Deadline Mystery 1947-08-10 Apartment Racket

Summary

Podcast Summary: Deadline Mystery 1947-08-10 Apartment Racket

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Deadline Mystery 1947-08-10 Apartment Racket
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: April 11, 2025
• Description: This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with an engaging detective story featuring Lucky Larson as he unravels a complex apartment racket.

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Apartment Racket," listeners are introduced to Lucky Larson, a syndicated columnist who finds himself entangled in a web of intimidation and corruption within his apartment complex. As Larson delves deeper, he uncovers connections between his landlord, Joe Quinn, and a menacing gang enforcing a shakedown racket.

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Plot Summary

1. The Initial Disturbance ([00:40] - [03:16])

The episode begins with Lucky Larson managing his small apartment while Lucia, his companion, prepares pizza. Their peaceful evening is disrupted when Johnny Hines, a distressed tenant, arrives with a bloodied face. Johnny claims that Joe Quinn, their landlord, is terrorizing tenants to force them out. Despite Lucky's familiarity with Quinn, Johnny insists that Quinn has changed, employing tactics like turning off utilities to drive tenants away.

Notable Quote:

• Johnny Hines: "They've done all kinds of things. Like turning off the gas, stopping the water." ([03:16])

2. Confronting Joe Quinn ([04:05] - [08:07])

Skeptical yet concerned, Lucky contacts Joe Quinn to discuss the allegations. Quinn vehemently denies any wrongdoing, attributing Johnny's injury to a separate incident involving car theft. Doubt lingers as Johnny provides vague details about Quinn's operations, mentioning associates named Mike and Red. Lucky's suspicion grows, leading him to investigate further.

Notable Quote:

• Lucky Larson: "I don't believe it." ([03:24])

3. The Road to Eagle Point ([06:26] - [12:44])

Lucky confronts Quinn's apartment, resulting in a violent encounter where he narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. Disoriented and injured, he awakens in a car en route to Eagle Point. There, a plan is revealed to eliminate Lucky by pushing his car over a cliff. Lucky manages to thwart the attempt, but the danger remains palpable as he grapples with unanswered questions about Quinn's true motives.

Notable Quote:

• Lucky Larson: "I threw the car in gear, twist the wheel hard and step on the gas. Cliff jumps right up at me. I see I'm not gonna make it." ([06:26])

4. Unraveling the Conspiracy ([12:44] - [19:35])

Returning to Quinn's apartment, Lucky discovers Quinn wounded and coerced into revealing the extent of the gang's influence. Quinn admits being forced into compliance, revealing that the gang is systematically eliminating tenants and extorting other landlords. Determined to expose the racket, Lucky collaborates with Lt. Tom Burns, his old friend in the police force. Together, they identify fingerprints linking to a notorious hood named Frankie Rolls, escalating the investigation.

Notable Quote:

• Joe Quinn: "I'm gonna throw you out." ([12:46])

5. The Final Showdown ([19:35] - [26:21])

Lucky tracks down Frankie Rolls, leading to a tense confrontation where legal professional Lamson Holliday is revealed to be complicit in the racket. After a standoff and a brief gunfight, Lucky coerces Holliday into divulging the gang's operations. With critical information in hand, Lucky rescues Lucia and uncovers the whereabouts of Johnny and his mother. The episode culminates with a decisive move to dismantle the racket, ensuring justice prevails.

Notable Quote:

• Lucky Larson: "A respected lawyer like you should have had more respect for the law." ([25:22])

6. Resolution and Reflection ([26:05] - [30:19])

In the aftermath, Lucky summarizes the case, highlighting the dangers of unchecked rackets and the importance of community vigilance. The episode concludes with a newspaper-style column by Lucky Larson, emphasizing the need to report irregular activities to prevent small rackets from escalating into larger conflicts.

Notable Quote:

• Lucky Larson: "Little rackets turn into big rackets and big rackets turn into wars. So be smart. Call a cop while they're still small." ([26:21])

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Johnny Hines: "They've done all kinds of things. Like turning off the gas, stopping the water." ([03:16])
• Lucky Larson: "I don't believe it." ([03:24])
• Lucky Larson: "I threw the car in gear, twist the wheel hard and step on the gas. Cliff jumps right up at me. I see I'm not gonna make it." ([06:26])
• Joe Quinn: "I'm gonna throw you out." ([12:46])
• Lucky Larson: "A respected lawyer like you should have had more respect for the law." ([25:22])
• Lucky Larson: "Little rackets turn into big rackets and big rackets turn into wars. So be smart. Call a cop while they're still small." ([26:21])

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Conclusion

"Apartment Racket" masterfully weaves a classic detective narrative, showcasing Lucky Larson's relentless pursuit of truth amidst adversity. The episode highlights themes of corruption, the power of community action, and the importance of standing against unlawful intimidation. Through vivid storytelling and dynamic characters, listeners are immersed in a suspenseful tale that underscores the timeless battle between good and evil.

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Cast & Production Notes

• Starring:
  • Stephen Dunn as Lucky Larson
  • June Whitley as Lucia
  • Sam Edwards as Johnny Hines
  • Jack Crucian as Frankie Rolls
  • John Frank as Joe Quinn
  • Byron Cain as Lt. Tom Burns
• Directed by: Dave Titus
• Written by: Fred Howard, based on an original story by Robert Nepel
• Music: Composed and played by Len Salvo

Disclaimer: The events and characters depicted in this story are entirely fictional and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Lucky Larson]

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[Stephen Dunn]

From Hollywood, the Knox Company worldwide distributors of scientifically compounded pharmaceutical products, presents Stephen Dunn, star of Columbia Pictures in Deadline mystery.

[Lucky Larson]

Lucky Larson's the name columnist for over 250 newspapers syndicated all over the world. You know, even a newspaper man's gotta eat. Although to look at most of us, you never know. We do. It isn't the fact that we don't make enough money. It's because we never have the time. But I'm different. I'm a guy who takes his time. Right now, there's an awfully big mess cooking on the stove in my little apartment. And who's frying? Lucia. Classy little dame who followed me to Sicily a couple of months ago to kill me because. Well, because she thought I'd killed a guy who thought she loved. Brother, she can kill me with her pizza anytime. Pizza, that savory dish that tastes and smells of old Italy. Garlic, tomatoes, gooey dough and cheese. And of course, the sauce wine. Ripe and smackable.

[Lucia]

You want to taste it, Lucky?

[Lucky Larson]

Are you kidding, baby?

[Lucia]

There is it all right?

[Lucky Larson]

Just stick your finger in it, baby. It'll be perfect.

[Lucia]

Lucky, I love to cook for you. You like everything I make?

[Lucky Larson]

Oh, you give it such pretty trimmings.

[Lucia]

Oh, Lucky, you're sweet. Come here, Lucky. Pizza. It'll burn.

[Lucky Larson]

Forget it.

[Lucia]

Lucky. The doorbell.

[Lucky Larson]

Forget the doorbell.

[Stephen Dunn]

Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

You'd better go.

[Johnny Hines]

I think the doorbell starts.

[Lucky Larson]

Oh, okay. I open the. Open the door and run right into a story. There's a kid standing here. The blood running down his face, paints out his features. He could be anybody until I hear his voice.

[Johnny Hines]

Lucky. Mr. Larson, can I come in?

[Lucky Larson]

Johnny Hines, Why don't. Of course, kid. Come on in.

[Johnny Hines]

Thanks, Mr. Larson.

[Lucky Larson]

What happened, Johnny? You hit a truck?

[Johnny Hines]

No, I.

[Lucky Larson]

Look, don't try to talk right now. Come on, we'll go wash up.

[Lucia]

Who is it, Lucky?

[Lucky Larson]

Oh, the kid's hurt, honey. You want to give me a hand?

[Lucia]

Oh, well, that's awful.

[Johnny Hines]

What happened?

[Joe Quinn]

Who is he?

[Lucky Larson]

Like friend of mine. Kid I used to know. We lived in the same apartment. House once.

[Lucia]

Well, don't just stand there. Get some bandages. Get some iodine.

[Johnny Hines]

Get anything.

[Lucky Larson]

Lucia's soft touch does more for the kid than all the bandages in the world. What that girl can't do with a band aid. Johnny's patches even have trimmings. He can talk now.

[Lucia]

Come on, son. Tell us all about it.

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah. Who beat you up, Johnny, and why? They.

[Johnny Hines]

They beat me up because mom doesn't want to move.

[Lucky Larson]

You mean somebody's trying to chase you out of the place where you live now?

[Johnny Hines]

Yes, sir. Mr. Quinn's been trying to get us out for weeks.

[Lucky Larson]

I don't believe it, Johnny.

[Johnny Hines]

But he has, Mr. Larsen. He's done all kinds of things. Like. Like turning off the gas, stopping the water.

[Lucky Larson]

Look, Johnny, that doesn't sound like Quinn. I've known the guy for years. He was the best landlord I ever had.

[Johnny Hines]

He's different now. He's so different that we want to move, only we can't find any place to go.

[Lucky Larson]

Doesn't seem possible.

[Johnny Hines]

He's already chased the people out across the hall. Or the Winstons. They had to go to a trailer camp, and the people next door to us had to move in with relatives.

[Lucky Larson]

Sounds like you're telling the truth, Johnny. But it just doesn't make sense.

[Johnny Hines]

Mom's sick.

[Lucky Larson]

We've just got a Quinn. A never been like that. Why, I've known him to carry tenants for months without even a cent of rent.

[Johnny Hines]

What'll we do, Mr. Larson?

[Lucky Larson]

What happened tonight, Jimmy?

[Johnny Hines]

Well, I told Mr. Quinn that if he didn't leave mom alone, I was coming to see you.

[Lucky Larson]

Is that why he beat you up?

[Johnny Hines]

Oh, no, sir. Mr. Quinn didn't do it.

[Lucky Larson]

Who did?

[Johnny Hines]

I don't know. Some big guy stopped me on the street as I was coming here. He said he'd teach me that this neighborhood wasn't gonna be healthy for squealers like me.

[Lucky Larson]

Just a minute, Tom. I pick up the phone and dial Quinn's number. I have to wait a few minutes. Hey, you look better with your face washed, kid.

[Stephen Dunn]

Hello, Joe.

[Lucky Larson]

Lucky Larson. That's funny, Joe Quinn has always been glad to hear from him before. Now he comes through and asks me how I am, why I don't ever come around. I'm coming around now, Joe. I just wanted to be sure you'd be in. Quinn says he's just going out. You better wait for me, Joe. I'll be there in 15 minutes.

[Lucia]

But, Lucky, the pizza.

[Lucky Larson]

Keep it hot, baby. I won't be long. And don't change your lipstick while I'm going.

[Stephen Dunn]

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[Lucky Larson]

I'm at Quinn's apartment house now. I pull up and park. As I turn the motor off, a guy steps out of the shadows and points with a gun. I shove the door handle down. I roll to the street. The shot I expect doesn't come. Instead, the whole building falls on my head. Slowly, ever so slowly, the lights come back out again. There's a buzz saw going around in my brain and every one of the teeth takes out a nick as the thing goes round and round. Gradually, the buzz saw turns into a hum and I. I realize I'm all cramped up and riding in a car. I'm lying on the bottom under. Under somebody's feet. Yeah, definitely feet. Way off somewhere. I hear voices.

[Frankie Rolls]

When you get to Eagle Point, put him behind a wheel and start the car and jump.

[Lucky Larson]

How am I gonna make sure he'll be killed?

[Frankie Rolls]

I'll be as zapped as a drop there at 200ft.

[Lucky Larson]

Oh. Oh, yeah.

[Frankie Rolls]

Stuff the car. Let me out.

[Lucky Larson]

I got another job. I hope my eyes are slid. It's too dark. Can't make out his mud. The lud grinds are sealing on my ribs. I grit and take it. I got to. Can't fight two guys with two guns. Not with me lying on the floor anyway. The car starts up again. I'd give up all of Lucia's Pizza. Just a stretch once. But I don't dare. Not yet. The car goes on for miles. Now I know we've reached Eagle Point. The guy leaves his motor running, gets out. He comes around and opens my door. I grab his ankle, give it a twist. He dives into the gravel. My luck runs out. I lose my hold. I pull myself over into the driver's seat and grab the wheel. The headlights stab at the cliff edge not 15ft away. Through their back wash, I see the mud grabbing for his gun. I don't want it, but I got it. I throw the car in gear, twist the wheel hard and step on the gas. Cliff jumps right up at me. I see I'm not gonna make it. I slide over in the seat and push the door open and slide out onto air or land. Yeah, yeah. I win that toss. Way down below, I hear a terrible crash. Out of the dark behind me. I hear a curse and a laugh. So long, Lyson.

[Frankie Rolls]

So long.

[Lucky Larson]

Oh, my ankle. I'll ride back into town on my thumbs. Right now I'm pushing the bell of Joe Quinn's apartment. Joe takes his time coming to the door. Before he opens it, he has to unlock it. That's funny too. Quinn never used to lock his door.

[Joe Quinn]

Lucky, it is you.

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, Joe. Pretty healthy looking ghost. But. But I. Joe, what makes you think you can get by with assaulting tenants?

[Joe Quinn]

I never.

[Lucky Larson]

Wait a minute. I'm coming in.

[Joe Quinn]

Oh, please. Look, I don't know what you're talking about.

[Lucky Larson]

Don't lie, Joe. I already know about three of your tenants. Why? You had him beaten up in order to get him out.

[Joe Quinn]

You've got to believe me, Lucky. I never had anybody beat up.

[Lucky Larson]

Look, I saw Johnny Hines face tonight, Joe. He came and told me all about it. And about the Winstons and the people next door.

[Joe Quinn]

Johnny lied to you, Lucky. Johnny was caught tonight trying to strip a car. He put up a fight and the guy who owned the car kicked his face in.

[Lucky Larson]

I don't believe it.

[Joe Quinn]

Okay, then come with me to Mrs. Hines apartment and she'll tell you that that's the truth.

[Lucky Larson]

Mrs. Hines is frightened, petrified. But she sticks to her story.

[Lucia]

What Mr. Quinn says is true.

[Lucky Larson]

Mr. Larson smells like a macaron.

[Lucia]

It was dreadful of Johnny getting himself into trouble and then putting the blame on poor Mr. Quinn.

[Lucky Larson]

Is Johnny home? I'd. I'd like to talk to him.

[Lucia]

Well, yes, of course. I'll call him.

[Frankie Rolls]

Yeah.

[Johnny Hines]

I'm sorry, Mr. Larson. That's right.

[Lucky Larson]

You were caught stealing parts from cars, Johnny?

[Johnny Hines]

Yeah. A couple of guys made me do it.

[Lucky Larson]

Who were they?

[Johnny Hines]

I don't know. I. I never saw them before.

[Lucia]

Please, Mr. Larson, please forgive Johnny for getting you mixed up in this thing.

[Lucky Larson]

The dive I almost took over the cliff wasn't funny.

[Lucia]

I know. But if you don't report him to the police, I'll promise you he'll go straight. I promise.

[Lucky Larson]

What are you gonna do for the sick woman and her only kid? Okay, but there's still something screwy about this deal. For instance, how does it happen these mugs are waiting for me? When I got to Quinn's apartment, I.

[Johnny Hines]

I called him after you left your place and told them how I loused things up.

[Lucky Larson]

Quit lying, Johnny. If you call them, then you know their names.

[Johnny Hines]

Well, not exactly. They're called Mike and Red.

[Lucky Larson]

Where'd you call them?

[Johnny Hines]

They hang out at Harry's place.

[Lucky Larson]

Of course. Kid, you know, I'm gonna check on that. I do. The barman at Harry's place never heard of Mike and Red. He hasn't had a phone call for him either. Not ever. It proves what I already know. That Johnny Hines is lying for some reason. Well, I better go home, have a bath and think things out. Besides, I'm getting late for the pizza. I open my door and I smell burnt Italy. I run to the kitchen. Every pan is charcoal crisp. Every burner is on. Lucia's out. She's been mad at me before, but never that mad. Besides, she never gets mad at me for running out. She always knows I run right back. I dial her number. No answer. Something's wrong. I'll try a taxi stand. Hello? Jet a cab over to 350 Park Avenue, will ya? Huh? Hello? What? Well, where'd you go, baby? Lucia tells me that Johnny lied about Mr. Quinn. She said that? After I left, Johnny called two guys. They called him Red and Mike. But she said that Johnny said something to him about lousing things up. Hey, wait a minute, baby. Where'd he call him? He says Johnny called him at Harry's place. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, baby. Now tell Papa who's holding a gun at your back. I checked the operator. Can you trace that call, honey? He says no. My door rings, it's a cab. I get over to Quinn's apartment quick.

[Joe Quinn]

Lucky, are you crazy? It's 1:00.

[Lucky Larson]

I'll remind you. We're gonna have words.

[Joe Quinn]

Lucky, I'm a nice guy, but I don't have to stand for this.

[Lucky Larson]

You got any ideas? Yes.

[Joe Quinn]

I'm gonna throw you out.

[Lucky Larson]

I beat him to the punch. I'll try to be funny, Quinn. I grabbed his wrist and show him the marines.

[Joe Quinn]

No, Lucky, I'll talk.

[Lucky Larson]

That's what you should have done a long time ago.

[Joe Quinn]

It's not my fault. I couldn't help it. Honest, Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

That isn't what I want to hear.

[Joe Quinn]

It's a gang, Lucky. They're moving in on all the apartments in this district.

[Lucky Larson]

How do they work it?

[Joe Quinn]

Well, they force the tenants out and demand huge bonuses from people who are desperate for homes.

[Lucky Larson]

You mean you stand for that?

[Joe Quinn]

I couldn't help it. They beat me up too. And they threatened to burn me out.

[Lucky Larson]

What's your cut?

[Joe Quinn]

I haven't taken a shant. Honest, Lucky. I haven't.

[Lucky Larson]

Who are they?

[Joe Quinn]

The only one I know is the contact man. They call him Mike. He was here when you first called me tonight.

[Lucky Larson]

I see.

[Joe Quinn]

He called someone else and told them to lay for you. Then he went to your place and dropped Johnny Hines.

[Lucky Larson]

Go on, add up some more.

[Joe Quinn]

Mike was in the apartment when we went to talk to Johnny and his mother tonight. That's why they lied.

[Lucky Larson]

What about Lucia, the girl that was at my place? They got her too.

[Joe Quinn]

They went back to get her when you told Johnny that you were going to check his story.

[Lucky Larson]

I'm ashamed of you, Joe. You should have gone to the police the first time these guys came to you. You know, you're a sad.

[Joe Quinn]

I'll do anything now, Lucky. Anything. Wait. I'll call the police right now.

[Lucky Larson]

Don't touch the phone.

[Joe Quinn]

Why not?

[Lucky Larson]

I gotta find Lucia first. If I don't, I'll never find him.

[Joe Quinn]

Yes, but how?

[Lucky Larson]

You go down to headquarters with me, Joe. We'll look at some pictures. Maybe you'll be able to pick out this. This Mike.

[Stephen Dunn]

Yeah.

[Joe Quinn]

Yeah, I'll go.

[Lucky Larson]

If I can find that guy, I'll make him talk. We start for the door. We get about 2ft and Joe yells, look out, Bucky. Look out. As the shock Quinn goes down. I whirl around, the lights go out. I jump to somewhere else and two more shots hit the air Ride band grab a chair and hurl it towards the door. The guy yells as the chair connects, run towards the door and fall over my own chair. I get up, I hear the door slammed and locked. I know that by the time I find another exit, the guy will be gone. Oh, well. I turn on my light and take a look at Joe Quinn. I call the ambulance. A dark, nasty hole in his shoulder is crying red tears.

[Stiles Mackenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important wayfair Message Wayfair's got Style Tips for Every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's Style Tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Lucky Larson]

Wayfair Every style, every home it is.

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[Lucky Larson]

No purchase necessary vgw group void we're.

[Frankie Rolls]

Prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.

[Lucia]

Foreign.

[Stephen Dunn]

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[Lucky Larson]

I step down to the Hines apartment. All I find is a note on the door. It says gone out of town. No milk please. Fine, fine. There's no one who can identify the gang's contact name unless I can find the Winstons or the couple next door. Bad chance of living. They haven't the glimmer of an idea where they are. As for Joe Quinn, he won't be talking for a long, long time. Maybe never. I go back to Joe's apartment just as the meat wagon boys get there and the cops, my old friend Lt. Tom Burns is pushing him around.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Hi, Lucky. Was that you who called the station?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Tom Quinn's got a bad hole in him.

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, I know.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Who did it?

[Lucky Larson]

I don't know. Somebody took a shot at him from the door. Threw some lead at me too. Put out the lights. I couldn't see who he was.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Uh huh.

[Lucky Larson]

I don't dare tell Tom what I know. Not yet. If I do, the gang will kill it here just as sure as taxes. Tom, why don't you get a fingerprint guy up here?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Already sent for him, Lucky. Oh, are you expecting a call?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lucia]

Huh?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, this is Larson. A dirty voice on the other end tells me that if I like that dame of mine, I better button my lip. Keep it buttoned. Yeah, yeah, it's a deal. Only be sure you keep your part of the bargain, pal.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Well, that's that, Lucky. Not a print in this room that wasn't made by you or Quinn, probably.

[Lucky Larson]

There's gotta be.

[Frankie Rolls]

He's got to.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

What are you so upset about? Quinn isn't gonna die.

[Lucky Larson]

I still wanna find out who did it.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Well, Quinn will be able to talk in a few days. Maybe he'll be able to tell you.

[Lucky Larson]

A few days isn't soon enough, Tom.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Look here, Lucky, are you holding out on me?

[Lucky Larson]

Let me borrow your fingerprint man, will you, Tom?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

What for?

[Lucky Larson]

Don't ask questions. If we find anything, I'll bring it straight to you.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Nope.

[Lucky Larson]

I'll tell you everything I know. Honest, Tom.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Sorry, Lucky. That isn't good enough.

[Lucky Larson]

Tom, you gotta trust me.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Sorry, Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

No, but if I tell you now, it'll leak. I'll be scooped. Look, Tom, I've helped you out a couple of times. I.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Well, okay, go ahead.

[Lucky Larson]

Thanks, Tom. The fingerprint man and I get into his car. When we're down the road a couple of blocks, I say drive to Eagle Point, son. We're gonna get some prints off the wheel of a car about 200ft down.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Okay, Lucky, we've matched the prints.

[Lucky Larson]

Good, good, Tom. I know you would.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

They belong to a hood who's done at least a dozen rats.

[Lucky Larson]

Who is it?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

No, not until you come across Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

Okay, if that's the only way.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

I'm afraid it is.

[Lucky Larson]

Well, look, I'm trying to run down a story on a gang that's Trying to promote a home ratting racket.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Hey, isn't that a new one?

[Lucky Larson]

Just an old one with a new twist. The shakedown racket. These are the guys who shot Joe Quinn, Tom. They also beat up young Johnny Hines. Then they kidnapped him and his mother, along with a friend of mine.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Why didn't you tell me this before?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, because they killed a whole bunch if they think I've talked.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Well, come on, let's go get them.

[Lucky Larson]

Tom, look, I gotta handle this alone. I've gotta find this guy and make him tell me who's at the top. You can understand. Gotta use my own methods. Methods that, well, you can't use. There's no time to bring the guy into headquarters and make him sweat. So come on, Tom. Let me know who belongs to these prints, huh?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Yeah, Lucky, you're always asking me to break the rules. No, go ahead. The prince came off of Frankie rules.

[Frankie Rolls]

Frank.

[Lucky Larson]

Frankie.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Mm.

[Lucky Larson]

Okay, Tom. Thanks. I'll be seeing you.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Hey, wait a minute. How you gonna find him?

[Lucky Larson]

I know guys who'll sing for a sawbuck. This song's worth a century. I drop into an all night pillory, pay a nickel for a phone booth I'm calling a stool. Hiya, Squint. Lucky Larson. Hey, Squint, I got a hundred bucks that says you don't know where I can find Frankie Rolls. The guy sniffs a couple of times, gives me an address. Well, what do you know? You don't mean it. You know, Squint, I'll go broke if I keep on losing bets like that. I'll put the money in the mail after I've seen Frankie. So don't give him a tip. The address Squint gave me is a pretty nifty neighborhood. Too nifty for the Frankie Rolls I used to know. Looks like this new racket is really paying off. I find the right window and slip my knife under the catch. Easy now, Lucky. Easy. My pencil flash pokes around the room. It looks empty and safe. I give the window another shove.

[Frankie Rolls]

Wow.

[Lucky Larson]

I didn't count on it online. It's too late to back out now anyway. Who wants to? I climb in, scurry across the room. I get back at the door just as somebody throws it open. The lights go on.

[Frankie Rolls]

All right, you come out from behind that door and don't try any tricks. I can see every move you make in the mirror.

[Lucky Larson]

I step out right into a guy with a gun. Well, surprise. This isn't Frankie Rose. It's a lawyer by the name of Lamson Holliday. I've interviewed him at least a dozen times. Oh, hiya, Counselor.

[Frankie Rolls]

Larson, the columnist. I know you.

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Frankie Rolls]

What do you mean breaking into my house, trying to steal some papers from one of my cases?

[Lucky Larson]

I'm wondering. At school, Quint gave me the runaround on this tip. Holliday's a respected mouthpiece, more or less, even if he does defend crooks.

[Frankie Rolls]

Well, speak up, Larson.

[Lucky Larson]

I listen to the burglar alliance. I figure I can't get in any worse. Well, I'll tell you, Counselor. I'm looking for a crook by the name of Frankie Rolls. Yep.

[Frankie Rolls]

Do you expect to find him here?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, that's what the boys in the back room tell me.

[Frankie Rolls]

Just a minute. Let me turn this thing off. You. You get around, Larson.

[Lucky Larson]

Then he is here.

[Frankie Rolls]

Sure. Just step through that door. I'll take you up.

[Lucky Larson]

Holliday prods me with his gun. We go up some stairs.

[Frankie Rolls]

Come on out, Frankie. We've got company.

[Lucky Larson]

A door opens down the hall. A silhouette steps out, framed by the light and back. Its shape is the same as the guy who came at me this evening out of the shadows with a gun.

[Frankie Rolls]

Who is it? How late? Well, he didn't exactly say. He was a friend of yours. Lucky lot. Unlock the guest room, Frankie. That's the right place for a guest, isn't it? Yeah, Lots of guests use this room.

[Lucky Larson]

You always have a Yale spring lock on your guest room.

[Frankie Rolls]

Come on, snowpack, get on in there.

[Lucky Larson]

I step past Frankie. Turn. It's an old Marine trick. I grab his arm, yank him in the room and slam the door. The Yale lock snaps.

[Frankie Rolls]

Hey, let's call my army. Breaking my arm.

[Lucky Larson]

How'd you guess? It stuck, Thinker. Oh, all right. Where's your gun?

[Frankie Rolls]

I ain't got a gun, nothing.

[Lucky Larson]

Oh, not in a million years.

[Frankie Rolls]

If you come out, I make a deal with you.

[Lucky Larson]

I don't believe in Santa Claus.

[Frankie Rolls]

If you don't come out, I'll shoot the lock off.

[Lucky Larson]

That's okay with me. I'm holding Frankie against the door.

[Frankie Rolls]

I give you three seconds. Hey, don't shoot, boss. The license is a stroke.

[Lucky Larson]

I pull Frankie back as two shots come through. You're a lousy shot, Holiday.

[Stephen Dunn]

You missed.

[Frankie Rolls]

Let me load, slacky. Let me look.

[Lucky Larson]

You don't want me to shove you back in his line of hog. You better talk fast, Thinker.

[Frankie Rolls]

I tell you, I don't know anything.

[Lucky Larson]

Where's the girl and the others?

[Frankie Rolls]

I don't know.

[Lucky Larson]

The rat's beginning to squeak, Holiday. He'll make a swell witness.

[Stephen Dunn]

At your trial.

[Lucky Larson]

You'll have to do better than that, Counselor. You gonna tell me, Frankie?

[Frankie Rolls]

I don't know.

[Lucky Larson]

Okay, Holliday. I'm gonna hold Frankie up in the center of the door. If you don't want to hear him.

[Stephen Dunn]

In court, you better not miss.

[Lucky Larson]

I give Frankie's arm another twist and start pushing him over. Oh.

[Frankie Rolls]

Okay. I'll tell you what you want to know.

[Lucky Larson]

Where are they?

[Frankie Rolls]

They're in that closet over there.

[Lucky Larson]

Okay, Holliday.

[Stephen Dunn]

Shoot.

[Lucky Larson]

Brother, are you lousy.

[Frankie Rolls]

Don't think that's all the bullets I've got. I'm loading up again.

[Lucky Larson]

I measure the distance of Frankie's jaw and swing. Frankie sighs and takes a nap. You better hurry with that reloading, Holiday. I'm coming out. Drop it, Counselor. I can beat a shell to the chamber.

[Frankie Rolls]

One second and I'll let you have it. What's that?

[Lucky Larson]

Haven't you ever heard of a doorbell who could be the answer to your burglar alarm? Holiday, right now I'd say your yard is lousy with cops.

[Joe Quinn]

Cops?

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah. Yeah, you're in kind of a spot, brother.

[Frankie Rolls]

What do you mean?

[Lucky Larson]

What are you gonna do, Holiday? You've either gotta go and answer that bell or the cops will break down the door.

[Frankie Rolls]

Yeah, well, I've got another choice.

[Joe Quinn]

You mean.

[Lucky Larson]

You mean taking a part at me? Sure. But the house is surrounded, Halliday. They'll get you for murder.

[Frankie Rolls]

Open up. We're coming in.

[Lucky Larson]

Too bad, Holliday. A respected lawyer like you should have had more respect for the law.

[Frankie Rolls]

Open up.

[Lucia]

Open up.

[Lucky Larson]

Your bartending days are over.

[Frankie Rolls]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[Lucky Larson]

Holiday. Don't be a fool. Drop that gun.

[Frankie Rolls]

I had time to get one bullet in the chamber.

[Lucky Larson]

You can't quit. Yeah, yeah, one bullet's enough. Go back into the guest room. Take out the keys out of Frankie's pocket and unlock the closet door. Lucia falls out into my arms. Quickly, I take off the gag. There you go, baby. You still think I'm sweet?

[Lucia]

Oh, go ahead, doggy.

[Lucky Larson]

Go ahead. And where's Johnny and his mother, baby?

[Lucia]

In there. They're all right.

[Lucky Larson]

Good, good. I untie Lucia's hands and feet. She can't cook pizza without hands.

[Joe Quinn]

All right, where are you? The police?

[Lucky Larson]

Beyond a minute, Tom. Got a little unfinished business.

[Lucia]

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

It's all right, baby. I guess we better go out and face him, huh?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Oh, it's you, Lucky.

[Lucky Larson]

Yeah, yeah. Ain't I the little cutout, though?

[Lt. Tom Burns]

What I want to know is who shot Lamson Holliday and why?

[Lucky Larson]

Well, that's Easy, Tom. He shot himself.

[Lt. Tom Burns]

Yeah? What for?

[Lucky Larson]

His rent racket went up too fast. He knew he was going to be evicted. Column for today, Sunday, Aug. 10, 1947. Deadline by Lucky Larson. Say, have you a little racket in your home? Whom are you paying off right now? Do you know a guy who knows a guy who knows where Aunt Minnie can get an apartment if she marries a veteran and buys $25 worth of furniture for 500 bucks? I know one will even furnish the veteran. How about that racket Little Jimmy's got when he makes your boyfriend? Give him a nickel or get him out of the parlor. You can stop Little Jimmy's racket by patting his pants and leading him out the front door by his ear. They'll stop all the other rackets too, if you'll just call a cop. A cop's got the best protection racket there is, and all it costs you is taxes. You know, little rackets turn into big rackets and big rackets turn into wars. So be smart. Call a cop while they're still small. You know, at one time, one lonely little cop could have stopped Hitler. Yeah, that's dirty.

[Stephen Dunn]

Here is a vitally important message to those who suffer from recurring attacks of bronchial asthma. Most people who suffer from the coughing and struggle to breathe, who can't sleep at night and thus lose strength and energy, have had these recurring attacks a long time. They've tried a lot of things, and still they cough, wheeze and struggle to breathe. Naturally, they become skeptical and think nothing will help them. But I firmly believe there is hope for even the most pessimistic. Because I have seen letters from all over the world from grateful men and women telling how thankful they were that they got up enough courage to try Mendeco. That's spelled M E N D A C O. And I've seen a large number of clinical reports which convince me that Mendeco has been a blessing to sufferers from recurring attacks of bronchial asthma. There are certain scientific reasons why Mendeco works the way it does, and the producers of this great medicine are so confident it will help most sufferers from recurring attacks of bronchial asthma that they say, get Mendeco from your druggist and take exactly as directed on the package. If you're not completely satisfied, your money back is guaranteed immediately. For coughing, recurring attacks of bronchial asthma, get Mendeco. M E N D A C O. Ask your druggist for Mendeco today. Listen next week at the same time, when the Knox Company of worldwide distributors of Cystex, the modern kidney diuretic and Mendeco for recurring attacks of bronchial asthma. Presents another exciting adventure of Lucky Larson, starring Stephen Dunn. Through arrangements with Columbia Pictures, producers of down to Earth Deadline Mystery is directed by Dave Titus and written by Fred Howard. Today's episode was based on an original story by Robert Nepel. Included in today's cast were June Whitley as Lucia, Sam Edwards as Johnny Hines, Jack Crucian as Frankie Rawls, John Frank as Joe Quinn, and Byron Cain as Lt. Tom Burns. Original music was composed and played by Len Salvo. The events and characters depicted in this story were entirely fictional and any resemblance to actual places or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Frank Hemingway speaking. This program came to you from Hollywood. This is abc, the American Broadcasting how.

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[Frankie Rolls]

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