Green Hornet - Votes for Sale

Summary

Green Hornet – Votes for Sale

Harold’s Old Time Radio | May 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic episode of "The Green Hornet" delves into the corruption of city politics during an intense mayoral election. Britt Reid, secretly the Green Hornet, is determined to thwart Curly Harder, a crooked political boss, from rigging the election in his favor. Through a mix of undercover action, muckraking journalism, and a daring intervention, the Green Hornet exposes the political racket and ensures the triumph of fair voting. The drama highlights the eternal struggle between democracy and corruption, with a fast-paced narrative filled with intrigue, danger, and sharp wit.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Stakes: Political Corruption and the Fifth Ward

• Corrupt Dealings
  • Curly Harder strategizes to buy votes in the decisive Fifth Ward, revealing how much money and influence are at play in the election.
  • "I do not care how you get it, Curly, but I want the votes from the Fifth Ward. That's going to turn the election. I want it turned my way." – Curly Harder [01:22]
• Principles vs. Pragmatism
  • Conversation highlights the difference in values: Harder is all about money and power, while Britt Reid (Green Hornet) and Bradford believe in democratic principles, underscoring the moral center of the episode.
  • "You can't understand that a man like Reed, the owner of the Sentinel... believes in the principles of democracy. That's more important than money to them." – Curly Harder [02:26]
• The Fifth Ward’s Independence
  • Harder’s anxiety centers on his inability to control the independent Fifth Ward, indicating it as the pivotal battleground.

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2. Media and Public Opinion: The Sentinel’s Role

• Speech at the Auditorium
  • Britt Reid’s speech advocates for a well-run, corruption-free city, calling for Bradford’s election with the Sentinel’s endorsement.
  • "This city needs a house cleaning as never before...clean the machine politicians like Harder." – Britt Reid [03:37]
• Underhanded Tactics
  • Harder deploys drifters and repeaters to stuff ballot boxes, using dirty tricks to shore up votes [04:44].
  • "Harder's getting set to pack the ballot box with drifters and repeaters." – Lowry [04:51]
• Violence and Intimidation
  • Bradford's campaign faces direct intimidation: rallies turn into riots, police are slow to respond, hinting at corruption spreading through law enforcement [05:39].
  • "Here come the cops. Yes, after the damage is done." – Britt Reid [08:09]

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3. Photographic Evidence and Press Leverage

• Cameras as Weapons
  • The Sentinel staff bring cameras to the rally, aiming to document Harder’s underhanded tactics. Despite broken cameras, crucial photos survive.
  • "If any rough stuff starts, they know what to do...Better tell this druggist to stay open, boss. There may be some black eyes that need attention." – Britt Reid [07:15]
• Backfiring Plots
  • When a picture of Curly’s right-hand throwing vegetables is published, it threatens the vote-buying operation and exposes criminals in the act [10:18].
  • "This is a picture of you...throwing tomatoes. The whole city knows you're one of my men." – Curly Harder [10:18]

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4. The Green Hornet’s Counter-Operation

• Undercover Maneuvering
  • Reid and Kato (the Green Hornet’s loyal valet) plan to disrupt Harder’s secret vote-buying meeting and create the public illusion that the Green Hornet is aiding Harder, thus damaging Harder politically [12:05].
  • "If the public believes the Green Hornet is allied with Harder, they're more apt to vote for Bradford." – Britt Reid [11:58]
• Sabotage and False Orders
  • The Green Hornet confronts Curly, steals the payoff money and forces him to write false orders to his ward healers, stalling the purchase of illegal votes until after the election [20:18–22:28].
  • "You're writing those orders, Curly... It’ll give me time, Curly. Time to make sure no one can trail this money." – Britt Reid [21:13]

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5. The Climax: Public Exposure

• Dramatic Reveal
  • With Curly and Harder both compromised, a Sentinel reporter gets a picture of Harder and Curly in the company of the Green Hornet, cementing their downfall [23:54–24:39].
  • "That man took a picture. And then...this man shot him with a gun that made no sound. If you were the Hornet, let's have the answer." – Curly Harder [24:04]
• Harder Attempts Bribery
  • Harder offers to bribe the Green Hornet, but is rebuffed.
  • "I’ll pay you whatever you say." – Curly Harder [24:48]
  • "Crooked money." – Britt Reid (The Green Hornet) [24:52]

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6. Resolution: Democracy Restored

• Ensuring Justice
  • Harder and Curly are rendered unconscious (with the Green Hornet’s gas gun) and hidden away until after the polls close, preventing them from further interfering [25:20–25:39].
  • "Can you fix it? ... Good. Curly lives alone. Nobody will come in here. We can leave the two of them. Lock the door and they won't be disturbed..." – Britt Reid [25:27]
• Returning Graft Money to Charity
  • The ill-gotten money is given to charity.
  • "It's graft money, Kato. But we'll see that it gets to some charity that won't know it’s tainted." – Britt Reid [25:51]
• Bradford Wins the Election
  • With evidence of corruption published, public opinion swings definitively in Bradford’s favor. Harder’s machine is broken.
  • "Bradford's got this election in the bag. Harder and his political machine are licked." – Britt Reid [26:21]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Everybody's got his price." – Kato, emphasizing the worldview of the corrupt machine [02:07]
• "That's the way it is. And there's only one thing for me to do... that's resume." – Curly Harder’s resignation to defeat [25:04]
• "Crooked money." – Britt Reid (The Green Hornet), rejecting Harder’s bribe [24:52]
• "It's graft money...we'll see that it gets to some charity that won't know it's tainted." – Britt Reid [25:51]
• "Bradford's got this election in the bag. Harder and his political machine are licked." – Britt Reid [26:21]

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Timeline/Timestamps for Key Segments

• Start of Green Hornet Adventure/Setup: [00:43]
• Harder lays out vote-buying plan: [01:22–02:47]
• Reid’s civic speech & Sentinel's position: [03:23–03:55]
• Exposure of ballot stuffing plan: [04:44–05:08]
• Riot at the Fifth Ward rally & media response: [07:55–08:53]
• Sentinel publishes incriminating photo: [10:18]
• Green Hornet frames himself as working with Harder: [12:05]
• Green Hornet intercepts and sabotages vote-buying meeting: [20:18–22:28]
• Harder and Curly compromised, photo snapped: [23:54–24:39]
• Criminals neutralized, money redirected: [25:27–25:51]
• Bradford’s election victory announced: [26:21–26:51]

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Tone and Style

The episode retains a fast, suspenseful pace with hard-boiled dialogue. The interplay between Britt Reid and Kato is sharp, efficient, and moral; the villains are blustery and self-assured, yet ultimately foiled by quick thinking and bravery. The story is interwoven with moments of wit and camaraderie, particularly among the Sentinel staff, that lighten the atmosphere without detracting from the seriousness of the theme—democratic integrity versus corruption.

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Summary

"Votes for Sale" brilliantly dramatizes the fight for fair elections against dastardly political machines. With clever plotting, journalistic courage, and a vigilant Green Hornet at the helm, honest votes defeat bribery and violence. The city is left cleaner, democracy prevails, and listeners are treated to a thrilling, socially resonant adventure from radio’s golden age.

Transcript

[Curly Harder]

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[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

With his faithful valet, Cato. Britt Reid, 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 Reid as he races toward another thrilling adventure. The Green Hornet strikes again. Hurry, Cato. Here's where we smash your political rackets.

[Curly Harder]

I do not care how you get it, Curly, but I want the boots from the Fifth Ward. That's going to turn the election. I want it turned my way.

[Kato]

The Fifth Ward's pretty independent. Harder, not like some of the others.

[Curly Harder]

I'm not worried about the others. It figures out to be a close race, Curly. I have the south side. So do not. I want the Fifth.

[Kato]

Bradford is going to take the north side.

[Curly Harder]

That's why I want the fifth. If you can't deliver it for me, I'll get someone else.

[Kato]

It'll cost plenty.

[Curly Harder]

I've got plenty. What do you think I've been doing while I've been in office, twiddling my thumbs up? If it costs 20,000, 30, 50,000. I want the Fifth Ward.

[Kato]

Could you use some of that dough to get the Sentinel to lay off?

[Curly Harder]

You playing dumb, Curly?

[Kato]

Why not?

[Curly Harder]

Curly, you could never understand anybody being honest, could you?

[Kato]

Ah, everybody's got his price.

[Curly Harder]

Yes, yes. That's why I don't trust you any more than I have to. Okay.

[Kato]

Same for you. With me, so long as you pay the dough. I work for you. If I wasn't paying off in votes, you'd wash me off the books.

[Curly Harder]

And you think that's the way it is with a Sentinel?

[Kato]

Everybody wants dough, Julie.

[Curly Harder]

We want money and power. I have both. But you'll never get power, no matter how much money you get. For one reason. Yeah, that's right. Because you can't understand that a man like Reed, the owner of the Sentinel, a man like him or someone like Bradford, believes in the principles of democracy. That's more important than money to them.

[Kato]

Principles of democracy? That stuff to feed the suckers?

[Curly Harder]

Oh, sure, I use it. It's good for boats. But Reed and Bradford believe in it. That's why they're going to be hard to deliver. That's why I want the Fifth Ward boots.

[Kato]

Okay, you'll get it.

[Curly Harder]

But what time is it?

[Kato]

A couple of minutes past eight.

[Curly Harder]

Past eight.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Where are you going?

[Curly Harder]

Reed's talking at the auditorium sponsored by the Civic Club. We're scheduled for eight. Just a short speech. Hope we haven't missed too much of it.

[Kato]

Ah, he's talking for Bradford. Why listen to that stuff?

[Curly Harder]

It's always a good idea to know what the enemy is doing. Curly.

[Kato]

Quiet.

[Curly Harder]

I want to get this.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I want to say this to you. People listening. The reason why the Daily Sentinel has backed Bradford for mayor is that he's a good housekeeper and this city needs its house cleaned.

[Kato]

Talks good, don't they?

[Curly Harder]

Shut up.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, this city needs a house cleaning as never before. It needs to be cleaned of political grafters and choosers. Clean of racketeering and politics. Clean the rats who regard the public money as their money. Clean the machine. Politicians like Harder.

[Curly Harder]

That's what.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's what the Sentinel is fighting for. That's what every honest, sincere voter is fighting for. And that's why all of us here are going to put Bradford in office. Mr. Bradford. Thanks, Reid. I'm not accustomed to making speeches. Bradford. It's urge out now.

[Kato]

Pardon me.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Excuse me, please.

[Laurie Casey]

No, Mr. Reed, that wasn't swell.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Thanks, Ms. Casey. Get out of here, shall we?

[Laurie Casey]

If we could get to that door.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Bradford's going together with fighting talk. I could notice the signs.

[Laurie Casey]

You did all right yourself.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Nonsense. All I did was put one of Gunnigan's editorials into words. Here we are. Was it Job? Anything new from the Sentinel?

[Laurie Casey]

I called Gunnigan just before your speech. He said everything's quiet.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

How does the vote look?

[Laurie Casey]

From all reports, whoever takes the fifth ward hits the jackpot.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, there's still some time before election. Bradford will have to do plenty of campaigning in that ward.

[Laurie Casey]

He's making a speech there tomorrow night, isn't he?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's right. A street corner speech. Hey, boss, they told him you'd be. What is it, Laurie? Boss, I've been snooping around the fifth ward. Harder's up to his old tricks. What do you mean? Hobo's boss. They're drifting in there by the dozens. Harder's getting set to pack the ballot box with drifters and repeaters.

[Laurie Casey]

Who's handling it?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Who do you think? It's Curly Harder's right hand rat. What about Bradford's speech tomorrow night? Larry, did you Get a line on that. There's going to be trouble. Hoodlum, sir. All I know is there's been a heavy demand for stale vegetables.

[Laurie Casey]

Gosh, if Bradford talks down there, he'll collect more ripe tomatoes than a ham actor.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Bradford better call it off, boss. We'll see about that. Ms. Case, I want you to get the police commissioner for me. Harder. May be mayor of this town, but Bradford's got to have police protection. Yeah. Yeah, he's got to have it. But will he get it? Casey, if Bradford talks in front of this mob, he's nuts.

[Laurie Casey]

Well, the police.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

All I know is they aren't here.

[Kato]

The horse inside?

[Laurie Casey]

Yes, in the drugstore. I think he's calling the police commissioner now.

[Kato]

Bradford's with him.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Go see what's cooking, eh?

[Laurie Casey]

It's all right with me.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

After you, Casey. Don't worry, Lowry.

[Laurie Casey]

They're saving the fruit for Bradford. There's Mr. Reed on the phone now.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

How long will it be before there's police protection here? Bradford can't wait that long. He has other talks tonight. He can't call it off. He won't. I get those policemen down here or the settler will have plenty to say about your department. The police commissioner, what did he say, Reed? What could he say, Bradford? Stallings says they'll be here. But frankly, it's easy to tell. He's getting his orders from higher up.

[Curly Harder]

Hardick.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, sure, it's harder. After all, I suppose we can't censor the commissioner completely. His job depends on the party in power. Right now, that's harder.

[Laurie Casey]

Mr. Bradford, you can't talk in front of that crowd.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

It's up to you, Bradford. There's only one answer to that. Reid, I've got to talk.

[Kato]

But.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Holy mackerel. Mr. Brassford. Forgive it, Lowry. I knew that would be your answer, Bradford. Well, might as well get it over with. Just a second. Lowry, take a look out the front and see if you can spot any of the men from the Sentinel. Huh? When the police weren't here, I phoned Gunnigan. He got in touch with the delivery crews. You mean the boys are coming over here? Might as well have some supporters around. Take a look. A pleasure, boss. Ms. Case?

[Laurie Casey]

Yes?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

My car's out and back. I've got 10 cameras in it. Lowry will bring up any man who can take pictures and you'll hand them the cameras.

[Laurie Casey]

But the regular cameraman.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Need more than a regular cameraman. He has. Well, make sure. And I'll want one myself.

[Laurie Casey]

And one for little Casey.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hello, Ms. Case. You're staying out of this.

[Curly Harder]

Well, out of.

[Kato]

Mr. Reed settled.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Understand?

[Laurie Casey]

Gosh, I suppose so.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

The boys are here, boss. Good. Ms. Kay's got the cameras.

[Laurie Casey]

I'll be out there.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Laurie, give the boys the high sign. They're to take cameras and get as many pictures as they can. If any rough stuff starts, they know what to do. Better tell this druggist to stay open, boss. There may be some black eyes that need attention.

[Curly Harder]

All right, Bradford.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, Reed. You're walking into it. You know, somebody's got to. Okay, let's go. I'm out for votes, but I want to be sure that they're honest votes. I don't want the kind of votes my opponent gets. I want to tell you. Careful, Bradford.

[Curly Harder]

Let him have it. Give it to him.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

He's a bouquet for you, Bradford. I want the. Look out. That's right, Ms. Case. Get down out of here. How'd you get in here in the first place? Should I go on? Oh, it's no use, Bradford. Come on, you guys, break it up. Hey, smack them cameras. You're going to take pictures this way. Bradford, get off this platform.

[Laurie Casey]

Turning into a riot. I never saw so many vegetables in my mouth.

[Curly Harder]

Looks like we're overwhelmed.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Lawyers battling this much. Well, come on, let's get out of here. Back where you came from. Boss. Here come the cops. Yes, after the damage is done. What about those pictures, Larry? No, boss, we got some. The boys are in there shooting. Let's hope they get them back to the SATN before those cameras are smash. Never mind that. We're getting out of here.

[Curly Harder]

That is a fine job. A fine job. That'll teach Bradford a lesson. Trying to invade the Fifth Ward, huh? Hello. There he is. Commissioner. Take it easy. I don't care whether you like what happened last night or not. I'm still running this town. And that means the police department as well as arrest. So what? No one was hurt. You got there a little late, that's all. What's that? Now, listen, Commissioner, I made you and I can break you. Just cool off and think of that Goodbye. Make them and break them. That's a way to run a political machine. Well, what do you. It's you, Kayleen. Yeah.

[Kato]

Harder. How'd I do last night?

[Curly Harder]

Not bad, Karlene. You handled it very nicely.

[Kato]

The Sentinel almost pulled the fast one, boss. They had a bunch of their truck drivers down there. Some of those babies are pretty handy.

[Curly Harder]

What Sentinel? Do you have the paper?

[Kato]

I have a Sentinel. Haven't had time to look it over yet. They had a bunch of photographers There they did, eh? Yeah, but we took care of that. Plenty of broken cameras around there for the White Wings to sweep up.

[Curly Harder]

Well, if they get a picture or two, it doesn't matter. You used drifters, didn't you?

[Kato]

Yeah, some of the hobos were bringing in. Give them coffee, money where they're at.

[Curly Harder]

Land us in those guys all about.

[Kato]

Yeah. Kelly, what's the matter? Something wrong?

[Curly Harder]

There's something wrong. Take a look at this. What? This picture here, you luckhead.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

So what?

[Kato]

They can't identify anyone.

[Curly Harder]

A good look. You dummy. This is a picture of you.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

What?

[Curly Harder]

You fool. Look at that. A picture of you throwing tomatoes. The whole city knows you're one of my men.

[Kato]

Take it easy.

[Curly Harder]

Take it easy. Did you have to go there?

[Kato]

Well, no, I didn't.

[Curly Harder]

Just wanted to see the fun, huh? Have a good laugh, huh?

[Kato]

How was I to know that spot.

[Curly Harder]

Get out. We're through. Finish.

[Kato]

Now, wait a minute.

[Curly Harder]

I said get out.

[Kato]

And I said wait. Cool off, Harder. Or maybe you don't want the Fifth Ward votes.

[Curly Harder]

Surely, if you think you could. What did you say?

[Kato]

Get smart. Harder. All right, I pulled a boner. But you need me. I'm the only guy who can handle those votes for you and your North.

[Curly Harder]

Well, guess I did fly off the handle.

[Kato]

I made a mistake, but I can still deliver those votes. The only thing is I'll have to stay in the background more, that's all.

[Curly Harder]

And what?

[Kato]

Simple, Harder. I got maybe a dozen boys. They can act as go betweens. I'll give them the dough, they'll buy the votes. I won't even appear much less you.

[Curly Harder]

All I do is supply the cash. Yeah, that's right.

[Kato]

Now, we can talk about it later. Mister yields apartment. One moment, please.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Who is it? Cato?

[Kato]

It's Mr. Aria.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Mr. Lauria. You already sent that Green Hornet note to Bradford?

[Kato]

Yes, Ms. Bradford, but I don't.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You don't understand why I did it. Well, if the public believes the Green Hornet is allied with Harder, they're more apt to vote for Bradford. Excuse me.

[Kato]

I see. Mr. Bedford.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hello, boss. I'm calling from Bradford's home at the story. What happened, Lori? What is it? Bradford just got a threat from the Green Hornet. No. Yeah, I called it in. The Gunnigan. He's giving it page one. Well, it looks as if Harder has the wrong kind of friends, doesn't it? Yeah, but I never guessed they were. What's wrong? Got any orders, boss? Orders? Yes, Larry. You might call on Harder and get his ideas about the horn adjust to check up on my way. Come on, boss. Good night, Cato.

[Kato]

Yes, Mr. B.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Got the Black Beauty ready? The gas weapon and the mask. Larry's going calling. And so is the Green Hornet.

[Curly Harder]

That's just the kind of a story the seller would print. I have nothing to do with the Hornet. It's absurd.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, I'm just asking, Hodder. That's my job.

[Curly Harder]

Well, you've got your answer. Here's the door. You can.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hey, that car out in front, step on it. Holy mackerel. That's the Hornet car. I guess he didn't know you had company. Now, try and say you're not pals with the Green Hornet. You'll read about it in the Sentinel.

[Laurie Casey]

Patrol.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Extreme public warning.

[Laurie Casey]

Hornets seen outside political boss's home. Captive people's candidate. Get stressed. Be all about it.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Sentinel xp. Great work, Lowry. That story sold plenty of papers and it's going to influence plenty of votes. That was just blind luck, boss. I stepped into it. False modesty. No, no, on the level. I don't mind grabbing all the credit I can but last night was one of those things. This ought to help Bradford's chances plenty. Say, boss. Yes?

[Kato]

I've been thinking it over.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Why should the Hornet pull a stunt like that? Threatening Bradford? A politician like Harder should know that that would throw public sentiment toward Bradford. Yes, he should.

[Kato]

There's no use figuring the Green Hornet.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

He's got angles no one else ever gets. Possibly, Larry. He's a smart apple. Even now the police are no closer to him than they ever were. Well, there's no use going over that. We're talking votes. Any news of how it looks? Gunnigan's getting some more dope loss, Mr. Reed. Oh, yes, Ms. Case. You spoke to Gunnigan?

[Laurie Casey]

He's been getting some of the news from the City Press Association.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Anything on the Hornet?

[Curly Harder]

Nope.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

What's the trend on the election? Is it still the same or does it look as if Bradford were favored?

[Laurie Casey]

Gunnigan says it looks as if the Fifth Ward still holds the deciding votes.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, that doesn't seem possible. Carter must have lost some support after the Hornet threatened Bradford.

[Laurie Casey]

Maybe you haven't seen the Clarion. Carter claims that the Hornet threat was a stunt cooked up to discredit him. He says it's political mudslinging.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yeah, and the Clarion Prince. It only mackerel.

[Curly Harder]

Casey.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That yellow newspaper. Hey, boss. Yes?

[Laurie Casey]

You're leaving, Mr. Reed?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, yes, Ms. Case. I have some private matters to attend to, Mr. Reed. If you want me, I'll be at my apartment. You understand what you're to do, Cato.

[Kato]

Yes, Mr. Brent.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Sometime between now and election day, Harder's man, Curly is going to organize those votes in the fifth ward. Yes. Drifters, bums, repeaters. He'll be handing out plenty of money to pack the ballot box with votes for Harder. But get this, Cato. After that snapshot of Curly that was printed in the Sentinel, he'll keep himself in the background.

[Kato]

I see.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

He'll use other men, go betweens ward healers. Now find out when Curly is calling a meeting of those men and let me know. Cato, the Green Hornet's going to take an interest in that meeting. Hey, Casey, is the boss in?

[Laurie Casey]

If you're looking for Mr. Reed, the answer is no.

[Kato]

Lowry.

[Laurie Casey]

He's not in, huh?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

With elections tomorrow? Holy mackerel, Casey. Why not?

[Laurie Casey]

Because he's got his own affairs to attend to.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Casey, why is it that every once in a while the boss goes off the track and starts playing the nightclubs and staying away from the office?

[Laurie Casey]

Lowry, Mr. Reed's private life.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Okay, okay. Skip it. That playboy streak he has. I guess I got pre election quotes you want to hear. Yeah. Where is he? His apartment.

[Laurie Casey]

That's my phone, Lowry. I'll get him.

[Kato]

Missed his voice, didn't you?

[Laurie Casey]

What do you mean?

[Kato]

Relax, Casey. You're blushing as red as that lipstick.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Nothing against a girl feeling soft about her boss, is there?

[Laurie Casey]

You're not a reporter. You're a keyhole keeper.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yeah, I wouldn't be bad.

[Laurie Casey]

Hello, Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, Ms. Case. How are things at the Sentinel?

[Laurie Casey]

We missed you, Mr. Reed.

[Kato]

I'll bet you have.

[Laurie Casey]

Lowry wants to talk to you.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

What? Do you mind? I've missed you too, Ms. Case.

[Laurie Casey]

You have?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, all of you.

[Laurie Casey]

Oh, well, well, here's Lowry.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hello, boss. I've been making the rounds. Bradford issued the usual statement. He says he's confident that the voters of the city will toss out the machine and elect him mad. I hope so. But it's not the regular voters we're worried about. It's those drifters. And I also learned that Curly's calling a meeting of the ward healers from the 5th tonight. It's supposed to be secret. Secret meeting, huh? You got any idea what he plans to discuss at it? Laurie, you know where it is? It's going to be at his house.

[Kato]

Ten tonight.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Ten tonight? I see. Yeah, boss. I figured I might be able to crash that meeting. Might get some bill for the Sentinel. You plan to be there? If I can make it. How about it? Why, yes, do that, Lowry. If Curly doesn't Organize those repeat votes tonight. They can't do any voting tomorrow. Sure. They're gonna race for the payoff. All right, Lowry, if you can do it. Okay. Why not take a camera? Yeah, Boston. I'll get some shots. And don't forget to vote for Bradford. Good night. So Lowry plans to be there. If he can make it. I'll have to make sure he doesn't. Can't have him breaking in on the greenhouse.

[Kato]

Mr. Brett.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Was that you, Cato?

[Kato]

I found out about the meeting, Mr. Brett. 10 o' clock at the Curry's house.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You're not the only one who found out, Cato. Lowry learned about it too.

[Kato]

Lolly.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

We'll have to take our chances on that. By now it's time for us to get busy. Where's the Hornet got in the mask?

[Kato]

Here in the desk, Mr. Brett.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Good. Bring them along. We're moving out in the Black Beauty as soon as it gets dark.

[Kato]

A few hours later, as darkness mantled the city, Britt Reed and his valet Cato stepped through a secret panel in the rear of the apartment. Then walked along a narrow passage built within the wall of the apartment house, which led directly to an adjoining building. Supposedly abandoned. This building served as the hiding place for the sleek, superpowered Black Beauty high speed car of the Green hornet. I drive. Mr. Brett?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, Cato. Take the wheel. You're going to have a ticklish job taking care of Lori. I want to be sure he doesn't arrive too soon.

[Kato]

I understand. Ms. Brett.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You got the extra Green Hornet mask?

[Kato]

Yes, sir.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Good. Step on it, Cato. Let'.

[Kato]

Yeah, it's okay.

[Curly Harder]

Harder.

[Kato]

All fixed? Yeah. I'm sorting the dough out now for the boys. When they show up, they'll distribute it, okay?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Sure.

[Kato]

If they don't, the mugs in the fifth board ain't gonna do no voting for nobody. You sure you control the polls?

[Curly Harder]

Yeah. Okay.

[Kato]

Just asking. And what about this Hornet business?

[Curly Harder]

Okay, okay.

[Kato]

If you say so hard. Yeah. I won't see you until after elections. It's in the bag. Good night. There's 500 for Joe. That'll take care of two, maybe 300 votes. And a thousand for Bucky.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Never mind sorting that money, Curly.

[Kato]

I want that.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You're a man. Get away from that desk.

[Kato]

A stick up, huh? My Harder will run you out of that mask.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I'm taking that money, Curly.

[Kato]

You're the Green Hornet.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hand it over.

[Kato]

But Hornet. Wait a minute. Is this on a level? What's the angle?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Figure it yourself. You know them all.

[Kato]

You mean you're in with harder.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

All I want is that money, Curly.

[Kato]

Oh, all by yourself, huh?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's right. I'm up for myself, Curly. And get back.

[Kato]

What are you gonna do with that gun?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Get back.

[Kato]

Yeah, sure.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Stay right there and don't move unless I tell you to. I see. Each of these envelopes is addressed. Who's Joe?

[Kato]

He's going to buy votes. All them guys there. That dough is to buy votes for Harder.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Not anymore, Curly.

[Kato]

But if them guys don't get that dough, we can't buy votes.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's your tough luck.

[Kato]

But harder. He'll bust me wide open if I don't like his.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes. You haven't got much choice, Curly. I'm taking this money. And when Joe and the rest get here, they're going to get nothing but orders.

[Kato]

Orders?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yes, orders written by you, Curly. Orders. Telling them not to bother about rounding up votes. That everything's all right, but that how

[Kato]

to lose the election. Sure. You can't do that.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You're writing those orders, Curly.

[Kato]

I don't get it. What good's that gonna do you?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

It'll give me time, Curly. Time to make sure no one can trail this money.

[Kato]

Oh, you want to cover up, huh?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's the idea.

[Kato]

Suppose I say nothing doing? Suppose I don't write them orders? I can refuse to. No, wait.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I don't think you'll refuse, Curly.

[Kato]

We wouldn't use that gun.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's up to you. You write or I'll.

[Kato]

Okay? Sure, sure.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Good. It's still more than two hours before those men are due to come here. You can send the orders by messenger.

[Kato]

Messenger?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

And you needn't try anything, Curly. When that messenger shows up, I'll be hidden behind the door with this gun pointing at your ribs. Now, sit down and. Okay, mister.

[Kato]

Delivering this batch of letters will cost

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

you five and a half.

[Kato]

Here's your four bits change.

[Laurie Casey]

Keep it.

[Kato]

Go on, scram.

[Laurie Casey]

Sure.

[Kato]

Okay.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Close the door, Curly.

[Kato]

Listen. Hornet. That busts me wide open, you know that, don't you?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Does it?

[Kato]

Harder's gonna get licked in the election. And that means I'm washed up. I ought to get a chance to explain. The harder you think I'm crossing him up. Keeping the toe.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You'll get that chance, Curly.

[Kato]

Let me call him up. Let me, huh?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

He's already been called.

[Kato]

What do you mean you didn't call him? He was with me and I didn't call.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You might ruin things. No, Curly. I have a helper. He called. Carter will be here in, well, any second now, huh? The time for his Arrival was set Very definitely. Here, put this on.

[Kato]

What's that?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Put it on.

[Kato]

Hey, this thing is a mask. A mask? Like the one you're wearing.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Put it on. You're going to wear that mask when you open the door for. Harder.

[Kato]

I wish something would have happened. Me hiding here with my camera.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

All set.

[Kato]

Fall asleep with some of those guys.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Don't you operate?

[Curly Harder]

So

[Kato]

who's this? Holy mackerel.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

It's Harder.

[Kato]

Come on Curly. Answer that door, baby.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Is this going to be a camera

[Kato]

shot for page one. Come on.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

The door.

[Curly Harder]

Let's see. Get the phone. Call a Green Hornet.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Holy mackerel. It's a Hornet. Harder. In the Hornet. Hold it. Thanks for the picture. You'll see it.

[Kato]

What the gosh.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Who are you?

[Curly Harder]

What's going on here? That man took a picture. And then. And then this man shot him with a gun that made no sound. If you were the Hornet, let's have the answer.

[Kato]

Arthur. I. I ain't the Hornet. I am Curly.

[Curly Harder]

You.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's right, honey.

[Kato]

With the.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Not a move. Curly is wearing a Hornet mask because I made him do it.

[Curly Harder]

You made him do it?

[Kato]

You can't blame me for this.

[Curly Harder]

And who is this?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

That's my helper.

[Curly Harder]

Heidi.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Keep that gun trained on him.

[Kato]

I will, boss. I couldn't help it. The Hornet grabbed the dough. I had to tell them guys not to buy any votes he made.

[Curly Harder]

What's that? Where are you? I'll lose the election. Sure. What's your ankle, Hornet?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

My angle.

[Curly Harder]

I got it. You're betting on Bradford. That's it, isn't it? You're betting on Bradford winning the election and you're making sure he does.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I don't bet.

[Curly Harder]

Don't hand me that. Look, I've got plenty of money. I'll pay you whatever you say.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Crooked money.

[Kato]

Harder.

[Curly Harder]

Then that reporter out there. He's got a picture in that camera. We'll have to get rid of that.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You didn't hear me. Harder. I've got all of your money I want.

[Curly Harder]

You mean you. You won't play ball.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You're elect. Harder. Finished.

[Curly Harder]

So that's the way it is. And there's only one thing for me to do. That's resume.

[Kato]

Curly, grab that gun behind you.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I'm taking little guy.

[Curly Harder]

Get your Hornet your.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

You're asking for it, Rat. No, no.

[Kato]

Don't you don't.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

I this.

[Kato]

Can't breathe.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Good work, Kato. You got Curly just in time. Hey, strong. Not cold. Cater. I want to make sure they stay that way until tomorrow evening. When the Election booths close. Can you fix it?

[Kato]

It can be done, Ms. Wade.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Good. Curly lives alone. Nobody will come in here. We can leave the two of them. Lock the door and they won't be disturbed. I'll take the Black Beauty and you can drive Harder's cab back in front of the house.

[Kato]

Yes, sir.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Be sure you leave no fingerprints.

[Kato]

What about the police, Ms. Bates?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Police, Cato? Well, when Lowry recovers from that gas and the Settler prints a picture of Harder with a Green Hornet, the police will think Harder has a good reason for staying out of sight. Election day or no election day. The police and everyone else.

[Kato]

The money, Mr. Brett.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

It's graft money, Cato. But we'll see that it gets to some charity that won't know it's tainted.

[Kato]

It'll do more good that way.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Now, let's get busy. We have a lot to do. I've got to be at the Sentinel all day tomorrow waiting for the election returns. Look at that, Ms. Case. Bradford's piling up a tremendous vote. Look at the returns from the Fifth

[Laurie Casey]

Ward, the whole city, Mr. Reed. That picture Lowry took last night certainly impressed the voters.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Bradford's got this election in the bag. Harder and his political machine are licks.

[Laurie Casey]

It looks that way. But, Mr. Reed.

[Kato]

Huh?

[Laurie Casey]

Isn't it odd that no one can find Harder?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Would you show your face after being taken in a picture with a Green Hornet?

[Laurie Casey]

This election is so important.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Forget it. Harder's voting machine is so disorganized, it doesn't make any difference anyhow.

[Laurie Casey]

Daily Sentinel, good evening. Yes, just a moment. It's Bradford, Mr. Reed.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Hello? Oh, yes, Bradford.

[Curly Harder]

What?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well, that's fine, fine. Send us a statement, will you? Right. Call us back. This case Bradford is in, he's won.

[Laurie Casey]

He has?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Yeah. Still a few more votes to count. But Bradford has more than a majority already. Hey, boss.

[Laurie Casey]

Boss.

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Have you heard the news? Yes, Larry. You mean about Bradford winning? Yeah, I checked that on the way through the office, but it's something else. Otter and Curly finally got their headquarters.

[Laurie Casey]

They did?

[Britt Reid (The Green Hornet)]

Well. Do they have any explanation for their absence or for that picture? Marc? They aren't talking. But, you know, it's a funny thing. That picture I took last night, as soon as I mentioned it, both of them started to swear a blue streak. From the way they sounded, they don't care much for the Hornet. Perhaps the Hornet wasn't working with Harder after all.

[Laurie Casey]

Machine defeated, Beat all about it being Harder still at large. Platinum elections, Papa.