
Green Hornet - Devil's Playground - 01/04/1938
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The green hornet. He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies that even the g men cannot reach. The green hornet. The adventurer is a devil's playground. The events and characters depicted in this drama are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Don't mouth. Isn't it? K? Look at the crowds around all the different stands. There's a lack museum and a shooting gallery. Is it always so crowded here? Lauration? We're all seasoned. People come down here to go swimming on the beach and they wander around evenings taking in all the excitement. They don't tell me you've never been here before. First time caught my eye. I was meant to, but after leaving the newspaper. Well, you know how it is. Even those newspaper hounds get a day off once in a while. Anyhow, Mr. Reed suggested I'd come out here with you. So here we are. Yes, with orders to see how all these fun little concessions are going. Why did Mr. Reed want me to go? I'm a secretary, not a recorder. Don't we look like the rest of them couple out for a good time. It's a novel for Katie. What do you think of it? Out of the fastest vicious roller coaster in the world. How about a brother? You and the lady friends are waiting right now. Like the drag, they think. No, I'm saying. Not me, love. Why not? You're a lady giant. Tough to worry about. It doesn't look safe. Well, every time a car goes around that curve there, the whole support seems to. That's the way it's built, lady. Vibration can't have it written. Yes, it's a lot face with the ground you stand on, lady. Absolutely safe. Come on, get aboard the double Shipper. You think it brought it? Well, the lady says no. I guess you'll lose a trail. Come on, Ma, let's see what's further along. Okay, double stiffer folks. Thanks. What's the matter with you? Now don't you start telling me. But in what? Rather the only way for us to get any dope for a future story is to write those things. You're the one that writes the stories, not me. Besides, it did shake a lot. I didn't notice him now, but. Forget it. Casey, there are plenty of people who don't go for roller coasters. How about a hot dog? Okay, that. There's a stand right over there. Did you see that roller coaster go fast? Yeah, they screech around those turns like nobody's business. Come on. Hey, what's that? Sounded like entrance. See it back there at the bottom of that dip sort of dark dispense. I can't see over. I can. Looks like the car shut the rails. Anyone heard? Can't call from here. Come on back to the entrance. Through here. Stop shoveling, will you? Do you see it? Here's that. God. I'm right behind you, Ollie. Hey, what do you think you're going inside to see that accident? All right, brother. Nobody get past this gate. Placebo might be hurt. Nothing serious. Listen, we're recorded. You can't keep up. Recorders or whatever you are. Nobody goes in. That's order. Please stay here. K what's the row? Easy does it. Watch this game. Don't let nobody in, officer. Okay. That doesn't go for reporters. Oh, are you a reporter? He's lowers in the d. Sure. Let me in on this. It might be a story. Well, yes. I guess it caught us chase here everyone's face. A double zipper is private property, you understand? Oh, queen people who are riding your roller coaster. There's a doctor in there now. You can come in as soon as it's okay. There ain't much. How long are we going to have to wait? Did I hear different now? Stand back. Stand back. Paul. Off you stand back. Dear esther, Breathe. Ah, there I go. Getting all tangled up again. Carried the way Casey Mason. She'll typewriter fly. And he was now ten fingers through night sight again with a new sheet of paper to begin first. There we are, Casey. The boat is waiting. Oh, hold on, dad. No, but you know better than what's happened to my typewriter. Yeah, the ribbon's halfway out and crumbled paper all over the floor. Oh, Ash. But what have you been up to? No, take it easy, Casey. If you may help it if your machine is sold and ran shacking is fine. The fire tool be d this is all right until you got at it. I better use the sled hammer just to stick it out. No, no. Look here, you two sp you plenty if it's Reid. Weren't expecting it especially yet. He never said nothing to me about why, sir? Because I miss b this way and then put some more beyond that. Even told to sit here and keep people out where case has been gone. You can stop then. I'm back here now. I'm still on duty. Yes, this case. Mr. Reed. Valley and I are back again. I've been expecting you. Come here, both of you. Hey, hold down that chair. Exit Mr. Reed doesn't want you. Charlie. I can't understand Ms. Re is. Oh, Lo. Close the door. Well, Ms. Grace, I heard you and Larry ran into a lot of excitement last night. Yes, we did, Mr. Reed. And we've been out all this morning talking to people about it. Maybe she'd rather be a reporter than a secretary, boss. She'd do all right, too. You got anything that the submarine can use, boss? We got plenty. You know about the accident last night? Yes, we already had that story in. What I want now is the facts on who's responsible for it. In the bag, Mr. Reed. We got enough to call out the militia and have that ruler poster padlock. It isn't safe, Mr. Sure of that. The statement made by the owner after the accident blamed it on a stick that had been lying across the rail. That's what he said, boss. By the time we got back, the cops who took a look, well, they might have fixed things up. What about the safety inspector? That's just it, Mr. Reed. He gave him a clean bill of health on it. Wow. You're so sure it wasn't nearly an unfortunate accident? Here's why, boss. These little statements, were they from some of the injured passengers? No, Mr. Reed. The passengers only knew there was an accident. They didn't know how it happened. These statements are from guys who come count, boss. Yeah, but I still. The guys who build that roller coaster, the contractors. And here's one from one of the roller coaster employees. He worked right there. He knew what went on. We got them this morning and every one of them saying, oh, good work. We'll be able to close down that rickety trap immediately. Hello. Get me Gunigan. Shall I do the rewrite on this book? Yeah, at once, Ms. Case. Yes, Mr. Take this other phone and call the composing and tell him to hold the front page Gigan for just a moment. Wow. Yes. Bend Accurate in here, Galligan. We're starting a campaign against Grand Shackle Amusement Concessions. Hold it. Hold the front page first. That's right. We're going after them. Hammer and Thong. Here I am, Rich. What's going on? We have enough for a series, Gunnigan. Now, plenty of proof. No, we won't use names yet. No sense in using all our ammunition at once. Ammunition, is it? Who shot who? Oh, expert hot shot. Certainly. Name the roller coaster. The Devil's Dipper. It's unsafe. Hammer on it. Celebrators will have more later. Case, put these statements in an envelope. Yes, to him. What should I do? Rick Axford, you're going to do some bodyguarding. Sorry, Reed. You read. Oh, those papers Ms. Case has. You're going to see that nothing Happens to them. No, Reed. That ain't no fit kind of a job for. For a he man like me. I want something important. Well, these papers are plenty important. They're going to make certain that innocent people aren't the victims of another accident like the one that happened last. Crystal pepper rolling poster declared unsafe. Demand police close down a newspaper. Sentence sense no paper. Those meddling newspapers. How did the Sentinel get the story, Scanlan? Not from me, gentlemen. What about that accident? You told me there was a reporter from the Sentinel at the Devil's Dipper when it crashed. Oh, with a Dane. But they didn't get in. I swear it, Captain. How now, Durkin, let's look at the facts calmly. Calm, huh? You're in as deep as I am, Buckley, you're the inspector okayed my permit on that roller coaster. That's very true. And you got plenty for it. A lot of good is doing us now. This doesn't answer my question. How did the Sentinel get enough information to be so positive? If you read past the headlines, you'd know, huh? He ain't had a chance. I have. The Sentinel got that information from the contractor and men who built the roller coaster. Why? They have statements from them. Furthermore, they have a statement from one of your own employees, Durkin. Do they say that? Well, not in so many words. This story in the Sentinel is just the beginning, Durkin. It intimates that unless I as inspector close down the Devil's Dipper, they have proof and they intend to publish it. So that's why all those reporters outside are hunt on the trail. They think the Sentinel's got an explosive. The Devil's Dipper will not close. That's what I paid you for. But please relax. Please. Durkin, I have this whole situation working well figured out. Yeah, you better handle. It's very simple. A few threats will take care of these witnesses the Sentinel talks about. Sure, but they got statements, signed statements. And that's where you come in, Scanlan. Yeah, get to the point, Buckley. If I remember, Scanlon once did a stretch for a circ cracking. What about it? Simply that I know where those statements are kept. They're being guarded by a man named Axford. He's not very smart. Oh, well, I get it. I swipe them statements before the Sentinel can use them, huh? Precisely. As for those reporters out there, Durkin, come along. We'll see them together. What are we going to tell? They'll leave that to me. There they are. What about that Sentinel yard? There's Buckley, the inspector. Are you closing them down, please. The Sentinel newspaper has not only blackened the reputation of Mr. Durkin, but its report has caused him to lose a lot of trouble. He'll lose more than that. Who are you? I'm Lowry. The Sentinel is a paper I work for. Is Durkin clothing up or isn't he? No, he is not. What's more, as inspector, I can vouch for him. That accident was caused by a stick thrown across the rail by some passerby. Purely unintentional. There'll be a better story than that, Ms. E. Tomorrow, young man, you can tell your employer this. Both Mr. Durkin and I have been libeled. We intend to sue. That's a laugh. Well, we have proof and you had better use it. We're suing the Sentinel immediately unless it publishes the retraction. Oh, it's unless, is it? I don't like your tone. Gentlemen, you can notify the editors of your various papers that we are suing the Daily Sentinel. Today. We'll demand a million dollars damaged. And gentlemen, you may print this too. Mr. Durkin and I are going to collect. Late that evening, Scanlon and an accomplice took up their post near Brick Reed's home in the entrance to a bar galley. There they waited until they saw the bulky figure of Mike Atwood approaching. Here he comes, Mike. See him crossing the street? You mean that big guy, Scanlan? Hey, he must have been a pushover. They'll handle him. Luckily she was right about that guy being a little bit on the dumb side. All I did was send him a telegram to bring them statements to to his boss's place. And he falls for it. What's that way? He's 10 and bull. That's them all right. Couldn't be nothing else. Stay here in the shadows. When I talk to him, you know what to do. It's all said. Why me, brother? You're in a match, sir. Darling, that's a help out in D. And besides, I'm in too much of a hurry to again. Mom, I got here from a friend. That sounds like absurd. Good Lord, Mike, what happened? Why are you here? Papers. Somebody must have known. You told me to bring him here. What? C all around me Tell me this, Mike. I never told you to bring those statements to me. Sure, and I beat them all as a heaven. What you said. How long ago did this happen? How do you think? You must have told me to come here. Here's your telegram. It's an exotic way, but I don't know what's wrong with you. Cato, get in the other room. I shouldn't lie down. You have a bad bruise in your head. It's beyond me. And I mistrup this under. That's what it is, Kato. The statement's placing the blame for the roller coaster accent are gone. Stop. There's no doubt about who's responsible for that, Mr. Durkin. That's why Buckley and Durkin are so sure about suing the Daily Settlement for libel. Without the evidence upon which we based our story, they've got us right where they want us. Very bad. Ms. Brett, there's only one answer. Unless we recover those statements or get new ones from the same witnesses, there's no power on earth that can save us from this libel suit. What's more important, the devil's debtor will continue to operate and endanger the lives of hundreds of people. What are you going to do? They're on the pace. Every available man outcry and get new statements from those witnesses. That's me. Okay. Yes. This may be one more job for the Green H. Now to continue our story with the evidence against the Devil's Dipper stolen Dick Read send reporters out in an attempt to get their stories on paper a second time. But the attempt was doomed to fail. So that's where we stand, boss. I went to every one of those witnesses after you phoned here to the paper last night and none of them would repeat his previous statement. Not a one, boss. Ash, Mr. Buckley is here to see you. Mr. Reed Buckley. Send him in this case and commend yourself. Bring your notebook. Oh, sure. Daddy. That guy's here with a summon. Show us on the foot high. I can't avoid it forever. Ari. Well, Buckley. You wanted to see me? I didn't expect you be so easy to see you. Get to the point. I wanted to have the extreme pleasure of serving you with this summons myself. Don't imagine that you surprise me with this. You're just as crooked as Durkin, by the way. You can't talk to me like that. No, we know all about you. Durkin wants the devil's dibble. And because he bribed you to overlook its clumsy construction. You need proof with that breed not talk. Perhaps we should add a slander suit to this one for rivals. You deny what you know is true. Your secretary needn't take notes. Reed. I'll do all my talking and court when you answer that summons. Summons here, Mr. Chase. Spoil it in the waste basket. With pleasure. As for you, but open that door line here. What are you? How do I forget the same treatment Your summons got. Only instead of a waste guy only you two, outside. Don't show your face around here again or you'll get the sand treatment. What a he. I screwed you for a floating battery. Reed. You can't get away with this. Go ahead, try it. Only remember, the Bailey settle's got to keep after your rotten racket liable suit or no libel suit. That evening, after Dick Reed arrived at his apartment, he described the situation to Cato, his valet and the only living man to know him as the Green Hornet. Well, that's the story, Cato. The witnesses refused to repeat their evidence. They've been intimidated, threatened. I am the father. Bailey Fennel's being sued for libel. No defense. Cato, it's up to us to make sure this crookedness is settled once and for all. Yes, sir. Lowry told me about one of those witnesses and a man named Thomas. He is an attendant at the Devil's Dipper. His job is to inspect the roller coaster after closing time each night. Will he talk? If we get one to repeat his statement, the others will follow. Let the mask and gun, Kato. And we'll take the Black Beauty. Tonight, Thomas is going to meet the Green Hornet. Thomas. Hey, Thomas. Yes, what do you want? Better let's turn off the music. We're closing up the Devil's Dipper for the night. Had a bad take tonight, huh? Begging. All right. Considering our assembly's been talking up that accident, we'll split plenty from that libel plea. Okay, scammer. All except I gotta make my tour of instructions. Inspection. Don't bother us with details, Thomas. Go ahead and do your inspecting. And make it snappy, Thomas. Me and Durkin will be waiting over in the shack next to the entrance. Hey, Door. Thomas. Yeah? Just a little warning. Remember what we told you about any squealing? We took care of that statement you signed for that Sentinel reporter. We got him back. All of them, yours included. Whenever I will, suit comes up, you keep your lip button about the accident, you understand? I ain't gonna talk. You better not. You know what will happen if you do. I told you once I wouldn't talk no more. Ain't that enough? Hey, look over there. What? One of the roller coaster cars is starting up the slope. Huh? Oh. Get after Thomas. You must have caught on the cable. It's empty. How could it kill Ched? That's out. Roll and get it and snap it up. Can't figure it. Guess the cable control must have slipped and pulled the empty car up the grave. Ah, this whole Devil's Dipper Ought to be junked and den. Rotten equipment all over. Where's that cable leave. Hey, shut off. Guess I'll leave that car there till morning. No, you. You'll be with it. Climax, huh? Who's that? Don't you know this place? Climax Special President Climax. Hey, you're masked. Carla Graham. Hornet like. What are you doing here? Came to see you. Me? For what? You gave a statement to the papers about the accident. I ain't got it now. You might repeat it, Thomas. Not me. I'm doing light jerking and Scanlan's home and through. I'm keeping my own shot. Perhaps they don't believe that. Perhaps Durkin and Scanlon are still afraid you'll try. Listen, Horace, as long as you're alive, you're a danger. Durkin and Scanlon wouldn't do nothing like that. How do you know they don't plan to put you out of their way? They said they pay me plenty for keeping quiet. You trust them, huh? I got it. Suppose I tell you there's no intention of paying? Well, you're just. They want all that money from a libel suit for themselves. They're the kind of guys to do with stunt like that. All right, but look here, Harnet. What's your stake in this? Sign this and I'll tell you. Was that? Look at it. Okay, okay. Easy with the guns. I'll look. Hey, this about the accident. Duplicate of the statement you signed? Yeah. I thought they granted. Not before I got a copy. Sign it, huh? You think you can trust Dirty and Scanlan? What's that got to do with signing this? When they know the Green Hornet has your signed statement, what'll happen then? You mean they won't take a chance on doing nothing to me? Exactly. You're safe as long as someone has your statement. Yes, but aren't they pay plenty to get it back from the Green Hornet? Hey, I never figured that. You're right, Phyllis. My guy s it pure, pal. You and me, huh? We'll blackmail him for a murder, Joe. Yeah, that'll keep them guys to threaten me. There's a panel. Okay. You're on a level h it. You'll smuggle me whatever I get from Birgan and Scanlon. You get your share. That's enough for me. Yeah, we're. We thought you couldn't be trusted, Thomas. So you would double crosses. What? Sir. Veteran, you was kicking me. You're in with Cameron and judging. You were warned to keep your mouth. Shut it up. Tear up that statement. I will talk as far as. Too late. Don't do it. Don't like it. I can't breathe. I have a statement. That is not enough. We'd save her slime and your tter force, but now he believes. Durkin and Scanlan. Try to finish him. Yes, sir. I'm making sure he doesn't change his mind. Here, take each piece. Yep, I have them. Get his arms. When he recovers from the effects of the gas, he'll be high up on the double zipper in that roller coaster car. That style up about what for? We'll have to relay him there. I'm going to phone the police. Then we'll take care of Duran and scan. Refereed and KO carried the unconscious form up the narrow stwalk. High above the ground, they deposited Thomas's limp body and the stalled car. Leaving Cato on guard. Brick Reed descended and went to the nearest home, first removing his green haunted mask. Police department. I'm calling from the amusement park. There's something wrong at the Devil's Dipper. Yes, that's right. The Devil's Dipper. Better get over in a hurry. There is a slinking surgeon. What's happened to Thomas? He's been gone a long time. Hey, how's the thought? Maybe that car gave him a little more trouble than he figured. Yeah, maybe so. Still, I don't trust that guy. Well, he's not going to talk. He knows what'll happen. Why take chances? No sense in letting him out of our sight this late in the game. We already burned that statement he gave to the Sentinel. We can make another one. Can he? Come on. Perhaps you're right. We'll soon see if he's around or not. There's the car. Still up there. Stalled halfway up to the top of the first drive. That's funny. Look. Touching. There's someone up there. See? Standing up in the car, outlined against the sky. Must be another one right beside him. See? A little guy, looks like he's holding a gun on top. You're seeing things, fellow. This is too dark to tell for sure. We're going to make sure. Here's the truck going out. We'll climb up the catwalk. Yes. Hurry. Single file. I'm ready, too. Slow down, Taylor. Clear. I'll go with you. The cable will carry us up. Now listen, Harlan. What's the idea? We ain't done nothing to you. Roller coaster up ahead. It's moving, too. Of course it is. The same kid will lift this one to the top of the first flash. What's happened as well. See? It's going over the top now. Hey, one guy got out. He's standing at the top. Thomas. Thomas is still in that roller coaster. He's getting a free ride along the whole length of your Devil's Dipper. Hey, what are you doing there? You are you jamming the brakes? We won't be able to stop exactly. Once we reach the top of this first inquiring, this car will follow Thomas's. This makes her jam too. I can't do that. What's the idea? Just making sure you the unit Thomas will be able to get out before you reach the end of the Tattle Zipper. Are you playing games? Yes, if you must know exactly that. Duncan, you and Janet have been playing a game of the public long enough. You and you and Colonel Devil Zipper. Now I'm taking a hand in it. Hey, at the top. And here's where I get off. I'll bet you. Namaste, Thomas. You better hurry. It's halfway down already, though. Here's a little shelf to help you underway. Well, look at Potato. They're already over the first step and going faster all the time. You fix the brakes on Thomas's car? I told you. Yep. Yours. Neither one of them will stop until they reach the end. Thomas's pertinence. Alan and Dirk can have it in for him. He checked. The thing about Mr. Seeing him come after him will make him even more afraid. You see them? They're going around that curve now with Durkin and Scanlon about 50 yards behind. Should you go now? Yeah. It's high time we were on our way. KO not that way. We walk straight into the police. How then? Down the beams. Time the police get things straightened out, the Green Hornet will be miles away. Here's the Devil's dipper. I don't see nothing wrong. This is utterly ridiculous. Getting me down to a deserted roller coaster this time of night. Listen, Buckley, didn't the call come into the police saying something was wrong here? And aren't you the safety inspector for the amusement clock? Well, then this is where you ought to be, Sergeant. There's nothing wrong here. Looks like a false alarm right now. Yeah, look at that. I don't see nothing. Well, Lo, I'm on the roller coaster. Two cars coming around that last hur. You're right. They'll need this platform any minute. This is Charlie. Who's he riding at this hour? Open to first, baby. You Tommy. What goes on? Who's out for your Sir? Nothing is chairman coming out of this car. Oh, just put that sticking out of your pocket. Clean cut off some piece of paper. Hand that over, Larry. We're running this, not you. No, wait a minute. Let me read it. This is ridiculous. Yeah. You know what the statement is? I neither know chair. This is a plain statement about the accident. Impossible. Those statements were. I mean. Go on, say it. They were swiped from the Daily Sentinel. That's what you were going to say. That's right. Butley nobody knew about those statements. How did you. He's in McDurken and Cannon. I'll talk plenty. Nobody's put me on the spot. I haven't time for this or I'm leaving. You're staying here. Buckley, here comes your pal. We'll take them in too. Up on the platform. Make it snapping. Cops. What's the idea? Move. You're almost upset. Than you and your pals. We have promised a signed statement right here. What statement? The one I signed. You ain't putting me on the spot. He's crazy. It was the Green Hornet. Show her the green horn. That's Viking with you the horse. Is he in on this? That's what I'm telling you. These guys sent him to get me. Only he slipped up. I'm still in the whole work. Why no, no. Not stop you listen officer, I have nothing to do with it. I'll tell you the whole story. He's as girly as we are. We have the goods in all of you. You're going behind bars. If I could lay my hands on a Green Hornet, he'd be there with you. You can't have everything size jewelry got away. But the roller coaster is finished. And so is that libel suit. Boy, I'll bet the mortal exc when he finds this out.
Episode: Green Hornet – Devil's Playground
Date: May 10, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Featured Show: The Green Hornet
In this classic episode of The Green Hornet, titled “Devil’s Playground,” listeners are transported to the golden era of radio drama. The story revolves around investigative journalism, public safety, crime, and justice as the Green Hornet and his associates seek to expose dangerous amusement park rides and the corruption that lets them operate. The narrative interweaves action, suspense, and sharp dialogue as the Sentinel newspaper team goes up against powerful adversaries.
The episode is vibrant with rapid dialogue, tense confrontations, and old-fashioned newspaper heroics. The language is snappy, with just enough wit and skepticism to capture the spirit of classic radio. The Green Hornet’s cold determination is balanced by the vulnerability of good-hearted but sometimes bumbling secondary characters like Axford. The tension builds through close shaves, clever plans, and the ever-present threat of corruption.
From tense stand-offs to triumphant declarations, the episode offers a vivid slice of mid-century Americana—complete with the rattle of a roller coaster, the bluster of villains, and the steadfast pursuit of justice.
This summary provides a comprehensive look at the Green Hornet’s “Devil’s Playground” episode, distilling its action, themes, and best lines. Perfect for listeners who want to relive the spirit of old-time radio or newcomers seeking a rich, dramatic experience.