
Green Hornet - Charity Takes It on the Chin - 06/06/1939
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Liberty Mutual Narrator
Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.
Brett Reed
Liberty. Liberty.
Larry Lowry
Liberty.
Brett Reed
Liberty. The Green Hornet. He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies that even the g men cannot reach. The green hornet. The adventurer Charity takes it on the chin. The events and characters depicted in this drama are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Reid, as publisher of a newspaper, you're in a position to know a lot about people, aren't you? Well, it depends on the type of person you have in mind. You know, people in the public eye. Frankly, Bennett, I haven't been around the Sentinel much lately. You haven't? I've been letting it run itself, so to speak. I see. Well, in that case, perhaps I may have some information. Bennett, who's the man? As you know, the Welfare Board is trying to get an extra million for considering it. Right now, one of my best reporters is at the meeting. Do you know that I am connected with the Welfare Board? Hugh Bennett. For the past month I've been serving as treasurer for the special charity fund. The charity relief is handled separately from the regular welfare money. Yes, that's it. I took this position without pay simply to help out. Doesn't your regular business keep you pretty tied down? It would. Only my work as treasurer on the charity fund is practically routine. How do you mean? I have nothing to do with the actual disbursement of the money. Oh, naturally. The setup requires two signatures on each relief check. Mine and Tinker's. Tinker? Oh, he's head of the Welfare Board, isn't he? Yes. As I was saying, we each sign the checks. But in order to facilitate matters, I've been putting my signature on blank checks. In that way Tinker doesn't have to wait for me at any time. Isn't that rather unusual? No, it's done pretty often. That means you've no idea whether those checks are for the right amounts or whether they're made out to the right people. That's precisely what's bothering me. I have no reason to believe that Tinker is doing anything Dishonest, Mind you, you wouldn't be speaking this way if you didn't have some suspicions, Bennett. That's all they are, suspicions. Tinker has a friend named Murdoch. He's always around the Welfare Board. I don't like him. And I don't like the way he and Tinker are always together. Perhaps you're imagining things. I hope I am. After this, Bennett, if I were you, I'd be careful about signing blank checks. I intend speaking to Tinker about that very soon. Just now, of course. He's busy trying to get this extra million for local charity out of the city council. I'll call my office and see if that appropriation's been passed. Fine. Charity is a fine thing, Bennett. But all that money can be a great temptation for the wrong people. And with an extra million coming. Well, Let me have Ms. Case, please. Ms. Case. Mr. Reed, has Lowry brought back any news from the city council meeting? Well, they have, huh? It's already in the papers. Well, thanks, Ms. Case. I'll be in very soon. Well, the city council okayed the extra million for charity. Bennett, remember what I told you about those checks?
Larry Lowry
Welfare board gets extra million for charity. City council passes relief appropriation. Sentinel.
Brett Reed
Yes, what is it?
Larry Lowry
There's a young man out here applying
Brett Reed
for charity, Mr. Tinker. Did he fill out the usual form? I told him there was a long list, but he said he needs help immediately.
Larry Lowry
He's very insistent.
Brett Reed
Oh, all right. Send him in. I'll settle it. Another one, Tinker? The sixth one today, Murdoch. Perhaps you'd better go into that other office. Sure. Sure, Tinker. After all, this ain't supposed to be any of my business. If anyone gets an idea that Murdoch and I are taking a cut of that charity money, it might mean. My name's Drake, Mr. Tinker. Girl, close the door. Come in. Look, Mr. Tinger, it ain't for me. It's my wife. She ain't feeling so well. Drake, it takes time to care for people. Cases like yours must go through a regular routine. Can't hand out charity to everyone who comes asking for it. Your case will be investigated, same as arrest. Yes, sir, but can I get something special for my wife? The doc says she needs medicine right away. Your name is on the list, and we'll investigate. If you deserve charity, you'll get it as soon as possible. Yeah, but the Welfare Board is already pressed to the limit. You'll have to be patient. Yes, sir. Only I figured with that extra million, that extra million is practically drained away already. Can't you make. I'm very busy. You deserve. And you may be tended to. That's all. Yes, sir. It's only on account of the wife. Give them the money. I can use it myself. He's gone, Murdoch. Happy work, Tinker. You don't waste time. Can't afford to. We have to figure out how to get our hands on a share of that million dollars. You told that SAP the million was already earmarked for the other charity cases. Of course. What's our plan? Same as before. We put 500 phony names on the charity list. You have the list? Sure, I got it right here. Abby, Abbott, Adler, Augustini. Once you get these men, Relax, will you? They're okay. And have anyone checking up on them? Not a chance. With these phony names, we'll be able to grab off a hundred thousand for ourselves. Perhaps 200. That's the stuff. And nobody the wiser. Of course, there's better to convent it. What about Bennett? He wants me to have the checks filled out before he signs them. That'd ruin us. Don't worry, Murdoch. I told Bennett we'd do as he wanted. You crazy. As soon as I got around to it, I told him it meant changing the routine and it might take a little time. Oh, you stalled him for a long time. That's the angle taker. Plenty of graft for you and me. You know that old saying, Murdoch? Yeah. Charity begins at home. That's it. Charity begins at home. That's r. Hey, Casey, there's one thing. Me and Clicker want to know if
Larry Lowry
you want to borrow money. I'm busy. What are we working for? Are we newspaper men or charity investigators? Why ask me? The only people I know are newspaper men, and you're not in that class.
Brett Reed
Will you stop pounding that typewriter?
Larry Lowry
Don't tell me you two are sore because Mr. Reed sent you out on a door to door job.
Brett Reed
Sore?
Larry Lowry
You ought to see my feet.
Brett Reed
They don't pave the sidewalks with mattresses in this town after walking 20 miles. I know.
Larry Lowry
Why is Mr. Reed so anxious for us to talk to people who are on charity rolls? He thinks there's something going on.
Brett Reed
Gas.
Larry Lowry
Lawry and Ms. Vinnie are here, Mr. Reed.
Brett Reed
Send them right in.
Larry Lowry
All right, you two. You can ask Mr. Reed all those questions instead of bothering me with them.
Brett Reed
Hello, Miss Vinnie Lowry. Oh, you got any interviews, Mr. Reed?
Larry Lowry
We must have talked to about 200.
Brett Reed
Yeah, we posed as investigators for the Welfare Board.
Larry Lowry
If we'd had a list, it wouldn't have wasted so much time going from One door to the next.
Brett Reed
Tinker refused to release his list. Why? Well, Larry's reason sounds all right. He claims revealing names would embarrass those receiving charity.
Larry Lowry
Well, plenty are getting it, Mr. Reed. We found lots and no complaints.
Brett Reed
Yeah. As far as appearances are concerned, Tinker's on the level. Yet for a city the size of ours, more money is being spent than conditions warrant. Our charity expenses are way out of line with what they ought to be. Boss, if Tinker won't release that list. You can't prove anything like that. Laurie, how would you like to apply for charity? Charity? Me? I'm serious, Laurie. I think I won't see reporters at all. The only way to find the facts is from the inside. Say, I get it, boss. I'll wear old clothes.
Larry Lowry
That's what you're wearing now.
Brett Reed
Everything you can if you get a chance. Talk to Bennett. They're telling him you're from the Sentinel. Right. There's a racket going on in charity. It's the filthiest there is. The Daily Sentinel wants to know about it all the way to rock bottom. Look, lady, I've been coming here to the Welfare Board every day for a week.
Larry Lowry
I'm sorry. We're doing all
Brett Reed
here. I am again. The name's Loud. I mean Lawrence.
Larry Lowry
Sorry.
Brett Reed
No use yet, Boss. I tell you, I'm getting no place. Stick with it, Larry. You talked to Bennett yet? I'll keep trying, but these hard benches are sure wearing my pants awful thin. You're Mr. Bennett, aren't you? I'd like to talk to you. My name's Lowry of the Sentinel. The Sentinel Rip reads paper. Why, I was going to call him. Is that so? Mr. Bennett? Come over here in the corner. We can talk with less interference. Yes, yes. Just what is it you're after? The boss, er, Mr. Reed has his doubts about the way Tinker's running things here. He sent me over to see if I could wangle anything from the inside. Did he tell you that I am treasurer here? Yes. Have you seen the list of charity people, Mr. Bennett? Not yet. Though I've asked for it. At your employer's suggestion. I've also told Tinker I must refuse to sign checks in blank any longer. Wow. You've been doing that? Unfortunately, yes. Then you don't know a thing about who gets these checks or how much is going out. Exactly. What did Tinker say when you told him you wouldn't do it anymore? He said he'd see the checks were filled out first. But so far they haven't been says he's been too busy and pin him down, huh? I. Oh, hold on. Here he comes now. Hello, Tinker. Oh, Bennett. I've been looking for you. Got another batch of checks. Are they filled out? Well, not this batch, I promise you. The next one. When these are filled out, I'll sign. Not before. Bennett. It sounds very much as if you don't trust me. You can't keep charity cases waiting because of a mere formality. And I suggest you get these filled out at once. Well, if you insist. I do. May take a little time. Shall we say tomorrow morning? I'll be. I was right there when Bennett talked to Tinker, boss. I'm going to see him this noon and get the lowdown. He's seeing Tinker this morning, eh? About the checks. Yes. And if Tinker stalls anymore, we'll know there's something funny.
Larry Lowry
Hey, Lowry. I thought you were going to see Bennett this news.
Brett Reed
Oh, he is, Ms. Benny.
Larry Lowry
Well, try and find him.
Brett Reed
Ticker.
Larry Lowry
What's biting you, Valenti? Look at this. Teletype from police headquarters, Mr. Reed.
Brett Reed
General alarm to all police. Be on lookout for Treasurer Bennett of the Wealth Trader but disappeared. Bennett disappeared?
Larry Lowry
He hasn't been seen since last night. And you know what? All the files and records of the Welfare Board have disappeared with him.
Brett Reed
So the police think Bennett's responsible for plenty.
Larry Lowry
The police believe he swiped the charity money.
Brett Reed
What? Where did they get that idea?
Larry Lowry
From Tinker. He says the money is gone. When Bennett didn't show up this morning, Tinker says he got suspicious and checked up.
Brett Reed
So the police learned of Bennett's disappearance from tinker. What about Mrs. Bennett?
Larry Lowry
She insists Bennett has gone away on a trip.
Brett Reed
Where?
Larry Lowry
That's just.
Brett Reed
I'm doing a remake on the front page.
Larry Lowry
What do you think of that guy
Brett Reed
Bennett, absconding with that charity doll? Get a headline. Have it in a second. Laurie. Yeah. Boys, go over to Bennett's home. Grab a statement from his wife. Go with him, Miss Benny, for pictures.
Larry Lowry
Come on. Lock and rock.
Brett Reed
Here's the headline, Brett. Shoot Silent across page one. Bennett abscond with charity cash. Kill it. It's too strong. You heard me. The Sutton was going to convict Bennett before he's had a chance.
Larry Lowry
Blasted Reid. What further proof do you want?
Brett Reed
Why, any blind fool can see Bennett swiped the door. We're not blind fools, Gunnigan. Those are orders. Oh, if your father was still running this newspaper, I'll do it. But I don't like it. You don't have to. Even Gunnigan believes Bennett is guilty. Maybe he is. But his disappearance is too pat. Especially after what Laura heard him say to tinker. There's only one solution. With VRBill's last minute deals, you can save over $50 on your spring getaway. So? So whether it's a mountain Escape city break or a week at the beach, there's still time to get great discounts. Book your next day now. Average savings $72. Select homes only. Book a loved by guest property with VRBO and you get a top rated vacation rental that's loved for all the right reasons. Ugh, I love my vrbo. For the location. Good reason. Oh, and for the pool.
Larry Lowry
Cause pools are cool.
Brett Reed
I feel the love. Book a VRBO that's loved by guests. If you know you've Erbo Bennett must be found. Short later in his apartment, Grit Reed took Cato, his faithful valet and the only living man to know him as the Green Hornet into his confidence. So you see, Cato, Tinker is here. Apparently innocent while Bennett is gone. Maybe tinker is innocent, Ms. Bennett. I'm betting Tinker's the guilty one, Cato, not Bennett. If Tinker in this pile of his Murdoch have been milking the charity funds. Bennett's demand to have the checks filled out would have revealed it. How can you know for sure? It's odd that Mrs. Bennett, while she insists her husband is innocent, has merely gone away on a trip. Refuses to reveal where he's gone. Perhaps she is hiding something. I don't know, Kato. I don't know. Her house will be crowded with reporters tonight. May be hard to get in unseen. Still, we can try see her tonight. Mrs. Bennett and her son may be keeping quiet out of fear. Perhaps the sudden appearance of the Green Hornet may make her reveal any secret knowledge he may have. Mr. Brad. Yes? What's happened to those people, poor ones in the meantime? The people who've been depending on charity? That's just it, Cato. A lot of them are going to suffer added hardship if that charity fund isn't located. That's true. However much I regret it, Cato, it must be done. I must go out as the Green Hornet. Mask, Cato. A weapon. Have the car checked immediately. Mrs. Bennett is going to hear from the Green Horn. The curtain falls on Act 1 of our Green Hornet adventure. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. Bennett, treasurer of the welfare board, disappeared with all the files and records. The police believed that Bennett had absconded with the charity funds. But Brett Reed, unconvinced Of Bennett's guilt. Assume the role of the Green Hornet to uncover those who were really guilty. It's late in the evening. Mrs. Bennett is being questioned by reporters. How about it, Mrs. Bennett? You keep saying you know where he is. He isn't guilty. Why don't you tell us?
Larry Lowry
He is innocent. He is.
Brett Reed
How about the charity dole? Yes, how about that? While they crowded around Mrs. Bennett and her 20 year old son in the Bennett library, a tall figure slipped through a side window into the hall. All the reporters left their hats here on the table in a fang. Lowry's. Here it is. Initials E.L. khatried took an envelope from his pocket and slipped it under Larry's hat. Then he left to await developments. I left the letter under Lowry's hat, Cato. He's sure to find it when he's ready to go. It's addressed to Mrs. Bennett. Yes, sir. I'm going back inside. I want to be there when she's had a chance to read it. Very dangerous, Mr. Brett. The reporters now stay well out of sight. Ko reporters are still in the library. I'll have time to find a good hiding place before they go out into the hole. Clicker.
Larry Lowry
What?
Brett Reed
Larry, get behind these drapes, huh? Come on. I want to ask Mrs. Bennett a couple of questions. When this mob leaves, maybe she'll talk. Then my mother has nothing more to say. You'll have to leave.
Larry Lowry
Looks like you'll have a chance soon. They're all going out into the hall.
Brett Reed
Okay, Mrs. Bennet. If you won't talk like your headache, not ours. You know your own mind.
Larry Lowry
Your hats are on the table. Will you take them and go?
Brett Reed
We have nothing more to say. You know what the Police are saying, Mrs. Bennett.
Larry Lowry
I know what everyone is saying.
Brett Reed
But you're at the front door. Outside. Listen, Mrs. Bennet.
Larry Lowry
Outside. Oh, Jim.
Brett Reed
Jim. Take it easy, Mother.
Larry Lowry
If there were only some way out of this.
Brett Reed
Can't blame those reporters. After all, they were only doing their jobs.
Larry Lowry
To think that your father should be left open to talk like this. And we're helpless.
Brett Reed
Mrs. Bennet, now that that mob's left, how about telling me? I told you reporters to get out.
Larry Lowry
Well, we sort of stayed behind in the library.
Brett Reed
We're not staying any longer. Get out with the others. Now wait a minute, Mrs. Bennett. I had a reason for hanging around. I think your husband's innocent.
Larry Lowry
I know he is.
Brett Reed
I saw him yesterday at the welfare board.
Larry Lowry
You did?
Brett Reed
Sure. We had a long talk. Don't listen to her, Mother. It's a trick to get you, off your guard? On the level, he's right.
Larry Lowry
Look, Mrs. Bennett, hasn't the Sentinel given your husband every possible break?
Brett Reed
We're the only newspaper that hasn't gone after Mr. Bennett Hammer and tongs.
Larry Lowry
Yes, I did notice that.
Brett Reed
Can't you see my mother's very tired? Oh, Mrs. Ben. Ben the Sentinel wants to help you. Honest. But if you keep on being secretive
Larry Lowry
about things I can't tell you anything more.
Brett Reed
Okay, I'll grab my hat and scram.
Larry Lowry
Hey, what's that?
Brett Reed
Why, it's a letter addressed to you, Mother. It must have been under my head.
Larry Lowry
But it has no stamp. I'm certain it wasn't there before.
Brett Reed
But what's it about?
Larry Lowry
Mother, what's wrong? Hey, Lowry. Look at the top of that letter.
Brett Reed
Wow. The seal of the Green Hornet.
Larry Lowry
I don't understand. Why should the Green Hornet write to me?
Brett Reed
Let me see that letter. Now, wait a minute.
Larry Lowry
Don't be so suspicious. We're not going to burn it.
Brett Reed
Well, I'll be. Mrs. Bennet, according to this letter you've already paid 25,000 ransom to the Green Hornet.
Larry Lowry
That's not so.
Brett Reed
And what about this? It says, pay to me and my partner. Don't tell me the Hornet's working with someone else. It's not true.
Larry Lowry
I haven't paid any money. It's some crank.
Brett Reed
No, ma'. Am. I've seen plenty of Green Hornet notes. This is no fake.
Larry Lowry
But it can't be. Oh, I don't know what I'm saying.
Brett Reed
Let me take this note. You can't publish that.
Larry Lowry
Use your head. This will help your father.
Brett Reed
Sure, if the Green Hornets got him, then maybe the cops won't be so positive he skipped out himself.
Larry Lowry
I don't care what you do. Only please, please get out.
Brett Reed
Okay. Come on, clicker.
Larry Lowry
Don't worry, Mrs. Bennet. It can't harm your husband. And boy, what a story.
Brett Reed
Leaving his mask and gun in the car, Brit Reed once more, the presentable publisher of the Sentinel. Walked into a drugstore and entered the phone booth. I think you should be at his home. If he doesn't answer there, I'll try his office. Got to arrange for him to call on Murdoch. Hello? Yeah, pal. Murdoch is pulling a double cross. There'll be an extra out about it in a few minutes. What are you talking about? Who is it? Take a look at that extra. All right, Cato, now you get to a phone call. Murdoch can keep his line busy after that extra comes out. I don't want Ticker to be able to get Murdoch on the phone. Stay on the phone till you hear me in Murdoch's home and join me there. It's right around the corner. Now get going. No.
Larry Lowry
Hornet xp hornet turns ransom roast amended family.
Brett Reed
But I tell you, you got the wrong number. This is the fifth time you've called. Look it up, then hang up, Murdoch. Huh? Who the devil. I said, hang up. What's this? A sticker? Take a good look, Murdoch. Yeah. I'll move into the lights. Why? I seen pictures of that mask. You're. You're the Green Hornet. Seen the paper, Murdoch? Then have you plugged me with that gun? I'm keeping my eyes. I. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Green Hornet sends. How do you like it? Collected25,000 from who was your partner, it says here. Who do you think? Tinker wouldn't be fool enough. No, but the SAP, pulling a bonehead play like this Maybe he figures 25,000 extra is worth going after. Say, Tinker didn't tell me nothing about you, Hornet. Why should we tip you? Hey, what are you doing here? See what that ransom note says about Bennett. You mean about him going to be released? Do you think he will be? He can't be released. That ain't the plan. Maybe Tinker figures the same thing applies to you. You. You're in with Tinker. Why else would I be here? Why should Tinker cut you in on a charity graft with you out of the way like Benedict and grab it all for himself?
Larry Lowry
What?
Brett Reed
No, no. Listen, Hornet, let me call Tinker. Not at all. But then where else would he be? He ain't home. He must be out at the farm with Bennett. Oh, I'll fix it up. He can't cut me out. Don't have tone. You're not calling anybody. Listen, Listen, Hornet, I, I I'll stay out of it. I I don't want nothing. You yellow crawling croc. He sent you over to get rid of me. But you don't have to. I don't want none of the do. Put the rod down. You're shaking. Murder. No, don't stop my. Damn it. Gas. And gas will hold him for a few minutes. When he comes to, we'll go after Tinker. I made sure he believes Tinker's at the place where Bennett is held prisoner. Better take care of Tinker. If he's been unable to get Murdoch on the phone, he'll be here any second. Cato, you've been watching the door? Yes, sir. Someone coming. Now. Stand beside the door, Cato. Give him a chance to see me before you do the job. I understand. You ready? Cato? Already been trying to get you on the phone. Murdoch. Have you seen the Sentinel? Yes, he saw it. You're not Murdoch. Green Hornet. Then it's true. Murdoch is the whole cross. Owl. Gasp. My throat. Grab his arm. He's going with us. What do we do? Murdoch will recover soon. He'll head for the farmhouse. Then we follow. And Tinker there with him. In my throat. Where am I? In my home. I. The Green Hornet came here to finish me. But I'm still alive. So Tinker wanted to get me out of the way too. But I'll fix him. Go out to the farm, take care of him. He won't expect to see me take a gun, try to double cross me, huh? Here we are, kiddo. And we figured Murdoch led us right here to the farmhouse. Where Bennett is kept. Yeah. There's Murdoch's car up ahead. Yes, sir. Well, take Tinker out now. Put him in the back room in the farmhouse where Murdoch will find him. You call the police. So they'll be here soon. Yes, sir. I'll stay around to make sure Murdoch doesn't start using that gun before they get here. Once the police find Bennett, they'll get the whole. Gotta go slow. And that Tinker trapped me right after I got out of his first scheme to bump me off. He won't get a second chance. Put on the light. Who is it? Help me. No, it's just you, Bennett. Where's Tinker? I've seen nobody. How long are you going to keep me tied up here, Murdoch? You can't. Don't lie to me, Bennett. Where's Tinker? Where's the Green Hornet? I don't know what you're talking about. Talk to me that way, will you? Well, I'm staying right here until Tinker shows up. He figures he's finished me. Now he'll come for you. I'll put out the light and wait for him. While Murdoch waited, Tinker in another room recovered consciousness. I'm in the farmhouse. Realizing where he was, he moved stealthily through the old house until he reached the room where Bennett was tied. He opened the door. Is anyone in here? I've been expecting you, Tinker. Murdoch? Yeah. You and your pal thought you could double cross me and grab all the dough, didn't you? What? You sent the Green Hornet around to my place to put me on the spot, huh? But it didn't work. What are you talking about? The Green Hornet was working for you. Is that the best talking you can think of? Don't try to pull a wool over my eyes, Murdoch. If I ever get to the police. Shut up, you. I know. And I'm being double crossed pinker. Now see here, you listen to me. Figured by this time I'd be finished, huh? You ain't satisfied with our neat little scheme to grab off a couple hundred grand from the Welfare Board and pin the wrap on Bennett. You were the one who wasn't satisfied. You calling a hornet, not me. Talking won't do you no good. Put on that gun. Frame me, will you? No such thing. I didn't think. Gun doesn't have gas. Tinker. When I take care of you and Bennett, I'll find that Green Hornet and rap it. My dog. The police. Let's get out of here.
Larry Lowry
I'll take him.
Brett Reed
Thank the Lord you got here. Don't move, Tinker. Thank him by you. Try to get past me, will you? Good work, Doyle.
Larry Lowry
Mr. Bennett, are you all right?
Brett Reed
Yes, I. If you're untie me. I demanded your arrest, Murdoch. He's tried to shoot me. Sure, we'll arrest him and you too. It was Tinker's idea, kidnapping Bennett. You. You can't pin that on me. There's plenty on both of you. As soon as Bennett starts talking, take these guys out. Get moving. Little cell waiting for you. Babies. Put the cuts on them, Officer. These two men have been milking the charity fund. They kidnapped me so I would be blamed. We'll have you out of these ropes a jiffy, Mr. Bennett. When you make your official statement, we'll have them cold. Hey, Clicker, how about some pictures?
Larry Lowry
I got plenty.
Brett Reed
Larry. How are we going to get him into the newspaper? I can't phone the story, but you can't phone pictures.
Larry Lowry
Doyle, be a sport and lend us one of your cars.
Brett Reed
Nothing doing. Them's police cars. Hey, Lowry. Get your hand out of me pocket, Doyle.
Larry Lowry
I'll give me you tomorrow. Attaboy, Lowry. Come on, Clicker.
Brett Reed
Come back to them keys.
Larry Lowry
Come on. I'll see you in the papers. Lowry. The way you took those keys out of Doyle's pocket. I could kiss you.
Brett Reed
Save it for my birthday, Clicker.
Larry Lowry
Come on.
Brett Reed
Let's get the story in with pictures.
Larry Lowry
National xp, pepper charity grass match. Bennett clear extreme, piper, tinker and murdoch indettic. Green hearted central.
Brett Reed
The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Green Hornet Incorporated.
Liberty Mutual Narrator
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Brett Reed
Liberty. Liberty.
Larry Lowry
Liberty.
Brett Reed
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Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 10, 2026
This episode features "Charity Takes It on the Chin," an adventure of The Green Hornet from the golden age of radio. The drama centers on a city charity fund gone awry, with accusations of embezzlement, investigations into misappropriated funds, and the Green Hornet's quest to expose the culprits. The episode showcases a suspenseful thread involving phony charity rolls, double-crosses, and vigilant journalism from the Sentinel newspaper.
"After this, Bennett, if I were you, I'd be careful about signing blank checks." – Brett Reed ([04:45])
Tinker and Murdoch's Scheme: Inside the Welfare Board, Tinker and his associate Murdoch plot to embezzle funds via phony applicants — planning to pocket over $100,000 using forged names ([05:24-08:00]).
"We have to figure out how to get our hands on a share of that million dollars... With these phony names, we'll be able to grab off a hundred thousand for ourselves." – Murdoch ([05:40-06:04])
Deflection and Delay: Tinker stalls Bennett’s request for filled-out checks, buying time to cover up their scheme.
Reporters Go Undercover: Reed sends Lowry and Miss Vinnie to knock on doors undercover as investigators to check on real recipients of charity. They confirm many are legitimate, but the expense seems excessive ([08:09-09:24]).
Bennett’s Change of Routine: Bennett, on Reed’s advice, refuses to sign blank checks, demanding transparency for future disbursements ([09:40-10:30]).
Bennett Missing, Records Gone: Police put out an alert for Bennett, who has vanished—along with all Welfare Board records. Tinker claims Bennett absconded with the charity money ([12:00-12:28]).
"The police believe he swiped the charity money." – Larry Lowry ([12:14])
Newspaper Ethics: Reed refuses to convict Bennett in the headlines without proof, insisting on investigative integrity ([12:45-13:10]).
"We're not blind fools, Gunnigan. Those are orders." – Brett Reed ([12:58])
Unconvinced of Bennett’s Guilt: Reed, as the Green Hornet, sets out to find the truth—and Bennett himself.
Letter from the Green Hornet: At the Bennett home, reporters crowd Mrs. Bennett for answers. The Green Hornet stealthily delivers an anonymous letter, which claims $25,000 in ransom has been paid ([16:40-18:34]).
"The seal of the Green Hornet." – Larry Lowry ([18:34])
Misdirection as a Strategy: Reed uses the letter to sow confusion among the conspirators and draw them out.
Conspirators Turn on Each Other: The Green Hornet confronts Murdoch, suggesting Tinker is double-crossing him. Both Tinker and Murdoch, paranoid, are lured to a farmhouse where Bennett is being held ([20:27-22:53]).
Climax at the Farmhouse:
"These two men have been milking the charity fund. They kidnapped me so I would be blamed." – Bennett ([26:37])
Resolution: Bennett is exonerated, and the real criminals are led away.
Charity and Temptation:
"Charity is a fine thing, Bennett. But all that money can be a great temptation for the wrong people." – Brett Reed ([04:33])
Witty Banter at the Newsroom:
"Why is Mr. Reed so anxious for us to talk to people who are on charity rolls? He thinks there's something going on." – Larry Lowry ([08:20])
Headline Integrity:
"Kill it. It's too strong. You heard me. The Sentinel was going to convict Bennett before he's had a chance." – Brett Reed ([12:48])
Green Hornet’s Propaganda:
"Mrs. Bennet, according to this letter you've already paid 25,000 ransom to the Green Hornet." – Brett Reed ([18:44])
Comic Relief:
"The way you took those keys out of Doyle's pocket. I could kiss you." – Clicker ([27:01])
"Save it for my birthday, Clicker." – Larry Lowry ([27:06])
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Charity fund concerns, Bennett's confession | 03:00-05:00 | | Tinker and Murdoch conspire | 05:24-08:00 | | Reporters undercover, charity list withheld | 08:09-09:24 | | Bennett's disappearance & police alarm | 12:00-12:28 | | Green Hornet plans intervention | 13:49-16:06 | | Letter from Green Hornet at Bennett home | 16:57-18:59 | | Confronting Murdoch; double-cross develops | 20:27-22:53 | | Farmhouse showdown; arrests | 25:39-26:46 | | Comic wrap-up (newsroom banter) | 26:46-27:08 |
The episode blends suspense and determination (through Reed/Green Hornet's investigation), moral outrage concerning corruption (“the filthiest racket there is”), and punchy humor courtesy of reporter banter. The writing is hard-boiled, with characters displaying both grit and compassion, and moments of comic relief amidst tension.
"Charity Takes It on the Chin" is a classic Green Hornet escapade of civic corruption, dogged journalism, and shadowy crime-fighting. Reed’s steadfast pursuit of truth, from city hall to a remote farmhouse, saves an innocent man’s reputation and ensures real justice—demonstrating the timeless allure of radio detective storytelling.