Green Hornet 39-12-14 (0401) Bail Beats the Rap

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – The Green Hornet “Bail Beats the Rap” (1939-12-14)

Episode Theme:
This classic “Green Hornet” episode explores corruption, redemption, and the perils faced by those entangled with crime. Britt Reid (the Green Hornet) seeks to bring down a city-wide racket protected by politicians, focusing on Carling, a crooked official whose attempt at redemption is fraught with danger after he resolves to expose his criminal associates—even as his own son is caught in the crossfire.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. The State of the City & Carling’s Guilt (02:03 – 08:41)

• Britt Reid and reporter Gunnigan discuss the hold of organized crime and political protection over the city.
• Carling, a political boss, is revealed to have built his career on “graft and corruption.” His son’s repeated scrapes with the law mirror Carling’s own failings.
  • Quote (Carling, 05:09): “I built my political career on grafting, corruption. I didn’t realize until tonight how insecure that foundation was.”
  • Carling is wracked by guilt, especially after a candid confrontation with his son, who challenges his integrity and legacy.
  • Quote (Carling’s son, 07:06): “You’re a crook and I’m your son…I’m just putting it back where you got it from.”
• Carling resolves to confess and provide the Sentinel with inside information to bring down the rackets, motivated by a desire to redeem himself in his son’s eyes.

2. The Threat of Retaliation (11:03 – 13:14)

• Carling is approached by Tilson, the city’s top racketeer, who suspects Carling may betray him.
  • Quote (Tilson, 14:41): “If you start talking about my rackets to any newspaper, your son won’t live long enough to light a cigarette.”
• Carling, under threat, reverses his decision and refuses to talk, citing unnamed fears.

3. The Green Hornet Investigates (15:58 – 19:46)

• Britt Reid (as the Green Hornet) suspects intimidation and investigates Carling’s sudden silence.
  • The Hornet eavesdrops as Carling admits to his son he has been threatened—specifically, that the son is in danger if Carling speaks out.
  • Quote (Carling’s son, 18:34): “I don’t believe you…you never had any intention of going through with this.”
• The Hornet uses this information to manipulate Tilson, inciting paranoia that Carling’s son might talk to the press.

4. The Kidnapping and Cliffhanger (21:01 – 23:03)

• Carling's son receives a suspicious phone call at a roadhouse, is lured outside, and abducted by Tilson's men.
  • Quote (Tilson, 22:01): “We got a little tip from the Green Hornet. Kid, you are taking a little ride.”
• The next morning, Carling and the police fear the worst, believing his son may have been murdered.

5. Confession and Resolution (23:20 – 26:11)

• Carling, believing his son dead, confesses entirely—exposing the racket and his role to the Sentinel.
  • Quote (Carling, 24:32): “It’s the least I can do—for my son, his memory.”
  • He signs a sworn statement, enabling the authorities to dismantle the criminal operation.
• A twist: The police inform Carling that his son is alive—he’d been gassed, not killed, and managed to escape.
  • Quote (Britt Reid, 25:26): “Your son woke up beside the road…It wasn’t a shot, it was gas.”
  • Carling is given a chance at redemption and reconciliation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Carling’s Reflection on Corruption (05:09):
  “I built my political career on grafting, corruption. I didn’t realize until tonight how insecure that foundation was.”
• Brutal Truth from Son to Father (07:06):
  “You’re a crook and I’m your son. You’ve never been in jail—sure, because you’re too smart. But you get your money from gambling joints and rackets... So why should you kick when I spend it?”
• The Threat (14:41):
  “If you start talking about my rackets to any newspaper, your son won’t live long enough to light a cigarette.” – Tilson to Carling
• Confession and Regret (24:57):
  “I should have done this a long time ago...my duty was to serve the public. Well, at least I’ve wiped the slate clean. When I get out of jail, I can start fresh.” – Carling
• Relief and Hope (25:26):
  “Your son woke up beside the road. He’d been gassed. It wasn’t a shot, it was gas.” – Britt Reid to Carling

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Main Setup: Corruption and the press (02:03 – 05:34)
• Father–Son confrontation (06:01 – 07:51)
• Carling’s resolution to confess (08:07 – 08:41)
• Threat from Tilson and reversal (11:03 – 13:14; 14:41)
• The kidnapping (21:01 – 22:03)
• Carling’s confession and reveal (23:20 – 25:37)
• The twist: Son is alive (25:15 – 25:37)
• Uplifting conclusion: redemption and reconciliation (25:49 – 26:46)

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Tone and Style

The episode is classic noir: terse, urgent, but also richly emotional. Its moral core—can a man atone for his past, and is it ever too late?—shines through in pointed dialogue and melodramatic climaxes. Fatherhood, legacy, and personal responsibility are pressed upon the audience with the force of classic radio drama.

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For New Listeners

This episode is an excellent showcase of the Golden Age of Radio’s narrative depth: real-world issues mixed with pulpy suspense, delivered in a style that is brisk but never light on moral stakes. It’s a tale of crime, conscience, and second chances, told through the thrilling lens of The Green Hornet.

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Transcript

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[Britt Reid]

Try with his faithful valid Cato, Brit Reed, daring young publisher matches wits with the underworld, risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet. Ride with Brit Reed as he races toward another thrilling adventure. The Green Hornet strikes again.

[Carling]

Hurricane. Here's where we smash a graft racket.

[Britt Reid]

Okay, Charlie, that closes the bulldog. Yeah, take it away. Not much news today, Gunnigan. Yeah, that's the newspaper business, Reed. One day you got a five alarm fire, a nice heavy murder, a big scandal case, and so much stuff coming over the wire you could fill a dozen page once. And then there are days like this one. What's your lead story, Gunnigan? The citizen protest meeting. Yelling about the rackets in town. Oh, that's important. Sure. Been important for months. But it's not new. It's from hunger, Reed. We had nothing else to run. Couldn't even give it a twist. Gunnigan, you know what makes this town shot full of rackets? Sure. The political machine. I wish we could print it on them. What a scoop that'd be for the Sentinel. I gave up that dream long ago, Reid. It's a funny thing about crooked politicians, Gunnigan. Take Carling, for example. That chiseler. You can have him. Reid gets paid a lot for giving the racketeers political protection, doesn't he? He's got a dollar for every penn. And it didn't come out of his salary as a public official. Public official. Yet there was a time when Carling was on the level. When he had the makings of an honest statesman. That was way back when you were a kid, Reid. When your father Was running the paper. Time flies. What made him change? Dunno. Easy money maybe. Money like that may be easy to get got again, but it's got thorns on it. I bet he hasn't slept well in years. Talking about caring, boss. Oh, yes, Larry. What? He won't sleep easy tonight. You got something, Larry? Yeah. Guess who's been pulled in for disturbing the peace? Uh? Oh, you mean Carling's son Again, Larry. Right, boss. I just got a phone call from the station house. He raised a row in another nightclub. Too bad they can't cool him off in the clink. Not a chance, Kennigan. With the poor. Carling's got his son. Must be home by now. Sure he is. Too bad, isn't it? I've seen that chap around. I bet if it hadn't been for the example his father's setting him, he'd be as level headed as any kid. Never mind the philosophy, Reid. Do we run it? Of course we do, Galligan. It's a story, isn't it? Take it to rewrite, Larry. Tell him to give it a couple of sticks. Okay. Wait a minute. Might be something. Newsroom, Sentinel. Yeah, he's here. Who wants to see? Oh, just a minute for me, Gunnigan. Yeah, Reid. And you know who it is? It's Carling. Carling, huh? Uh, Bet he wants his yarn killed. Yeah, what he wants and what he gets are two different things. I'll take it. Hello, Carling, this is Reed. Now, Carling, if it's about your son's escapade, the answer is you want to see me. It won't do you any. You what? Oh, well, yes, I'll be here. Huh? Carly's coming here, boss. Never mind, Larry. Get that story about to rewrite. Just a minute, Larry. We're holding an upper pile. Huh? But read. Carl says he has another story for the Sentinel. A bigger story. Oh, that's just applesauce. Reed sounded some steer, Gunnigan. Carling said he wanted to tell what he knows about the racket set. What? It's a pipe dream. He's coming into the saddle tonight. Somehow I can't help feeling he's on the level. All right, calling.

[Carling]

What is it, GRE day? I had to talk with my son tonight after I got him out of the police station.

[Britt Reid]

Just a moment, Carling. You're not trying to squash that stuff?

[Carling]

No, I'm not.

[Britt Reid]

Because it won't work no matter how.

[Carling]

You go about it. Yes, I understand that, Reid. I built my political career on grafting, corruption. I didn't Realize until tonight how insecure that foundation was.

[Britt Reid]

You wanted money, Carling. Well, you got it. Dirty money.

[Carling]

It's all finished now and through.

[Britt Reid]

Took you a long time to change your mind, Karling. What's the matter? Did you have a quarrel with the racket boss?

[Carling]

No, I had a quarrel with my son.

[Britt Reid]

Did you expect him to be a good citizen after the example you set him?

[Carling]

Please don't rub it in. I thought I was providing for his future. Instead I. I ruined it.

[Britt Reid]

Just what was this quarrel?

[Carling]

Well, I. I took him into the library. I wanted to give him a lecture on his conduct. He didn't seem to be impressed by what I was saying.

[Britt Reid]

That's all you're going to say. Save it, will you? Dad. And sleepy.

[Carling]

Sir.

[Britt Reid]

Ma'. Am. What are you always preaching at me for?

[Carling]

Because you're my son. I can't see you go on this way.

[Britt Reid]

What's wrong with it?

[Carling]

What's wrong with it? You've been tossed out of three universities already. You've gotten into one scrape after another. Why don't you settle down?

[Britt Reid]

Because it's more fun this way.

[Carling]

I don't know. Every time we get together, you act as if. Son, I've done everything for you.

[Britt Reid]

Okay, suppose we let it go at that.

[Carling]

I can't believe it. I can't believe you're no good.

[Britt Reid]

I'm your son, aren't I?

[Carling]

Just what does that mean?

[Britt Reid]

All right, you're asking for it. All right, I'll tell you. How do you expect me to act? What have I got to look up to? You're my father. All I'm doing is taking you for an example.

[Carling]

Do you know what you're saying?

[Britt Reid]

Yes, I know, and so do you. I used to think when I was a kid that you were the greatest guy on earth. My father. Man elected by the people. That's a laugh.

[Carling]

Stop it.

[Britt Reid]

You asked for this, not me. You keep telling me to be a good citizen. Why don't you practice what you preach?

[Carling]

I. Son, you're tired.

[Britt Reid]

Sure, I'm tired. I'm tired of having you tell me how to act. You, of all people. You're a crook, and I'm your son.

[Carling]

You can't say that.

[Britt Reid]

I can and I am. You've never been in jail. Sure, because you're too smart. But you get your money from gambling joints and rackets that exist because you give them political protection. It's dirty money, so why should you kick when I spend it? I'm just putting it back where you got it from.

[Carling]

I never Realized how?

[Britt Reid]

Don't worry about it. Used to worry me, too. I used to be ashamed to look other kids in the face as soon as I learned what you were like. But it doesn't worry me anymore. If you got away with it, why can't I? I'm gonna be just like you, get what I can, and I don't care how. Like father, like son. Blessed, huh? Like father, like son. Like father, like son.

[Carling]

I can still hear him saying it. That's why I'm here, Reid.

[Britt Reid]

It doesn't feel so good, eh, Carling?

[Carling]

He's all I've got. I should have known better. Reid, if. If I give the Sentinel information about my political tie up with the rackets, will you print it?

[Britt Reid]

You might go to jail.

[Carling]

I will go to jail, and so will plenty of others. I've thought of that. But I've thought more of my son.

[Britt Reid]

Might have been wiser to think of him sooner.

[Carling]

You needn't twist the knife. I realized a lot of things tonight. It may be too late, but at least I can try.

[Britt Reid]

Well, Carling, anything you have to say, the Sentinel will print.

[Carling]

It'll take me a day or two to get things together. I've been tied up in so much graft, I've forgotten about half of it.

[Britt Reid]

You won't change your mind?

[Carling]

Not a chance. When I have things ready, I'll call you.

[Britt Reid]

All right, Carling. We'll expect your call. Have you told your son yet?

[Carling]

No, I. Not yet.

[Britt Reid]

Then what are you waiting for, Man? You want him to be proud of you, don't you? You've got to make up for lost time. Car.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I never thought you'd come to my dance, Jack.

[Britt Reid]

Fooled you, huh?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I've sent you so many invitations, and you've always turned them down.

[Britt Reid]

Forget it, darling. Let's dance and walk around for good luck. What are they waiting for? How about some more music?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Oh, they're all through. Just as well, too. I'm dizzy.

[Britt Reid]

Don't like dancing with me, huh?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I love it. Let's go out to the balcony, shall we?

[Britt Reid]

With you? Any place.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

You've changed so much, Jack. As if. As if a load had been lifted from you.

[Britt Reid]

It has.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Tell me, is it your father?

[Britt Reid]

How did you know?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Old news gets around, Jack. I'm glad.

[Britt Reid]

So am I, honey. It's a swell feeling.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Oh, look. Isn't that Britt Reed?

[Britt Reid]

Where? Oh, yeah. Come on. I want to say hello to him.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid]

I get the next dance, or they all take it. Well, I'll take him. I might give up one, though, seeing it's you. Life isn't so bad, is it, Carling? Dad. Talk to me, Mr. Reed. It's funny how a talk can change things. The Sentinel can't go easy on him. Dad doesn't want that, and I don't either. Say, I was just thinking. Well, I have one more year and then I get out. I. We won't have so much money. And what do you think? I'd stand a chance of being a reporter? You never know till you try. Carling. I tell you what. Let's make a date for next year. You come in with your sheepskin and we'll talk about it. Okay? Okay, dad.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

They've started again, huh?

[Britt Reid]

Oh. Oh, yeah. So long, Mr. Reed. It's a date. Come on, honey. Just a minute. Carling. Who's that over here in the car?

[Carling]

Who is it?

[Britt Reid]

Now, was that a way to talk to a pal?

[Carling]

Tillson. What do you want?

[Britt Reid]

I've been parked outside your house for a couple hours. Carling, didn't we have an appointment today? Appointment? Yeah, to split a little dough. You never missed an appointment like that before.

[Carling]

Tillson. I'm not interested anymore. You see, I've been hearing rumors.

[Britt Reid]

Calling wouldn't be any truth in them, would they?

[Carling]

I'd rather not discuss it, Tillson.

[Britt Reid]

Now, ain't that nice? I'd rather not discuss it. But listen, you. I don't know exactly what's going on. Not yet. But I don't like it, see? And we're going to Let go of my arm. I'll let go and I'm good and ready. You and me have a. Who's that? Mr. Caring. Let go off my arm for you, huh? Okay, Carling. Just remember, I'll be him yet. I thought it was you, Mr. Carly.

[Carling]

Who are you?

[Britt Reid]

Me? Lowry, from the Sentinel. Hey, that guy left in a hurry, didn't he?

[Carling]

Yes, he did.

[Britt Reid]

What's the matter? Didn't he want to see me?

[Carling]

I think not.

[Britt Reid]

Well, Mr. Reed wants to know when you'll. Hey, wait a second. Now that I think of it, I've seen that car before.

[Carling]

You can tell Mr. Reed I'll call him tomorrow evening.

[Britt Reid]

Okay, but you sound scared.

[Carling]

Was that car the one that with Tilson Mackerel? Head of all the rackets in town, He's a little suspicious.

[Britt Reid]

You think he knows you're going to talk?

[Carling]

I'm not sure. I don't think so. Not yet. But I'm not backing down. Tell Mr. Reed he'll hear from me tomorrow night.

[Britt Reid]

Are you sure you Got a straight Lowry calling. Said he'd call. Yes, boss. And what you waiting for? We ought to hear from him by now. Don't like broken promises, Gilligan. Oh, boss, he'll call. I tell you. Carling means business. I'm sure he does, Laurie, but. Hey, that must be him. Reed. I'll take it. You can listen in on the other phone. Hello, Lady Sembel?

[Carling]

I want to talk to Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid]

That's you calling. This is Reed talking.

[Carling]

Reed, I said I'd call you tonight.

[Britt Reid]

Anything wrong?

[Carling]

No, I'm sticking to my bargain. It's just that there's someone in the house.

[Britt Reid]

What? What's that?

[Carling]

I'm alone here yet I thought I heard footsteps.

[Britt Reid]

You better go out. Hop the cabin. Come over here.

[Carling]

Yes, perhaps.

[Britt Reid]

Let's. Reed. Carling. What is it?

[Carling]

Let's go behind.

[Britt Reid]

Carling.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Reed, It's Justin.

[Britt Reid]

Carling.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Hello?

[Britt Reid]

The phone's gone dead. Reed. Hold on. The desk. Cunningham.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Come on.

[Britt Reid]

While we were going out there. It's Tilson.

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[Britt Reid]

Must be that newspaper guy, Carling. They got here in a hurry. I'll tell you once more, just so you remember it. If you start talking about my rackets to any newspaper, your son won't live long enough to light a cigarette.

[Carling]

I've got to answer the door.

[Britt Reid]

I'm going out the back. You know I'm not kidding. I can get to your son no matter where he is. I know you don't care about yourself. But you do care about him plenty. So. So long, Carling. Give my regards to the separate.

[Carling]

Tilson. Where is that? The door here, sir. Coming. I'm coming.

[Britt Reid]

Howdy. Open the door. Hey, what's going on? Calling. Are you all right?

[Carling]

Yes, Reed, I. I'm all right.

[Britt Reid]

What happened?

[Carling]

Why, nothing. Nothing at all.

[Britt Reid]

You were talking on the phone. Where's Telson?

[Carling]

Tilson? He hasn't been here.

[Britt Reid]

He hasn't? Well, then why did you hang up?

[Carling]

Sweet? I changed my mind. I'm sorry, but I can't give you any.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Sam.

[Britt Reid]

Telephone, mister. Bed. I'll take it, Katum. Hello, Reed? This is Gunnigan. Oh, yes, Gunnigan. Have you made any headway? Not a bit. Carling says no Soap. You tell Lowry to put the pressure on. Larry's here now, Reed. He talked himself hoarse. But what's calling's reason? He must have one. Yes, me. He's been threatened. Tilson. Huh? All right, Gunnigan, that's all. If I get any flashes, should I call your apartment? Uh, no. I think I'll be out this evening, Gunnigan. Good night. You got the gist of that, cato? It's bad, Ms. Smith. Curling made some deal with Tilson. There's no doubt about that. Just when the settler was all set to crack that racket scoop. It would have ripped the town apart. Yes, sir. Now, somebody stepped on a fuse when the flurry couldn't squeeze the truth out of Carling. That puts it up to us. What do you mean? Almost 24 hours have gone by since Carling broke his promise. He's got some reason for keeping quiet. Perhaps it's his own skin that worries him. Perhaps. Yes. We'll find out. Definitely. I want the Green Hornet mask and the gas weapon. Check the Black Beauty and have it set to travel. We're going out as the Green Hornet. How is it this time, Peter? I see no one. I guess the reporters have finally given up. Come on. What about the car? I will leave it here. I might need you. This way is an open window. Careful. Stay out of the light. Yes, sir. We'll see who. Cato. It's Carling in his son. Yes. Looks like an argument. Now get this. I'm going up close to listen. You stay here. If young Carlin comes out, trail him in the Black Beauty. But, mister, As I say in the Black Beauty. I'll get back somehow. Put the haunted mask and the gun in my pocket. No one will know me. Quiet. I want to hear this.

[Carling]

Yes, sir. It's true. I changed my Mind, Dad, When I.

[Britt Reid]

Read that in the Sentinel this morning, I. I couldn't believe it.

[Carling]

I don't want to discuss it.

[Britt Reid]

But why? Why?

[Carling]

Please, please.

[Britt Reid]

No, you've got to tell me. Was Tilson here last night? Was he?

[Carling]

Yes, sir. He made threats.

[Britt Reid]

So that's it? And just because he threatened you?

[Carling]

Not me, sir.

[Britt Reid]

Well, who did he threaten? You. Me?

[Carling]

I know Tilson. When he makes a promise, he means it.

[Britt Reid]

And what about your promise?

[Carling]

What could I do? Son, you're all I've got. Does it seem funny to you?

[Britt Reid]

Go on. What are you stopping for? You might as well make it good while you're about it.

[Carling]

But what are you saying?

[Britt Reid]

Oh, cut it out. You're not kidding me. I don't understand song and dance about Tilson making threats. I'm old enough to know the truth.

[Carling]

It is the truth?

[Britt Reid]

Yes. Then why don't you get the police to protect me?

[Carling]

Because if I made one move like that, Tilson would think I was getting ready to talk. Ye. It'd get you further.

[Britt Reid]

I don't believe you. I fell for that stuff before, but I'm not falling now. You never had any intention of going through with this. You handed me a lot of soft soap. Then you cooked this up as an alibi. Friend.

[Carling]

Quebec.

[Britt Reid]

Here.

[Carling]

Wait a minute.

[Britt Reid]

Let go of me. You're insolent. You've got your dirty money. Stop playing the doting father. Keep on with your chiseling racket. I don't care. Now let go of me. I'm going. So check her.

[Carling]

Is your honor.

[Britt Reid]

How much does he know? Colleen?

[Carling]

Who's that?

[Britt Reid]

It's a nice little scene.

[Carling]

Was it for my benefit? You Mass. You Green Hornet.

[Britt Reid]

Philip Culling. That scene was faked, wasn't it?

[Carling]

Green Hornet. Tilson never too.

[Britt Reid]

Tilson doesn't tell you everything.

[Carling]

You're working for Tillson. He sent you here.

[Britt Reid]

Came to have a look.

[Carling]

Well, Tilson needn't worry. I'm not talking.

[Britt Reid]

What about your son?

[Carling]

My son?

[Britt Reid]

Is he gonna talk?

[Carling]

He doesn't know anything hornety.

[Britt Reid]

I hate to disagree with you.

[Carling]

Listen, Tillson promised me.

[Britt Reid]

Maybe you told your son. Maybe he's going to the Sentinel.

[Carling]

I don't know where he's going now.

[Britt Reid]

I'm gonna see that he doesn't get there. Wait.

[Carling]

Did Tilson give you orders?

[Britt Reid]

Someone has to keep tabs on that kid, just in case.

[Carling]

But he knows nothing. He can't talk.

[Britt Reid]

And I won't. Well, I'll see that he doesn't. Hold on, Hornet.

[Carling]

Wait. You can't Hurt him. Tillson's Hornet.

[Britt Reid]

Tilson's?

[Carling]

No, but I. I have to call him. Tell him to stop the Hornet.

[Britt Reid]

I have to call him. This looks like the place. Good. That's Cato. Is that you? That's K. One of the apartment. Came here as soon as you phoned. Is young Carling still inside the roadhouse? He'll be out soon, babe. Let's see. Closing up sooner. Yes, sir. Cato was out of Carling's home. He was calling Tilson. I gave Carling the impression that I was Tilson's gunman. I see. Then I called Tilson myself. Later on I got him worried about young Carling. Tilson's got men out right now looking around for him. Cato, Tilson is planning to put the finger on young Carling. That is bad. Won't take him long to locate him either. Tilson's got connections in every roadhouse and gambling joint in town. Including this one. Now listen closely. We gotta plan this very carefully. Otherwise there may be a slip up a young curling in that roadhouse.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Jack, please. It's time to go home.

[Britt Reid]

Home? I haven't got any home. Not anymore.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

You don't know what you're saying.

[Britt Reid]

If you don't like it, go on. I didn't ask you to hang around.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

You asked me to come with you.

[Britt Reid]

All right, I changed my mind. I don't need you or anybody. Pardon me, buddy. Your name Carling? Huh? There's a phone call for you out back.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Okay, Jack, let's leave.

[Britt Reid]

Let me alone, will ya? I'm gonna answer the phone. As far as I'm concerned, it'll be okay. If you're not here when I get back. Where is the phone? This way. Who was it? I don't know. Just ask for you. Hope it's my father. Boy, will I tell him. Right through this door. You first. I don't see a phone. Hello, Ken. Who are you? I got a rod in my pocket, so just do like I tell you. A gun. The name's Tilson. Tilson. Should I take him out? Tilson? Yeah. We got a little tip from the Green Hornet. Kid, you are taking a little ride.

[Carling]

He's been gone all night. All night?

[Britt Reid]

Yeah, Heard about it at the Sentinel this morning.

[Carling]

Hey, police don't care much for me, but they're doing all they can.

[Britt Reid]

Now take it easy. Tilson wouldn't dare.

[Carling]

But he sent the Green Hornet last night here.

[Britt Reid]

The Green Hornet? Holy mackerel. Was the Hornet here?

[Carling]

I never knew it. But he must be the gunman for Tilson and what the Hornet said.

[Britt Reid]

I hate to say this, Carling, but if the Hornet's in, I don't think you're wasting your time. That's. That guy's been accused of every crime on the book, including murder.

[Carling]

The Hornet thought Jack knew something. But he didn't. I swear he didn't.

[Britt Reid]

When you get in a racket, Carling, it's hard to get the tar off.

[Carling]

If Jack, he's dead now.

[Britt Reid]

You can thank yourself for it. You started this racket, helped it to grow. Now you're getting some idea of what it feels like to reap the harvest.

[Carling]

Do I?

[Britt Reid]

Whoa, slow up.

[Carling]

It may be Jack. It must be now.

[Britt Reid]

Wait, Carl. You may be heading for a letdown. Take it easy. You.

[Carling]

Jack.

[Britt Reid]

It'S you.

[Carling]

I heard it was Jack, Mr.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Calling. I was with him last night.

[Britt Reid]

Hey, you're his girl, aren't you? We.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

We were out at the roadhouse in the country. Jack got up to answer a telephone call.

[Britt Reid]

What did you do, walk all the way in?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I had no money.

[Carling]

Where is he?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

It wasn't a phone call. I went after him. There were two men taking him out back. Two men with guns.

[Carling]

Where is he?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I heard them say something about taking him for a one way ride.

[Britt Reid]

One way ride? Who were they?

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I don't know.

[Britt Reid]

I.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Maybe it's the fate, Mr. Colleen. Maybe they found him.

[Carling]

I can't answer.

[Britt Reid]

I'll take it for you, Colleen. Hello, Police? Yes, yes, I'll take the message. Uh huh. Yes. Yes. You picked up a man named Shorty?

[Carling]

Shorty is what it feels as good as.

[Britt Reid]

What about? All right, I'll tell him. Thanks.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

What about Jack? Have they found him?

[Britt Reid]

They haven't found him. The police grabbed Shorty on the road. He was beaten up. He says he didn't mean to kill your son. That the Green horn had got him.

[Carling]

You mean Jack is dead?

[Britt Reid]

That's what Shorty told the police.

[Carling]

I did this. It's all my fault. Larry is read at the Sentinel now?

[Britt Reid]

I think so, Mr. Carly.

[Carling]

Can we go there now? I refuse to talk because of my son. Now my son's gone, there's no reason for me to be silent any longer. That's it, Reed. That's the whole story of the racket. All of it. My part in it, all about Tilson, everything. There are papers which can be used to substantiate everything I've told you.

[Britt Reid]

All right, Carling. The satin will print every word. This racket trust is smashed.

[Carling]

It's the least I can do. For my son, his memory.

[Britt Reid]

Here's the typewritten statement, Reed. Good. Will you sign here? Calling Gunnigan. And I'll witness it.

[Carling]

Of course.

[Britt Reid]

Gunnigan. How yours, Reed. All right, Gunnigan. Have photostats made of this. Send one to the District Attorney. One of the police. Print it in full on page one. Okay, Reed.

[Carling]

You know.

[Britt Reid]

Yes, Colling.

[Carling]

I should have done this a long time ago. I'm just beginning to realize. Even when they threaten my. I should have remembered I was a public official. My duty was to serve the public. Well, at least I've wiped the slate clean. When I get out of jail, I can start.

[Britt Reid]

Treasure. You'll get my vote. Carly. Hey, boss. Carly. Bowie, take it easy. Take it easy, nothing. The police just called. Young Carling is alive.

[Carling]

What's that? My say?

[Britt Reid]

Yeah, alive. He walked into a police station upstate a couple minutes ago.

[Carling]

But I. I don't understand. That man, Shorty, he. He told the police that he and the Green Horn had killed my son.

[Britt Reid]

That's what they thought. But it wasn't true. Your son woke up beside the road. He'd been gassed. It wasn't a shot. It was gas.

[Carling]

That boy, he got away from the.

[Britt Reid]

One of these alive.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

I've got to see him.

[Britt Reid]

So you've got to say it. Holy mackerel. Is this a story or is this a story? Wait a tanaga. Let me buy. I got to get that politician son. Escape from the Green Hornet.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

Hey, wait for me. Donnigan.

[Britt Reid]

All right, Carling. Put your shoulders back. From now on, you'll have a son to be proud. Proud of. And I think he'll be proud of his father.

[Carling's Son / Girl Friend]

City record Traffic pose Politician confesses Police seek order for murder. Read out about it. Read run and fill in large set electricity.

[Britt Reid]

It.