Green Hornet - Cash on the Parking Lot (aka-The Parking Lot Racket)

Summary

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Green Hornet – "Cash on the Parking Lot" (aka "The Parking Lot Racket")

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 11, 2026
Original Air Date of Drama: 1940s (Golden Age of Radio)
Episode Theme:
A thrilling battle of wits unfolds as the Green Hornet intervenes in a citywide racket shaking down parking lot owners for "protection" money. The episode showcases classic radio drama style, weaving suspense, undercover intrigue, fake-outs, and rapid-fire dialogue as the Green Hornet works to expose the criminals and safeguard the innocent.

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Main Theme Overview

This episode plunges into urban corruption as a gang, led by a racketeer named Bleecker, extorts parking lot owners under threat of vandalism and violence. Brit Reid, who is secretly the Green Hornet, targets the racket not only as a publisher at The Daily Sentinel but also as the masked vigilante, orchestrating a clever trap to expose the criminals. Listeners are treated to hard-boiled banter, newsroom dynamics, and the Hornet’s patented blend of strategy and audacious disguise.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

The Racket and Its Victims

• Bleecker's Extortion Scheme (02:12–03:52):

  • Bleecker and his gang demand 10% of gross earnings from every parking lot, using violence and sabotage for non-compliance.

  • Owners face smashed cars, slashed tires, and insurance cancellations if they refuse to pay.

    • "They won't listen to reason. Smash a couple of the cars, throw a couple of bombs, start a few fires, they'll lay it on the line."
      — Narrator, Rick Reed (02:48)

• Focus on Schaefer's Struggle (03:54–07:12):

  • Schaefer, a parking lot owner, reveals to Brit Reid that he is being targeted but refuses to give in to the racket despite mounting losses and lack of police proof.

    • "I won't pay that dirty rat one red cent. ...The police can do nothing. Not a thing."
      — Schaefer (06:24)

The Daily Sentinel & the Hornet’s Involvement

• A Letter to the Newspaper (08:07–10:01):

  • The Daily Sentinel receives a “Hornet letter” via the Hints for Housewives column, promising to take on the racket—an unusual choice that amuses and alarms the staff.

  • Reed confirms the letter's authenticity and initiates press coverage, setting the stage for a public showdown.

    • "There's more in cooking up a stew about a certain type of racket now being worked. ...It's about the parking racket."
      — Casey & Rick Reed (08:50)

    • "It's signed the Green Hornet!"
      — Casey (09:03)

Green Hornet’s Plan Takes Shape

• Dueling Racketeers (10:01–12:24):

  • Both Bleecker and Schaefer receive Hornet notes, creating confusion and escalation among the criminal syndicate.

  • Reid, secretly the Green Hornet, coordinates action with Cato (his trusted valet and aide) to outmaneuver the racketeers and police.

    • "Bleeker is reading this Sentinel himself like everyone else in town. We've got to be ready for him."
      — Brit Reid (12:21)

Setting the Trap

• Stakeout at Schaefer’s Lot (13:10–18:42):

  • Bleecker and his men plot to deal with Schaefer and prepare to ambush the Hornet.

  • The Hornet calls Schaefer, arranging a bogus payoff for the following midnight—with Bleecker's gang eavesdropping, the setup is complete.

    • "This is the Green Hornet…I'll be there, Schaefer. Okay."
      — Green Hornet (Brit Reid) (18:07)

Tension in the Newsroom

• Police Involvement & Anticipation (22:01–24:43):

  • The Sentinel’s newsroom buzzes as staff and police learn of the trap and plan to capture both Bleecker and the Hornet.

  • Some sympathize with the Hornet, noting his ambiguous morality.

    • "And frankly, I'm a little bit sorry."
      — Casey (23:27)

    • "You dames. You think he's a knight in armor."
      — Rick Reed (23:30)

The Sting – Climactic Confrontation

• Midnight Payoff and Capture (24:47–29:25):

  • As planned, the police and Bleecker’s gang show up at the parking lot for the sting.

  • Bleecker’s men see what appears to be the Hornet’s shadow in the window and open fire, only to discover it's a cut-out silhouette.

  • Police swoop in and arrest Bleecker and his crew; the Hornet vanishes, his ruse successful.

    • "Look there, boss. ...See the lighted window of the office shack? There's his shadow. You can see the profile of the mask. He's holding a gun. ...Blast him to bits."
      — Bleecker’s gang (28:11)

    • "A paper cutout of the Hornet pasted on the window shade. ...That's what Bleecker shot at from outside."
      — Newsroom Team (29:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bleecker's Threatening Tactics:
  "Smash a couple of the cars, throw a couple of bombs, start a few fires, they'll lay it on the line." (02:48)

• The Hornet Letter Reveal:
  "It's signed the Green Hornet!" — Casey (09:03)

• Casey Reflects on the Hornet’s Reputation:
  "Honestly, he's not as bad as he's painted." — Casey (23:34)

• The Newspaper Stakes:
  "The Green Hornet's going to be captured." — Rick Reed (23:20)

• The Cutout Ruse:
  "A paper cutout of the Hornet pasted on the window shade. He must have done that earlier. That's what Bleecker shot at from outside." (29:09)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:12–03:52] – Bleecker tightens the racket, threatens owners
• [06:20–07:12] – Schaefer refuses to pay, outlines his plight to Reed
• [08:07–09:09] – The Hornet letter disrupts the newspaper staff
• [10:01–12:21] – Planning in the newsroom, Reid’s dual role
• [13:10–14:45] – Bleecker’s gang plans a social call on Schaefer
• [18:42–22:00] – The Hornet’s call sets the trap; Bleecker falls for it
• [24:43–28:25] – Climax at the parking lot: police raid, sting executed
• [28:25–29:34] – The reveal of the Hornet’s clever window cut-out, aftermath

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is delivered in classic 1940s radio style: gritty, fast-paced dialogue, dramatic narration, and suspenseful music. The interplay between Sentinel staff and law enforcement is lively, providing both comic relief and tension. Moral ambiguity surrounds the Hornet’s masked justice, with characters reflecting both fear and admiration for his tactics.

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Final Thoughts

“Cash on the Parking Lot” is a suspenseful installment of the Green Hornet saga, illustrating the iconic hero’s resourcefulness and moral complexity. With layers of deception and a perfectly-timed police sting, it captures the sound and spirit of the Golden Age of Radio. The episode ends with the racketeers behind bars, the Green Hornet at large, and the newsroom buzzing for the next big scoop.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons, fresh cut cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or melon medley bowls, 24 ounces are $5 each and wild caught lobster tails are $4.99 each. Limit eight member price plus selected sizes and varieties of Doritos, Lays, Cheetos, Sun Chips and Kettle cooked chips are $1.99 each. Limit four member price. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit Safeway or albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save the Green Hornet.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies that even the G Men cannot reach. The Green Hornets.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Sam.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

With this 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. Hurry, cattle. We're out to smash a parking lot racket.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

One buck.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Two bucks. Three bucks. Four bucks. Five bucks. Six bucks.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Seven bucks. Eight bucks. Nine bucks.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

I want 10% from every parking lot in the city, understand? We're getting them lined up fast. Bleeca, you gotta make it faster. Get out and start collecting that dough. I want more money. Coming in.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Where's that dough, Carson? I'm not paying any money for racket chiselers like you. We'll be back to persuade you.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

No. 180, 190.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

They won't listen to reasons. Smash a couple of the cars, throw a couple of bombs, start a few fires, they'll lay it on the line.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

22, 30.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

240.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

250. 260. 270. 2, 80, 2, 90.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Parking lot. Toss that bomb. Is she going a bomb like the cars? It's seven racketeers.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

5005-506006-50700, 750. 800.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Some blasted rat's going to slash all the tires in the lot. Have to pay plenty for this. Morning, Blake. How's your parking lot going? Course, you bleed at 10%, Blake. Pay it and you won't run into grief with your parked card. All right, you got me. I'll pay. 10, 20, 30, 40. 4,000.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

500. 5,000.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Pay up. Pay for protection. Wreck cards ruling my business. 10% or Al. Okay, I'll pay. You win. Go for the racket. Kick in 10%. Here you are. Don't smash any more cars. I'll pay Hand. It's all over. Here's the money. There, we got them lined up. Count the money, Mae.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

19,000, 20,000. Get it?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Pile up. We must have driven downtown early. Why, expert, no earlier than usual then. Holy crow, refers the parking lot so empty you don't think to say read today and Sunday. Is it? Don't tell me we made a mistake and come down to the Signal on Sunday. Why not? The Sentinel's a daily paper. They're plenty down on Sunday. So for the snakes, I never come down. Well, like Oxford, it's not Sunday. Lookit, There ain't hardly six cars in the parking lot. Morning, Mr. Reid. Hello, Shaffer. What have you weared the long face for, Schaefer? You're looking like a candidate for the marg with the other cadavers. You better go to that parking lot across the street, Mr. Reed. What? I can't handle you here. Suffering snakes. What's he trying to do? Don't you like it? Or maybe Reed sedan ain't good enough for your parking lot. Giving us the cold shoulder. Shut up, Haxford. Can't you see something's wrong? Oh, golly, is there? Why can't we park here, Schaefer? There's plenty of room. Yeah, after all the accidents I've been having. Yeah, we've heard about them at the Sentinel. So the city. They may take away my parking lot license. Golly, the insurance company has already turned me down as a bad risk. So since you're a particular customer of mine, you'd be better off at another parking lot. Your license hasn't been revoked yet, has it? Not yet. I have my own insurance on the car. Hey, Reid, where are you going? Not Oxford. We're parking the car here, Mr. Reed. How's your Schaefer? I'll call for it at the end of the day. Suppose something happens. What about these other cars? Well, I told them the same thing, but no, they wouldn't listen. Now, put me down as the same kind of sucker then. Schaefer, this is sweller. You, Mr. Reed. You see, Schaefer, I know something about those. Those accidents carry it in the way you say it. You don't mean accidents. I don't. You've heard of Bleecker? You mean the racketeer? He's behind your trouble, isn't he, Schaefer? I won't pay that dirty rat one red cent. I thought that was it. 10% he wants for protection. Protection? Holy crow. Why don't you tell the police? I've told everyone. What good does it do me. No, don't tell me he's bribing the police. Of course not, Axford. But, Bleak, you're smart. That's it. Everybody knows he's pulling the racket. But how can you stop it when you can't get proof that it's his gorillas who go around smashing cars and cutting up the tires in parking lots? You've heard that happen? Oh, everything. And still you refuse to knuckle under. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you ought to pay the 10%. Now you've fought them this far, why lose your fight now? I wouldn't mind if it was fight, so long as it was a fair fight. But them rats work in the dark. The police can do nothing. Not a thing. I see. Hey, Reed. What are you daydreaming about? Daydreaming? You had a kind of far away look in your eye like you was up to something. Only just when I was getting me brain around to figuring out what, you lost that far away look. And golly, now I can't tell. You'll just have to wait till that look comes back. Ah, you got something up your sleeve. I know it. Just as well you're not a mind reader. Action, huh? There are times when I like to keep my thoughts to myself. And this is definitely one of them.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Letters, letters and more letters. How do you bake a chicken pie? Is barbecued beef made in barbershops? Gunnigan, if you keep grinning at me, I swear I'll get the screaming.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Mimi, don't you like my Always Miss Gay's?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

No, but even less do I like handling this cooking advice for the homebody column.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

It's only for one day. Somebody had to take Ms. Topper's place.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Good grief. Why does Mr. Reed have to pick this? One day to be out of the office leaves me with so little work on my desk that I just couldn't excuse myself from this.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Casey, why don't you take those letters back where they belong?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

I like it better here.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

This is the city editor's cubbyhole. My cubbyhole.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

That could do with a good cleaning.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Don't go domestic on me.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Why not? I'm reading very domestic letters.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Ms. Topper's desk is out in the city room. See through the glass out there?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Too drafty. I like it better here. Or did I say that?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

You did.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Well, here's a typewritten letter. Most of them are in longhand.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

All right. One housewife can have a typewriter. No law against it.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Let's see what Recipe she wants.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Go ahead, Casey, but. Never mind the talk.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Okay, I won't bother you.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Casey, what's the idea of knocking the typewriter table over if that's your substitute for talk? You.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

This. This letter.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

What's the matter with you?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Why, it's from a man, not a woman. A man.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

What? Men are interested in cooking.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Read it. Go ahead.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Listen, I have a front page makeup to schedule.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Read it. Does it say what I think it

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

does in cooking up a stew about? Aw, Casey, I'm not interested in this hooey.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Oh, grief. Will you finish?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

There's more in cooking up a stew about a certain type of racket now being worked. Jump in, blue blazes. It's about the parking racket.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

That's what I read too. I couldn't believe it. But look. Look at the signature.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Signature? Well, I'll be a first cousin to an animal trainer. It's signed the Green Hornet.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

That's what I thought. The Green Hornet.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

That crew's got a sense of humor. Sending it to the Hints for Housewives column.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

It's the first time anything sensational came to this column since that cook sent in a recipe for hot buttered scones.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Never mind the banter. This is big.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Where are you going?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Larry? Hey, Larry. Take your elbows off that desk and come in here. Casey, get on the phone, call the studio.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

What for?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Get em. Tell him I want a sample made of this Hornet letter. Half tone for the front page. Right.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Give me the darkroom, operator.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

What's the four star special, Chief? Get in here and close that door. We got a note from the Green Hornet. Holy mackerel. The door. What about? What did it say? Here, Read proof on it yourself.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Oh, darkroom. Send a boy to the city desk. There's a rush job on the snapshot and Gunnigan's waiting.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Where is that something? Great guns. According to this, the Hornet's coming right out and saying he's going to take that racket away from Bleecker.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

One crook fights another.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

That's going into print in the Sentinel. Are you sure this is on the level, Gunnigan? It hasn't got a Hornet seal.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Gosh, that's a thought.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Yeah. Why isn't Reed here? He's an authority on the Hornet notes. He checked the paper it's written on.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

I don't know where he is.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Holy cow. Coming in. Guess what, expert? This is no telephone booth. Get back. Rita. Glad you're here, boss. Take a look at this. We run into more excitement, it seems. More? There can't be more. What this guy's got to show you is more exciting than anything you got, Gunnigan. What guy? Who is he? His name's Schaefer. He runs a parking lot across from the Sentinel building.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

A parking lot? Well, that's just what we were talking about.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He got a threatening letter. What? Yeah. He's gonna get dough from me or else. Now, wait a minute. One thing at a time. Read. We got a letter too. I'm telling you, it can't be as important as this, Gunnigan. Why? Gotti? Schaefer got a trick from the Green Hornet.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

So what?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

The letter we got. What? What's that? The Green Hornet. Yes, Gunnigan, actually. And I got into the parking lot when he was looking it over. What are y' all staring at us for?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Because, you big lug, this letter is from the same writer.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Holy cow. The hornet, Mr. Mail them both at once, Boss. Let me see that. I'll compare them. There's no doubt, Gunnigan. These are identical. Same paper. The Hornet. I'm as certain as. As if I had written these myself. It's bad business, Mr. Reed. I've been standing off Bleaker. But now, if the Hornets stepped in, I'll be given from two racketeers. You keep your chin up, Schaefer. When the Sentinel prints this and the news gets around Bleecker and the Hornet may battle it out just long enough for the cops to pick up the remains. Gun. Green hornet stepson and parking lot owner, rita bracket crep santa censo. Rick Reed returned to his apartment that evening and spoke to Cato, his valet and the only living man to know him as the Green Hornet. Cato. Cato. Yes, Mr. B? The sentinels out in the street were the two green hornet notes I wrote. It's time for us to get moving. You want a BlackBerry car and the mask too? I'll need the gas gun as well. Bleeker is reading this Sentinel himself like everyone else in town. We've got to be ready for him.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Bleeker. Bleeker.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Don't shout your wounds off me. I already saw the Sentinel with them two Green Hornet notes. That guy's got a nerve.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

You going to let him step in?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

I was just talking to Hackley. You want the car? The car? Sure. I want you and Dirk to bring your guns. We're going to be ready for the Green Hornet. A lot depends on how Schaefer reacts. Cato. He's almost at the end of his rope. He can't hold out against those racketeers much longer. He's a brave man, he's taken a lot from those rats already. Cars smashed, tires ripped open. His business is practically sunk. That is true. Unless I'm mistaken, Bleecker's gonna make it even tougher now that he believes the Green Hornet is muscling in on his territory. I see. Open the sliding panel, Cato. We're going to the hiding place of the Black Beauty.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Where are we going?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Bleecker is just the kind of gorilla to make sure that Schaefer doesn't slip out from under him. Now he wants whatever extortion money Schaefer's paying out for himself. And it's up to the Green Hornet to stop him. It all depends on that mug Shaffer. We've been putting enough pressure on him to make him ready to crack wide open. His business is shut already. He can't keep holding out.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

He's got plenty of water take.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He's due to crack. But get this. Schaefer's paying us, not the Hornet. Nobody's muscling in on us. We better get moving. Where's the car? In the garage, waiting. Okay, open the door. Me?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Where you going, Bleecker?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Me and the boys are paying a little social call on Shaffer. Got the car already, boss. All right, get in. Take the wheel, Dirk.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Better be careful when you get to Shaffer's parking lot, Bleecker. The cops can read the papers too.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Gotta wait until it's clear for us to go in and talk to him, mate. Get going, Dirk. We're gonna stop that crook that calls himself the Green Hornet. As Bleecker's car swung into the street and turned towards Shaffer's parking lot a huge, sleek black car started along behind them. It was the car of the Green Horn. The curtain falls on the first act of our Green Hornet adventure.

[Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons fresh cut cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or melon medley bowls, 24 ounces are $5 each and wild caught lobster tails are 4.99 each limit eight member price plus selected sizes and varieties of Doritos Lays, Cheetos, Sun Chips and Kettle cook chips are 199 each limit for member price. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save. If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner offering the products you need. All in One place from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a moment. It. Now to continue our story. In the Black Beauty, Rick Reed and Cato trailed the racketeers car until they were certain Bleecker was heading for Schaefer's pocket. Keep watching them, Kato. They turn that next corner, there won't be any doubt about where they're going. Yes, sir. Fortunately for us, it's too late for there'll be much traffic on the streets. Otherwise, we might be running constant risk of being recognized as The Green Hornet. Mr. Br. What is it? The car. Oh, yes. Bleer, he's turned the corner. Cato heading for Shaffers with a quick turn in this alley. But mister, you. As I say, swing the Black beauty in here. Hurry, before we're past it. Good enough. I don't understand why we didn't continue after them. Yes, but those three crooks were desperate men, Cato. They're sure to be heavily armed. If the Green Hornet walked in on them, we'd run into a hail of lead. Wait here a few minutes to give them time to get to where they're going. I'm going into that drugstore to make a phone call. And I want to be certain Bleecker is there when that phone rings. There's Schaefer talking to a cop. Come on. Who's gonna take care of the cop, Leaker? I'll handle him. This way we can get around behind the shack he uses for an office and slip up on him before they know it. They're standing right next to the door. Take care of that cop before he spots us, Dirk. I don't want any interference when we start talking to Schaefer. The tap over the head will take care of him. Take it easy now. Here's the shack. Head around this way so we'll come right up behind him. There ain't nothing happens yet, Shaffer, and there won't be nothing. You got police protection now. Protection? Why don't you get those racketeers? We'll get them. We need proof, that's all. Leaker. And now the Green Hornet. Better make one slip and we'll pick him up so fast you won't see him for the dust. Meantime, my business is ruined. You're okay now. I got Take him. Look out. What?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

That.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

No, you don't. Copper, you crimp. Sideshaper. You hit him with a plant jack. I saw it inside. What do you want? Let me do a job on him, boss. Keep an eye on that cop. I don't want him coming to and identifying us. Okay. You can't shut me up. I'll tell the police. As long as the cop didn't see it. You can blab all you like. It's your word against our Shaffer. That ain't worth talking about. What are you after? But we've been after all along. Since we started giving your place of works extortion money. I won't pay. You're a tough nut, but we can crack you. Or maybe you got a reason. Reason? Don't play dumb. Are you already paying off? No. Maybe you got the Hornet behind. I don't deal with crooks. Any crooks. If you figure paying the Hornet will keep us away, get it out of your head. We're controlling the parking lots and the Hornet ain't stopping us. Where is he? I don't know. I never saw him. We read the Sentinel. You got a note from him? Where is he? I tell you, I don't know. Sure, I got the note, but I didn't see him. You're paying us and nobody else see the full man. Get away from that lantern. Keep your gun on him, Hackley. Right. Hello, Schaefer. Parking lot. Let me speak to Schaefer. Who wants him? This is the Green Hornet. The Green Hornet? What? Don't move. Green Hornet, huh? I. I got your note. Is this Schaefer? Yeah, yeah, this is Schaefer talking. You calling about the note? When are you gonna pay up, Schaefer? Pay up? Well, that's tall. You agreed already. Oh, so I agreed to pay you, did I? Pack out. No, no, I ain't backing down. Sure, I'll pay you. Sure. When are you coming around to collect? Sometime this week. Okay, Hornet, I'll pay you. I'll have the dough for you. When? When? How about tomorrow night? Yeah, tomorrow night. Say around midnight. How's that? I'll be there, Shaffer. Okay. Hornet, tomorrow night coming here. Bleacher. Tomorrow night. It was a Hornet hacked me. He took me for Schaefer. So you was planning on paying the Hornet off, huh, Schaefer? I'm not paying anyone. The Hornet's coming here tomorrow midnight. You have the dough ready for him, Schaefer, like you said you would. Tell you I'm not. I was just talking to him. Hey, boss. Yeah, if we tell the cops, they can make a pinch. The Hornet. Sure, he's due here. The cops can nab him like that, it'll get him out of the way for a long time. Listen, Hackley, the Hornets are crook and so are we. Everybody knows that. When I tell you to talk, I'll tell you. Schaefer. We're not telling the cops, Hackery. But we got. This is our job, taking care of rats who try to cut in. We look after that baby ourselves. Yeah, I guess that's the regular way it is. We'll be here. And Schaefer ain't blabbing a word to nobody. No, you ain't got the nerve, Schaefer. I thought you were tough. But from what the Hornet said over the phone, it was him behind you that was giving you backbone. Sure. Otherwise, Schaefer to fold it up like the rest of them parking lot owners. When we put the pressure on. Yeah, Schaefer, you'll keep your mouth shut. Because you know if you don't, we'll shut it for good. And if we don't, the Hornet will. So you're playing ball with our team. See, the Hornet's coming here tomorrow night and we'll be around to meet him with a dose of lead. Miss Kate, where's Reed?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

He left about an hour ago. Gunnigan.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Where?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

I don't know.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Well, get him. Try his apartment. Try every place.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

I already have, but it's no soap. Gunnigan. I wanted to get in touch with him on another matter and I couldn't locate him.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He's missing something.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Don't tell me it's another Hornet note.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

More than a note this time, Casey.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Good grief. You mean they got the Hornet? Yep.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Well, that is practically.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

When?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

About seven hours from now. They're brushing out a cell at headquarters already.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Seven hours? I thought it was in the past, not the future, Casey.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

By the time tomorrow's Sentinel comes out, it will be over. The Green Hornet'll be a crook with a past and no future.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

There isn't much future in bars.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Bars, my foot. That baby'll get the chair.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Where are they going to pick him up?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Right across the street.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

What?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Right there. Shaver's parking lot. Midnight tonight.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

But how do the police know?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

For a very good reason, Casey. The Shaver told them.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Shaffer and Self in person.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Apparently, that guy has more fight than the Hornet and those other rats gave him credit for. They took it for granted he'd be too scared to spill. But they took it wrong.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Say, I thought you said it was The Hornet.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Did I forget to mention Bleeker?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

What? Bleeker Tool Works.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Casey, will this make a headline for the Public Gaze? I might try an experiment on this yarn. Slap the headline. That new red ink instead of black.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Got it all settled already, haven't you?

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

By gravy, Casey, you don't seem elated. Wake up. The Green Hornet's going to be captured.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Yes, I can see that. And frankly, I'm a little bit sorry.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Oh, you dames. You think he's a knight in armor?

[Casey / Supporting Character]

No, in a mask. Honestly, he's not as bad as he's painted.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

No, he's worse. Hey, Cunigan. You've been looking for me? I'll say I have. Laurie, where have you been? Downstairs in a place. Never mind. Never mind. I know you have an assignment tonight. Tonight? I was going to the fights. Throw the tickets in the ashcan. This assignment is a racketeer roundup, Bleecker. Not only Bleecker, my little news hound. The big bug as well, huh? The will of the wisp known as the Green Hornet. Holy mackerel. Chief, when? Where? You'll get the details later. Just be at Shaver's parking lot with the police tonight, Will I? This is better than any fight.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Looks like the finish of the Hornet.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Where'd you get the tip? Gunnigan from Oxford. He was at headquarters with his pal Doyle when Shaffer came in.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Axford? Good grief. Gunnigan. That big lug couldn't get anything strange.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He's always wrong. It's probably a month from tonight. Schaefer never said anything. And besides, it wasn't the Green Hornet in the first place.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Sure, that's how Axford's tips always turn out.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

This time it's accurate. I wouldn't bet a plug nickel on anything. That gag, Larry, I'm not a fool. I know how Axford is. So I spoke to Doyle myself. This tip is authentic. The real McCoy.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Well, that makes a difference.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

There's plenty. We'll hold page one open.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Gosh, I wish I could get in touch with Mr. Reed. He'd want to know about this.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

He'll read it in tomorrow's Sentinel. Reed's plain out of luck, Casey. But what's the difference? He'll still be able to pay the reward for the capture of the Hornet. Now get going. Lowry, over to police headquarters. I'm on my horse. Safer's parking lot. Midnight. I'll be there. No, there's no sign of anything yet. It's only 10 o'. Clock. What time are you cops gonna show up? Yeah. Yeah, they said they'd be here around 12. But you better go over early, huh? Be here before midnight. Okay, sergeant. So long as you grab those crooks. Sounds sensible. Cops not wanting to get here too soon in case Bleecker or the Hornet have someone watching. I want you, Schaefer. You get outside. You said 12 o'. Clock. It was our sight. Don't try anything while I come out. The man out there with a gun on you. Yeah, I see him. Another man with a mask. Keep him there. I'll be out in a moment. Closing the door of the shack, Brick Reed took down the one window shade in the small office and replaced it with another he had prepared. And he shifted the desk lamp around a few moments later. All right, back inside. Schaefer, you put out the lights. I don't want you making any phone calls between now and midnight. Yes, you. I can't breathe. All right. To the Black Beauty. It's all ready, Mr. Ritt. I fixed the window shade, Cato. I didn't like the gassing, but it was necessary for our plan. We're coming back according to the way you prepared the gas. Schaefer should be unconscious till around midnight. When he recovers, he'll put on the lights. By that time, Bleecker and his rats will be here. We come back, the Green Hornet will be here at midnight, Cato. But not in person. We got all the men placed around the parking lot. But where's Schaefer? Was he going to be here, darling? That's what he said, Lowry. But there ain't no lights. Not even in the shack. Almost 12. Come on, we'll go in. Holy crow, what's that? Turn on the light, Shaffer. What happened? I'm all right. Green Hornet. Trooper Snakes. Was he here already? Gassed me and left. What time is it? It's almost 12. Hey, we better get out of here with the cops. Right. Come on. You stand right here outside the door where you told them crooks you would be. We'll have you covered. Okay. Remember, the cops want to catch the haunted as well as Baker. Yeah, I got it. Car coming. Stay here, Shaffer. We'll be here within earshot. Hey, Lodi, I just noticed something you lugged. Come on back out of sight. Come on, Dirt. Hatley, who's that? Okay, Schaefer. Is the Hornet here yet? He was here. Now he's gone. What? So you called him after we left? No, I didn't. Oh, then he'll be back, huh? I guess so. Yeah, we'll get him. He Ain't cutting in on us. But right now, end over that dough. Wait a minute, I. We wrecked your cars a couple of times already, Schaefer. Pay for protection or we'll do our final job. Hey, boss. Pay that dough you got for the Hornet. You'll take a him when he shows up. Boss, it's the Hornet. Huh? I didn't hear nothing. Sure, he's been here all the time. What? Look there, boss. See the lighted window with the office shack? What the. There's his shadow. You can see the profile of the mask. He's holding a gun. Listening, huh? Yeah. He don't know the light makes his shadow a perfect target. Well, what are you waiting for? Blast him to bits. Right through the window. That does it. Hey, he ain't falling down. He's got to. I caught him square. I can see the bullet holes in the window shade. Come on inside. We'll finish him. You too, Schaefer. Stick them up. Well, I'll be a Dutch uncle. Look at that.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

The cops.

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

We're trapped. Make a break for us. Hey, where are you? Drop that gun. Take it. No, no. Don't hit me. You. You got her? Said the rights, you rat. We heard what you said to Schaefer. Get moving. Take these cooks to the jug. Okay, sarge. Come on. Hey, what about the Hornet? I heard those crooks say he was in here. Yeah, I saw him in the window. But where's he gone? There wasn't no one here when Bleecker shoved me in. Hey, loady. Holy crow, will you look at this? Window shade. Window shade. Ax. With you gone bats here, you can see for yourself. I tried to tell you I seen it from the outside, but you yanked me away. Holy mackerel. A paper cutout of the Hornet pasted on the window shade. He must have done that earlier. That's what Bleecker shot at from outside. Blast it. I don't know how, but the Hornet must have got suspicious. Sugar and snakes. Lowry, we better keep going and get the story. But Garri, what kind of story is it when we ain't nab the Green Hornets? The Celeste Street Piper. Green Hornady based Police Parking lot Rocket smash. Read all about it. Green hearted still enlarged.

[Casey / Supporting Character]

Sent the Lex Street Piper. Sam,

[Rick Reed / Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Green Hornet Incorporated. The situations and characters depicted in this drama are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons or events of the past or present is coincidental. Field and Farrington speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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[Rick Reed / Narrator]

Com.