: Biff reveals he’s being blackmailed by criminals to crack a safe under threat to his family.
  • “A couple of guys come into my store with a proposition. … They told me I’d play along with them or else. Then this morning I found a loaded .45 caliber automatic under my candy counter.” – Biff Connors (06:14)
• Casey’s Advice: Casey insists on helping discreetly, refusing to involve the cops.
  • “Promise me you won’t say nothing to the cops, Casey.” – Biff (07:52)

3. The Criminal Plot Unfolds (10:48–15:32)

• Building the Conspiracy: Discussion of notorious figures Nick Reynolds and Monty Summers’ possible involvement.
• Theory: Annie and Casey surmise that the evidence Biff may be blackmailed to steal could incriminate one of the city’s most dangerous gangsters.
• Tension Grows: Biff calls Casey and admits he has agreed to do the job under duress.
  • “They said they’d get my wife and kid if I didn’t fall in line … I gotta do that job tonight at 12 or else.” – Biff (14:08)

4. Case Planning & Set-Up (15:47–21:09)

• Breaking Out of Tradition: Casey and Annie abandon Thanksgiving dinner plans to stake out Monty Summer’s house—where the safe is located.
  • “Monty Summers lives at 390 Riker Avenue. Come on, Annie, let’s go.” – Casey (15:55)
• Scheme Formation: Casey develops a clever plan inspired by Western movies. He prepares a steel cable as a modern-day “lasso” to halt the criminals’ getaway.

5. The Heist Night (21:07–24:03)

• Execution: The heist at the Riker Avenue house begins, with Casey and Annie watching from the shadows.
  • “Reynolds is carrying a briefcase… He’s going to drive.” – Annie Williams (22:54)
• Dramatic Sting: Casey creates a non-lethal trap: the getaway car is abruptly stopped by the hidden cable, sending the crooks through the windshield (22:45–23:53).
  • “What happened to the car? … Suddenly, the thing stopped like we hit a stone wall.” – Biff Connors (23:43)
• Resolution: The evidence is secured and the criminals incapacitated. Casey gives Biff an alibi and a chance to slip away.

6. Aftermath and Thanksgiving Reflections (25:29–28:30)

• Back at the Blue Note: Instead of their Ritz dinner, Casey and Annie eat cold turkey.
• Lighthearted Debrief: The team laughs about Casey’s Wild West solution and the day’s events.
  • “Imagine the horse was lassoed, not the rider. … That’s what happened to the crooks’ getaway car.” – Casey (26:19)
  • “You, Casey, are dead to rights.” – Annie Williams, as Casey is reminded of his unpaid tab (27:39)
• Theme of Gratitude: Annie appreciates their meaningful Thanksgiving, having accomplished something worthwhile, despite the missed tradition.
  • “Don’t you ever know when I’m kidding, Casey? I’ve had a swell day, a real day for Thanksgiving, because we accomplished something worthwhile.” – Annie Williams (25:51)

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Biff’s Desperation:
  “A gun was planted under that counter, Casey. Sometime during the night…I went to the North Bridge and I dropped it in the river.” – Biff Connors (06:40)
• Casey’s Loyalty:
  “Promise me you won’t say nothing to the cops, Casey. … You got it.” – Biff Connors and Casey (07:52–07:54)
• Humor in Adversity:
  “Casey, if you and I came back here at midnight and hid ourselves…we can cover them with a couple of guns … We’d only get ourselves shocked.” – Annie and Casey (19:39–19:51)
• The Wild West Solution:
  “He hooked one end of his cable to the axle of that car and the other end to a big tree.” – Annie Williams (26:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Meeting Biff and Introduction (01:19–05:16)
• Biff’s confession and criminal threat (05:16–10:31)
• Discussion and plotting against Nick Reynolds (10:48–15:32)
• Preparations and case planning (15:47–21:09)
• Heist and the trap (21:07–24:03)
• Aftermath and humorous wrap-up (25:29–28:30)

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Episode Tone & Style

The tone alternates between earnest drama (Biff’s peril, the criminal plot) and wry, light-hearted banter (Casey and Annie’s rapport, Ethelbert’s jokes about unpaid bills). The episode exemplifies Golden Age radio’s blend of suspense, morality, and offbeat humor.

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For listeners:
This adventure stands out as a heartwarming holiday episode with a clever twist, showcasing Casey’s ingenuity and integrity while reminding us that even on Thanksgiving, crime never truly takes a holiday.

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Transcript

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[Annie Williams]

The wave that gives that natural look is T O N I Tony.

[Casey]

Tony.

[Narrator]

Tony Home Permanent the wave that gives that natural look brings you. Crime photographer. Good evening everyone. This is Bill Cullen greeting you for Tony Home Permanent and inviting you to listen to another adventure of Casey, Crime photographer, ace cameraman who covers the crime news of a great city. Written by Alonzo Dean Cole. Our adventure for tonight holiday.

[Casey]

Thanksgiving Day, early afternoon.

[Narrator]

Among the crowd that strolls idly by the Blue Note Cafe is a slight, worried looking man who, unlike the other strollers, appear to be in a holiday mood.

[Biff Connors]

Biff.

[Narrator]

Biff Connors.

[Biff Connors]

Huh?

[Casey]

You remember me, fella? Casey, Morning Express.

[Biff Connors]

Sure, I remember you. Hey, Casey.

[Narrator]

Couldn't be better.

[Biff Connors]

Bip. I haven't seen you since.

[Casey]

Gosh, it must be three years.

[Biff Connors]

Closer to four.

[Casey]

I guess it is. Ms. Williams, let me introduce Mr. Connors.

[Annie Williams]

Hello, Mr. Connors.

[Biff Connors]

Nice to meet you, Ms. Williams.

[Casey]

Heard some nice things about you, Biff. They tell me you're married now, raising a family, got your own business, doing fine.

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, well, I gotta be running along. It's a nice scene, Casey. Been in to 30s. You miss Williams. So long.

[Narrator]

So long, Bev.

[Annie Williams]

That was short and sweet. Your friend could hardly contain his joy at meeting you.

[Casey]

Yeah.

[Annie Williams]

You look worried, Casey. I don't think his mind was really on you. Who is he?

[Casey]

Well, he used to be one of the cleverest safecrackers in the country.

[Annie Williams]

Safe cracker.

[Casey]

He knew more about safes and the people that make them. Well, he didn't keep him out of jail though. He served three stretches.

[Annie Williams]

You don't usually introduce needy or criminal associates.

[Casey]

Biff wasn't the usual kind of criminal, Annie. Since his last term in the big house. He's going absolutely straight too.

[Biff Connors]

I know that.

[Casey]

Yeah. I hope nothing's gone wrong with a guy.

[Annie Williams]

Oh, probably not. Here's the Blue Note.

[Casey]

Let me push open the door for you.

[Ethelbert]

Well, look who's here. Hi, pal.

[Annie Williams]

Good afternoon, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.

[Casey]

And to you in big red letters.

[Ethelbert]

Had you turkey and trimmings yet?

[Annie Williams]

No, we planned to go to a movie and then have dinner about 7 o' clock.

[Ethelbert]

You having it here?

[Biff Connors]

What?

[Casey]

Thanksgiving dinner in this joint? Oh, not a chance.

[Ethelbert]

What's the matter with this joint? The chef's putting out a $75 special today.

[Annie Williams]

J's taking me to the Ritz for dinner. And then we're going to a play.

[Casey]

Yep.

[Ethelbert]

Movies in the afternoon, the Ritz for dinner and then an evening show. Huh? You are having a holiday.

[Casey]

We're not going to waste any of.

[Narrator]

It hanging around here.

[Casey]

As much as we love you, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

Oh, Casey, it just came to my mind. As of November 1st, you owe us on your October bill.

[Casey]

Oh, well, it's all right. I just carry it over to December. I'm gonna need all the dough I've got on me today.

[Ethelbert]

I think you'll need all you got on you in December. I don't like the Dunn a pal, Casey, but I know you.

[Casey]

Oh, hello, Bibbs.

[Biff Connors]

Excuse me for butting in like this, Ms. Williams, but Casey, after I left you outside, I got to thank you.

[Casey]

We're glad to see you again, fella. How about having.

[Biff Connors]

No, no, no, thanks. I hope you'll excuse me, Ms. Williams. Casey, you finger asking too much. Well, you step outside with me while. So I can talk to you along.

[Casey]

Well, I. I'd appreciate it, Casey, a lot, sir.

[Annie Williams]

Go ahead, Casey. I'll wait for you here.

[Casey]

Oh, well, okay. Any thanks? Okay, Biff.

[Biff Connors]

Thanks a million.

[Casey]

You look awful worried, fella. What's this all about?

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[Annie Williams]

T O N I ton.

[Biff Connors]

Turn into the side street, Casey. It ain't too crowded. We can talk.

[Casey]

Okay.

[Biff Connors]

Ben, I. I wouldn't wish this on you, Casey. You ain't a guy who owes me anything. After I run into you by accident a while ago, I got to thinking that maybe it was one of them. Them signs. You see, I'd been praying. Well, you was always a regular in my book. And I got to Think that maybe you was the one guy in the world I could turn to.

[Casey]

Yeah. Well, what kind of help do you need? I'm not so heavy with dough. I had plans for the day.

[Biff Connors]

But if you've got to help. No, I don't want any money.

[Casey]

Oh, well, you're not in trouble then. Wait a minute. You in wrong with the cops again?

[Biff Connors]

Not yet.

[Casey]

Not yet.

[Biff Connors]

Casey. I've been 100% straight since I came out of stir last time I asked you to believe that.

[Casey]

I believe you, Beth.

[Biff Connors]

I. The wife and I built up a nice little business. We got a. We got a store uptown. Tobacco, candy, toys, stationery. Things were going along just swell until two weeks ago.

[Casey]

What happened then?

[Biff Connors]

A couple of guys come into my store with a proposition. They wanted me to crack a safe.

[Casey]

Yeah.

[Biff Connors]

They offered me 5,000 bucks to do the job.

[Casey]

Nice money.

[Biff Connors]

I told them where to go with it. A couple days later they come back. They raised their offer to ten grand. They drove them out of the place.

[Casey]

Gone.

[Biff Connors]

Well, that didn't get me nothing. He told me I'd play along with him or else. Then this morning I found a loaded.45 caliber automatic under my candy counter.

[Casey]

A gun?

[Biff Connors]

Yeah. I'm an ex con, Casey. A three time loser. You know what it'd mean for me if the cops found a gat in my possession?

[Casey]

You'd get the book?

[Biff Connors]

Sure. I'd be put away for Keats. The gun was planted under that counter, Casey. Sometime during the night I wrapped it up. I made an excuse to the wife that I had to come downtown and I went to the North Bridge and I dropped it in the river.

[Casey]

This gun was left where you'd be sure to find it.

[Biff Connors]

Yeah. It wasn't meant as a frame, just a. As a hint of what'll happen if I don't play ball.

[Casey]

Are the two guys been around to follow up their hint?

[Ethelbert]

I don't know.

[Biff Connors]

I ain't been back to the store since I left the bridge. I've just been walking around trying to think. Wife don't know anything about them guys in the proposition. I ain't told her and I can't tell her. She knows all about my record. You can figure how sketch you'd be.

[Casey]

And you haven't told the cops.

[Biff Connors]

Does a guy like me ever run to the cop?

[Casey]

Well, it'd be smart if you ran to him this time.

[Biff Connors]

No, no?

[Casey]

No.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Biff Connors]

In the first place, they wouldn't believe me. The next con, they figure I was trying to put something over. I can't Blame him, Casey.

[Casey]

Well, I can tell him.

[Biff Connors]

You gotta promise me you won't. Well, Biff, listen. Suppose they did believe me. What happens? They set a trap for the guys who propositioned me. Them guys got friends who'll know that the squeal that the cops acted on, had it come from me, my life wouldn't be worth a nickel.

[Casey]

Guess you got something.

[Biff Connors]

Promise me you won't say nothing to the cops, Casey. You got it.

[Casey]

What do you want me to do, Biff?

[Biff Connors]

I don't know. I just had to talk to somebody, that's all. A guy I knew was right. And I ain't got such a good head, Casey. I figured maybe. Maybe you could figure my way out.

[Casey]

Thanks for the compliment. Well, who are the guys that came to you with this proposition?

[Biff Connors]

I don't know. They didn't tell me their names.

[Casey]

Well, I get around a little. What do they look like?

[Biff Connors]

One was tall and skinny, had a long face and big yellow teeth. He kind of looks like a horse.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Biff Connors]

The other's a little dark guy, heavy set. Wait a minute.

[Casey]

The one you say looks like a horse, has he got a long scar on his neck?

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, like somebody done a shiv job on him.

[Casey]

Can't be two mugs who answer to that description. Scar, neck, horse face. Must be Jake Bannister. Head, strong arm. Goon for Nick Reynolds.

[Biff Connors]

Nick Reynolds?

[Casey]

Well, you must know who he is.

[Biff Connors]

Well, the name's familiar.

[Casey]

But you are out of touch with him. Rackets, kid. Nick Reynolds is the Mr. Big behind some of the dirtiest crooked work that goes on in his town. Body poses as a solid, respectable business guy. And the cops have never been able to nail him. Oh, wait a minute. Tell me more about the little heavy set mug. Well, he.

[Biff Connors]

He looks. He's got a cauliflower ear like a pug and he stinks of perfume.

[Casey]

Tony Chef, he's another of Reynolds guys. This is beginning to sound like hot stuff. I don't suppose they told you whose safe they want open, huh?

[Biff Connors]

No.

[Casey]

They tell you anything about it?

[Biff Connors]

Only there was a small house safe, a real tough one. That's why they needed an old hotshot like me.

[Casey]

And they offered you dough to crack it. 10 grand. They didn't say anything about giving you a share of what's in it.

[Biff Connors]

That's right. I got a notion there isn't any dough in a box to share, Casey. Just something that somebody wants and is willing to pay high for.

[Casey]

Think you can find out from those guys where the box is? Is the location of the house and who lives there?

[Biff Connors]

They won't tell me unless I say I'll play ball with them.

[Casey]

Yeah, that's right. They won't. Look, Biff, go back to your store. They ought to be paying you a visit there today after planting that gun. Try to learn all you can. And then. Well, I made other plans for this afternoon, but I'll, I'll stick around. The Blue Note. I'll write down the number of a phone booth there so we can talk in of front, private when you call.

[Biff Connors]

There.

[Casey]

Here it is.

[Biff Connors]

Thanks, Casey.

[Casey]

I got a dinner date for around seven that I can't break, fella. And then I'll be tied up for the rest of the evening. So if your guys don't show by seven, things are going to have to just ride a while, I guess. But in the meantime, I'll be running down a little tip I got on Nick Reynolds.

[Ethelbert]

A tip?

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, it's just a piece of gossip.

[Casey]

I didn't think much of until I heard your story. Now it may mean something. Well, so long, Biff. Take it easy now. And try not to worry, huh?

[Narrator]

I'll try.

[Biff Connors]

But you remember you promised me, Casey, you won't tell the cops.

[Casey]

Yeah, yeah, that's right. I won't tell the cops.

[Annie Williams]

And because your ex convict friend is so worried, Casey, you leave me sitting here in the Blue Note for most of the afternoon.

[Casey]

I, I, I phoned you. I'd be a little delayed.

[Annie Williams]

A little delayed? Look at the time. It's nearly 5 o'.

[Ethelbert]

Clock.

[Annie Williams]

You were taking me to the movies this afternoon, remember?

[Casey]

Please, kid, what's a movie when a guy's in a jam?

[Annie Williams]

Well, yeah, poor fellow is in a bad spot.

[Ethelbert]

He's in a terrible spot. From what Casey's told us, Ms. Williams. And I don't see what can be done about it without help from the cops.

[Casey]

And if they're brought into the picture, Ethelbert Biff would be killed for squealing. Nick Reynolds is behind this thing and he plays rough.

[Annie Williams]

Casey, you said you'd been following up a tip on Reynolds.

[Casey]

You know Monty Summers, Annie, of the Summers Detective Agency?

[Annie Williams]

Summers Blackmail Bureau would be a better name for his outfit.

[Casey]

Yeah, that's right. Well, Summers is a shakedown artist of the dirtiest kind. He's done a lot of work for Nick Reynolds, but he doesn't work for him anymore. There's been a bust up.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah, I heard that.

[Casey]

Well, my tip was that Summers pulled the old double cross and collected evidence against his boss Reynolds, enough to send him away for life. Now Reynolds Is supposed to be paying in plenty to keep that evidence under his hat.

[Annie Williams]

Well, that tip sounds like a phony. Reynolds wouldn't pay a blackmailer. He'd have him bumped off.

[Ethelbert]

Well, sure. Like you just said, Casey, Nick Reynolds plays rough.

[Casey]

Yeah, but he's too smart to play rough when he stands to lose by it. Though if Summers has the goods on Reynolds, it's in documentary form that won't be destroyed by his death. It's a cinch that Summers has convinced his old boss that the stuff will be made public if he's killed or if he disappears.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's so.

[Ethelbert]

But Casey, what's it got to do with your friend Beth Connors, Ethelbert, 2.

[Casey]

Of Nick Reynolds trusted hoods offer Biff a flat sum, not a share, to open a house safe, you mean? Well, it could be Monty Summers documentary evidence that Reynolds wants.

[Ethelbert]

I. Sure.

[Annie Williams]

And we could get it. Casey, what a story.

[Casey]

What a story with exclusive pictures too. It'd be worth missing an afternoon movie for, wouldn't it, kid?

[Ethelbert]

I'll say. And if the evidence got Nick Reynolds sent to jail, this town would be a much better place to live in. But how is this theory of yours gonna help Biff Connors, Casey?

[Biff Connors]

It doesn't.

[Casey]

It's a complication. Well, since Biff hasn't phoned, I guess Reynolds mugs didn't show up at his place. He's probably taking a holiday off.

[Annie Williams]

No, I'd like a little holiday myself and away from this place. I'm hungry, Casey. Let's start for the rest.

[Casey]

Well, it's not nearly 7:00 o'clock yet, Annie.

[Ethelbert]

I told the guy if he phones, I'll tell him you've gone to the Ritz, Casey. And a cold.

[Annie Williams]

Oh no, Ethelbert. I'm not gonna have my Thanksgiving dinner spoiled by phone calls for Casey.

[Ethelbert]

Well, you're so anxious to get out of the good old blue note, Ms. Williams, I thought.

[Annie Williams]

Well, you think again. After we leave here, you tell nobody.

[Casey]

Where to reach us.

[Annie Williams]

We're going to have the rest of this day to ourselves.

[Casey]

Yeah, you. You'll do as Ms. Williams says, pal. Really, nothing I can do for Biff tonight. And he's going to stall those guys anyway.

[Ethelbert]

Whatever you say, Casey.

[Casey]

Yeah, well, come on, Annie.

[Annie Williams]

At last we're going places.

[Casey]

Right. So long, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

So long. Oh, Mr. Kent.

[Casey]

Yes, Walter?

[Ethelbert]

Phone call for you in the booth, Mr. Connors.

[Narrator]

Excuse me.

[Annie Williams]

I might have known, Ethelbert. I might have known.

[Casey]

Hello, Casey? Speaking.

[Biff Connors]

This is Beth, Beth Connors.

[Casey]

Anything happen?

[Biff Connors]

Plenty. Them guys were here and I couldn't stall them like you told me, Casey.

[Casey]

Couldn't stall them?

[Biff Connors]

No, they said they'd get my wife and kid if I didn't fall in line. They weren't bluffing. I gotta do that job tonight at 12 or else.

[Casey]

12 tonight?

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, I promised him. I will and I have to. There's no way you or anybody else can help me now, pal. I just phoned cause I said I would and you wouldn't. Kept hanging around till 7 o', clock, that's all. That's all. Hey, wait a minute.

[Casey]

Don't hang up.

[Ethelbert]

No, you're talking.

[Casey]

Listen, Biff, Biff. After you promised those guys that you'd do their job, did they tell you where it's going to be?

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, but you know what you promised me, Casey? No cops.

[Casey]

You've got to trust me, fella. Now give me that address, will you?

[Biff Connors]

Okay. It's on Riker Avenue, number 393.

[Casey]

90 Riker?

[Biff Connors]

That's right.

[Casey]

Those two guys will go there with you at 12 tonight.

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[Biff Connors]

Yeah, and they'll be watching me every minute, Casey, with guns in their meds.

[Casey]

Well listen, stay in your store. I'll get in touch with you there by 10:30.

[Biff Connors]

You got some plan, Casey? You think there's a chance?

[Casey]

There's a swell chance, Fifth. There's every chance. Now stop worrying kid. You'll hear from me in a couple of hours.

[Biff Connors]

Hold on. I got faith in you, Casey. So long.

[Casey]

Faith in a liar? I can't figure any chance.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't tell me we're not heading for the Ritz and turkey dinner.

[Casey]

No, we're going out to look over Monty Summer's house right now.

[Annie Williams]

Oh, you mean Monty Summer's a black man?

[Casey]

I looked up his address this afternoon just in case. He lives at 390 Riker Avenue. Come on, Annie, let's go.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah. So long, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

So long. No Thanksgiving dinner for you two. Over the thing and through the woods the primitive house we go the horse knows the way to carry the stone Play through this something or other.

[Narrator]

Hi, Ethelbert. Say, wasn't that Casey and Ms. Williams? Just leaving the blue notes.

[Ethelbert]

Oh, hello, Mr. Cullen. Yeah, that was them.

[Narrator]

Well, they didn't speak to me.

[Ethelbert]

Well, they was going so fast. They must not have seen you.

[Casey]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Why the speed?

[Ethelbert]

Well, they're trying to stop a safe cracker from cracking a safe he don't want to crack.

[Narrator]

I don't quite follow you, Ethelbert, but I gather that crime does not take a holiday.

[Ethelbert]

No. In case he figured it would, he'd promised Ms. Williams Turkey and trimmings at the Ritz. That's where he made his mistake.

[Narrator]

Mistake? Why, I call that a pretty sound idea for Thanksgiving Day.

[Ethelbert]

Making a promise to a woman, Mr. Cullen, that's always a mistake.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, Ethelbert. Tony made a promise to millions of women and it's been a great thing for everybody. You see, not many years ago, no one ever dreamed women could give themselves satisfactory permanents for right at home. But Tony developed a gentle, cream cold wave that they knew would give wonderful results with all types of hair. So they made a promise and backed it up with a guarantee. They said Tony will give you a permanent that lasts just as long as a $15 beauty shop wave and is guaranteed to look more natural or your money back. And women were interested. They tried Tony and the promise came true. They found they can give themselves waves and curls. With Tony, they are so soft and shiny they look like naturally curly hair. So they told their friends. And what's happened?

[Ethelbert]

You asking me or is that a Reader Oracle question?

[Narrator]

I guess everybody knows the answer, Ethelbert. Now, more than a million women each month use Tony home permanent.

[Ethelbert]

More than a million? That's a lot of women.

[Narrator]

Yes. Each month another million women give themselves lovely Tony waves.

[Casey]

That the whale of a big house, Annie? Monty Summers lives.

[Annie Williams]

Well, now that we're looking at it, Casey, what are you gonna do?

[Casey]

And we've got to think as though we planned to crack a safe here ourselves.

[Annie Williams]

Be easiest to go in and out from the front.

[Casey]

See, I think I'd come here in a car. I'd park it under one of these trees. Not directly in front of the house, of course, but close enough for a quick getaway.

[Annie Williams]

Leave a lookout in it.

[Casey]

No, no, no, I wouldn't do that. A guy sitting in a parked car might attract attention, which I don't want. I'd post a lookout, but he won't be in the car, even near it most of the time.

[Annie Williams]

Well, now that that's decided, what do we do?

[Casey]

I don't know, kid. Trying to make us think that. I'm pretty sure that Nick Reynolds will come here himself with Biff and those rod men tonight. He trusts nobody but himself to take that evidence out of the safe. He wanted his own hands, take it away and examine it destroyed.

[Annie Williams]

Well, if there's a chance of getting him, we've got to get the cops in on this.

[Casey]

But they catch Biff opening the safe. In spite of everything that we could say in a guy's favor, the law says that fourth offenders go up for life. We've got to catch Reynolds with the goods and at the same time keep Biff out of it.

[Annie Williams]

It's a large order.

[Casey]

Sure is. I'm afraid it's too large, kid. I can't see any way to fill it.

[Annie Williams]

Casey, if you and I came back here at midnight and hid ourselves, when Reynolds and Biff Connors and the others come out, we can cover them with a couple of guns. We'll capture Reynolds and his gang and let Biff Connors get away.

[Casey]

Annie, can you really picture you and me in a gangster movie act like that? We'd only get ourselves shocked.

[Annie Williams]

I guess we're not the right type. Why aren't we? Like some of the characters we see in the movies, they solve everything so easily by just drawing their trusty automatics and going bang, bang, bang.

[Casey]

Wish we were.

[Annie Williams]

What am I, a woman or a mouse? In that western we saw last week, a gal my size captured a dozen tough cattle rustlers all by herself.

[Casey]

Well, her boyfriend was pretty good, too.

[Annie Williams]

Don't forget tall, dark and handsome in the fancy pants. Certainly a shock with a lariat, too.

[Casey]

He lassoed the character who tried to steal Grandpappy's beef ranch and yanked him off his pinto pony so hard I kind of got aching bones myself.

[Annie Williams]

It's so easy in the movies. Oh, well, line of thinking isn't getting us anywhere.

[Casey]

Wait a minute. Maybe it is, huh? Lasso. Man. Horse.

[Annie Williams]

Casey. What?

[Casey]

I've got an idea, Annie.

[Annie Williams]

You have?

[Casey]

Yeah. Come on, get in the car. I'll tell you about it while we're on our way to borrow something that I'll need. Then I'll get to Biff Connor and tell him honestly that he has a swell chance.

[Biff Connors]

I really got a chance, Casey.

[Casey]

Bet you have every chance.

[Biff Connors]

Tell me.

[Casey]

Nah, not yet. You tell me about the setup for the night as you got it from Reynolds Rodman.

[Biff Connors]

Want to meet him a couple of blocks from here. See? At 11 o' clock like I told you.

[Casey]

That's right.

[Biff Connors]

They'll be in a black sedan. They'll have the tools they'll need for the safe job. Then we drive right out to the Riker Avenue house. They say the guy owns the joint won't be there. That's why the Jeff's got to be done tonight. There's only a servant in the house and he's been fixed.

[Casey]

They don't look for any trouble then, huh?

[Biff Connors]

No. They claim it'll be a set.

[Casey]

They do for a surprise. You're the only one who's not headed for trouble, Casey. Tell me what. No, no. Unless you know about this whole thing, the better for you. But I want you to be sure to do three things.

[Biff Connors]

Yeah.

[Casey]

First, after you open the safe, don't let any of the guys with you destroy anything they take out of it. Act scared. Insist on getting out of the house right away.

[Biff Connors]

Okay. All right.

[Casey]

Now, second, when you reach the getaway car, get into the back seat.

[Biff Connors]

Backseat.

[Casey]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Third, take a grip on the front.

[Casey]

Seat and brace yourself. Brace yourself with all the muscle that you've got.

[Annie Williams]

They've been in that house over an hour, Casey.

[Casey]

Yeah. These summers safe must be really tough. Reynolds had to get an expert like Biff this job.

[Annie Williams]

You're sure it was Nick Reynolds that we saw go into the house?

[Casey]

Dead sure. He went in with fifth on horse base. Reynolds presence that we guessed right about his deep personal interest in that safe.

[Biff Connors]

Casey, that explosion from inside the house.

[Casey]

It means Biff has had to blow the safe.

[Annie Williams]

Well, then it's open now and he'll.

[Casey]

Soon be coming out.

[Biff Connors]

That's right.

[Annie Williams]

You're certain the lookout didn't see what you did a while ago?

[Casey]

No, no, of course he didn't. It was at the end of the block across the street while I was working in the dark.

[Annie Williams]

I hope the work you did works.

[Casey]

M. Trust old cowboy Casey and.

[Annie Williams]

Quiet.

[Biff Connors]

Quiet.

[Casey]

Keep back any shadows that are coming.

[Annie Williams]

From the house now, and fast. Reynolds is carrying a briefcase.

[Casey]

I see it. Look out. Set himself in the car. He's going to drive.

[Annie Williams]

Started the motor.

[Casey]

As soon as the others get in, I'll help him make a good fast getaway.

[Annie Williams]

If he doesn't start that car.

[Casey]

Leave that to me. The others are in the car now.

[Annie Williams]

Reynolds has taken the front seat beside the driver.

[Casey]

That's perfect.

[Annie Williams]

Now they're all in.

[Casey]

It's time for me to impersonate a copy. Here goes. Hey, you fellas in that car.

[Annie Williams]

You made the driver step on the gasket.

[Casey]

Damn hard. It won't be long now.

[Annie Williams]

That did it work, Casey. The scheme worked.

[Casey]

Couldn't fail. Come on, we got to get Smith out Of there?

[Annie Williams]

Yeah.

[Biff Connors]

Hope he braced himself good.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah, well, if he didn't. Oh, look, a man's calling from under the car.

[Casey]

Okay, fella.

[Biff Connors]

That's me. What happened to the car? There's nothing in front of us. There's nothing there now. Suddenly, the thing stopped like we hit a stone wall.

[Casey]

I see your three playmates went half through the windshield.

[Biff Connors]

Yeah, they're out cold.

[Ethelbert]

Casey.

[Biff Connors]

What?

[Casey]

Never mind. You haven't got time to ask any questions. Now, around that corner you'll find a black Ford coupe. Here's the key. Get in, drive home quick as you can. And if anybody ever asks, you say you've never been near Riker Avenue. Come on, Biff, get going, quick.

[Biff Connors]

Okay, pal, whatever you say. But I'd sure like to know what.

[Casey]

Happened to that car. See what the sleeping Mr. Reynolds has in his briefcase.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah, I want to see.

[Casey]

A lot of letters, canceled checks, photographs. All incriminating, I imagine. Now, Annie, we'll call the cops.

[Annie Williams]

And then, Casey, you think a gal may safely hope for a bite of dinner? For soft water shampooing, use Tony Cream Shampoo Even in the hardest water. Tony Cream Shampoo.

[Narrator]

Yes, even in the hardest water Tony Cream Shampoo gives soft water shampooing that rinses away dandruff instantly Leaves hair so soft, so smooth, so shining clean today bring out the sparkling beauty of your hair with soft water shampooing. Get the handy tube or jar of Tony Cream Shampoo.

[Casey]

It's new.

[Ethelbert]

I'm terribly so sorry we can't get you and Casey. Nothing better out of the kitchen than this cold turkey, Ms. Williams. But of course, the cooks left hours ago.

[Annie Williams]

Oh, I just love cold turkey, Ethelbert. And at this hour of the morning, so much nicer than the dinner I expected to have at the Riff.

[Casey]

Yeah, well, I'm awful sorry, Annie. I certainly gummed up your day, didn't I?

[Annie Williams]

Don't you ever know when I'm kidding, Casey? I've had a swell day, a real day for Thanksgiving, because we accomplished something worthwhile.

[Casey]

Your palate.

[Ethelbert]

Say, you ain't told me yet how you made that car stop like it had hit a stone wall.

[Casey]

You've seen a lot of Wild west movies, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

Sure.

[Annie Williams]

Well, then you've seen men pulled off running horses with lassos?

[Biff Connors]

Lots of times.

[Casey]

And a horse always kept on running. Yeah. Well, now imagine the horse was lassoed, not the rider.

[Ethelbert]

The horse had stopped dead and his.

[Annie Williams]

Rider would keep on going over its head.

[Casey]

That's what happened to the crooks getaway car.

[Ethelbert]

You lassoed that car, Casey.

[Biff Connors]

None of that.

[Narrator]

Mounted to that.

[Annie Williams]

Casey brought a very strong 150ft steel.

[Casey]

Cable out there e with a hook at both ends.

[Annie Williams]

In the darkness, he hooked one end of his cable to the axle of that car and the other end to a big tree.

[Casey]

And I made a noise like a cop to startle the driver into a good fast start.

[Annie Williams]

And when the cable paid out to its little.

[Ethelbert]

Oh, I get it.

[Casey]

Yeah.

[Biff Connors]

And.

[Ethelbert]

And the only reason Biff Connors wasn't not to the windshield like the others was cuz he braced himself. Like your phone. That's right.

[Casey]

Even he was a little dazed when he climbed out though.

[Annie Williams]

Anyway, Reynolds and his mob are all washed up thanks to the stuff in that briefcase. They can't hurt Biff Connors or anyone else.

[Ethelbert]

You two had quite a holiday?

[Annie Williams]

A grand one. Oh, have some more cold turkey, Casey.

[Casey]

Yeah, I think I will, Annie.

[Ethelbert]

And it didn't cost you anything. You saved money by not going to the movies, to the rich for dinner and to a play after.

[Casey]

Well, sure.

[Ethelbert]

That's right. Yeah, you can't need all the dough you got on you.

[Narrator]

Of course not.

[Ethelbert]

Huh. I hate the done a friend, Casey. But there's a little matter of that long overdue October bill and you got.

[Annie Williams]

You, Casey, are dead to rights.

[Casey]

Oh, if this isn't an ending for a grand day here, I've been roped in myself.

[Ethelbert]

Well, as my sister Edna says, quote, if you give a calf enough rope, he can't be led to w. No, no, you can lead a calf before he cross. I'll be darned if I don't forget it.

[Biff Connors]

Unquote.

[Casey]

Well, all right, pal.

[Narrator]

After that, here's what I owe you.

[Casey]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[Annie Williams]

Yeah, Happy Thanksgiving, Ethelbert.

[Ethelbert]

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[Narrator]

Crime Photographer starring star Scott's Cotsworth as Casey is directed by John Deetz. It's written by Alonzo Dean Cole and is based on the fictional character of Flash Gun Casey. Created by George Harmon Cox, original music by Archie Blier and The program features Ms. Jan Miner as Anne and John Gibson as Ethelbert. Herman Chittison is the Blue Note pianist. This is Bill Cullen asking you to listen again next week at this same time to another exciting adventure of crime photographer and also inviting you to listen to this is Nora Drake, radio's thrilling serial romance heard every Monday through Friday, 2:30pm New York time over most of these stations. Both of these programs brought to you each week by Tony Home Permanent, the wave that gives that natural look and the new Tony cream shampoo for soft water shampooing. Even in the hardest water. This is CBS, where 99 million people gather every week. The Columbia Broadcasting System.

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