
Green Hornet - Money Talks Too Loud - 06/20/1939
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THE ADVENTURER MONEY TALKS TOO LOUD the events and characters depicted in this drama are fictitious. Any similarity to actual prisons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Hey, K. I got the loose in the state capital. Stay off Lowry.
C
This is my busy two weeks. Don't sit there. We're almost having some enlarging paper. I'm in a hurry to get my desk packed up. Please, will you?
B
Why you go on. You don't rate a vacation till August.
C
This, Mr. Is no vacation.
B
Special assignment. Where you going? What are you going to put a bill?
C
I'm not taking any pictures for the next two weeks. I'm filling in for North Kate on a vacation? You're watch. Believe it or not, big boy, I'm to be secretary to the boss.
B
How do you like that? You say no fooling.
C
No fooling, brother. So clear away from the desk. I'm doing his office now. He'll be in himself in a little
B
while, like funny Will. He's not due before noon today.
C
Well, that's what you think.
B
I know it. And if you don't believe it, ask the society. Ed saw him at that Bernard James party last night.
C
Was he there?
B
Sure.
C
Gosh, I guess it must have been quite a party there. A lot of big shops in the state capital there.
B
Yeah, the big shop is hot. What you say?
C
What's the matter with you? I said there were a lot of senators and things there. There were.
B
Oh, I wish I had known that. I'd have barged in myself. I want to talk to some of those birds.
C
For what?
B
A slant on the horse racing bill for press. Don't you read the papers?
C
Nope. I just look at the pictures.
B
They're trying to put a bill through to legalize betting on the GGs.
C
They are? Say, that'd be all right, wouldn't it?
B
That's what you think. Don't make a crack like that in front of Britt Reed.
C
Is he against the bill?
B
And how.
C
But he can't be.
B
Oh, he can't, huh? Tell him that. Go on and tell him that.
C
Think I'm afraid To look here, smart guy, the Branigan bill is before the committee right now.
B
What Bill Brannigan?
C
That's the horse race bill, in case you didn't know. And the bookies have gotten together about 50 to lobby against it. And money talks in the state capital.
B
You say you don't read the papers.
C
If Prith Reed starts a string of articles against the bill, he'll be bringing right along with a bookie and he can't do that.
B
Maybe you've got something there. But tell me this. How can he take a stand in favor of the bill?
C
Why can't he?
B
In the first place, there are too many bad angles to it. Too many places for the grasshopper to get in. Too little protection for the state. Why, it costs more to collect the state's taxes than the amount of revenue it would bring in.
C
Gosh, I didn't know all that.
B
I'm telling you.
C
Well, tell me more.
B
It would mean that the state would sanction gambling. That would open everything up again for the operators of the slot machines, the dog races, the pinballs, the numbers, games in the policy racket and the lottery. If the state allows gambling on horses, how can they stop it on other things? As it is now, people who know book he's going to solve the best from time to time. But the great rank and file of people aren't interested in let gambling on the race is to be made legal. And everyone will be betting on the Gigi's instead of paying their groceries.
C
Gosh, you're doing swell, Larry.
B
What's the use? The boss can't stand in favor of the bill for the reasons I've mentioned. And you can't oppose it without being on the side of the bookies who will be broke if the bill's put through. He's right on the fence. The only thing for the Daily Sentinel to do is keep quiet about it.
C
Yeah, I've got a picture of Britt Reid keeping quiet on an issue as big as this. Going to be fun to say. See just what he does do. I'm not so hot on this machine, Mr. Reed, but maybe I'll get better with practice.
B
You're doing all right, Ms. Vinnie.
C
Yeah, I guess that'll do. You want to sign it now?
B
I'll send it into my office with the rest of the letters when you have them finished. Yes, sir. Now, concerning this Branigan committee at the Capitol.
C
Oh, yes. Lowry was speaking about that this morning.
B
The Daily Sentinel is going to take a firm stand against her. But Mr. Ruth gonna get advised that we're to campaign strongly in opposition.
C
Right. Along with the gambling interest, huh?
B
What?
C
I understand there's a lot of cash to hire lobbyists against the bill. The bookies put up the dough. I mean money. Oh, they'll be glad to know the Sentinel is with him.
B
With them?
C
Well, isn't that what your opposition amounts to?
B
Perhaps it is.
C
That's the way it appeared to me. I suppose if you played your cards right, you might sell them some space.
B
Sell who what?
C
The bookies some space. Why not?
B
Ms. Benny, have you been talking to Lowry or Art?
C
Well, not about selling space.
B
The SE is opposed to the package of the Branigan bill. But that doesn't mean we're in cahoots with a bookmaker. No, sir. Never mind that message to Gunnigan. I'll write an article. Now, there's a new something. Look here, gopher. What you got? Friends with the Daily Sentinel is out with a knife with a Barnigan bill. No food. Read it yourself. Playing right along with it. I'm almost sorry we chipped into the pool to lobby against the bill. By now there isn't a chance of the thing going through. This is pretty strong stuff, ain't it, boss? Plenty strong. And this is just the beginning. I say when Pritri takes sides in an issue, he goes all the way. When Pit re takes sight in an issue flicker, he goes all the way. That's the trouble.
C
Oh, why did Dickens, Ed? Couldn't he have stayed away from the office for the next few days? Dang it. He goes on his merry nightlife way with parties and dances and spends his afternoons at the club or pole or golf or tennis.
B
I know, old stuff. He never comes around with anything particular on his mind until there's something like this. Then he takes unfair advantage of the rest of us just because he happens to own the compounded paper.
C
Well, cheer up, Eddie.
B
Cheer up. With every book in town tipping his
C
hat to me, I think maybe the block will change his mind about going through with his campaign against the bill.
B
Can change his mind.
C
You wait, fella. I've been busy. You sure? Hey, Vinny. Me?
B
We called you. It's back where you belong.
C
Holy smoke. Smoke. I didn't know he was in yet.
B
What you do?
C
Nothing, guy.
B
Just wait. You said you'd been busy. Hey, wait a minute.
C
See you by and by, Lor. I didn't know you'd come in yet, Mr. Reed. I'm sorry.
B
Quite all right, Miss Vinny. I'll be glad I came in early this morning.
C
Early? Oh, yeah. Early for You.
B
Here's an interesting letter that was in my mail.
C
Oh, really?
B
It's a letter of thanks for the manner in which the Daily Central are taking a stand against the Branigan pill.
C
Oh?
B
Signed by the Green Hornet. Not really, no. Not really what?
C
Not really?
B
That's what I said.
C
But. But I know that someone wrote this
B
letter to me and forged the signature of the Green Hornet. It's quite an accurate copy of it. Not bad at all. It must have been done either from an original or a photograph of an original.
C
But. But how could you tell them?
B
I wonder if someone who wants me to take a neutral stand on the Bran bill might not have sent this to me.
C
Whatever gave you that impression?
B
Possibly someone would like to see me reverse myself and go in favor of the bill, knowing that I dislike the gambling ring.
C
But mightn't it be Kenyan? After all, Mr. Reed, the Green Hornet might be involved in the gambling ring. And in that case, I think I'll
B
fire Ed Lowry because of this letter.
C
Fired Lowry?
B
Why can't he come out like a man and tell me what he thinks instead of going about it in this roundabout way? But.
C
But Lowry didn't do that Mr. Reedman send that to you.
B
How do you know, Ms. Vinny?
C
Gosh, I know the guy.
B
He.
C
He wouldn't do that sort of thing. I don't surmise he would. He would come out with anything he had to say.
B
That's what I always thought. I can't imagine anyone else who might have sent it, can you?
C
Well, go.
B
Well, don't try to think too hard, Ms. Bernier. We'll let the matter drop.
C
Well, isn't there some small chance that the Hornet might be opposed to the Branigan bill?
B
Well, yes. Yes, Miss Benny. There is a chance that the Green Hornet might be opposed to the Brannigan Bill.
C
Then you won't say long of the same type of the Green Hornet is, I'm sure.
B
Why?
C
Well, I. Oh, I'm late.
B
I'm due at the six o' clock for luncheon. There. You watch things here, Miss Benning.
C
Yes, sir.
B
If any more letters come from the Green Hornets, save them for me.
C
Yes, sir.
B
I have an idea there won't be anymore.
C
I don't think there will
B
be.
C
That guy gives a girl a headache that aspirin won't cure. Makes me feel like a first class kid.
B
He's gone, hasn't he?
C
Yeah, he is gone.
B
I'll give out a quicker what's the idea you had in mind?
C
Listen, I'll always skip it as an idea. It wasn't so hot.
B
Well, the boss has got to do something. A couple of the boys just flew in. So what? We're taking a sleigh ride. Everyone in town's giving us a berry.
C
What do you mean everyone in town?
B
Well, all the bookies, they're thanking it for giving them a hand. Now how do you like that?
C
I don't.
B
Maybe it's better off. A special for Mr. Reed.
C
Okay.
B
What's that?
C
I don't know. A letter of some sort.
B
Well, open her up. You're private secretary this week, aren't you? Maybe it's a lead on something.
C
Well, if it is, you won't get. Holy smokes. Huh? This is from the Green Hornet.
B
What? What's from the Hornet? What about the Hornet?
C
This is the real McCoy. The unadulterated, real thing. A thanks letter for the stand the Sentinel has taken.
B
Sign the Green Hornet.
C
Sign the Green Hornet. Now what'll I do? Why does anything happen to me?
B
Just so you invite things to happen.
C
Now what? I can't show this to him.
B
Why not? That's news.
C
No, it's news. But I thought the first one would be news.
B
First one?
C
Oh, Ed, I faked a letter just like this. I had a photo of one of the Hornet letters were in the hands of the cops. And I faked one taunting him for a stand against the Branniganville. Yeah, I thought maybe a teacup. I thought that when it was against the bill, he dropped the publicity he's been running. And now a real letter comes in and I can't show it to him.
B
Baby, you sure live with your chain.
C
But look, why not switch letters, huh?
B
Put this real one on the face of the one you show him.
C
See, he knows the first with the face. You saw something about it.
B
Yes. Well, lay your price on the table. Tell him the old words and trust the luck that he won't give you the heirs.
C
Oh, he will. He is going to fire you. Me? For what? Thought you'd sent the letter with a Hornet's mark on it. Why? I told him. I told him you didn't. I'll never learn to stop talking to you. Sooner or later, I'm going to land
B
in real trouble through you, Lowry.
C
I'm sorry. Hang it all. Didn't I have the interest of the paper at heart? I wanted to make the boss realize how things stood. That was the only reason I did it.
B
Sure, you thought you knew more about running the paper than he does.
C
Oh, God. I don't know what he'll Do. But you sure deserve getting tanned. I can do now is to tell him the truth and take whatever he dishes out.
B
That evening in his apartment, Rick Reed told Cato about the letters from the Green Hornet. The first I suspected came from Ms. Vinnie. It gave me an I.D. see Cato. What was that? I sent another letter in and when I got back to the office Ms. Bernie drove down and admitted that she sent the first. But I had Laurie make a page one story from the second before paved the way. Right now I'm between two fires. I don't like to be in this position. I must take a stand against the Bannigan Bell. But by taking that stand, I'm aligned with the gambling interest. But what could the one xveta do? Every one of the gamblers will read it now. Be ready for the call I'm going to make on. Yes, I know who the ringleaders are. Vegas duo is a man named Farth. His assistant is called Gopher Port of his name is Gables. They call him Gopher Gables. Oh, I also know the members of the legislature who will take money for their votes. Some of them are on the committee considering the Branigan bill. We needn't list the names just yet. I'm not ready for them for you, boy. The car. Come on with me. I may need you. I've got to leave the Colony. Some phone calls. You'll have to stay with the machine. Farewell. Rick Reed went through a smiling panel in the rear of his clothes press. Then between the walls of the apartment to a secret door that opened into an old supposedly abandoned warehouse where the sleek black car of the Green Hornet was housed. I don't know whether or not we'll get re election tonight. We'll be ready for it, Cato. We'll take the mask and the weapons. They're in the car. Good enough. But what do you do? There's just one way to get out of this spot. That's to prevent the passage of the bill and smash the gambling ring. Both must be done. How they say, Cato, that money talks. Well, in this case, if my plan works out, money is going to talk too loud. To continue our story, Farnsworth and his aide Gopher Gables led the Sentinel with a great deal of amusement. Can you beat it, Farnsworth? The harlot tank and the Sentinel. For what they're printing about the Flannigan Bell. That's a good one. I wonder. Well, come at him, Mr. Fonzle. Maybe that message from the Green Hornet will have the reverse effect. I don't like the way it's been used here. The things that are written about it. It makes it look as if all of us were working with the Green Hornet. As if he was the boss of the whole bookmaking business in town. Hey, does it do that? Yes. Maybe that'll make those fat heads and the capital pass the bill in spite of all we can do. It won't do that, Boss. I wonder. Be quiet long enough for me to answer the phone. Well? Yes? What is it? Naturally. Who are you? It's going to cost Mordo as a result of that story. What do you mean Mordo? It's a nervous punch at the capital. Afraid of public sentiment. Of you. With the fact that the Hornet seems to be running your business for you. That's ridiculous. Preposterous. The Green Hornet has no part in my business. I know that's part of it. But just the same that boys can't bring in as much gas as swing the committee. You better get busy on the phone and raise it. Who are you? Where are you calling from? Can't say. Anyone coming? Hello.
C
Hello.
B
What's the matter boy? I wish I knew who phoned. Someone said we had to raise more cash because of that story. Ms. Sentinel. Yeah, I was afraid of something of that sort. Gopher, go and call on me. Time to get the boys lined up and be ready for another contribution. He ain't going to like that so well boy. Element can't be helped. We've already sunk plenty of cash and fighting the bran bill. We've got to protect our investment. Now get going. Doables heard from Farnsworth Department while Brit Reeds a short distance away made a long distance call from a drugstore phone booth. In fact he made several of them. Hello, Is a Senator Jones? I am Senator Jones. You better get yourself a copy of the ST and see what it has to say about the Green Hornet. The Paniganville? I bet it. Why? If you check with Smitty and Lynch and a couple of the others. You'll find that there's going to be extra cash for you in view of what the Hornet's done. Who you calling? Listen, Jones. I'll let you know who I am sometime when I want a favor, see. Meanwhile, just get smart and hold out for about half again as much as you've been promised. I don't know what you're talking about. That's all right, Jones. I wouldn't expect you to say anything else over the phone. Just like a tiptoe. And if you don't believe Me? Call Farnsworth. He's at home right now. Just tell Farnsworth you don't like the way things are shaping up. If you don't want to call Farnsworth speak to one of the boys up there who's representing him. Get the idea? Senator Jones received this anonymous call in a hotel room where he'd been playing cards with some friends. I wish you'd tell me who you are. What is it, Senator Jones? Advice from some anonymous party. We don't need advice. He stated that we should request additional recompense in view of the unfavorable publicity in this evening's edition of the Daily Sentinel. I didn't like that story. Puts us in a spot where it'll be hard to table the Branigan bill for this session. I am fully aware of that. Who are you? Telephony. Our friend, the lobbyist. Then a short time later that evening, Farnsworth had a second call. This time from his representative at the state capitol. While this call was being received, there were unseen witnesses. The Green Hornet and Kato both wearing the familiar mask just outside an open window. Yes, yes, I know. I've already made the necessary arrangement. I'll raise more cash for those chisels. I don't know when I'll have it. I'll. I'll let you know. And very well. Goodbye. Hey, boss. I seen the boy 10 minutes ago. When? It ought to be on hand before the night is out. They'll contact you soon. Soon after midnight. They gotta round up the guys that are out night clubbing. The sooner the better. That cash should be in the hands of the boys at the Capitol in the morning. Why have we got to work so fast? The committee has to report on that bill. They'll have to hand in their report by the day after tomorrow at the latest or it won't be passed at this meeting. Ain't that what you want? Of course it is. But if we don't raise the cash then they will turn in the favorable report and the thing will be railroaded through by the birds that want to close the session and get started on the summer vacation. Yeah, I see. The pressure of the newspapers will make them pass the thing. Unless we raise the cash to block it. Did you contact everyone? Sure thing. Don't worry, boss. The door will be here, all right. Enough. You can get it to the capital in the morning with no trouble at all. Very well. All we can do now is sit tight and wait. Come on, Kato. While he's waiting for that cash to arrive, we'll make one more telephone call. Yes, Mr. Banishaway. Aren't you Bonneville out there? The land? Not just yet, Cato. That's all I wanted to see for the time being. The broom, the desk, the inkwell. We'll probably use them all before the night's over. Will you call now? And we're to try to reach Ed Lowry. Will he be at the office? No, he won't be at home. Probably locate him in one of his favorite hangouts. Won't go for you. Tell them I'm in comfort. Calm yourself. Your boss, Dunigan, Mr. Reed. Well, why didn't you say so in the first place? We passed with him on. It's almost midnight. Yeah, boss, this is Lowry. And remember, there's nothing to this at all. But on the other hand, it's worth following up. What's that, boss? I happen to be in a nightclub when Gopher Gables came in. Gables? He swears with stool. That's right. Con is suddenly there and heard something said about raising more cash in a hurry and getting it to Farnsworth tonight. More cash? More. That means the lobbyists need more. Wouldn't you say so? I'm glad you agree with me. It might be a story, but you got to find your department and sort of hang around and watch. It's worth a try, boss. I'll hop right over there. Thanks for the pit bulb. We don't want to hurry on the cuff, Joss. I'll probably be back before you close. Mark and Laurie got a story. Private business, boys. Private business. Ted Laurie parked his car near the Farnsworth apartment, watched for quite some time, saw a couple of men enter and leave the place. Then after waiting a few moments longer, he approached and rapped on the door. Hello, Gopher Lowry. Mind if I step in? How are you tonight, Lancelot? What are you out here, Lowry? Just stopped in for a chat. Hey, what's Olette do? None of your business. Now beat it. We're busy. You came for something, Larry. Why did I speak up? I hear you're raising more cash to fight the Flanagan bill. Where did you hear that? Is that what the trigger is for? Tain't none of your business. Now scram. Larry, can't you see the Jake. Hey, what's up with out of the light straight papers?
C
We've done enough. People have said who you are.
B
Who are you? You'll find out that front door.
C
Where's the ass? Let me drill it. Get to the hole of our sign.
B
Shoot. No, you're not. Don't shoot. Doker don't shoot. What?
C
I can't breathe. He went out the door. I go to the lamp.
B
I'm going to get some light in here.
C
There's the lights.
B
He turned them on again. How the devil do I know? Look at Gopher. What's happened to you? Get out, Gopher. Get out. Cold Hill, to the desk. The door is gone. Come on, get after him. Get after him. Lowry. Face him yourself. It was your dough. He stole the ink stand.
C
Look at here.
B
He must have got his hands in the ink and smid all over the doorknobs. Benjamin Gopher. Is he dead? Hold on, Franz. Let's get a load of this. But Gable. He'll be all right. He just took a snoopful of gas, that's all. The bird who came here to get that dough is the Green Hornet. Watch. There's a signature. That stamp be left on your desk. Green Hornet. Now there's a story for the Sentinel. The next morning in the Sentinel office. What is your story? Handled in a very specific manner, Lorraine. Oh, we should smear it on page one, Boss. Big Bear, it's too late for that. There have already been a couple of additions. Doesn't it seem logical, in view of what we've seen before that the Green Hornet is the leader of the gambling ring? Yeah, but he rocks. Arnsley, do you know what the daisy is? How do you know he robbed him? Perhaps the mere fact that you were there made it necessary for the Hornet to make it appear to be a robbery. Huh? That would give him the cash you'll have to spend for the committee's vote and do it in such a way that Farnsworth can't be tied up with it. Boss, maybe you've got something there. Of course, the Hornet may have taken the cash for himself but it's my impression that he took it to pass on to the members of the committee. And you bet that can be proved? We could just prove that those birds took Bride Truth at the Horse and Lee with a gambling ring. Too bad there isn't some way to identify that money. That's, of course, out of the question. Yeah. There's no way to prove that the same dough that was taken from Farnsworth is given to Jones and Smitty and the rest of the grafters. If you'd only known this sort of thing would happen you might have marked the bills in some way. Marked bills? Yeah, but. Well, I wouldn't have had a chance, boss.
C
I only.
B
Hey, what's the matter?
C
Hey, boss, I just thought of something.
B
What are you talking about, Laurie?
C
Maybe those bills were marked. What do you mean?
B
Look, the bills run to death like this.
C
See?
B
Huh? There was an ink stand here like this. Well, the Hornet bumps the the desk or something in the dark. I heard him. Then we find the inks all spilled and the dough is gone. It's all over the desk.
C
And there's some on the door.
B
Now get it. Perhaps the bills are smeared with ink. That's just it, Larry. That wouldn't prove anything. No listwith bore. The ink could be tested. Get ink from Farnsworth's desk, analyze it, compare it with down the bills. What if we could only get to the Capitol to see those bills in the possession of the grafters on the Branigan Bill committee. Oh, what are you waiting for? You won't get there by standing here. I'm on my way. I'll do what I can from this end.
C
Hey, what the wa to see what I'm bringing back, I hope.
B
Ms. Benny, get the district attorney. I want him to do whatever is necessary to get a sample of the ink from Farnsworth's office. Just in case Lowry can come through. It's a long shot, boss, but I'm playing it. While Larry raced for the state capital in a fast car with necessary officials and credentials, the committee members were in recept in the hall. Barnsworth himself was there speaking to one of the committees. I came here personally, Jones, to explain. You'll meet me. Get that, Jones? I had the dough already, but the Hornet stole it. Now just do what we want and you'll get. What was the promise? Not so loud. It's okay, Jones. What is? Oh. Hello. Fonse. Our Smith coming. What are you saying? Everything's okay. We're going to hold that bill back. That's the stuff. Oh, I won't see you, Joan. Who? Friend of yours. Thanks for everything, Panzer. I was just explaining the bill was stolen by the Hornet. And I will. What do you suppose? What I have for you boys. But we got it. Yes, your man had it. Where did he get it? I'm not used to asking where cash comes from. I want to find out about this. Come on with me. We'll have to hurry. The meeting is trying to resume and I want to talk. Boys have fine Swift. Yeah. Smith and Jones with them. They stand ready. They're passing out something that might be money. Come on. That's 15. Hey, Senator. Just a minute. Hold it. Here's the picture. Got it. Oh, reporter day. Yeah, but Napkin Picture the unflinzwith and One of the gambling ring's representatives. What's in that envelope? None of your business. Stay here. Louder you. The horror took the gas from you to pay these guys off and set it here to your lobbyist. That's ridiculous. Okay, it's ridiculous then. But what's in that envelope? None of your fist. Don't talk too much, farmfoot. You may be facing a rap of bribery. That door you had last night was marked the Green Hornet Dole. Oh, or stole it maybe. Because you planned it that way. Money is marked. What? What are you talking. What are you trying to pull on? The sponsor gave you mark money. So you're old discredited. That means your report won't be taken. It means the Vatican bill will be buried. Because Farsworth framed you into taking m money. That's how.
C
I. I did nothing about that.
B
Explain what that cash is for.
C
Look at the ink on it.
B
That ink came from Farworth's disc. That can be proved. Furthermore, it can be proved that Farnsworth collected that cash last night from other members of the book making ring. I will touch the money. I didn't know there was money in this envelope. I was simply told. You were sure, Jones. You just thought someone was sending you a Christmas card. Take Farnsworth's pals in, boy. We already got the warrants charging you with bribery. I guess that cash will make us stick. And if that doesn't then by thunder, Farsworth. They'll hold you plenty long because of your connection with the Green Hornet. I have no such connection. How come the doll the Hornet got from you is passed out by your men today? You can't charge me with taking a bribe. You won't need to pay charges against you three crooks just resign. That told you we've got to do. You never belonged in the legislature in the first place. Go on back to your 25 buck a week job. This is a frame up. This is a frame up. Just what's needed. Florence Wood. The Branigan bill buried and the gambling ring smashed. There's news my boss would love to see in print. Just heard there's a copyrighted feature.
Episode: Green Hornet - Money Talks Too Loud
Date: May 10, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date (of featured broadcast): Golden Age of Radio (original production, not 2026)
In this episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio, listeners are treated to a classic episode of The Green Hornet radio drama, titled “Money Talks Too Loud.” The central plot revolves around a contentious bill in the state capital to legalize betting on horse races—the Branigan Bill. Britt Reid (aka the Green Hornet), publisher of the Daily Sentinel, navigates a treacherous landscape of political corruption, lobbying, and organized crime as he investigates and disrupts graft within the state's legislature. The episode highlights sharp newsroom banter, investigative tactics, and high-stakes action—along with the Green Hornet’s cunning efforts to expose and sabotage the bribery scheme surrounding the bill.
Notable Quote:
"It would mean that the state would sanction gambling. That would open everything up again for the operators of the slot machines, the dog races, the pinballs, the numbers games in the policy racket and the lottery." — Lowry (02:54)
Notable Quote:
“I know that someone wrote this letter to me and forged the signature of the Green Hornet.” — Britt Reid (06:51)
Notable Quote:
“It makes it look as if all of us were working with the Green Hornet. As if he was the boss of the whole bookmaking business in town.” — Farnsworth (12:48)
Memorable Exchange:
“Why have we got to work so fast?”
“The committee has to report on that bill. They'll have to hand in their report by the day after tomorrow at the latest or it won't be passed at this meeting.” — Gopher & Farnsworth (15:50)
Notable Quote:
“Perhaps the bills are smeared with ink. ... The ink could be tested. Get ink from Farnsworth's desk, analyze it, compare it with down the bills.” — Britt Reid (21:29)
Scene Highlight (23:45):
“Look at the ink on it! That ink came from Farnsworth's desk. That can be proved. Furthermore, it can be proved that Farnsworth collected that cash last night from other members of the book-making ring.” — Britt Reid (23:45)
True to its era, the drama is brimming with rapid-fire, savvy newsroom dialog, sardonic quips, and punchy gangster slang. The story presents moral ambiguity and social commentary—should newspapers take sides, and when corruption is baked into the system, what can a lone vigilante do? The Hornet’s methods and the snappy, streetwise exchanges ground the procedural thriller in both suspense and wry humor.
For fans of old-time radio, this episode is a prime example of the Green Hornet’s blend of investigative journalism and vigilante action—a brisk, layered drama about politics, crime, and the power (and pitfalls) of influence.