Five Minute Mysteries xx-xx-xx Chicago To Denver

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Five Minute Mysteries xx-xx-xx Chicago To Denver

Release Date: February 4, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Five Minute Mysteries", hosted by Sam Judson, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode titled "Chicago To Denver" unravels a captivating tale of theft, investigation, and astute detective work spanning from Chicago to Denver. This summary delves into the intricate plot, key discussions, insightful dialogues, and the resolution that brings the mystery to a satisfying close.

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The Mystery Unfolds

[00:36] Sam Judson opens the episode by setting the stage:

"The telephone circuits are humming with calls radiating out from FBI headquarters in Chicago to agents in the West."

The story centers around a dual theft reported by Mr. Digby, President of Giles Department Store. A valuable diamond bracelet from the Babson collection has gone missing during a sale.

[01:30] Knox, a Denver FBI agent, cynically remarks:

"Some nice rocks in that batch I'll bet."

This line not only adds a touch of humor but also underscores the high-value nature of the stolen items.

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Investigation and Clues

[01:35] Sam Judson provides critical details:

"It seems that the bracelet was first missed about 3:30. Several customers had been interested during the afternoon. One man in particular stands out in the clerk's mind."

The suspect is described as a distinguished man with specific physical traits:

• Age: Approximately 50 years old
• Appearance: Gray hair, bushy eyebrows, penetrating brown eyes
• Accent: A slight French inflection

[01:55] Sam Judson adds:

"A slight French accent."

These details are pivotal in narrowing down the suspect pool.

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Strategic Moves by the FBI

[01:57] Knox questions the involvement of the Denver bureau:

"Well, how do you figure? He left Chicago on a train and is heading for the coast."

[01:59] Sam Judson explains the strategic approach:

"The chief wants all the westbound trains checked to see if we can locate the Frenchman. Assuming that the thief was in Giles store in Chicago around 3:30 and left for the west on the first train, he would have caught the 5:30."

This introduces the plan to monitor train routes, specifically focusing on the 5:30 westbound train passing through Denver.

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Encounter on the Train

As the narrative progresses, Sam Judson engages in a phone conversation with Knox to discuss the case. The dialogue reveals the meticulous nature of the investigation and the anticipation of capturing the thief based on the provided clues.

[02:27] Knox expresses admiration for the suspect's boldness:

"Can you beat that for boldness? Elliot may be right after all about his being on one of the western bound trains."

This underscores the confidence the FBI has in their profiling of the suspect.

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The Confrontation

Onboard the train, Knox identifies the suspect, Mr. Bardot, through keen observation and interrogation.

[03:04] Knox asserts his authority and reasoning:

"On the contrary, Mr. Bardot, I'm an agent of the FBI and your description fits perfectly the case I'm working on."

Despite Bardot's attempt to feign ignorance, Knox is unwavering in his conviction.

[03:51] Sam Judson teases the audience with a cliffhanger:

"How did Knox decide that Bardot was his man?"

This builds suspense, enticing listeners to stay tuned for the resolution.

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Resolution of the Mystery

In the concluding segments, Knox reveals the clever deduction that led to Bardot's capture.

[04:39] Knox explains:

"Being a foreigner who apparently had not done much traveling in this country, Mr. Beddo did not realize that there is no train service through from east to the West Coast. There is always a break in Chicago where one has to change to another train."

This critical oversight in Bardot's alibi exposed his deceit.

[05:33] Knox confirms:

"And as it turned out, I was."

The meticulous attention to detail and understanding of train routes were instrumental in solving the case, highlighting the prowess of the FBI agents involved.

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Conclusion

"Five Minute Mysteries: Chicago To Denver" exemplifies the charm and intrigue of Old Time Radio dramas. Through Sam Judson's narration and the dynamic interactions between characters like Sam and Knox, listeners are treated to a well-crafted mystery that emphasizes observation, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of justice. This episode not only entertains but also showcases the detective skills that were emblematic of the era's popular radio shows.

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For those who cherish the nostalgia of radio mysteries and the suspense of classic detective work, this episode is a must-listen, offering both entertainment and a glimpse into the investigative methods of the past.

Transcript

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[Sam Judson]

Another five minute mystery. The telephone circuits are humming with calls radiating out from FBI headquarters in Chicago to agents in the West.

[Knox]

As our scene opens, we hear Denver FBI Knox speaking.

[Sam Judson]

Hello Knox. This is Sam Judson in Chicago reporting a dual theft. I'm listening Mr. Digby, President of Giles department store here reported it a short while ago. They are selling the Babson collection of jewels.

[Knox]

Some nice rocks in that batch I'll bet.

[Sam Judson]

Yes, and one of them is missing a fabulous diamond bracelet.

[Knox]

Where do we go from there?

[Sam Judson]

It seems that the bracelet was first missed about 3:30. Several customers had been interested during the afternoon. One man in particular stands out in the clerk's mind.

[Knox]

What's his description?

[Sam Judson]

About 50, gray hair, bushy eyebrows and penetrating brown eyes. Very distinguished.

[Knox]

Anything unusual?

[Sam Judson]

Yes, a slight French accent.

[Knox]

Well, where does the Denver bureau fit into the puzzle?

[Sam Judson]

Maybe it doesn't, but the chief wants all the westbound trains checked to see if we can locate the Frenchman. Assuming that the thief was in Giles store in Chicago around 3:30 and left for the west on the first train, he would have caught the 5:30. Once you go through Denver, get aboard and see what you can see.

[Knox]

Well, how do you figure? He left Chicago on a train and is heading for the coast.

[Sam Judson]

It is pretty flimsy evidence, but oddly enough he took the clerk's name. Said on his return from the west coast he would stop in again.

[Knox]

Can you beat that for boldness? Elliot may be right after all about his being on one of the western bound trains.

[Sam Judson]

That's for you to find out, my boy. Good luck.

[Knox]

Thanks Judson. See you soon I hope. I beg your pardon but haven't I seen you somewhere before? I believe it not, Monsieur. Funny though, I thought I might have seen you in Chicago. I have never been there myself. I passed through only on this train yesterday for the first time. I wish we had time to get off and look around. Oh, you're not traveling with someone else, huh?

[Sam Judson]

Oh yes.

[Knox]

My wife, Madame Bedot and I left New York together several days ago. Where you bound for? The West Coast. Well, I hope your business isn't too pressing, because I'm going to have to ask you to get off at the next stop with me. Oh, but monsieur, this is some sort of a joke. One minute you wish to be my friend, the next minute my enemy. On the contrary, Mr. Bardot, I'm an agent of the FBI and your description fits perfectly the case I'm working on. The mistake in your alibi also fits. Wouldn't I be foolish to let you slip through my fingers? But I know nothing of this case, monsieur. I have a wire in my pocket dated March 10, 1945, confirming my instructions from our Chicago office. The story fits perfectly. This is it, Mr. Bado, where you get off.

[Sam Judson]

How did Knox decide that Bado was his man?

[Knox]

In a minute, Knox will tell us how.

[Sam Judson]

But first.

[Knox]

And now back to the solution of our story. Being a foreigner who apparently had not done much traveling in this country, Mr. Beddo did not realize that there is no train service through from east to the West Coast. There is always a break in Chicago where one has to change to another train. So when Mr. Bardot declared he had not been off the train and had come through from New York, I was pretty convinced that he was my man. And as it turned out, I was.

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