Green Hornet - Test Stamps a Swindle (aka-Research Racket; Phony Testing)

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Green Hornet - Test Stamps a Swindle (aka Research Racket; Phony Testing)

Date: May 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic Green Hornet radio episode, Britt Reid, publisher by day and masked vigilante by night, investigates and takes down a phony product testing racket. The scheme, run by the so-called "Renner Testing Laboratories," extorts money from manufacturers under threat of damaging product reviews in its widely distributed but fraudulent booklet. Through clever investigation and daring action, the Green Hornet exposes the swindle—demonstrating the show's enduring themes of justice, skepticism toward authority, and the perils of blind trust in official-sounding endorsements.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Mystery of the “Renner Testing Laboratory” (02:21–06:41)

• Suspicious Bargains: Britt Reid, Marie, and Axford discuss purchasing a series of home and office items (fans, tires, stoves, fountain pens), all bearing the approval of the Renner Testing Laboratory—a supposedly trustworthy endorsement used to instill buyer confidence in low-quality goods.
  • “Oh, it's good. See what it says on the base. Okayed by Renner Testing Laboratory.” — Britt Reid (02:25)
• Growing Doubt: As these products begin to malfunction, suspicion grows about the legitimacy of Renner’s endorsements.
  • “I never heard of this kind of stove before... but you've heard of testing laboratories, haven't you?” — Unnamed character (03:27)
• Axford’s Folly: Axford defends his fountain pen purchase, convinced by the “test stamp,” only to discover it’s defective (“Pen doesn’t write!” 04:46).

2. Investigation Begins (06:41–09:59)

• Britt Reid Points Out the Racket: Britt notices that the Renner booklet rates worthless products as “good” while condemning reputable brands—suggesting the reviews are purchased, not earned.
  • “Your pen is called Good when actually it's worthless... this other fountain pen listed here receives approval from honest testing laboratories, yet here, as I told you, it's labeled N.G.” — Britt Reid (06:21–06:33)
• Launching the Probe: Britt sends journalist Lowry to investigate both the fraudulent lab and a reputable manufacturer (“Mr. Hammersmith”) who’s been blacklisted by Renner.

3. Exposing the Blackmail (08:46–10:23)

• The Shakedown Revealed: At the Hammersmith pen company, Britt and Detective Doyle hear how Renner’s offer was essentially extortion—pay $5,000 for a favorable review, or face a damaging one.
  • “He said for $5,000 our product could get the okay... If not, they'd test it anyhow and inform their readers that your pen was no good.” — Mr. Hammersmith (08:28–08:39)
• The Impact: Hammersmith confirms the racket has hurt his business, but legal remedies are elusive due to the careful wording of Renner’s threats.

4. The Green Hornet Investigates (10:39–13:58)

• Confronting Renner: Britt (as the Hornet) infiltrates Renner’s facility, confronting him about the exorbitant fees and the reality behind the so-called tests.
  • “That room was as empty as Axford's head. If you test merchandise in there, you do it by instinct.” — Britt Reid (12:25)
• Evidence of Fraud: The “laboratory” is merely a front; Renner alleges their “testing” occurs out of state, safely beyond the reach of local law enforcement.

5. The Sting Operation (16:16–21:27)

• Hornet’s Plan: Britt and Kato stage a ruse to trick Renner. They gas and tie up Hammersmith so he can escape and call the police, drawing the authorities to the scene just as the operation goes down.
• Escalating Tension: Renner and his partner Denby start panicking, trying to destroy evidence as word of a government probe spreads.

6. The Showdown and Resolution (25:07–30:12)

• Police Raid: The authorities, accompanied by gumshoe reporters, arrive at Renner’s operation. The Green Hornet uses gas and quick thinking to steal incriminating checks from Denby and stash them in the safe for the police to find.
• The Evidence: The checks—records of $5,000 extorted from many manufacturers—serve as proof of the racket.
• Britt’s Final Move: A note from the Hornet is left in the safe: “Nobody runs a racket in this city without hearing from me.” (29:57)
• Police and Press Wrap-Up: Renner and Denby are exposed, the scam is broken, and Axford declares, “Blackmail, that's what it is.” (29:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Blind Trust:
  “There are bargains and bargains, actually.” — Britt Reid (04:58)
  “That room was as empty as Axford’s head.” — Britt Reid (12:25)
• Axford’s Comic Relief (Pen Mishap):
  “Not too close, Expert... That's why, you big lug. You got ink all over your face.” — Ms. Case (08:09–08:18)
• Revealing the Racket:
  “Holy crow. That proves it's a good pen... But it still doesn't write.” — Axford & Ms. Case (05:11–05:17)
• On Corruption and Justice:
  “You can't hold us merely by what you overheard.” — Renner (29:03)
  “Blackmail, that's what it is.” — Axford (29:44)

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 02:21–03:27 — Suspicious bargain products and Renner’s dubious endorsement
• 04:19–06:41 — Office discussion revealing deeper doubts about Renner Testing Lab
• 08:46–10:23 — Blackmail at the Hammersmith company
• 12:25 — The laughably empty “testing laboratory”
• 16:16–17:52 — Green Hornet and Kato prepare for the nighttime operation
• 21:27–25:07 — Hammersmith’s escape and mounting police interest
• 25:07–30:12 — Climax: Showdown at Renner Labs; evidence retrieved; criminals exposed

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode blends tension, humor, and social commentary, capturing both the excitement of vintage radio drama and the skepticism of the era toward “official” claims and self-appointed experts. The witty banter—especially Axford’s gullibility and Ms. Case’s deadpan responses—contrasts sharply with the darker underlying message: always be wary of schemes that prey on public trust.

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For Newcomers

This episode is a classic example of radio’s golden age storytelling:

• It features rapid-fire dialogue, suspenseful plotting, and larger-than-life heroics.
• The tale of fraudulent testing labs resonates today, echoing concerns about consumer protection and false advertising.

You don’t need to know previous Green Hornet stories—this adventure stands on its own as a rollicking blend of mystery, action, and commentary.

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The Green Hornet strikes again—testing the honesty of “testing” itself, and fighting for the truth behind every seal of approval.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Narrator]

He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies that even the GMAN cannot reach. The Green Hornet.

[Marie]

It.

[Narrator]

With his faithful valid Cato. Brit Reed, daring young publisher matches wits with the underworld, risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet. Ride with Britt Reed as he races

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

toward another thrilling adventure.

[Narrator]

The Green Hornet strikes again.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Hurry, Caleb.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Here's where we smash a research racket. That's some fan, isn't it, honey? Feel that cool air.

[Grainger Announcer]

Is it a good make?

[Marie]

I've never heard of it.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Cost half what the others do. Oh, it's good. See what it says on the base. Okayed by Renner Testing Laboratory.

[Marie]

That's fine, John.

[Axford]

The blades will pop and turn it off.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

What's that?

[Marie]

Hurry. It must be new. Just have to be flying apart.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

We're rolling right along. May I? Like those new tires now.

[Marie]

You paid so little for them, dear. Are you sure they'll stand up?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I got a good bargain. Well, these tires we're riding are okayed by the Renner Testing Laboratory.

[Marie]

Leonard Testing Laboratories. Well, I knew there were lots of new testing laboratories, but. But I never heard.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Oh, they're okay, I guess. Hey, though. Wheel feels funny.

[Marie]

What's the matter?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Well, it feels like a soft tire.

[Marie]

Slow down. Slow down.

[Axford]

The tire blow out. That's free. She's out of control.

[Marie]

All right, Marie, let's start using our new stove. Yes, ma'. Am. But I ain't never heard of this kind of stove before. I asked the gas company man, and he ain't never heard of it neither. But you've. You've heard of testing laboratories, haven't you? Oh, sure. Yes, ma'. Am. They tell you if the stove is good or not. Well, see here on the side of the stove, it says, okayed by Renner Testing Laboratories. I ain't never heard of them neither. Oh, don't be so suspicious of bargain prices, Marie. I like the oven. I'm feared, Ma'. Am that gas? It don't sound like it's coming out right. Oh, get out of the way. I'll do it now. There, it's lit. You see? I told you.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Got the letter finished, Ms. James.

[Ms. Case]

Last line, Mr. Reed.

[Axford]

You wanted to catch the afternoon air mail delivery. Reid?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes, actually.

[Ms. Case]

All ready for your signature, Mr. Reed.

[Axford]

Here, Reed, don't use that pen you got.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Why, hasn't it any ink?

[Axford]

I just got me a new one and I want you to try it. You rate it dandy.

[Ms. Case]

It looks okay, but does it write?

[Axford]

Oh, Casey, you're kidding. That's what a pen's for, to write.

[Kato]

Ms. Case isn't kidding, actually.

[Ms. Case]

Oh, why, sure I was, Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Pen doesn't write.

[Marie]

It doesn't.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

But that's what a pen's for.

[Kato]

I know this one doesn't.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Give me the regular pen.

[Kato]

I'll cite Charlie.

[Axford]

I can't figure it. It was such a swell bargain, too.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

There are bargains and bargains, actually.

[Axford]

What's over a snake's lead? Look at what it says in the barrel of the fountain pen right here,

[Kato]

next to the clip okayed by the Renner Testing Laboratory.

[Axford]

You see?

[Kato]

See what?

[Axford]

Well, there. We're located by the Renard Testing Laboratories, that's what. Holy crow. That proves it's a good pin.

[Ms. Case]

But it still doesn't write.

[Kato]

Axford, there are lots of fine testing laboratories in this country where experts give products a thorough checkup.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Their approval means something.

[Axford]

That's why I bought this pin.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I know most of them, but I never heard of Renner Testing Laboratories before.

[Axford]

You didn't?

[Kato]

Do you know what?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Whether they're honest like the others.

[Axford]

Well, Dolly, I. Gosh, they gotta be, Reid. They put out a monthly magazine telling you all about what to buy and what not to buy. You get it free.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You got the magazine with you, Mr. Reed?

[Ms. Case]

I better drop this letter in the mail chute now.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Oh, yes, do that.

[Kato]

This book here's an interesting page about fountain pens.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Oh, Ms. Case, when you return, will you ask Gunnigan to come in?

[Ms. Case]

Gunnigan? Yes, Mr. Reed.

[Axford]

You can see they got me pen listed here under good.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I also see they have one of the best fountain pens on the market. Listed bad, actually.

[Axford]

Gravy Reed, you ain't implying them Reddit facts ain't correct, are you?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You got this book at free, huh?

[Axford]

Yeah. Holy crow. Read. There's lots of these booklets for the consumer to peruse. They tell you how good the stuff you're buying is.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I've seen them, and they're all absolutely on the level. Except this one.

[Axford]

You're batteried. How can you tell?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Right from this very page, actually. First, your pen is called Good when actually it's worthless.

[Kato]

Second, this other fountain pen listed here

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

receives approval from Honest Testing Laboratories. Yet here, as I told you, it's

[Axford]

labeled NG Golly, the name of this outfit sounded so important. And the booklet. There must be thousands of people get took in like me.

[Kato]

I don't doubt it.

[Ms. Case]

Here he is, Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Watch that breed. Oh, here, this booklet. Axford just got gypped on a fountain pen board on this booklet's recommendation. Rennered Testing Laboratories.

[Kato]

Who are they?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Ever hear of them? I thought I knew most of them. This is one I missed.

[Ms. Case]

They didn't miss Axford. They scored a bullseye on him.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

The way they list products, I'd say it's a phony. Jay's a reporter out on this. Gunnigan. It might lead. Okay, Larry's not busy. Should he go right to this testing laboratory? Not immediately. First, I want him to go to

[Kato]

this outfit, which right here in the

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

fountain pen concern that's listed is no good. No good? Why, that outfit makes one of the best in the country. Exactly. I want Lowry to find out why their product is blacklisted.

[Renner]

Here.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll go with you. Lowry in the sitting room? Yeah. We'll make sure he understands how.

[Kato]

I want this handled.

[Ms. Case]

Well, big brain, here's your pen. Go ahead, take it. It's yours. And if you want to know what to do with it, there's the wastebasket.

[Axford]

Ah, golly, Casey, I still can't believe it when I look at where it says okayed by the rented testing laboratories. I can't believe Michael Axford fell for a racket gag. Garry, it looks so. So kind of impressive.

[Ms. Case]

You'll learn different when Laurie comes back.

[Axford]

Hey, I just took of something. You.

[Ms. Case]

Oh, don't tell me you started thinking at your age, Axford.

[Axford]

Maybe the pen's okay. Maybe I just forgot to put ink in it.

[Ms. Case]

There's ink in it?

[Axford]

I'll just pull the little lever to make certain.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Garlic.

[Axford]

It won't come up. It's stuck.

[Ms. Case]

Keep trying.

[Axford]

I'll get it up close to me face so I can see better what I'm doing.

[Ms. Case]

Not too close, Expert.

[Axford]

Darling, I'm tugging at the ink level with all my might, but it still sticks.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Expert.

[Ms. Case]

Don't point it at your face.

[Axford]

Ah, what's the difference?

[Ms. Case]

That's why, you big lug. You got ink all over your face.

[Axford]

Holy craw. Look at me tidy it's rude.

[Ms. Case]

Nice jaws, Axford. Right in the wastebasket.

[Axford]

I should have thrown it there in the first place. Now I gotta get myself all dry clean.

[Ms. Case]

What for? Those crooks dig into the cleaners already.

[Axford]

Ah, Casey, if Lody don't get the goods in them crooks by gravy, I'll give em a baitin up myself.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I tell you they're crooks.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

That's what The Sentinel believes. Mr. Hammersmith, we're checking on this rentered outfit.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

My company makes as good a fountain pen as any in the country. And yet they had the colossal impudence to give it a no good rating.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

That's why I'm here. You say this Mr. Rennert came to see you with a proposition?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

He did, on the surface. A legitimate proposition on the surface, mind you.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What was it?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Rennert owns this so called testing laboratory. He puts out this monthly free booklet extolling certain products and condemning others.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Has a pretty wide circulation, hasn't it?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Of course it's free. Well, Renner told me they'd like to test my pen. I told him it had been tested and approved by the best in the business.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What did he say then?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

He threatened me.

[Detective Doyle]

Threatened?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Oh, it was veiled, but a threat nevertheless. He said for $5,000 our product could get the okay of the Renter Testing Laboratories. If not, they'd test it anyhow and

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

inform their readers that your pen was no good. I get it.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Exactly. Practically blackmailed.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Has he cut into your business by this booklet?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

I must admit it has hurt sales.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Say, do you know whether this Rennert really has a laboratory?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

I don't know. I suppose so.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I wonder if all the products they call okay are as bad as the pen I got stuck with.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Oh, there are good products and bad. Cheap and excellent. You can't blame a manufacturer if he wants his product to get the okay from some testing laboratory.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yeah, I guess Rennert makes a nice thing of this.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Why not? It's too bad he stretch one more definite. I could take him to court as it is. Well, he guarded his words too carefully for that. And besides, the law, it takes a long time to get moving.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Thanks, Mr. Hammersmith. Guess it's my cue to take a powder.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Oh, you're leaving? Back to the papers?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

No, not yet. First I'm going hunting for a fox named Renard.

[Renner]

2000 and 5020-005480-04820 400. 2400. Okay, total that up. I'll put it in the Safe?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes, Mr. Renard. Well, who wants him? Boy, that's a stack of bills.

[Renner]

Just exactly who are you and what do you want?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Mr. Renner? I came here to. To test something.

[Renner]

Oh, well, that's different. Ms. Hansen, take care of the rest of this.

[Ms. Case]

Yes, Mr. Rennert.

[Renner]

You've heard of the Renner Testing Laboratories?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes. I've been looking through your booklet.

[Renner]

You must have quite a laboratory to

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

do complete tests on all the products listed here.

[Renner]

What did you want us to test?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Could you show me through your laboratory first? I see. It's right through this door here. One moment.

[Renner]

That's private.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Don't have to grab my arm.

[Renner]

Sorry, but we are now no.1 in our laboratories. There may be a delicate experiment going on. Now, just what do you want our laboratories to test?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I understand you charge 5,000 for testing.

[Renner]

We do.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

5,000. Must pay for a lot of tests.

[Renner]

That price includes publication of results in our monthly booklet. It's given free to the public, so it costs us quite a bit.

[Ms. Case]

The money's in the safe, Mr. Renard.

[Marie]

Here's the total amount.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Hey, 40,000. You do a good business.

[Renner]

You're not supposed to look at these figures. For the last time, what do you want me to test?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I thought you and your partner, Denby could test a theory for me.

[Ms. Case]

A theory?

[Renner]

What kind of nonsense is this?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You test everything else.

[Renner]

What theory?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

One I got from the City Editor. City, Ed?

[Marie]

A newspaper?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Right. From the Daily Sentinel. And the theory is that you're making a racket out of this.

[Renner]

Get out.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Sure, but first I'll take a look at your laboratory.

[Axford]

Leave that door alone.

[Marie]

You can't go in there.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Test the. Get away from that door. A little late, Rennered. I saw the inside of that room.

[Renner]

Get out of here.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

That room was as empty as Axford's head. If you test merchandise in there, you do it by instinct.

[Marie]

Mr. Renner can explain that.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Of course I can make it fast.

[Renner]

We, Denby and I, merely use that room as a storage room. We don't actually test in there.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You're telling me.

[Ms. Case]

That's right.

[Renner]

But you see, we. We have another plant which we use for a laboratory. It's where. Well, it's.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

It better be good, Renard. I have a date to tell a boss what I know, and I know plenty. Hey, Gunnigan. The demon reporter. Did it take you all afternoon to cover a simple yarn? It's a yarn, and it's not so simple. You got something, Gunnigan? That guy Rennett is working a racket. Or I'm the Flying Dutchman. You saw his laboratory? A room labeled laboratory. When I opened the door, it was as bare as Mother Hubbard's cupboard. Reed's gone home to his apartment. I'll get him on the outside phone. Keep giving me the story. Rennered is a partner named Denby and they're collecting plenty. I saw the girl shove 40,000 plus in a wall safe. Yeah, keep going. Hello, Reed. Gunnigan. Larry got some dope on that testing outfit. Oh, Renault? Larry says there's no laboratory at that outfit. They say it's out of the state. They rake in the money. They gave Lori the yarn that the testing is done. And another state. I see they're making much money cleaning up. Larry saw them put over 40,000 in a wall safe. 40,000, huh? All right, Gunnigan. Take his story and keep it in reserve. We may need it when the Sentinel cracks this racket yarn. You mean if Reed. Have it your own way, Gunnigan. If we crack it, goodbye. Yeah, goodbye, man.

[Kato]

And if we crack the racket, Gunnigan

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

doesn't know it, but that racket is

[Kato]

going to be cracked starting right now.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Cato. Yes, Mr. Brett.

[Kato]

I told you about that Rennered testing laboratory racket. Cato.

[Renner]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

That was Gunnigan on the phone.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Lowry brought back the information I've been waiting for. Those crooks claim their laboratory's out of the state where the police can't touch it. That puts it up to us, the Green Hornet.

[Kato]

I want the mask and the gun. We're going out in the Black Beauty.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll get them.

[Kato]

One more thing, Cato. I want a stethoscope. A doctor's stethoscope.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I don't understand. You get it.

[Kato]

First.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll do the explaining. While the Green Hornet is on his way to rub out this rac, The

[Narrator]

curtain falls on the first act of

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

our Green Hornet adventure.

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[Kato]

Another pina colada?

[Ms. Case]

Yes, please.

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[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Fantastic.

[Shopify Announcer]

Hire 36% more help.

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[Narrator]

Shopify.com setup before the next exciting scenes.

[Marie]

Please permit us to pause for just a moment, Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story as soon as darkness descended over the city, Brett Reed opened a secret panel behind his clothes. Followed by Cato, he made his way along a narrow passageway within the wall of the apartment house. Which led directly to a supposedly abandoned building in which stood the gleaming streamlined car of the Green Hornet.

[Kato]

The Black Beauty's in perfect shape, Kato. Tires, oil, plenty of gas.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

It's all checked, Mr. Rhett.

[Kato]

The black Beauty's amazing speed has saved the Green Hornet many times, Cato. It mustn't fail tonight.

[Detective Doyle]

No, sir.

[Kato]

It's a good thing that doctor friend of ours knows you're a chemist, Gator.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Otherwise you might have wondered why we wanted this stethoscope.

[Kato]

Yes. While you went for it, I made several phone calls. Renard and Denby have been informed that the government is interested in their firm. I gave that impression, keeping my voice disguised. I also took a look at their monthly magazine.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

A fountain pen manufacturer named Hammersmith has been blacklisted in their booklet.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

We're calling on him.

[Axford]

Where you going, Cato?

[Kato]

The Green Hornet is going to play

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

those two crooks one against the other. After we call on Hammersmith, they'll get even more panicky than they are now.

[Narrator]

The superpowered car roared to life as Brick Reed stepped on the starter. And it slid out into the deserted side streets. A swift moving shadow that once more carried the Green Hornet on his errand to aid justice.

[Kato]

This is Hammersmith's home, Kato.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Come along.

[Axford]

He's alone.

[Kato]

Hammersmith is a bachelor. He lives alone. You understand what we're to do?

[Renner]

Yes, Mr. Brett.

[Kato]

You've got to make it look as if he's being tied up. Very firmly, actually. I want him to be able to release himself in time to call the police.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I understand.

[Kato]

Make sure your mask is fastened securely. Here's this door. Give me the weapon. You diluted the gas enough so that he won't lose consciousness.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

Here he comes. Get to one side. I want him to see me first.

[Narrator]

Yes, Inside.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Two minutes.

[Axford]

Again.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Inside.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Move. What's the meaning of this?

[Renner]

Close the door.

[Kato]

Where's your phone?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

That mask. You're the Green Hornet. Hurry.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Right. Pull the trigger. Now.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Yes, in here.

[Kato]

The library. So you wouldn't pay the 5,000 rented ass, eh?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

5,000. You're in the breader.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You know how to deal with stubborn men like you, Hammersmith.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

They sent you over.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Are you gonna kick in with that money?

[Axford]

No, it's a wreck.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

In that case, I'll let you have it.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

You can't shoot me in cold blooded.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

If I pull this trigger, Hammersmith, you'll get nothing but gas. Gas enough to render you unconscious till we can safely get you out of here and over to where Rennert is waiting.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

You can't fight me. I won't go.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'm sorry.

[Axford]

But don't take it. Gas.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

I can't breathe air.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Help me lift him into this chair.

[Kato]

That's it. That's high him up.

[Axford]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

That's high him up.

[Axford]

Yes, sir.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Now that he's unconscious, I can phone ran it and tell him just when to expect Hammersmith.

[Narrator]

Bruce Reed raised his voice purposely. He knew that Hammersmith, while unable to move, was still able to hear what was being said because Cato had lessened the effect of the gas. As soon as the call was completed.

[Kato]

Come outside.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I want to look around before we take him.

[Narrator]

As Brit Reed and Cato left the room, Hammersmith watched them go.

[Kato]

And taking me over the Ritter.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Dad. If I could only move. Get these bars loosened with the gas. I. I can move. Must be wearing off.

[Kato]

Close to the phone.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Now my hands. If put a little more pressure there.

[Axford]

It's loosening.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

That's it.

[Kato]

Only one hand. Put the phone down and dial.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Got to hurry.

[Kato]

Hurry.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Don't they answer? What's wrong?

[Detective Doyle]

Police headquarters. Doyle talking.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Listen and pay attention. The Green Hornet's got me.

[Detective Doyle]

The Green Hornet. Say, who's this? Hawkins.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

This is Hammersmith. He's taking me over to Rennerd's testing laboratories, Hammersmith.

[Detective Doyle]

The guy who makes fountain pens will be right over.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

No, no, not here. The Renner's laboratories.

[Detective Doyle]

Yeah, I got that.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

I haven't much time. The Hornet'll be back. He's in with them. They're racketeers. You've got to get there, understand? They're gonna do something. I don't know what.

[Narrator]

The desperate man spoke hurriedly into the telephone. This region. Cato listened in the hall.

[Kato]

Hearing Cato, that gas was just weak enough for him to phone police headquarters.

[Renner]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

I hate to put Hammersmith in a position like this. He's a fine man, but it's the only way to catch those racketeers. And if Hammersmith knew it, he'd be only too glad to help.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I understand.

[Kato]

But that would mean he'd learn the true identity of the Green Hornet and. And that's impossible. He's finished, Mr. Baker. Now raise your voice. Kito. We don't want him to know we overheard every word.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

All right, we can take him now.

[Kato]

Nobody waiting outside in the world.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

You're back to Sue.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I had to reach the phone.

[Kato]

Eh?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

How do you know?

[Renner]

Then move.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

It won't do you any good.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

What are you gonna do?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What I'd intended doing from the first. You're going to Reynard's. Hello.

[Axford]

Make it accent speaking.

[Detective Doyle]

Hey, that's good. You bring a fill for something from headquarters. For a long time. Now I got a special scoop for the Sentinel.

[Axford]

Who's talking?

[Detective Doyle]

Who do you think, you lame brain? Ex detectative.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Curry.

[Axford]

Is that you, Dylan? I didn't recognize you when you were so polite. Watch your school.

[Detective Doyle]

Remember who's doing you the favor.

[Axford]

Sure, Dyl, sure. Don't the Sentinel always play bar with you? When we get a lead for the police.

[Detective Doyle]

Okay, I'm coming by your way in a squad car.

[Axford]

Who is the tip about the cook

[Detective Doyle]

you've been after since you pulled into town.

[Axford]

Sugar and snakes. You mean the Green Hornet?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Who else?

[Detective Doyle]

Sure, it's the Hornet. He's in with a racketeer named Renard. Want to go along?

[Axford]

Holy crow. You darn toot. Now you ought to go. You're going to have company when you go to Renard.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Okay, okay. What's the trouble?

[Axford]

Get your clothes on, we're going out.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Axford, will you leave me alone? What are you calling me for, Daddy?

[Axford]

Just give me a scoop.

[Detective Doyle]

Scoop, huh?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Chocolate or vanilla?

[Axford]

Johnny, will you burst the cobwebs off your mind? It's a scoop on the clean harlot. So what?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'm not even. What? The Hornet. The Green Hornet.

[Axford]

That's what I'm telling you. Dana's going over to Leonard's laboratory. Can have it.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Leonard and the Hornet. Boy, that is something.

[Axford]

We'd be able to pick you up in five minutes.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll be ready in three. I ought to be a fireman away. I got to get this. Come on, Gunnigan, answer the phone. Is everybody asleep?

[Detective Doyle]

Hello?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Gunnigan. Get your shoes on and get over to the paper. There's a story and it's due to break. I recognize that yapping voice of yours. Lori, if this is a gag. It's not a gag. I know you don't hold on the

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[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

to the Sentinel. You're darned right I don't. Nothing ever happens this time of night. Plenty's going to happen, Gunnigan. Plenty. Yeah, name it. It's the Green Hornet. He's due to be at Rennert's testing laboratory and your little reporter is going to be there with him.

[Detective Doyle]

What?

[Axford]

Why didn't you say so?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll keep page one open, you keep page one W.

[Narrator]

What is it?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Reddit? What's up?

[Renner]

About time you got here, Denby.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

We have to cover up. He said something on the phone to me about a tip.

[Renner]

All I could say, it's Hammersmith.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What about him?

[Renner]

Someone called. Said he was coming over with a bunch of government men.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What?

[Renner]

They're going to grill us plenty.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

But how can they? They've nothing on us.

[Renner]

We listed his fountain pen in our booklet. Called it no Good. Well, that pen's been government tested. They can prove we've been working a racket.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Leonard. If we work fast, we can convince them we made an honest mistake in this particular case.

[Renner]

That's what I called you for. We're cleaning out the safe. Miss Hanson's inside now.

[Axford]

Who called you?

[Renner]

I don't know. But whoever it was, we owe him a debt of thanks for the contents

[Ms. Case]

of the safe, Mr. Renner.

[Renner]

Hand them over, Miss Hansen.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I'll take the checks.

[Renner]

Be careful of them. They're more important than the money. They're the checks of people we forced to pay us. That's all. You better go, Miss Hansen.

[Marie]

Yes, sir.

[Ms. Case]

Good night.

[Renner]

Good night. Now, you take those checks and beat it. I'll talk to Hammersmith and the government men.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Wait a minute. Miss Hansen forgot to close the safe. What?

[Renner]

Oh, that little fool. She knows. The government men will demand that I open the safe. If it's already wide open. They realize we've been tipped off. There we are. Now you beat it, Denby.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Renner]

Don't destroy those checks unless you hear from me, understand?

[Narrator]

I understand.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Hand them over. Mask those checks. You're the Green Hornet. I've seen pictures of that mask in the papers.

[Detective Doyle]

A gun.

[Axford]

Now

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Gas.

[Axford]

You shot me.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I saw you deliberate. Cold blooded. You'll recover very soon, Denby. Soon enough to meet certain people.

[Kato]

Through his pockets.

[Axford]

Hurry.

[Kato]

He should have some checks on him somewhere.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yes.

[Kato]

Yeah, I'll take him. Come on.

[Axford]

What's the commotion?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I heard Robbie Nast.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

What have you?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I came for you, Reynard.

[Axford]

I'll get you first.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

A stick up, huh?

[Axford]

Missed that time. Now it's my turn.

[Kato]

Megamins.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Hurry, Reynard.

[Kato]

Almost got me. Didn't have time to use the gas weapon.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

I had to hit him.

[Kato]

Just.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

All right?

[Kato]

Yeah, it's fine. Close the door. Where's the safe? It's locked than I thought it would be. That's why I told you to bring that stethoscope.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You have it?

[Renner]

Yes, sir.

[Kato]

From Lowry's description of the safe, I knew it would be one like this. A stethoscope amplifies soundcade. How you place it against the safe, Mr. Rat. Now what?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

A window. A car's coming.

[Kato]

I can't help but I gotta get this safe open. I can hear the clicking through the stethoscope. Curly, please go in as fast as I can.

[Axford]

They come fast.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

The safe must be open before they get here. Here's the place. Do.

[Detective Doyle]

Yeah.

[Renner]

Here.

[Detective Doyle]

Axford, you know how to handle a gun?

[Axford]

I'd rather use me fist. Dice.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Take it your SAP. This is the Hornet we're after.

[Detective Doyle]

Here's the door. There's a light on the inside.

[Axford]

Snakes. It's open.

[Detective Doyle]

We'll head for the inside of us.

[Axford]

Store them.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Holy mackerel. Here's a guy tied up gotta.

[Axford]

He's got a handkerchief tied over his face so he can't see.

[Detective Doyle]

We'll have him untied.

[Axford]

These nuts there. Holy cross, Hammersmith.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

The gag.

[Detective Doyle]

Here. I'll take it out of your mouth so you can talk

[Mr. Hammersmith]

much better. He brought me here tied up.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Where is he now?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

I. I heard noises inside that door.

[Axford]

He inside the office.

[Detective Doyle]

Can you walk?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Hammersmith?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Quiet. I can hear them talking inside.

[Axford]

Listen. Come on, Denby. Get up.

[Detective Doyle]

Get up.

[Narrator]

The four outside moved closer as Denby and Renner discussed what had happened to

[Renner]

them who came in here?

[Kato]

It was a Hornet.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

He gassed me.

[Renner]

A hornet. What did he want?

[Axford]

Did he gas you?

[Renner]

No, clipped me on the jaw.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What did he want?

[Renner]

From what I've heard, just one thing. He wanted a share of our racket.

[Axford]

He said so?

[Renner]

No, but the Hornet's reputation proves that. Besides, he took nothing.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

That's right.

[Renner]

He.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Renner. The checks are gone. What?

[Axford]

Gone?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

They were in my pocket.

[Axford]

It's empty.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

The Hornet took them.

[Renner]

They won't do him any good.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

He can use them against us. They're proof we're holding up certain manufacturers for 5,000 a piece.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Don't try not, Leonard tripped my life with you.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Chemistry.

[Axford]

Stand where you are.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Why, of course. We heard your cooks talking. Is that so?

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Every word.

[Renner]

That's very interesting, but unfortunate for you. You can't hold us merely by what you overheard.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

You're running a racket.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Are we? What are your facts?

[Axford]

Holy crow. We heard you talking about the checks and. The checks?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Sure, the ones the Horner took.

[Renner]

I don't know what you're talking about. But if you'd like to look at our safe and see for yourself.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

We have nothing here.

[Detective Doyle]

Go ahead, open it up. From the sick way you're talking, we ain't got nothing in there to grab you on.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

We have enough. What we heard is proof in any court.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

We can give you a battle on that.

[Renner]

Here's the open safe now.

[Axford]

Holy crowd. There is something in there.

[Mr. Hammersmith]

Get away.

[Axford]

No, you don't.

[Detective Doyle]

You open it and it stays open.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Hey, Doyle, look at this. Here's checks from all the manufacturers. These crooks put the screws on Renard. You fool. That finishes us. A testing laboratory, huh?

[Axford]

Blackmail, that's what it is.

[Renner]

Blast that Green Hornet.

[Axford]

He did this?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yeah. I guess he wanted the racket field to himself. Look at this note, Doyle. It's from the Hornet.

[Axford]

Load super snakes. Where was it, Lowdy?

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

In the safe with those checks.

[Axford]

Well, Goddy. Go ahead, read it.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

What does it say? Nobody runs a racket in this city without hearing from me.

[Detective Doyle]

And it signed, the Green Hornet.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

Yep.

[Axford]

Holy crow, Loddy, that sure proves the Green Hornet's the biggest crook in the country. Look at what he says. There ain't a racket going on, but he don't have his finger in it.

[Britt Reid / Green Hornet]

You're telling me. Experts. And now it's time for us to tell Gunnigan.

[Marie]

He can tell the world in the Daily Sentinel.

[Axford]

Rocketeers confess the big testing Swindle Caught by Police's Green Hornet Escape Read all about it. Read harder. Still in Learn,

[Marie]

Ram.

[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. This drama concludes our Green Hornet series of programs to the Mutual Broadcasting System next Tuesday night. However, at this same time, Ned Jordan, secret agent, will be heard over most of these stations. Consult your local newspaper for the exact time. For Ned Jordan, Secret Agent Field and Farrington speaking, this is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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