Hard Boiled Old Time Radio Private Eyes 19xx.xx.xx Gus Trudeux

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Hard Boiled Old Time Radio Private Eyes 19xx.xx.xx Gus Trudeux"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Hard Boiled Old Time Radio Private Eyes 19xx.xx.xx Gus Trudeux
• Release Date: May 3, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the gritty underworld of the 1920s, following the protagonist Pete Kelly as he navigates through betrayal, friendship, and the dark alleys of Chicago’s jazz scene.

---

Introduction

"Hard Boiled Old Time Radio Private Eyes" transports listeners to the golden age of radio dramas, encapsulating the essence of 1920s Chicago. This episode, centered around Gus Trudeux, weaves a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, set against the backdrop of jazz-infused speakeasies and the pervasive threat of law enforcement.

Setting

The story unfolds in Chicago during the Prohibition era, primarily in and around a speakeasy located at 417 Sherry Street. The ambiance is rich with the sounds of cornet players, bustling patrons, and the underlying tension of illicit activities. The narrative also traverses various locales, including Madge Trudeau's residence and Abe Gaffney's establishment on Pershing Road.

Main Characters

• Pete Kelly (Starring Jack Webb): The protagonist, a cornet player at the speakeasy, entangled in the murky dealings of the jazz scene and criminal underworld.
• Augie: Pete's piano player and close confidant, experiencing anxiety and suspicion regarding recent events.
• Eddie Newman (Sergeant Cage): A relentless police sergeant determined to capture Gus Trudeux, adding pressure on Pete.
• Gus Trudeux: Pete's friend, a cornet player with a troubled past and a connection to Pete's criminal involvements.
• Madge Trudeau: Gus's sister, who seeks Pete's help to save her brother from impending doom.
• Bessie Smith: A mysterious woman with a deep connection to Pete and Gus, embodying both support and deception.

Plot Overview

Opening Scene ([00:30] - [01:34])

The episode opens with an introduction to Pete Kelly's world—a jazz-filled speakeasy operating under the constant strain of Prohibition laws. Pete narrates the operations of the bar, highlighting the management by George Lupo and the tightrope walk between maintaining secrecy and running a profitable establishment.

Inciting Incident ([03:12] - [05:00])

Augie expresses nervousness about potential trouble, referencing a shooting involving Dutch Courtney, Gus Trudeux's associate. The tension escalates as Sergeant Eddie Newman confronts Pete, inquiring about Gus. A significant revelation occurs when Pete divulges Gus's past involvement with Dutch Courtney, leading to Gus's incarceration and Pete's subsequent disillusionment with underground dealings.

Pete Kelly ([05:00]): "When he shows up, I warn him. He’s broke. You’ll need train fare."

Rising Action ([05:03] - [16:12])

Madge Trudeau approaches Pete, pleading for help to locate Gus before the police do. Despite Pete's reluctance, torn between his past and present loyalties, he is drawn deeper into the conflict. The narrative intensifies with confrontations between Pete, Madge, and Sergeant Newman, revealing layers of deceit and desperation.

Notable interactions include:

• Madge's Plea ([09:29] - [10:30]):

  Madge Trudeau ([09:36]): "I've got to find him before they do. You gotta help Pete."

• Detention and Threats ([16:10] - [17:16]):

  Eddie Newman ([16:27]): "Come on, Dave. It’s getting cold."

Climax ([17:16] - [28:00])

The climax unfolds as Pete attempts to reconnect with Gus, navigating through confrontations with both law enforcement and deceptive allies. The tension peaks when Madge accuses Pete of betraying Gus and inadvertently killing Dutch Courtney, leading to a violent showdown.

Key moments include:

• Confrontation with Madge ([27:57] - [28:35]):

  Madge Trudeau ([28:03]): "You killed him, just like you did everything else for me."

• Eddie Newman's Ultimatum ([23:02] - [23:21]):

  Eddie Newman ([23:05]): "The cops get him or I do."

Resolution ([28:52] - [29:20])

The episode concludes with Gus's escape and the inevitable fallout of Pete's entanglements. Despite efforts to extricate himself, Pete remains ensnared in the web of crime and loyalty, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Pete Kelly ([28:52]): "Gus finally got out of town."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Pete Kelly on the Speakeasy Operations ([01:34]):

   "Number 417 Sherry street is a standard speakeasy. The help is paid in cash."

2. Madge Trudeau's Plea for Help ([09:32]):

   "I knew you'd be the first one he'd come to."

3. Pete's Reflection on Gus ([05:03]):

   "Only this time he cut me in for a piece too."

4. Bessie's Assurance ([17:58]):

   "Bessie Smith: Run back, Pete."

5. Madge’s Accusation ([28:03]):

   "Madge, you killed him. You blew your top and killed him."

6. Final Revelation ([28:52]):

   "Gus finally got out of town."

Themes and Insights

• Loyalty vs. Survival: Pete's internal struggle between his loyalty to Gus and his desire to escape the criminal underbelly highlights the classic hard-boiled dilemma of self-preservation versus personal bonds.

• Betrayal and Deception: The episode underscores the pervasive mistrust among characters, where alliances are fragile, and betrayal lurks around every corner.

• The Cost of Crime: Pete's journey illustrates the personal toll that involvement in illicit activities takes, emphasizing themes of regret, loss, and the inescapability of one's past.

• Redemption and Helplessness: Characters like Madge and Bessie seek redemption or a way out, reflecting the broader human desire to rectify past mistakes, even when faced with insurmountable odds.

Conclusion

"Hard Boiled Old Time Radio Private Eyes 19xx.xx.xx Gus Trudeux" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends narrative depth with atmospheric detail, capturing the essence of 1920s Chicago's jazz scene and its underlying criminal tensions. Through Pete Kelly's tumultuous journey, listeners are immersed in a world where every decision carries weight, and the quest for loyalty often leads to unforeseen consequences. The inclusion of poignant dialogues and significant plot twists ensures that the episode remains engaging and thought-provoking, staying true to the golden age of radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Pete Kelly]

Wayfair every style, every home.

[Jack Webb]

This one's about Pete Kelly. It's about the world he goes around in. It's about the big music and the big trouble in the big twenties. When they ask you, tell them this one's about the blues. Pete Kelly's Blues. Pete Kelly's Blues, starring Jack Webb. With story by Jim Moser. Music by Dick CATHC.

[Pete Kelly]

Number 417 Sherry street is a standard speakeasy. The help is paid in cash. The books are burned at the end of the month. Every week we use 30 cases of booze and a pound of coffee. After salaries, there's gas and lights and a payoff to the prohibition boys in Kansas City. The price is good for a hundred bucks. They steer in the drunks and make one rate a year. The place is run by George Lupo. He's a quiet little guy who wouldn't give you the sweat off an ice pitcher. The beer's green and the gin's as young as yesterday. And the music's loud. I'm Pete Kelly. I play cornet. We start every night about 10 o'clock and we play till they sweep out the broken glass. We don't draw any customers, we don't chase any away. The music is straight. New Orleans started in the front parlors of Storyville and drifted up north, some of it late, over in Chicago. That's where I got on and rode it out here with a piano player named Augie. Well, he's still with the band, but last night he was barely with it. We took a break about 11. Augie was late getting back. Might as well have stayed in there because he kept looking around the room and the way the piano sounded, you'd think he had on the catcher's mitt. All right, that'll do it. Let's get off for a while, huh?

[Augie]

Sorry. Running a little behind tonight.

[Pete Kelly]

You haven't left the station. What's the matter, Augie?

[Augie]

I'm nervous. Take a look around near the door. Back this way.

[Pete Kelly]

Now, forget it. Have Jake open a couple of windows, take a walk, get yourself in shape.

[Augie]

Huh? Not till I find out which way to fall. These boys are here for heavy duty. I learned that out in the kitchen.

[Pete Kelly]

Now, let's step behind the stand. All right. What about it?

[Augie]

You know, that's Courtney.

[Pete Kelly]

I drink his beer, that's all.

[Augie]

Well, somebody shot Courtney up tonight out there. Highway 40.

[Pete Kelly]

That's too bad. He'd have drawn a good crowd downtown. Who killed him?

[Augie]

I don't know. But whoever he is is in for a big night. The police are trying for him. So's his partner.

[Pete Kelly]

Let him play. How does our place fit into it?

[Augie]

I couldn't guess, but we'll find out. Son. See the big guy that just walked in the door?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Boss cop?

[Augie]

Almost. It's Eddie Newman. That's Courtney's partner.

[Pete Kelly]

Come on, we better get back in the stand.

[Augie]

Kelly.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah?

[Eddie Newman]

My name's Newman.

[Pete Kelly]

Come on, Sergeant, we're due to play. I'll hear you later.

[Eddie Newman]

Come on. You hear about Dutch Courtney? Picked him out of the mud tonight.

[Pete Kelly]

Means nothing to me.

[Eddie Newman]

Does to me. Dutch was a friend. Well, if it'll help cry, I'm short on time, Kelly. Now give me a rundown on Gus Trudeau.

[Pete Kelly]

There's nothing to say. He played for a while and he went to the boneyard.

[Eddie Newman]

You know him? You know his sister.

[Pete Kelly]

You'll have to ask Courtney about that. I haven't seen her since the old days.

[Eddie Newman]

You know Gus well enough to figure he didn't like Dutch Courtney. He didn't like him £1.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, you can't blame him. Dutch sidestepped and paid Trudeau's way to jail.

[Eddie Newman]

Lookkeeping. I don't know anything about it.

[Pete Kelly]

All right, Look, Newman, you're on the wrong track. This is a job killing. Your boy got frisky and somebody sent down a shooting Chicago gun. The price tag shows.

[Eddie Newman]

Sorry. Trudeau's my pick.

[Pete Kelly]

What'd he hit him with? A high powered rifle. Gus Trudeau's away up in Leavenworth.

[Eddie Newman]

He used to be. Gus went over the wall this morning. When he shows up, I warn him.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, why pick me?

[Eddie Newman]

I've asked around. He'll head for you. He's broke. You'll need train fare.

[Pete Kelly]

No, not if he killed Dutch Courtney. Somebody will give him a railroad when they dragged the blues out of the back room and moved him up front There were three of the best leading the parade they were all blowing cornets One was Buddy Bolden one was King Oliver and the other was Gus Trudeau. Oh, he was a lot of music, but not much man. He picked me up on a Union date on the south side of Chicago and taught me how to play. He got into me for a Boston three star coronet and gin for the rest of his life. When he got down to running errands for Dutch Courtney, I left for Kansas City a couple of months later. Courtney needed a patsy and Trudeau was it. He wound up with a five year stand at Leavenworth. But Gus never felt right unless he was in trouble. Only this time he cut me in for a piece too. Well, I picked up a drink at the bar and fought my way back to the stand.

[Augie]

Anything wrong?

[Pete Kelly]

No. Did you finish the set?

[Augie]

One more to go, Jas.

[Pete Kelly]

All right, let's do it.

[Augie]

What's wrong, Pete?

[Pete Kelly]

Friend of ours killed Dutch Courtney. Jasmine sat off for a while.

[Augie]

Now, who did you say killed? That's Courtney.

[Pete Kelly]

Gus Trudeau. What?

[Augie]

Where? Brad Trudeau's in jail.

[Pete Kelly]

No, not since this morning. Which one of you is Kelly? I am. Friend of yours in town? Wants to see you right away. Who is it?

[Eddie Newman]

He's waiting up at your room.

[Pete Kelly]

Did he give a name? Just Gus. An hour later, I was still looking for an out. It was a little after 2am Our baseman, Red, loaned me his car keys and I slipped out. I got onto 12th street and picked up his Erskine coupe and headed up for my room. All the way out Grand Avenue. The streetlights were spending the rest of New Year's alone. Some guys with wide brooms were pushing at the confetti and the fog was loafing down in Washington Square. When I got to my place, I parked the car and back and headed up the stairs. College kids down at the end of the hall had their door open. Their party sounded young. I was looking for Gus when I opened the door. Buddy had a substitute. I knew her away back at 18th and Halstead. She was hurting in the fastest print in town. That must have been a long time ago because somewhere along the line she'd run into a batch of Wednesday weekends. She wasn't pretty anymore.

[Madge Trudeau]

Hello, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

Where's your brother?

[Madge Trudeau]

I don't know where Gus is. That's why I'm here. I knew you'd be the first one he'd come to.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Now what about the break?

[Madge Trudeau]

I was up to see him two weeks ago. He didn't say anything about it. Pete, we've got to help him.

[Pete Kelly]

I've been hearing that since I met him.

[Madge Trudeau]

The only one who remembers. Pete, you're the only one who cares.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, a lot of people care. Now. Eddie Newman wants him. The cops are looking hard.

[Madge Trudeau]

I'VE got to find him before they do. You gotta help Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

He was supposed to meet me. That's all I know. I'll wait for him.

[Madge Trudeau]

He needs a hand, Petey. He's in deep.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah, well, he's always in deep. Now, you do what you want, Madge. I ran front for Gus too long. I'm out of the habit now. Please. Gus wants cover, he can look for a police station.

[Madge Trudeau]

Gus can get away. Some money in a car, that's all he needs.

[Pete Kelly]

It's gonna take more than that to get out. Every cop in town's working tonight.

[Madge Trudeau]

Give him a chance, Pete. Help him.

[Pete Kelly]

No. No, thanks.

[Madge Trudeau]

Gus has been good to you, Pete. He taught you music. He's been nothing but good to you.

[Pete Kelly]

I'm paid up. I bought his gin for five years.

[Madge Trudeau]

Then do it for me. For what I used to be worth.

[Pete Kelly]

It's old. It was 80 years ago. I can't help this.

[Bessie Smith]

Do what's for me.

[Madge Trudeau]

I haven't changed that much.

[Pete Kelly]

I have.

[Madge Trudeau]

You're still the same.

[Pete Kelly]

You've been working in it.

[Bessie Smith]

You remember.

[Pete Kelly]

It's the same, Petey.

[Madge Trudeau]

It's just like the first time.

[Pete Kelly]

You never had a first time. How about a drink?

[Madge Trudeau]

Will you help me, Pete? Fine, Gus. Get him out of town.

[Pete Kelly]

All right, 10 bucks as far as I go. 10 bucks and a quarter. Now I'm getting off.

[Madge Trudeau]

Where you going?

[Pete Kelly]

Back to work. Tell Gus to take care of himself.

[Madge Trudeau]

Hold it right there, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

You stay too long in Chicago, Madge.

[Madge Trudeau]

I bought the gun in Kansas City. Don't go for the door.

[Pete Kelly]

Better give it to Gus. He may need it.

[Madge Trudeau]

We're going to find him. You're going to help me.

[Eddie Newman]

All right.

[Pete Kelly]

Come on. Give me the gun, Madge.

[Madge Trudeau]

If I shoot, it'll hurt.

[Eddie Newman]

Come on.

[Pete Kelly]

Put it away, man. Drop it.

[Jack Webb]

Who is she?

[Pete Kelly]

With? Trade. Who are you?

[Eddie Newman]

Cage.

[Jack Webb]

I work downtown on Homicide. What do you got on your floor?

[Pete Kelly]

Mads Trudeau.

[Jack Webb]

Tell me about her.

[Pete Kelly]

I knew her in Chicago. After that, I heard she did favors for Dutch Court. After that, I don't know.

[Augie]

She tired?

[Jack Webb]

What's she doing here?

[Pete Kelly]

Looking for Gus Trudeau. Where is Gus? I don't know. I've been asked that twice tonight. This is the third time. I don't know.

[Jack Webb]

You probably will.

[Augie]

Why?

[Pete Kelly]

Why do I have to get into this?

[Jack Webb]

Because you're Gus Trudeau's friend.

[Pete Kelly]

Then let's get him another one. I'm tired of the job.

[Jack Webb]

I don't blame you, fella. You'll come out of this with a lot of trouble for Instance? I'll make it simple. If Gus Trudeau shows and you turn him over to Newman, we'll send you up as an accessory to murder. If he shows and you turn him over to us, Newman will probably kill you.

[Pete Kelly]

Oh, that's real good. In the meantime, what do you guys do for a living? We're busy.

[Jack Webb]

We couldn't prove Newman kills you.

[Eddie Newman]

It's after two.

[Pete Kelly]

Get back to that club. Leave you here? I got work to do. Like what?

[Jack Webb]

This woman.

[Eddie Newman]

I'll see if I can get anything out of here.

[Pete Kelly]

It's been done before, but I'll bet 10 to 1 in your chance.

[Eddie Newman]

Go on the back outside here.

[Pete Kelly]

Good night, cop. Leave the rugs. I left Cage standing in the middle of the room looking down at Mads Trudeau. He didn't watch me leave, but I figured it wouldn't be too long before he turned that gleam back on me. I went back to 417 and ran into our piano man Augie outside in the alley, trying to steal some clean air.

[Augie]

Happy holidays, Petey. How's that?

[Pete Kelly]

I didn't see him.

[Augie]

Forget him. I got it all figured out for.

[Pete Kelly]

The two of us, Petey.

[Augie]

Today we'll spend our time dodging destiny. We'll hit for some small back room. I'll bring the bottled goods and we'll live on gin and sauerkraut and make the waltz sit up and listen. One horn, one piano. The blues, Petey. We'll ride him in the middle of next year.

[Pete Kelly]

All right. Save it, will you? Just set me straight right now across.

[Augie]

The river there's two places. The High Life Club or Pat Andy.

[Pete Kelly]

You sure he's there?

[Augie]

That's what the word is. I'll pass the hat down at the Union hall for both of you.

[Pete Kelly]

Scott's alone over there.

[Augie]

He is now, but there's going to be a crowd.

[Pete Kelly]

What do you know?

[Augie]

I told you.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah.

[Augie]

When Eddie Newman gets back, I got to tell him.

[Pete Kelly]

I knew it was a silly move. Newman had a hundred guns on tour for Gus Cage and the boys from headquarters were standing by for seconds. Helping Gus Trudeau was out of order. But I couldn't get one thing out of my mind. If Gus did kill Courtney, why didn't he pick up some travel money before he did it? I was backward. If you're gonna hang up your pants, you take em off first. Well, it was about 3am When I got down to the river and crossed over to the Kansas side. The High Life Club was smoked up and had a little of except Gus Trudeau I looked in the kitchen and tried a back room. And I went to the bar to see if I could drum up some talk. I had one taker, a boy with wavy black hair. He got up from a table of three others, walked over and sat down next to me.

[Jack Webb]

Hello. Come in here.

[Pete Kelly]

Office. That was the first time.

[Jack Webb]

Welcome. Buy a drink?

[Pete Kelly]

No, I'm all set. Try one yourself.

[Jack Webb]

Oh, I think drinking is all right. But I hate people who drink too much. Don't you?

[Pete Kelly]

You work here or not?

[Jack Webb]

Regularly? Sometimes I dance and the other act doesn't show up. You're alone, waiting for something?

[Pete Kelly]

Waiting for a guy named Gus Trudeau.

[Jack Webb]

You one of his friends?

[Pete Kelly]

I'm in. Where is he?

[Jack Webb]

Left a while ago. I'm not sure where he, well, gets here. It's important I mentioned someone named Bessie.

[Pete Kelly]

Right. Hold it.

[Eddie Newman]

What are you here, Kelly?

[Pete Kelly]

All right, get away, Newman. Try another stool.

[Eddie Newman]

This will do.

[Jack Webb]

He asked you to leave. I think you should leave.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, well, choir boy. That's nice. Leave him alone.

[Eddie Newman]

Who is he?

[Pete Kelly]

I never saw him before.

[Eddie Newman]

What's he know about Trudeau?

[Pete Kelly]

Nothing.

[Eddie Newman]

Don't kid me. You're not here to spend the time of day yet. He here for Trudeau. You little friend. Where's Gus Trudeau?

[Jack Webb]

I don't have to talk to you. I'm a guest in this place.

[Eddie Newman]

You're not anymore. Now climb down and head for that door.

[Jack Webb]

Both of you can't make us do that. We're not going to leave.

[Pete Kelly]

It's a split boat, buster. I don't like the way he pushes.

[Eddie Newman]

That's right. Just walk.

[Pete Kelly]

I'll bet you look good. I knew right then. As we walked out. I knew Eddie Newman wasn't gonna leave him alone. He was gonna pick at him whether he knew anything about Gus Trudeau or not. It was gonna get messy, and the boy with the nice eyes was gonna help. Outside, it wasn't snowing anymore, but the ground was covered right down to the river. The moon out, and it looked all right, if you like nature. We walked over toward a bunch of trees. Newman's car was parked there. A black touring sedan with a strong arm guy in the backseat. There was another one sitting on the running board. He had a machine gun across his lap.

[Eddie Newman]

This'll dope.

[Pete Kelly]

All right.

[Eddie Newman]

Now let's hear about Gus Trudeau.

[Jack Webb]

I don't know anything about him. This man and I were just talking.

[Pete Kelly]

Go easy, Newman. I never saw him before.

[Eddie Newman]

He always talked to strangers. Bet he does.

[Jack Webb]

None of your business.

[Eddie Newman]

Where's Gus Trudeau?

[H]

I. I Wouldn't tell you. Suppose I knew I wouldn't tell you.

[Eddie Newman]

Oh, yes, you would.

[H]

Keep your hands off of me.

[Pete Kelly]

Stop, Professor Newman. You don't care about Trudeau now. You just don't like this guy.

[Eddie Newman]

Stay out.

[Pete Kelly]

Kelly.

[Eddie Newman]

Come here, you. Stop screeching. I'll break your arm off.

[H]

Keep your hands over me, you big dirty pig.

[Pete Kelly]

I'm in trouble, fella.

[Eddie Newman]

Shut up.

[H]

He is a pig. His hands are dirty and his teeth are dirty. Don't believe in his clothes are dirty. All.

[Eddie Newman]

Now lay there. All right, Dave, move in here. Back away, Kelly, you're up. Choir boy.

[H]

Please. Please, mister, do something. Don't let a thing like this happen.

[Eddie Newman]

It already has, Buster. Come on, Dave. It's getting cold.

[Pete Kelly]

Newman climbed into the car and they drove off. I stayed there a minute to look at the guy in the snow. Space was unmarked. I did him a favor. I rolled him over so it showed in the moonlight. I knew his mother wanted to look good. The night Eddie Newman's chopper squad cut him down. Well, the name Bessie had to mean Fat Annie's place up the river on the Kansas side. I made it there and found Bessie. She was back at the piano, wandering around somewhere in the middle of the blues. You couldn't miss that voice if she took up yodeling. Bessie Smith. Hi, Pete. Hi, Bessie. What do you know?

[Bessie Smith]

Run back, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

You go up the stairs.

[I]

The loft way up there at the top.

[Bessie Smith]

Thanks, Bessie.

[Pete Kelly]

Okay, Pete. All right. I got. I felt my way out around back and up a couple of flights of stairs that didn't creek into. There was a door at the top. I pushed it open. He was hunched back on a pile of hay in the corner. He sat up and blinked a couple of times. There wasn't much left, just the frame and rattling around inside. A lot of tired echoes that wouldn't lay down and die. There was an empty gin bottle on the floor.

[Bessie Smith]

Petey, I knew you'd get here.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, I didn't make it easy.

[Bessie Smith]

You're looking good, Petey. Everything's six to an even, huh?

[Pete Kelly]

You forget easy, Gus. You're in a jam. You broke jail.

[Bessie Smith]

Yeah. I told him all about you up there, Petey. I told him there's another Gus Trudeau blowing down in Kansas City. I'm proud of you, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah, sure, Gus.

[Bessie Smith]

You're just like me, Pete. I told him all about you. You're the only good thing I ever done. I knew you'd come through. Car and some money, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

It'll do everything.

[Bessie Smith]

It'll make it all new Is it.

[Pete Kelly]

Too much to ask?

[Bessie Smith]

You tell me, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

They want you for Dutch Courtney.

[Bessie Smith]

You know better, Pete. I didn't kill Dutch.

[Pete Kelly]

Well, you had a reason.

[Bessie Smith]

Did I? I forget.

[Pete Kelly]

He hung a frame on you, Gus. Five years worth, Remember?

[Bessie Smith]

I didn't kill Dutch.

[Pete Kelly]

Get me a drink. A boy. No, not tonight.

[Bessie Smith]

Don't preach at me. Just something to help me hold.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Now come in out of the fog, Dutch. You're gonna get a drink or a train ticket for me. Take your pick. Cause it's the last time around.

[Bessie Smith]

Just listen to that. Bessie's still going strong, ain't she?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah, and so are the cops. I got one idea for you, Gus. Get moving.

[Bessie Smith]

You remember Chicago, Petey?

[Pete Kelly]

You and Madge?

[Bessie Smith]

Chicago always liked me.

[Pete Kelly]

You checked out, Gus. Beiderbeck's got your chair.

[Bessie Smith]

They'll remember me. And you, Petey. I found you when you were nothing.

[Pete Kelly]

What are you gonna do? Where are you going?

[Bessie Smith]

I got it all set up. It's big and brand new. A place in Mexico?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah.

[Bessie Smith]

The guy who bunked in my cell with me, his mother runs a place down there. It'll be just like it used to be.

[Pete Kelly]

You won't get there on a gin bottle.

[Bessie Smith]

I got it set up, boy. I got him some money.

[Pete Kelly]

It's not much to ask.

[Bessie Smith]

You haven't got a drink, have you?

[Pete Kelly]

You can drink in Mexico. Where you dreaming up the car and the dough?

[Bessie Smith]

It's fixed, boy. You just see this guy and tell him I'm ready. Abe Gaffney. He's got a place on Pershing Road.

[Pete Kelly]

You know it? Yeah, I know it. Abe's doing all this.

[Bessie Smith]

Just tell him I'm ready. How's Madge?

[Pete Kelly]

She's all right.

[Bessie Smith]

Come and see me, huh? It's hot down in Mexico.

[Pete Kelly]

It's hot here.

[Bessie Smith]

What's the matter, Pete?

[Pete Kelly]

You ain't sore, are you? No, I ain't sore. I'm just tired. I'll tell Gaffney and then I'm checking out. Goodbye, girls.

[Bessie Smith]

You're not getting too big for your old friends, are you, boy?

[Pete Kelly]

Friends are like everything else, Gus. Yeah, they wear out on you. Wasn't any different than a dozen times before. I knew there wasn't very much left. But I wasn't looking for a second rate ghost with an empty gin bottle. I crossed the river to the Missouri side, headed down Main street. And then I swung over toward Abe Gaffney's place on Pershing Road. It was pushing close to 5:30am sun wasn't up yet and the night was too tired to Care. I pulled up in front of the Murad sign out in front of Gaffney's. Inside, a counterman with pimples and coffee was leaning on last night's paper. A beaded curtain shut off the hallway that led back to Gaffney's room.

[Jack Webb]

You want something?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Gaffney.

[J]

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[I]

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[Pete Kelly]

Go team. Feel that synergy.

[I]

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[Jack Webb]

Not here.

[Pete Kelly]

Where do I find him?

[Jack Webb]

I don't know.

[Pete Kelly]

I was supposed to meet him here.

[Jack Webb]

That's so.

[Pete Kelly]

Look, this is Gaffney's place. Where is he?

[Jack Webb]

I told you.

[Pete Kelly]

Now, listen, junior, maybe you think you do a good imitation of Calvin Kulage, but I want an answer. Where's Gaffney?

[Jack Webb]

What's your name?

[Pete Kelly]

Kelly.

[Jack Webb]

You could have saved an argument. This through the curtain.

[Eddie Newman]

When do you go to bed? Kelly?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. You still looking, Newman?

[Eddie Newman]

I'm still asking. Where's Guts?

[Pete Kelly]

I don't think you give me time to answer.

[Eddie Newman]

There's a good reason why I let you walk away tonight. I gave you two hours all by yourself on the Kansas side. I don't think you threw him away. You got a line on Gus Trudeau and I want it.

[Pete Kelly]

I got nothing for you.

[Eddie Newman]

Don't be silly, Pete. The cops get him or I do.

[Pete Kelly]

He goes either way, you get no help from me.

[Eddie Newman]

I want help. I want Gus. Now, come on. Come on. Come on, or I'll make you part of the wallpaper.

[Pete Kelly]

You better send for Dave.

[Eddie Newman]

I don't need it.

[Pete Kelly]

I think you do. Now, don't bother to get up. I'm leaving.

[Eddie Newman]

I don't believe it. Wasn't your turn, Kel.

[Pete Kelly]

When I got up off the floor, the room was cold and the lights were out. Newman was gone, but I knew he was still in business. I knew if he didn't find Gus Trudeau this trip, he'd come back for me. Well, I got into Red's car and followed the radiator cap back to 417. I found Alton back at the Stand at home. Breakfast.

[Augie]

Did you bring an egg, Petey? Kitten's closed out.

[Pete Kelly]

Newman been back here?

[Augie]

I haven't noticed. You look abused.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Did anybody say anything we missed?

[Augie]

You heard the news?

[Pete Kelly]

What's that?

[Augie]

They found the guy got Dutch Courtney. Fella by the name of Doyle. East St. Louis. Cops got the goods on him. Gun, fingerprints, the works.

[Pete Kelly]

What was his beef with Dutch?

[Augie]

Doyle owned East St. Louis. Dutch wouldn't believe it.

[Pete Kelly]

Leave it to guys. There's a hole he'll fall in.

[Augie]

It makes it easier, doesn't it? Newman will call his boys off now.

[Pete Kelly]

Somebody better tell him in a hurry.

[Augie]

Did you see Gus?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah, I saw him. He's trying to get out of town. Pete Kelly? That's right. Abe Gappy. Pete. You're a hard man to find.

[Augie]

Newman came in the front door.

[Jack Webb]

I went out the back. This wouldn't take long. Car keys and money for Gus.

[Pete Kelly]

Oh, you got the wrong guy, Abe. I quit an hour ago.

[Augie]

Fight it out with yourself.

[Jack Webb]

Car's out in the alley.

[Augie]

Gray, Chandler.

[Jack Webb]

Tell Gus it's low on gas.

[Pete Kelly]

Now, wait a minute. You can take this stuff to Gus. You know where he is?

[Jack Webb]

No, thanks. You take care, Gus. He's an old friend.

[Pete Kelly]

What's the matter with you?

[Bessie Smith]

I hardly know him.

[Pete Kelly]

The clock over the bar said 6:15. We got back on the stand and started the last set. £80 of stale cigarette smoke was holding up the ceiling, waving down in a dirty blue curtain over the dance floor. Behind the bar, one of the guys was wiping out. Two couples picked their way to the dance floor and pushed each other around a while. They finally gave up. Ah, the whole thing was all out of step. Wrinkled stockings, brown gardenis, torn paper hats. And Gus Trudeau. He walked in the door and stood off to one side, just back of the stand.

[Augie]

Hey, Pete, Gus got here. He's safe now.

[Pete Kelly]

Don't make buck on it. All right, last one. The blues and B flat. All right, that's it. Same call tonight. 10:00, you can talk. Pete.

[Bessie Smith]

Petey, over here. I heard you. You sound good, Pete. Just what I told him up there. You're on your way, boy.

[Pete Kelly]

All right, now you heard it, Gus. Here's the money and the car keys. I'll see you, Gus.

[Bessie Smith]

You know what I told him? Another Gus Trudeau was blown down to Kansas City.

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah? Yeah.

[Bessie Smith]

All right, boss. I'm leaving.

[Madge Trudeau]

Happy New Year, Gus.

[Bessie Smith]

Hi, Madge.

[Madge Trudeau]

Hold it there, Pete. The family fight. Stay out.

[Pete Kelly]

I thought I took that gun away from you. What's the matter, Madge?

[Bessie Smith]

What are you doing?

[Madge Trudeau]

Don't sell me that talk, Gus. Dutch can't hear you.

[Pete Kelly]

What do you mean?

[Madge Trudeau]

Madge, you killed him. You blew your top and killed him, just like you did everything else for me. You and that gin and that cheap brass horn of yours. You spat us all, Pete and me. You ran through the whole bunch till you got to Dutch.

[Bessie Smith]

Hey, I didn't do anything.

[Madge Trudeau]

He killed Dutch Courtney. I loved him. I loved him enough to square him.

[Pete Kelly]

You got it wrong, Magic.

[Madge Trudeau]

Goodbye, Gus. I'll tell him to throw your horn in after you.

[Pete Kelly]

Read the paper. Madge. You killed the wrong brother.

[Madge Trudeau]

Stay away, Pete.

[Pete Kelly]

It's in the paper, Madge. Guy by the name of Doyle. He killed Dutch.

[Madge Trudeau]

They're not sure, are they?

[Pete Kelly]

They're sure.

[Madge Trudeau]

What'll I do?

[Pete Kelly]

I got two things for you, Madge. And the car keys. Now, you see what you can do with 10 minutes start.

[Augie]

You didn't have anything more for Gus, did you, Pete?

[Pete Kelly]

No, I guess not.

[Augie]

Well. Really?

[Pete Kelly]

Yeah. Gus finally got out of town.

[Jack Webb]

Beat Kelly's Blues, starring Jack Webb. With story by Jim Moser, music by Dick Cathcart, scoring by Maddie Matlock. Pete Kelly's Blues is based on characters created by Richard L. Breen. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.