Indictment 1958.xx.xx Grand Slam Heist

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Indictment 1958.xx.xx Grand Slam Heist"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Indictment 1958.xx.xx Grand Slam Heist
Release Date: March 26, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Indictment 1958.xx.xx Grand Slam Heist," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a riveting crime drama set in New York City. The story delves into the complexities of a high-stakes fur heist, the ensuing suspicions between business partners, and the intense investigation led by Assistant District Attorney Edward McCormick. Drawing from authentic criminal law procedures as detailed by Eliezer Lipski, the episode masterfully blends suspense, character tension, and courtroom intrigue.

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The Grand Slam Heist

The narrative centers around Harold Follinsby and his partner, Monckton, owners of a fur business specializing in high-end mink coats. A meticulously planned robbery at their establishment results in the theft of $90,000 worth of prime furs. Detective Russo introduces the severity of the heist:

Detective Russo [03:38]: "I'm up at Safe and Lofts on that 30th Street fur heist. Monkin and Follinsville, you know."

The heist is not just a financial blow but also strains the longstanding partnership between Follinsby and Monckton.

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Suspicion and Accusations

Post-heist, tension escalates as Monckton begins to suspect Follinsby’s involvement, leading to heated confrontations. Follinsby seeks the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Edward McCormick to navigate the crisis:

Harold Follinsby [07:09]: "A ball game? Isn't there something you can do, Mr. McCormick?"

McCormick, portrayed by Nat Polin, remains poised, balancing the investigation while addressing the strained relationship between the partners.

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The Investigation Unfolds

McCormick orchestrates a comprehensive investigation, involving line-ups and witness testimonies. Mary Olney, a trusted associate of both partners, becomes a pivotal character in seeking resolution. The tension peaks during a ball game at Yankee Stadium, where McCormick spots a potential suspect:

Edward McCormick [08:20]: "Telephone. Telephone. Behind the grandstand."

As the investigation intensifies, Detective Russo and McCormick work tirelessly to piece together clues, leading to the identification of Puggy Moran as the primary suspect.

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Line-Up and Testimonies

A critical moment occurs during the line-up process, where Mary Olney's testimony proves crucial. Despite initial challenges, Olney's steadfastness helps in steering the investigation towards the truth:

Edward McCormick [11:08]: "Nobody else. In a whisper. In fact, I'll repeat that in a whisper."

Olney's inability to identify Moran from the line-up adds layers of complexity, raising questions about the reliability of witness testimonies and the possibility of an inside job.

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Confrontation with Puggy Moran

The climax builds as McCormick confronts Puggy Moran directly. Through a combination of persuasive dialogue and Olney's heartfelt pleas, Moran faces the consequences of his actions:

Mary Olney [19:56]: "Puggy, he only wants you to tell where Mr. Mugs can get his furs back."

Moran's internal conflict and ultimate decision to cooperate underscore themes of loyalty, redemption, and the quest for justice.

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Resolution and Aftermath

The episode concludes with the resolution of the heist case and the restoration of the fractured partnership. McCormick reflects on the complexities of human relationships intertwined with criminal endeavors:

Edward McCormick [07:53]: "If I could forget the things I said yesterday... We got knocked down. So we stand up and we stretch and we settle down and start all over again."

The narrative wraps up with a nod to the ongoing saga of "Indictment," teasing future episodes and continuing the legacy of Old Time Radio storytelling.

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Notable Quotes

• Edward McCormick [00:00]: "Indictment. A formal written charge of crime as the basis for trial of the accused."
• Mary Olney [05:12]: "I've been with Mr. Folinsey and Mr. Monkton for 25 years. They'd neither of them do any such thing."
• Harold Follinsby [06:15]: "You must believe me, Mr. McCormick. I am less concerned over our loss than I am over what has suddenly happened to our friendship."
• Edward McCormick [07:53]: "What have I got to go on, Mr. Follinsby? One man did all the talking and the other had the scar across his nose."

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Conclusion

"Indictment 1958.xx.xx Grand Slam Heist" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic radio dramas. By weaving a tale of betrayal, investigation, and redemption against the backdrop of New York City's bustling fur industry, the episode captivates listeners with its intricate plot and compelling characters. Through authentic dialogues and strategic storytelling, Harolds Old Time Radio honors the legacy of radio's golden era, delivering a memorable and engaging listening experience.

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Credits:
"Indictment" is written by Alan Sloan, produced by Nathan Crowell, and directed by Paul Roberts. The cast includes Nat Polin as Edward McCormick, Jack Arthur as Tom Russo, with performances by Martin Blaine, Joseph Boland, Grace Matthews, Bernard Grant, Joseph Julian, Roger Deoven, and Sam Gray. Dick Noel invites listeners to tune in next week for another enthralling episode of "Indictment."

Transcript

[Edward McCormick]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back. Weekend getaway. Earn miles. AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn more@american express.com Terms apply. Indictment. A formal written charge of crime as the basis for trial of the accused. Indictment. The drama you are about to hear is from New York City and is based on stories of the criminal law with authentic procedures as detailed by Eliezer Lipski, former Assistant District Attorney of New York. It is the Assistant District Attorney who directs criminal investigations. Assembles facts and witnesses. Bills the case to adjust. Indictment. Hola, Dee.

[Harold Follinsby]

All right, that finishes up the stoves and jackets. Now, Mary, we come to the coats. Take a new sheet right down at the top. Coats. Mink coats.

[Mary Olney]

Mink. Yes, Mr. Ponsby.

[Harold Follinsby]

Wait a minute, Phil, for heaven's sake. You're going to take inventory or you're going to listen to the ball game.

[Edward McCormick]

I can do it. Where are we? Mink coats. Fine. Let's go see if Mantle takes to him all day. Oh, no. They're not going to make him bunt. Oh, no. Bill. I take Harold. He lays one down. Quiet man waiting for it. It's scooped up to throw to first. Pinky beats it out. He's safe. All right, that's the game for us. Oh, we need it with the man on base. What is it, Barry? All right, all right. Where were we? Me right.

[Harold Follinsby]

Very well. Ranch Natural. A dozen. Ranch mutation 7.

[Edward McCormick]

Ranch. See who that is. No showings today. Too late. Inventory. Go ahead, Harry.

[Harold Follinsby]

Branch Mutation seven, right.

[Edward McCormick]

Ranch Blue is next with four. Merrick. What is she doing out there?

[Harold Follinsby]

Phil, they've got guns.

[Edward McCormick]

Harold, don't do anything. We're insured. No noise. The hands up. No fuss. No much. No farther. All right. Conference on the mile. Okay. Hand it up. Make it. No, no. Not the balls, mister. No. I beg you. No. Wait a minute. What's the inning?

[Harold Follinsby]

Please. My partner can't be locked in the vault.

[Edward McCormick]

His heart sick man. Weak either. What's the inning? What's the score?

[Harold Follinsby]

Top of the ninth. Yankees are up. You're tied up.

[Edward McCormick]

Hair braids. Mantle bunded. But I beg you, shut up and get in. A ball. That's one on court. Justin time on the outside. Hey, I shut into the please. And it looks like knows what's coming. They've walked any season like I know. In the dirt. Ball four. Hey, now go for the natural. For face sake. See what I mean? I walk them. I go for the double plot.

[Tom Russo]

McCormick, Ed, Tom Russo, head. I'm up at Safe and lops on that 30th street fur heist. Monkin and Follinsville, you know.

[Edward McCormick]

Mm. What's cooking?

[Tom Russo]

Old shoes and cabbages, Ed. The Safe and Loft's men don't like the way it smells now.

[Edward McCormick]

What was the haul there, by the way?

[Tom Russo]

That's part of the stink, ed. $90,000 worth of prime furs. Only the best. The stick up men knew just where the wild mink was. Turned up their noses at the ranch stuff. Seemed to know they'd catch the partners at inventory.

[Edward McCormick]

Inside job, huh?

[Tom Russo]

Insurance complications as far as that goes. Insurance, that is Moncton. That's one of the partners. Moncton suddenly discovers the other. Follinsby let the insurance lapse. He's blowing his top. A lot of wild charges, Ed. He's in a real.

[Edward McCormick]

All right. Where do I come in? Have these detectives got anything ready for me?

[Tom Russo]

Not yet. Monkton's screaming like a mad dog in a meat house. The boys up here thought you might get something out of the mitt.

[Edward McCormick]

All right, bring them down. Nah, Too late to catch the night game anyway.

[Harold Follinsby]

You. You have to forgive my partner's hysteria, Mr. McCormick. His entire life is. His entire savings are involved in our company.

[Edward McCormick]

Aren't you an equal partner, Mr. Follinsby? Equal?

[Harold Follinsby]

Yes, of course, equal. A partnership of 30 years standing. But eggs and baskets, you know I have real estate. I beg you, Mr. McCormick. I urge you. If you can induce him to. To adopt some self control.

[Tom Russo]

Mr. Follinsby means his partner's been accusing him of fingering the job.

[Edward McCormick]

Mr. McCormick, that's impossible. It's utterly. Ms. Only, please, one thing at a time.

[Mary Olney]

I've been with Mr. Folinsey and Mr. Monkton for 25 years. They'd neither of them do any such thing. Why, they're the closest friends. Much less business.

[Edward McCormick]

Ms. Only, please. In good time. Detective Russo, did Mr. Moncton say anything in your presence to substantiate this claim, this accusation?

[Harold Follinsby]

The efficiency, Mr. McCorm. The efficiency and speed of the operation. The robbery, the fact of the insurance, which.

[Edward McCormick]

Which, by the way, I understand, has been allowed to lapse by you. Is that so?

[Harold Follinsby]

Not for the first time, Mr. McCormick. Ms. Only will bear me out. The company has always in the past allowed us a few days leeway in restoring the policy. Who would expect to be to be caught between expiration and renewal?

[Edward McCormick]

Mr. Follinsbee, I understand your partner is a sick man. Presently under physician's care.

[Mary Olney]

He's practically in shock, Mr. McCormick. He wouldn't have said any of those terrible things to Mr. Fonzbit if he'd realized what he was saying.

[Edward McCormick]

Of course. Of course, you're considerably overwrought yourself. It's been difficult, I suppose, on all of you.

[Harold Follinsby]

You must believe me, Mr. McCormick. I am less concerned over our loss than I am over what has suddenly happened to our friendship. 30 years, Mr. McCormick. Good times and bad. Monckton and Follonsby. And to have such accusations, such hysteria.

[Edward McCormick]

Well, having heard some of the details from the safe and loft detectives, I was going to suggest that. Since there's nothing that can be done until the investigation bears fruit anyway, I was going to suggest that perhaps you and your partner, provided you can persuade him.

[Mary Olney]

I can talk to him, Mr. McCormick. I'm sure I can talk to him.

[Edward McCormick]

Fine. Then you persuade him. In view of what I understand was going on when the robbery took place. To go with his old friend, robbery or no robbery, up to the stadium tomorrow.

[Mary Olney]

The stadium?

[Edward McCormick]

Oh, yes. After all, it's the Yankees last home game before the series. Maybe Bob Turley will win his 23rd.

[Mary Olney]

I'll try to persuade him.

[Edward McCormick]

Do I take it that's all right with you, Mr. Follinsby?

[Harold Follinsby]

A ball game? Isn't there something you can do, Mr. McCormick?

[Edward McCormick]

On evidence? Yes. Otherwise. Well, what have I got to go on, Mr. Follinsbee? One man did all the talking and the other had the scar across his nose. And that isn't very much. Enjoy the game.

[Harold Follinsby]

You're sure you're all right, Phil?

[Edward McCormick]

Yes, fine. The best medicine in the world. You know, I couldn't thank you too much, Hal. A wonderful idea, this ball game. And ashamed. I tell you, if I could forget the things I said yesterday.

[Harold Follinsby]

Skip it, Phil.

[Edward McCormick]

And all 30 fur coats and 800 pelts. Well, I look at it this way. This is the seventh inning stretch. This. This loss. We got knocked down. So we stand up and we stretch and we settle down and start all over again. You and I. 30 years we have our health.

[Tom Russo]

We.

[Edward McCormick]

Harold. Harold. What?

[Harold Follinsby]

What is it, Phil? Your heart?

[Edward McCormick]

No. Look down there. Coming into the box. Going into the box. The one with the can of beer.

[Harold Follinsby]

I. I don't see.

[Edward McCormick]

What is it? Who? You can stand there, ask me. Who? The other one, that's who. The one who went for the first. There. Looking around now, with a beer. There. That one. Look, I can't point. Next to the woman. The woman with the hat in the next box. The crazy hat.

[Harold Follinsby]

You may be Right, Phil. He's got a funny nose.

[Edward McCormick]

Funny nose is right. Half nose, half scar. Telephone. Telephone. Behind the grandstand. Hurry. Harold, the telephone. Detective Bowen. Detective Bowen, this is Edward McCormick, Special Bureau Assistant District Attorney. Yes, Mr. McCormick. That's in Manhattan. Yes, that's right. I've just had a call from a fur robbery victim, a Mr. Harold Follinsby. Take that down, please. Follinsby. Got it? Yes, sir, but I. I find him in grandstand seat A77, his partner with him. They spotted one of the men they think did the heist down in front of a. In a front box? Yes, sir. Grandstand seat A7. Seven? Where, sir? Where? For Pete's sake, Bowen, is there any place left but the Yankee Stadium? For that matter, were there ever any real baseball anyplace else in New York? Get over there with a couple of men before the Yankees win. This one, too. Point out the man, Mr. Barnesley, the heavyset, one straw hat next to the dame in the dizzy hat. That's the one. That's the one, all right. Keep it down, Mr. Martin. Keep it down. You sure not. That's him, for heaven's sakes. All right. Okay, Dave, you go up the aisle, come down the other. Work around the other end of the box in case he makes a break that way. I'll wait for you to get there before I make the grab.

[Harold Follinsby]

Detective, what about you two?

[Edward McCormick]

They want you to go down to Mr. McCormick's office in Manhattan. We'll bring the man in for you to identify.

[Harold Follinsby]

You want us to leave the game right now.

[Edward McCormick]

Hurry up. All right. Of course. Course. Will you tell us what Barrett does? Just about ready, Mr. McCormick. Anytime you are waiting for one witness. Sergeant, get the stenographer to note the names and appearances of the lineup, please. Right. Thank you, Mary. We got him. We got him, Mr. Humphrey. Which one? Cut it out. Now, I warned you gentlemen not to discuss the suspect with each other or with Ms. Olney when she arrives. Miss, Only take a seat, please, and listen to me.

[Mary Olney]

Very well.

[Edward McCormick]

All right. In that next room, we've prepared a lineup. The suspect you men claim to have spotted at the ball. Claim, he says. Are you going to cooperate, Mr. Monckton? I'm sorry. Go ahead. Suspect has been told to take any place in the lineup he chooses. You'll see upwards of a dozen men in there. They're detectives, clerks, and the officers around here. One or two of them are building workers. I'm gonna ask you to go in there, look at the lineup, then come out here and then tell Me or Detective Russo. Nobody else. In a whisper. In fact, I'll repeat that in a whisper. Which of the men in the lineup you recognize as one of those who robbed your place. You understand? Perfectly.

[Harold Follinsby]

Of course.

[Edward McCormick]

Fine. Now, just a minute. Pardon me. I forgot something. One at a time. Mr. Monkton, go with Detective Russo.

[Mary Olney]

Mr. Fonsley.

[Edward McCormick]

How did I. I've asked you, Ms. Olney, not to talk to the other witnesses. Now, will you please. That was quick. Mr. Monson. Sit down. Keep your thoughts to yourself. Tom.

[Tom Russo]

Made him right off the bat. Fit from the left. Puggy Moran.

[Edward McCormick]

This is all monkey business. It's the man. I'd know him anyway. Quiet.

[Tom Russo]

Who's next, Mr. McCormick?

[Edward McCormick]

Mr. Falathy. Go ahead and remember.

[Harold Follinsby]

Understood? Understood.

[Edward McCormick]

And what happens next? If he's the man, we'll well talk to him. You ought to know, Mr. Monckton, that whatever identification you may make is still a long way from a conviction. To say nothing of the fact that he may decide to work for a recommendation from this office by cooperating.

[Mary Olney]

I don't understand what you're talking about.

[Edward McCormick]

We want the name of his accomplice, Ms. Olney. The firm wants its furs back. Now, altogether.

[Tom Russo]

Sit down, Mr. Follinsby. Ed, not so good. We had seven men with scars in the lineup. Follingsby made two false starts and only then made Moran. But he's not sure. Not too sure.

[Edward McCormick]

The man who let the insurance lapse, huh?

[Tom Russo]

That's it.

[Edward McCormick]

All right, Miss. Only come with me, please. Detective Russo, stay with these people. Listen. All right, all of you, one step forward. Put on your hats. Take off your hats. You third and the right. You face this way. Pick up your hat. All right, all of you, Left profile. Turn right. Right profile. Turn the left. Okay. Face front. Thank you, detective. Ms. Olney?

[Mary Olney]

Yes, sir?

[Edward McCormick]

Come over here, please. Anyone there you know?

[Mary Olney]

No, sir.

[Edward McCormick]

Nobody?

[Mary Olney]

No, sir. I never saw any of those men in my life.

[Edward McCormick]

Thank you, Ms. Olney. Thank you very much. All right, gentlemen, that's all. Detective, bring that man back to the witness room while we give the results to the stenographer. Now, you three just contain yourselves for a moment. Do not converse among yourselves. Tom. Yeah? The girl drew a blank. Girl?

[Tom Russo]

She's 40. If she's a dared, trying to look 25.

[Edward McCormick]

Never mind about that. How smart is Puggy Moran?

[Tom Russo]

Anybody stupid enough to take a piece of an armed robbery with three convictions behind him? Oh, if the IQ people are 100 points. What's your idea, Ed?

[Edward McCormick]

Well, I pretended in there that the girl had recognized Him. Suppose we turn the positive one loose on Puggy Moncton. You think Puggy will give?

[Tom Russo]

It's your case.

[Edward McCormick]

Well, what else have we got? Mr. Moncton? Yes, yes. Right, right. Will you come with me, please? Into the next. That's the one. Look at that face. That's the one. Well, Puggy, what do you say? Drag a guy out of the ball game with bearer up? Last home game before the series. You got a knife? All right, Puggy. You play your cards right and you'll be back playing shortstop on the north wing team at Ossining. Very funny. Very funny. What's the charge? What's the rap? Mr. Monckton, let me introduce you to Puggy Moran. Old time heist man. Been in the safe and loft business longer than you've been in the furlough. A liar. I swear to my dying day, he was the man. Listen, Mr. Moran. I don't want your life. Think of mine, Mr. Moncton. $90,000. The death blow to myself. Please. Family, prison trial, whether. Mr. Moncton, please give me back my furs. Be human. You're killing me. I beg you, Mr. Moncton. That's a great act. Put him on the TV. Man's got a fat heart. It's no act, your coon bucket. I watch. I mean, I. Medicine. All right, Mr. Monkin, we'll take care of you. Russo. Tom, get Dr. Lichtime on the double. He's up in part four testifying.

[Harold Follinsby]

Phil, what have they done to.

[Edward McCormick]

Get out of there? Both of you kill yourself. All right, Drink this.

[Mary Olney]

What is this? What is. How's Mr. Monkton?

[Edward McCormick]

It's just water. Now calm yourself. You. You think a lot of Mr. Moncton, don't you?

[Mary Olney]

30 years they've been together. 20 of them with me. Won't you tell me how he is?

[Edward McCormick]

Angina, miss. Only like a red hot iron through the heart. You've known him a long time. You know how he takes things.

[Mary Olney]

Oh, dear. Lloyd. Don't let anything happen. Don't let it happen.

[Edward McCormick]

Don't. Going to happen sooner or later, Mary. On me. Might as well be now.

[Mary Olney]

What do you say?

[Edward McCormick]

I'm asking. You've known Mr. Moncton 20 years. Who was it helped to break his heart? I'm asking you now. How long have you known Puggy Moran? Get the pictures. In order to help you further your education while you're serving in the Armed forces usafi, the United States Armed Forces Institute is now offering a series of telecourses courses of study on film conducted by qualified high school and college Teachers. In addition to their classroom experience, these teachers are familiar with the special problems of film or television instruction. But the USAFI telecourses have not been produced solely for military television stations. They can be shown anywhere on a standard 16 millimeter projector. So if you are interested in enrolling in one of these excellent filmed courses, find out what courses are being offered. Then enroll with USAFI and let a telecourse be your guide. Go ahead, Puggy. Get yourself in deeper with every lie you tell. What are you going to say when I put a witness on the stand to testify you've been living with Mary as Mr. And Mrs. Frank Mercer at the Westside Hotel for the last three months? No comment. All the witnesses you like, dime a dozen you pay. And the hotel register to prove it. Signed in the same Spencerian handwriting. Come clean, Puggy, you're dead. The girl had nothing to do with it. He talked, Puggy. Never. She looked me in the eye in a lineup. I seen her shake her head. She never seen me. She never made me. You're pulling a fast one, Puggy. I'll tell you the truth. And I'll expect no more, no less from you. You're right. Mary only didn't identify you right then you got nothing. No eyes and she no shut him. Only. Only when her old boss went to the brink of death because of you and the other stick up man. Only then, Puggy, did she come through. Oh no. Oh, yes. Enough to earn you 30 to life as a fourth offender. You don't believe it. Still ask her for yourself. Mary. Mary. You heard the previous conversation outside?

[Mary Olney]

Yes, sir.

[Edward McCormick]

Was what I said the truth?

[Mary Olney]

Yes, sir.

[Edward McCormick]

Will you do now what you said you would of your own accord?

[Mary Olney]

Yes, sir. Puggy, Whatever happens, I'm still me. Puggy. Wherever they send you, whenever you get out, it'll still be me for you.

[Edward McCormick]

So what are you doing to me, McCormick?

[Mary Olney]

Puggy, he only wants you to tell where Mr. Mugs can get his furs back. Buggy, I never knew it would have kill him. The furs and. And the other man. You have to tell him who he was. Don't care about me. I don't care about.

[Edward McCormick]

I've got to warn you again, miss. Only as an accomplice. What you're saying now may be used against you.

[Mary Olney]

I don't care. I don't care. I care about Puggy. He has to help you. You said if he'd cooperate. You said if he'd come clean, you'd talk to the court for him.

[Edward McCormick]

Set straight that's straight, McCormick.

[Mary Olney]

You heard her, Puggy. You have to. Otherwise, it's a life sentence. Puggy. Pug. It'll be all right, Mr. McCormick. Let me tell you everything. Then you'll see he isn't a bad man, Mr. McCormick. He's a wonderful man. 20 years I knew them, slaved for them, worked for them. And never, never any kindness. I was only another office machine, typewriter, adding machine, billing machine and Merrioli. But this, for the first time in my life, this man was kind to me. Can't you understand, Mr. McCormick? He was kind to me. Oh, Puggy. Go ahead. He knows.

[Edward McCormick]

McCormick. A deal. Nothing. Not for me. For a girl. As a cooperative witness, I'll do my best for her.

[Tom Russo]

A rap?

[Edward McCormick]

No promises, but maybe a lesser plea might be granted by the court.

[Mary Olney]

I'll. I'll wait for you, Puggy. I'll wait. It'll be me for you, whenever, whatever. No matter you.

[Edward McCormick]

I believe you.

[Tom Russo]

D A I For the girl.

[Edward McCormick]

I. I gotta go along with you. It's your stenographer.

[Tom Russo]

One thing.

[Edward McCormick]

Yes? You got a newspaper? Radio, Anything? I mean, what did the yogi do? Our side won't. The story you just heard was drawn from New York City and based on stories of the criminal law as detailed by Eliezer Lipski, former Assistant District Attorney. The names of all persons and places were changed. Indictment is written by Alan Sloan, produced by Nathan Crowell and directed by Paul Roberts. Nat Polin has starred as Edward McCormick. Jack Arthur is heard as Tom Russo. Also in the cast were Martin Blaine, Joseph Boland, Grace Matthews, Bernard Grant, Joseph Julian, Roger deoven and Sam Gray. This is Dick Noel inviting you to listen next week at this same time for another indictment. Indictment has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.