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.

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.

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])

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])

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.

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.