Dick Tracy 38-02-11 (0030) Dick Shot in the Leg

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Dick Tracy 38-02-11 (0030) Dick Shot in the Leg

Date: January 20, 2026
Podcast Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode delivers a suspenseful installment in the Dick Tracy radio saga, set during the golden era of radio dramas. Detective Dick Tracy, his partner Pat, and a cast of colorful characters are embroiled in a high-stakes mystery aboard the liner Marvania, involving a wounded Egyptologist, a menacing antagonist known as "the man with the Yellow Face" (now revealed as Humi Batik), and the quest for the legendary Black Pearl of Osiris. When Tracy is shot in the leg, the chase takes new turns, culminating in a thrilling hunt for the culprit and the pearl.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Stakes on the Marvania

• Setting the Scene: The episode picks up with the tension high: Tracy and Pat are safeguarding Dryden Small, a renowned Egyptologist, from an unknown enemy—the man with the Yellow Face. Previously, crew members witnessed strange occurrences in the ship’s hold, adding to the atmosphere of danger and intrigue.

2. Confronting the Man with the Yellow Face (Humi Batik) [02:15-06:13]

• Tracy’s Stand-Off: Tracy, without a weapon, bluffs Humi Batik, who is holding Small’s pearl-handled revolver.
  • Dick Tracy: "Whoever you are, drop that gun or I'll drop you." (02:15)
  • Humi Batik: "Ah, Mr. Tracy. Come in, won't you?" (02:17)
• Identity Revealed: Humi Batik discloses his true name and role as the high priest of the cult of Osiris, committed to retrieving the "heart of Osiris"—the Black Pearl.
  • Humi Batik: "My real name... is Humi Batik. I am the high priest of the cult of Osiris. A secret group dedicated to the worship of that ancient God." (03:15)
• The Black Pearl’s Origin: The pearl served as the "heart" for a sacred statue and was stolen from Tutankhamun’s tomb (04:01–04:44).
• Motives and Tensions: Humi Batik justifies violence for a sacred cause but acknowledges justice on Earth.
  • Dick Tracy: "Perhaps Osiris will [forgive], Batik, but undoubtedly you're aware of the fact that there is another law here on earth which metes out its own justice." (05:15)

3. The Shooting and Escape [06:00-06:43]

• Sudden Violence: Batik fires at the lights and escapes in the confusion, wounding Dick Tracy in the leg.
  • Dick Tracy: "Oh, my leg. I can't stand on it." (06:13)
  • Captain O'Reilly: "For heaven’s sake, don’t let him get away." (06:17)
• Tracy's Injury: Despite the pain, Tracy soldiers on, prioritizing pursuit over his own wound.
  • Doctor: "Not much, huh? I admire your nerves, sir." (06:29)

4. Medical Treatment and the Hunt Continues [06:26-08:31]

• Onboard Medical Limitations: The ship’s doctor can only bandage Tracy's leg until they reach port for proper X-ray treatment.
  • Doctor: "I'm not going to probe for that bullet anymore. It's useless. You have to wait until we dock tomorrow…" (07:54)
• Elusive Target: Humi Batik remains hidden on the ship, and both the Black Pearl and his whereabouts are unknown.
  • Dick Tracy: "He's clever, that Egyptian. They’d searched for him before and couldn’t find him." (07:16)

5. Search at the Gangplank and a Key Revelation [08:55-10:51]

• Surveillance: Tracy, Pat, and Junior monitor passengers disembarking, with no sign of Batik.
• Mummy Case Suspicion: The arrival of Dryden Small’s mummy triggers Tracy’s intuition: could Batik be hiding inside?
  • Dick Tracy: "What would be the one place we’d never think of looking at?... Come on... I'm going down to have a look at that mummy." (10:27, 10:34)
• Building Suspense: Tracy gives the order to pry open the mummy case, suspecting it might conceal more than ancient remains.

6. Cliffhanger and Transition to Secret Service Patrol Segment [11:04-11:56]

• Unresolved: The episode ends on a suspenseful note—will Batik be found in the mummy case, and what about the Black Pearl?

7. Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Segment [11:56-13:35]

• Engagement with Audience: Dick Tracy Jr. delivers a secret coded message for listeners, fostering audience participation and engagement.
  • Code Message: "It's prisoner 26, 10, 16, 3, 21, 17, 16, 28, 16, 3, 8, 18, 15, 4, 12, 21, 15, 13, 9, 14." (12:27–13:00)
• Promotions: Announcements of patrol member promotions create a sense of community for the show’s young fans.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the Heart of Osiris:
  • Humi Batik: "The black pearl of Osiris... is really the heart of Osiris." (03:38–03:59)
  • Pat: "How can a pearl, black or white, be anybody’s heart?" (03:59)
• Moral Justification:
  • Humi Batik: "I have found it necessary to employ force, a thing I detest. But in my heart I know that Osiris will forgive me, for I did it for him." (04:44)
• Painful Bravery:
  • Doctor: "I admire your nerves, sir." (06:29)
• Classic Suspense:
  • Dick Tracy: "I don't know, Pat. It's the one place we haven't looked for him. The one place no one would think of looking for him." (10:38)
  • Captain O'Reilly: "By heavens, Tracy, I believe you're right." (10:43)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:15-06:13 – Stand-off with Humi Batik and backstory of Black Pearl of Osiris.
• 06:00-06:43 – Batik's escape and Tracy shot in the leg.
• 07:54-08:31 – Doctor’s assessment and crew searching for the fugitive.
• 10:27-10:34 – Suspicion that Batik might be hiding in the mummy case.
• 11:04-11:56 – Cliffhanger: opening the mummy case.
• 12:27-13:35 – Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol: Secret code message revealed.

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode carries the hallmark tension, quick dialogue, and melodrama of 1930s radio adventures—snappy, earnest, and dramatic. Characters communicate with urgency and clarity, drawing listeners into their world of high-stakes detection and exotic intrigue.

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In Summary

This Dick Tracy episode encapsulates why golden age radio remains captivating: inventive mysteries, charismatic heroes, and a deep sense of community with the audience. It ends on a cliffhanger, ensuring listeners will return for the next episode, eager to discover the fate of Humi Batik and the Black Pearl of Osiris. Dick Tracy’s blend of intellect, bravery, and resolve shines, while the show’s unique audience engagement through the Secret Service Patrol code cements its iconic place in audio drama history.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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. Hear the big guns? That's the way they sound when puffed wheat and puffed rice are shot from guns in the Quaker plant. Remember that sound the next time you sit down to a big dish of crisp, crunchy puffed wheat or puffed rice for breakfast. You see, when the nourishing grains of wheat and rice are shot from the big guns, they're actually exploded to eight times their normal size. Each tiny, hard to digest food cell is unlocked and. And that's why Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice are so specially easy to digest. Why you get their trigger fast food energy so quickly and easily. And remember, patrol members, if you want to be strong, healthy and alert like Dick Tracy is, you need lots of that same kind of food energy. So join the thousands of happy Puffed Wheat and puffed Rice fans who enjoy puffed wheat one day and puffed rice the next. That gives you a delightful taste variety that Mother and Dad enjoy too. So tell Mother about those two swell flavors and ask her to get some Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice at the grocer's for you. And be sure to have your pencil and paper ready for a secret code message from Dick Tracy. Aboard the liner Marvania bound for America, Dick Tracy and Pat have been trying to protect a certain well known Egyptologist named Dryden Small from an unknown enemy called the man with the Yellow Face. Yesterday we learned how one of the crew in the hold of the ship had been frightened by a strange apparition. Returning from the investigation, Dick overheard the man with the Yellow Face threatening to kill Pat, whom he had left with Dryden. Small Tracy had no gun with him, so he was forced to try to bluff the man with the Yellow Face into believing he did have one. Will he succeed?

[Dick Tracy]

Whoever you are, drop that gun or I'll drop you.

[Humi Batik]

Ah, Mr. Tracy. Come in, won't you?

[Dick Tracy]

I've got you covered, so don't try anything. Put down that gun.

[Humi Batik]

Thank you, no. This little pearl handled revolver belongs to Dydon Small. A dangerous little toy, but rather attractive. So I prefer to keep it.

[Dick Tracy]

Who are you? What's your name?

[Humi Batik]

I believe I have been called the man with a Yellow Face. Rather an unpleasant, distressing name. I don't like it. My real name, and I hope that you will use it henceforward.

[Doctor]

Gentlemen.

[Humi Batik]

Is Humi Batik Egyptian?

[Dick Tracy]

Huh?

[Humi Batik]

That is right, Dick.

[Pat]

He wounded riding Small. He knifed him. Before I could get in here, I heard Small cry out.

[Humi Batik]

It was in self defense. You see, Mr. Tracy, he was indiscreet enough to withhold something from me. Something I wanted very badly.

[Dick Tracy]

The black pearl of Osiris. Ah. You know, you wounded Small because he wouldn't tell you where it was. What is the black pearl of Osiris? Why have you been following Small to get it?

[Humi Batik]

That gun you are holding in your pocket, if you actually are holding a gun there. Mr. Tracy compels me to answer more or less. As I have said, my name is Humi Batik. I am the high priest of the cult of Osiris. A secret group dedicated to the worship of that ancient God.

[Dick Tracy]

And what about the black pearls? Has it some religious significance?

[Humi Batik]

Ah, it has indeed. The black pearl is a very small pearl. But as you know, black pearls are rare and therefore are of considerable value. Aside from its value in money, however, the black pearl of Osiris is priceless in our eyes. For it is really the heart of Osiris.

[Pat]

How can a pearl, black or white, be anybody's heart?

[Humi Batik]

Oh, you interpret my remark Too literally, Mr. Patton. Many, many hundreds of years ago, a statue of Osiris was molded from gold with eyes of diamonds. When it was erected, it was decided that the statue must have a heart. And it must be something unusual, something worthy of that incredibly beautiful statue. Tutankhamal, the pharaoh of that time, had in his possession a small but perfect black pearl. And he gave this to the temple to be used as the heart of Osiris.

[Dick Tracy]

I'm beginning to understand. That statue wasn't by any chance placed into Tankhumal's tomb when he died, was it?

[Humi Batik]

Mr. Tracy, I bow to you.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Humi Batik]

The statue was placed there for hundreds of years. It was safe. Then came this infidel and stole the black pearl. But we knew. We who have guarded it for centuries, we knew that the heart of Osiris had been taken and that it must be returned at all cost. I have found it necessary to employ force, a thing I detest. But in my heart I know that Osiris will forgive me, for I did it for him.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, perhaps Osiris will. Batik, undoubtedly you're aware of the fact that there is another law here on earth which metes out its own justice. So. No, no, no.

[Humi Batik]

Do not move to. I caution you. Believe me, I will gladly give myself over to you after I have returned the Pearl. But I have not the Black Pearl. Until I do have it, you cannot have me.

[Dick Tracy]

I'm afraid you're mistaken about that. Believe me, I sympathize with you.

[Humi Batik]

But it is not your sympathy I want. It is the Black Pearl of Osiris. That is what I want and that is what I will have.

[Dick Tracy]

Put down that gun, Batik.

[Humi Batik]

You cannot frighten me. I am not sure whether you have a gun there in your pocket or not. But if you have, you had better begin firing it now.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Because he's aiming at the light.

[Narrator]

God.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

That door, Captain.

[Dick Tracy]

The door, Captain.

[Narrator]

Don't let him get out.

[Dick Tracy]

Dick. You're right your height.

[Narrator]

Out of my way, Captain O'Reilly. After him.

[Dick Tracy]

For heaven's sake. Don't let him get away. Oh, my leg. I can't stand on it.

[Narrator]

Go after him.

[Dick Tracy]

Don't let him get away.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Yes, and by the Lord Harry Tracy. I'll have the whole crew out to look for.

[Doctor]

Does that hurt, Mr. Tracy?

[Dick Tracy]

Little doctor? Not much.

[Doctor]

Not much, huh? I admire your nerves, sir.

[Narrator]

But you can't tell me that you.

[Doctor]

Aren'T experiencing intense pain. I've proved for bullets before.

[Humi Batik]

Well, you.

[Dick Tracy]

You have to get it out, don't you?

[Doctor]

Yes, but I'm not so sure that I can. That fire of yours ought to be x rayed to find out the exact location of the bullet. The bullet must be a very small one to judge from the wound.

[Pat]

Yeah, it was a very small revolver. Small, pearl handled. One belonging to Dryden small.

[Doctor]

Ah, yes, Mr. Small. I treated him for a few knife wounds an hour ago. He'll be laid up for a long time, Mr. Tracy.

[Humi Batik]

I don't like that man.

[Doctor]

He deserved everything he got.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Huh.

[Doctor]

That hurt you, didn't it?

[Dick Tracy]

No, no. That's right.

[Humi Batik]

Please go on.

[Dick Tracy]

The crew are searching for Homi Batik Alihat.

[Pat]

Yeah, every available man. They'll find him too.

[Dick Tracy]

I wonder. He's clever, that Egyptian. They had searched for him before and couldn't find him.

[Doctor]

Sorry.

[Dick Tracy]

Sorry, Captain. Pat, I'm afraid our Egyptian friend is clever enough to find a safe place to hide. I wish I could be out with a crew hunting for him.

[Captain O'Reilly]

What about that black Pearl, Dick?

[Pat]

The Egyptians seem sure driving small headed. Have you any idea where it might be?

[Dick Tracy]

No, Pat, I haven't. I can't help thinking that if only I'd known about this before Dryden Small had told me the whole story, all this might have been avoided.

[Pat]

That would have meant telling you that he stole the pearl of Osiris. You always suspected him, didn't you?

[Dick Tracy]

Well, I thought he was dishonest and evasive, but I didn't know any definite, sir.

[Doctor]

Tracy.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes?

[Doctor]

I'm not going to probe for that bullet anymore. It's useless. You have to wait until we dock tomorrow, go to a doctor immediately and have it X rayed. Unfortunately, we have no facilities for X ray on board.

[Dick Tracy]

I see. All right, Doctor, I'll do that.

[Doctor]

I'll bandage it up. I think you'll be able to get around all right.

[Dick Tracy]

Thank you, Doctor. Thanks very much. No luck as yet, Captain?

[Captain O'Reilly]

None, Tracy, none. My men are searching the boat, but there doesn't seem to be much chance of finding Mr. Batik. As you say, he's probably chosen the one place where we wouldn't think of looking.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, the one place where we wouldn't think of looking. I wonder what that might be.

[Captain O'Reilly]

If I knew, I could save the crew a lot of trouble. But I can promise you this, Tracy. He won't get off the boat when we dock tomorrow without being caught. I'll see to that.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, I wonder, Captain.

[Humi Batik]

I wonder.

[Pat]

I've been watching the passengers go down the gang plank, Dick. So far I haven't seen anyone resembling Batik.

[Dick Tracy]

No, neither have I. Patty's going to try to get off this boat. He depend on that. We have every gang plank on us.

[Narrator]

Hey, Dick.

[Dick Tracy]

Junior. Well, old man, I'm glad to see you.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Oh, gosh, am I glad to see you.

[Dick Tracy]

Dick.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Pat.

[Pat]

Oh, thanks.

[Humi Batik]

Aw, Pat.

[Pat]

It's okay, kid. I know when Dick's around, no one else exists.

[Dick Tracy]

Tell me, Junior, how's the Dick Tracy Secret Service patrol going? We got lots of members.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Boy, I'll say we have. Hey, what are you looking for?

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, a friend of ours, Junior. We thought he might be getting off the boat.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Some gangster, I'll bet.

[Pat]

Wrong that time, youngster.

[Dick Tracy]

See anyone, Pat?

[Pat]

No, I just thought for a minute that it isn't him.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Say, who are you looking for anyway?

[Pat]

An Egyptian named Humi Batik. He's been hiding on boat, wounded a man. He says he did it in self defense. We've got to get him.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Hey, Dick, are you limping?

[Dick Tracy]

Well, he was shot, Junior. Shot by the Egyptian, huh? Yeah.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Say, Dick, is it bad?

[Narrator]

No, no, no.

[Dick Tracy]

It's all right, Junior. Oh, Captain.

[Narrator]

Hello there.

[Doctor]

Great team.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Any luck?

[Dick Tracy]

No, none as yet.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Well, I hope he hasn't got past this, but I don't see how he could. I've got men stationed all over the place. Homie Batik isn't hard to recognize. With that yellow face of his.

[Dick Tracy]

There are two things that puzzle me, Captain. Where is Humi Batik hiding? And where is the Black Pearl? I searched Small Defects thoroughly and couldn't find it.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Well, I'd give a good deal to know the answers to those questions myself.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Say, Dick, isn't that a body they're bringing off now down by the hole there?

[Pat]

Now, that isn't a body, Junior. That's a mummy case containing a mummy which belonged to the guy who was wounded.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

A mummy?

[Doctor]

Oh, gosh.

[Dick Tracy]

What would be the one place we'd never think of looking at? What was that?

[Doctor]

Tracy?

[Dick Tracy]

Captain, I may be crazy, but come on.

[Pat]

Dick, where you going?

[Dick Tracy]

I'm going down to have a look at that mummy.

[Pat]

But, Dick, you don't actually think he'd be in there, do you?

[Dick Tracy]

I don't know, Pat. It's the one place we haven't looked for him. The one place no one would think of looking for him.

[Captain O'Reilly]

By heavens, Tracy, I believe you're right.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, soon. No. Here, you. Yeah, put that money case down, will you?

[Humi Batik]

Oh, with pleasure.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Boy, they sure built these things in the old days.

[Narrator]

Weighs a ton of.

[Dick Tracy]

All right, boys, put it down.

[Captain O'Reilly]

Okay, okay.

[Doctor]

There it goes.

[Narrator]

There it goes.

[Captain O'Reilly]

There we are. Well, I must say, Tracy, you certainly are thorough. Gotta hand it to you. I would never have thought of looking in that mummy case.

[Dick Tracy]

Well, remember, we're not sure he's in there. He may not be, you know.

[Pat]

Yeah, there's something to that.

[Dick Tracy]

But I have a hunch, Pap, A hunch that he is. All right, boys, pry off that lid.

[Humi Batik]

Okay.

[Dick Tracy]

Draw your gunpad and stand ready. All right, Dick, you may need it.

[Narrator]

Is Hume Batik concealed in the mummy case? And supposing he is, where is the Black Pearl? A big surprise awaits us. A surprise you won't want to miss for anything. And now, stand by for a meeting of the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol. Brought to you by the makers of Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, those two nourishing, tasty cereals that are shot from guns. Here's Dick Tracy Jr. Your president now.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

The meeting will now come to order. And today we have another secret code message for you from Dick Tracy.

[Narrator]

Have you got your pencil and paper ready to take it down? If not, get them right now so you won't miss Dick's secret message.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

While you're getting your pencil and paper, I want to report a lot of new promotions to the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant.

[Narrator]

Congratulations, officers of the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol. And if you aren't an officer already start to win your promotion right away? It tells you how in your secret code book.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

All right, Mr. Quaker man, here's the secret code message.

[Narrator]

You ready, everyone?

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

It's prisoner 26, 10, 16, 3, 21, 17, 16, 28, 16, 3, 8, 18, 15, 4, 12, 21, 15, 13, 9, 14.

[Narrator]

That's a long one, Junior. I think you better repeat it.

[Dick Tracy Jr.]

Okay, here it is again. It's prisoner 26, 10, 16, 3, 21, 17, 16, 28, 16, 3, 8, 18, 15, 4, 12, 21, 15, 13, 9, 14.

[Narrator]

That's real news for you from Dick Tracy patrol members. Be sure you decode that message. It's important. And with all the big things that are happening, be sure there's some famous Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice in the pantry so you can get your box tops. Look, today to be sure. And if there isn't any, ask Mother to get some at the grocer's. And then you and Mother and Dad can have puffed wheat one day and puffed rice the next for a delicious variety that really brightens up your breakfast. And don't forget, those two swell cereals are shot from guns. Calling all adventure fans. Calling all Dick Tracy fans. Stand by for another exciting Dick Tracy adventure next Monday at this same time. That is all. It.