Dick Tracy 38-02-09 (0028) Pat Goes Overboard

Summary

Episode Summary: Dick Tracy 38-02-09 (0028) – "Pat Goes Overboard"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Dick Tracy 38-02-09 (0028) – Pat Goes Overboard
• Release Date: April 11, 2025

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Introduction

In the thrilling episode titled "Pat Goes Overboard," listeners are immersed in a suspenseful adventure aboard a mysterious ship. This installment of the Dick Tracy series intertwines classic detective work with ominous supernatural elements, featuring guest appearances by iconic characters from The Godfather saga—Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone. The narrative delves deep into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the enigmatic forces threatening the lives of those onboard.

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Detailed Plot Summary

The Mystery Unfolds

The episode opens with Dick Tracy and his partner, Pat Patton, investigating a series of ominous events surrounding Dryden Small, a reputable Egyptologist. Small has been the target of relentless attacks, which he attributes to a curse linked to the tomb of the Tankimal. The situation becomes more perplexing when an invisible hand writes a cryptic message on the wall above Small's bed.

Decoding the Clues

At [03:10], Dick Tracy examines the mysterious message:

• Dick Tracy: "Let's see what the invisible hand is writing. Your end is near. The black pearl of Osiris must shine again." [03:10]

Michael Corleone responds skeptically, noting the presence of another scarab on the floor:

• Michael Corleone: "Yes, yes. And look there on the floor. It's another scarab, Tracy. Another scarab." [03:19]

These symbols of death and destruction lead Tracy and Pat to question the supernatural explanations initially proposed by Small.

Supernatural vs. Rational Explanation

As tensions rise, Small remains convinced of a curse, while Tracy pushes for a logical explanation. At [04:21], Tracy encourages Small to investigate the message's origin:

• Dick Tracy: "Pat, put your hand over that lamp about six inches away." [04:21]

Through a practical experiment, Small discovers that the message was written in invisible ink, revealed by the heat from a lamp. This revelation demystifies the supernatural elements, exposing human intervention behind the threats.

The Man with the Yellow Face

Despite uncovering the method behind the messages, the mystery deepens with the introduction of the elusive "man with the yellow face." This antagonist leaves scarabs as his calling card, heightening the sense of peril aboard the ship.

Tensions Escalate on Deck

As the investigation progresses, events take a dramatic turn. At [07:36], another scarab is discovered, reinforcing the connection to the man with the yellow face:

• Michael Corleone: "A scarab? Patton, it's another warning. That was the man with the yellow face." [07:36]

The situation deteriorates when Pat Patton is thrown overboard, leading Dick Tracy to pursue him in the thickening fog. In a critical moment at [10:53], Tracy confronts the gravity of the situation:

• Dick Tracy: "Will Dick save Pat? Or has a detective's friend been swallowed up by the black waters in the night?" [11:13]

Climax and Code Messages

As the episode builds to its climax, Dick Tracy Jr. introduces secret code messages to the audience, engaging listeners in the unfolding mystery:

• Dick Tracy Jr.: "Prisoner 20, 21, 12, 16, 7, 10, 18, 22." [11:57]
• Pat Patton: "Buffalo 21, 12, 14, 10 12, 4, 10, 2013, 3, 6, 10, 2013, 3, 21, 1, 8, 14, 5." [13:37]

These codes not only serve as interactive elements for the audience but also hint at deeper layers of the mystery yet to be unraveled.

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Key Characters and Interactions

• Dick Tracy: The determined detective leading the investigation, showcasing his analytical skills and unwavering commitment to solving the case.

• Pat Patton: Tracy's loyal partner, who becomes a pivotal figure when he is thrust into danger, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

• Dryden Small: An Egyptologist caught in the web of mystery, whose knowledge of ancient symbols becomes crucial to deciphering the threats.

• Vito Corleone & Michael Corleone: Their unexpected involvement adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, blending elements from different iconic narratives.

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Main Clues and Mysteries

1. Invisible Message: The initial cryptic writing above Small's bed serves as the catalyst for the investigation.

2. Scarab Symbolism: Recurrent scarabs hint at a connection to ancient Egyptian lore, specifically the god Osiris, adding depth to the mystery.

3. Man with the Yellow Face: The enigmatic antagonist whose actions drive the plot forward, leaving behind symbolic clues.

4. Code Messages: Secret numeric codes introduced by Dick Tracy Jr. engage listeners and suggest a larger conspiracy at play.

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Resolution and Cliffhanger

The episode culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Pat Patton is thrown overboard, leaving his fate uncertain. The introduction of code messages and the involvement of the Corleones set the stage for future episodes, promising more revelations and challenges for Dick Tracy and his team.

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Notable Quotes

1. Dick Tracy on Loyalty and Mysteries:

   • "I want you to tell me the meaning of that message about the Black Pearl of Osiris. I demand an answer." [05:40]

2. Michael Corleone Expressing Doubt:

   • "I feel rather faint. I wonder if one of you would mind going up on deck with me just for a little while." [06:09]

3. Dick Tracy on Code Deciphering:

   • "It's simple. The man with the yellow face wrote his message in invisible ink. Small came in, turned on the lamp, and in half an hour or so the heat from the lamp brought the message out." [04:46]

4. Cliffhanger Moment:

   • "Will Dick save Pat? Or has a detective's friend been swallowed up by the black waters in the night?" [11:13]

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Conclusion

"Pat Goes Overboard" masterfully blends detective intrigue with supernatural elements, enriched by crossover appearances from The Godfather characters. The episode captivates listeners with its intricate plot, engaging dialogue, and interactive code messages, all while maintaining the nostalgic charm of the Golden Age of Radio. As mysteries unfold and new threats emerge, Dick Tracy continues to exemplify the quintessential detective's resilience and ingenuity, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next adventure.

Transcript

[Vito Corleone]

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[Michael Corleone]

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[Vito Corleone]

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[Dick Tracy]

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[Michael Corleone]

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[Vito Corleone]

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[Michael Corleone]

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[Vito Corleone]

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[Pat Patton]

Calling all Adventure fans. Calling all Dick Tracy fans. Stand by. Dick Tracy is on the air. The makers of Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the two tempting, delicious, nourishing cereals that are shot from guns. Now bring you another thrilling Dick Tracy detective adventure. Big Guns. Hear them well the next time you have a big dish of crisp, nourishing Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice for breakfast, remember the sound of the big guns because those two delicious cereals are actually shot from guns. Sun ripened grains of nourishing wheat and rice are loaded into the guns and then these little kernels of grain are exploded to eight times their normal size. That makes them look different and taste better than ordinary cereals. That special Quaker process makes Puffed wheat and Puffed rice specially easy to digest so that you get trigger fast food energy more quickly and easily. And you need lots of quick food energy if you want to be as fast on your feet as your friend Dick Tracy is. And here's a good idea. Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice are two different delicious flavors. So ask Mother to get a package of each at the grocer's and then you and Mother and Dad can have Quaker Puffed Wheat for breakfast one morning and Quaker Puffed Rice the next. That really gives you variety, doesn't it? So look in the pantry today to see if one of those famous red and blue packages is there. Now if it's Quaker Puffed Wheat, ask Mother to get a package of Quaker Puffed Rice. And if it's Quaker Puffed Rice, ask her to get some Quaker Puffed Wheat. And then you have both for a delightful change that thousands of Wide Awake boys, girls and grownups enjoy every day. And remember fellows and girls, there is another secret code message at the end of the program today, so be sure you have your pencil, paper and code book ready. Dick Tracy has been trying to protect Dryden Small, a well known Egyptologist, from dark forces which seek his death. Small has received strange Warnings. And several times his life has been attempted unsuccessfully due to the daring efforts of Dick Tracy. Both Dick and Pat are convinced that Small has kept from them the real reason for these mysterious attacks. In our last episode, we heard how a strange message, seemingly written by an invisible hand, had appeared on the wall above Small's bed.

[Dick Tracy]

Let's see what the invisible hand is writing. Your hours at hand. Your end is near. The black pearl of Osiris must shine again.

[Michael Corleone]

Yes, yes. And look there on the floor. It's another scarab, Tracey. Another scarab.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, so I see. Another symbol of death and destruction.

[Michael Corleone]

Why don't you do something? But it's no use. You can't fight the supernatural. They told me there was a curse upon the tomb of the Tankimal. I should never have gone into it. All the others who have been in it have come to sudden death.

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, stop it, stop it, Small. There's nothing supernatural here.

[Small]

I know, but Dick, the writing on the wall. We saw the message being written.

[Michael Corleone]

Yes, sir. And now look, it's beginning to fade. Ghost writing, that's what it is. The handwriting of a ghost.

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, come, come, Small. Pull yourself together. This isn't the work of a ghost. The man with the yellow face, whoever he may be, paid a visit to this cabin in our absence.

[Michael Corleone]

How'd you know he was here?

[Dick Tracy]

Why, it's simple enough. The scarab on the floor, he left it there. The handwriting on the wall, he put it there.

[Michael Corleone]

No, no, no. He might have put the scarab there, but the handwriting, that couldn't have been done by anybody human. We saw the message being written and there was no one here.

[Dick Tracy]

Of course there wasn't. The message was written before we got here. We saw it when we turned on the vet lamp.

[Small]

I don't get it, Dick.

[Dick Tracy]

Pat, put your hand over that lamp about six inches away.

[Small]

All right, I've got it. There.

[Dick Tracy]

Now, what do you feel?

[Small]

Nothing but heat.

[Dick Tracy]

Ah, Precisely. Heat. The heat from the lamp. Do you recall ever having used heat in connection with invisible messages before? Path?

[Small]

Oh, why, sure. Say, I get it. This message was written in invisible ink and couldn't be seen until the heat of the lamp brought it out on the wall.

[Dick Tracy]

Go to the head of the class, Pat. That's exactly what happened here. The man with a yellow face wrote his message in invisible ink. Small came in, turned on the lamp, and in half an hour or so the heat from the lamp brought the message out. There's your supernatural for you, Mr. Small.

[Michael Corleone]

You make it sound simple.

[Dick Tracy]

It is simple. The rest of this case were as simple as that handwriting, we'd have no problem. But. But it's not simple, Small, because you choose to make it difficult.

[Michael Corleone]

I choose to make it difficult?

[Dick Tracy]

Yes. You refuse to tell us all you know about this. You refuse to tell us what we've got to know. If we're to protect you against the man with the yellow face, There's a definite reason why you're being followed. There's a definite reason for these attempts on your life. Such as the one in the dining salon tonight. There's some reason for these scarabs and that message on the wall. Now, what is it?

[Michael Corleone]

I'm sorry, but I don't know any more than I've told you.

[Dick Tracy]

And I've told you once, and I'll tell you again that you're not being entirely truthful.

[Michael Corleone]

Now, look here.

[Dick Tracy]

I want you to tell me the meaning of that message about the Black Pearl of Osiris.

[Small]

Yeah, that was a queer one. What is the Black Pearl of Osiris anyway, Dick?

[Dick Tracy]

I don't know about the Black Pearl, Pat. I do know, however, that Osiris was a God worshiped by the ancient Egyptians. And that even today, there are certain secret societies which still worship him.

[Michael Corleone]

Your knowledge of Egyptian history is remarkable, Tracy.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, unfortunately, I don't know quite enough. But you know what I want to know, Small? What is the Black Pearl of Osiris? I demand an answer.

[Michael Corleone]

I. I don't know, Tracy. I swear it. If I knew, don't you think I'd tell you? I feel rather faint. I wonder if one of you would mind going up on deck with me just for a little while.

[Small]

Well, I had a date with a.

[Dick Tracy]

All right, Pat. You'll have to forget your date. I've got to see the captain at once. You'll have to stay with Small. Keep close to him on deck and don't let him out of your sight.

[Small]

Okay. I hope I get a chance to explain to that girl that I didn't mean to disappoint her. You feel better now, small?

[Michael Corleone]

Yes. Yes, Mr. Patton. The air is doing me good.

[Small]

Looks like we're going to have a fog. You can see whispers that are floating past the binnacle light up there.

[Michael Corleone]

Yes.

[Small]

You know, Small, you really ought to come clean with Tracy Patton. Yeah?

[Dick Tracy]

That.

[Michael Corleone]

That man leaning against the rail, he. He just looked this way, and his face.

[Small]

Well, what about his face?

[Michael Corleone]

I'm not sure, but it looked yellow.

[Small]

Now, take it easy. Don't start getting jittery. Don't be begin seeing a Yellow face in every passenger on this ship.

[Michael Corleone]

Look, he's moving away from the rail. He's disappearing into the fog.

[Dick Tracy]

What was that?

[Michael Corleone]

Something dropped at our feet.

[Small]

Yeah, I heard it. Let me see. Here it is. Why? Say, it looks. It looks like a scarab.

[Michael Corleone]

A scarab? Patton, it's another warning. That was the man with the yellow face.

[Small]

Yeah. We'd better get down and get to your cabin. I'm getting touch with Tracer.

[Michael Corleone]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Not back to the cabin. I'm afraid to go there. Let's stay in the open.

[Small]

Okay, okay, but I better get Tracey here as quick as I can. Come on over by the light.

[Michael Corleone]

What are you going to do?

[Small]

Well, Dick's in the captain's cabin. I'm going to send him a message. A message? In code.

[Vito Corleone]

Well, come in. Mr. Tracy. Glad to see you.

[Dick Tracy]

How are you, Captain?

[Vito Corleone]

Worried, Tracy. Very much worried. I'm glad you're here. I don't like the things that have been happening on this ship of mine.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, I'm sorry about the need for searching the ship, but you must understand, Captain, that at any moment one of your passengers may be. Well, put out of the way.

[Vito Corleone]

That isn't what I referred to, Tracy. There are other things that are wrong.

[Dick Tracy]

Such as?

[Vito Corleone]

Well, have you heard about what's been going on down in the hold?

[Dick Tracy]

The hold?

[Vito Corleone]

Mm, no.

[Dick Tracy]

What's happened down there?

[Vito Corleone]

One of the crew, a fellow named Weeks, was found about an hour ago totally unconscious.

[Dick Tracy]

Unconscious?

[Vito Corleone]

Yes, lying in the door of the storage room. Not a strong fellow. As a matter of fact, he has a weak heart. That's why we have him down there. All he does is check the books and little odd jobs like that, you know.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, yes, but what made him unconscious?

[Vito Corleone]

Well, according to his story, Tracy, as he was approaching the storage room, he noticed the door was open, which was unusual. As he began to investigate, he suddenly saw standing in the doorway itself, a strange looking figure. The next thing he remembers, he was lying on a cot. The ship's doctor was working over him.

[Dick Tracy]

He's not given to seeing things, is he?

[Vito Corleone]

I don't think so. He's a stable, dependable fellow. At any rate, he's never seen things before.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, in that case, I don't think it'd be a bad idea to investigate that storage room. Now, about the search for the man with the yellow face, Captain.

[Vito Corleone]

Yes, I wanted to talk to you about that, Tracy. We don't seem to be making much progress. Matter of fact, Tracy, we're not making any progress at all.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, Yes, I was afraid of that.

[Vito Corleone]

Excuse me. Come in.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

There's a message for Mr. Trison, sir.

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, give it here. Where did you get this?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

It was given to me by a gentleman down in Decay, sir.

[Dick Tracy]

Thank you. Excuse me, Captain. Isn't there a code message from Pat? Prisoner 20, 21, 12, 16, 7, 10, 18, 22. Will you excuse me, Captain? I've got to join Mr. Patton on deck immediately.

[Vito Corleone]

Nothing wrong, is it, Tracy?

[Dick Tracy]

I don't know. That's what I want to find out, and I've got to find out fast.

[Vito Corleone]

Well, I'll go along with you, Tracy. I've got to go up to the bridge and this will be on my way.

[Dick Tracy]

Glad to have your company, Captain. But let's hurry.

[Vito Corleone]

We can take this companion here. Tracy, it leads down to deck a fine. Ah, here we are. Decay. I don't see Mr. Patton, do you?

[Dick Tracy]

No, but this fog is getting thicker. He may be down at the other end. Come on.

[Vito Corleone]

Well, I'll leave you here, Tracy. Man overboard. Tracy, get down there as fast as you can. I'll see to watering the boats. Over the side.

[Pat Patton]

Right.

[Michael Corleone]

Man overboard. Man overboard.

[Dick Tracy]

Hey. Hey, you there. Where is he?

[Michael Corleone]

Oh, sir, this deck. Man overboard.

[Pat Patton]

Man overboard.

[Dick Tracy]

Gl what's happened here?

[Michael Corleone]

The man with the yellow face. Patton.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, yes.

[Vito Corleone]

What happened?

[Michael Corleone]

Overboard, Patton. Patton was thrown overboard.

[Dick Tracy]

What? Pat, overboard.

[Michael Corleone]

Wait, Tracy. What are you doing? Why are you taking off your coat?

[Dick Tracy]

Why do you think? I'm going after Pat.

[Michael Corleone]

Stop. Don't. Another man overboard. Another. Oh, Tracy. They'll both be drowned Pattern. And Tracy, too.

[Pat Patton]

Will Dick save Pat? Or has a detective's friend been swallowed up by the black waters in the night? Dick will save him if anyone can. But now the makers of Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, those two popular, delicious, quick energy giving cereals that are shot from guns. Invite you to attend another meeting of the Dick Tracy Secret Service patrol. Here comes Dick Tracy Jr. Now.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

The 20th meeting will now come to order, patrol members. And let's be sure we all have pencils and paper ready to take down today's secret code message.

[Pat Patton]

Are you going to give Dick Tracy's friends the message that Pat sent Dick today? Or have you a special secret patrol message, junior?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Oh, both, Mr. Quakerman. First, I'm going to repeat the message that Pat sent to Dick Tracy.

[Pat Patton]

Good. Are you ready, patrol members?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Here it is, Prisoner 20, 21, 12, 16, 7, 10, 18, 22.

[Pat Patton]

Once more, Junior, to make sure everyone got it.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

All right, Mr. Quakerman. It's prisoner 2021-121671-01822.

[Pat Patton]

Fine. And now what's the special patrol message, Junior?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Here it is. Are you all ready? It's Buffalo 21, 12, 14, 10 12, 4, 10, 2013, 3, 6, 10, 2013, 3, 21, 1, 8, 14, 5.

[Pat Patton]

Better repeat that one too, Junior. I think.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Okay, ready everyone? It's Buffalo 21, 12, 14, 10 12, 4, 10, 2013, 3, 6, 10, 2013, 3, 21, 1, 8, 14, 5.

[Pat Patton]

Well, that sounds very important, Junior.

[Small]

It is.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

It's a special order for patrol members.

[Pat Patton]

But how about the fellas and girls who aren't members and can't decode the messages?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Well, we can't very well give away the patrol secret.

[Pat Patton]

Of course not. I can't imagine any real wide awake boy or girl not joining, can you?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Not unless they don't know how to join on the Dick Tracy Secret Service patrol. So maybe you better tell them just in case there are some fellows and girls listening in for the first time.

[Pat Patton]

Good idea. Well, here's how you can join the patrol and get the secret code, the patrol pledge and the membership badge so you don't miss any of the fun. Just tear the tops off two packages of Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice or one of each, put them in an envelope with your name and address printed on a plain piece of paper and mail them to Dick Tracy box.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Then you get in on all the secret detective activities too.

[Pat Patton]

And Vic Tracy sends you a secret code book, a patrol pledge and a special badge. All free. Tell mother how those nourishing delicious cereals are shot from guns to make them specially easy to digest. So ask her to get you some Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice at the grocer's. Calling all adventure fans. Calling all Dick Tracy fans. Stand by for another exciting Dick Tracy adventure tomorrow at this same time. That is all.

[Dick Tracy]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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