Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Inspector West 67-06-01 (105)
Title: Battle for Inspector West - Trail from a Tip-off
Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This thrilling installment of "Battle for Inspector West" continues the suspenseful tale of Chief Inspector Roger West’s pursuit of the notorious criminal mastermind, Carosian. Based on John Creasey's novel and dramatized by Morris Travers, the episode “Trail from a Tip-Off” (Part 5) thrusts West deeper into peril, exploring psychological duels, clever plotting, and the shadowy world of 1960s British crime. As allegiances crisscross and secrets unravel, listeners are treated to rapid-fire exchanges, character studies, and the ominous progression toward Carosian's mysterious £10 million scheme.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Roger West's Captivity & Carosian’s Power Play

• Setting: West awakes drugged, in a stately, secluded manor, drinking coffee with the enigmatic Julietta.
• Carosian reveals: West was drugged not only to display Carosian's control but to transport him undiscovered.
• Atmosphere: The estate is heavily guarded—"no bars on the windows" needed due to the precipitous drop, high walls, armed patrols, and fierce Alsatian dogs.
• West’s Tactics: West reveals he suspected the trap all along, sparring wittily with Carosian and Julietta.

Notable Exchange:

• West: “Next time you decide to dope my dinner, choose something that leaves less of a nasty taste in the mouth.” (02:08)
• Carosian: “You were drugged for two reasons. First, to demonstrate how easily I could have taken your life.” (02:15)

2. Janet West and Bully Willis: The Tip-off

• Sergeant Gill and the Yard: Frustrated at the lack of clues to West’s location, priority is set to find Carosian’s hideout.
• Janet contacted: Bully Willis, a reliable informant, asks Janet to meet at the Dizzy Miller café (07:14–08:17).
• Key Tip: Jacko Dempster, an ex-Carosian man, knows the location of the villain’s hideout and may soon try to return there.
• Warning: Willis emphasizes not to let Dempster out of sight.

Notable Quotes:

• Bully Willis: “When it comes to Mr. West, I’m dead straight. 22 carat. I mean, he trusts me, see.” (08:19)
• Janet: “Yes, I know he does.” (08:26)

3. Jacko Dempster's Flight & The Chase

• Dempster escapes: Despite police surveillance, Dempster gives them the slip and heads to Ireland (10:05–10:56).
• Ireland Connection: Dempster is tracked to Shannon airport; Sergeant Gill prepares to follow.

4. Philosophical Duel: Carosian & West

• Carosian’s View: He expounds on his amoral philosophy—nature has no right and wrong.
• West’s Stance: Dismisses the villain’s justification, labelling him a “crook, that’s all.”
• Julietta’s Origin: Carosian recounts how he “conditioned” Julietta, stripping her of emotion and instilling total loyalty.

Standout Quotes:

• Carosian: “Your weakness, West. Your emotions. You have intelligence, perception, courage. But... you’re a simple man who believes in the simple rules of right and wrong.” (12:16)
• West: “You just can't justify yourself by some kind of cockeyed moral philosophy. You’re just another villain. Bigger than most, cleverer than most... but just another crook, that’s all.” (13:04)

5. Revelations at the Estate: Michael & Christine Grant

• Julietta’s Walk with West: West is shown the estate, witnesses the release of the Grants—drugged for secrecy but unharmed, as “Carosian does not kill unless it is necessary.” (18:17–19:18)
• West surmises: The entire Grant kidnapping affair was possibly a smokescreen for a much grander criminal plan.

6. Dempster’s Fate: Violence at Carosian’s Hideout

• Arrival: Dempster attempts to breach Carosian’s fortress.
• Chaos Ensues: The guard dogs attack; gunshots ring out. Dempster is killed, and Julietta, attached to one of the dogs, is distraught.
• Intensity: Emotional breakdown as Carosian values his plot over Julietta’s grief.

Dramatic Moment:

• Julietta (devastated): “My Darling. My Lucifer’s murder. Stop it.” (20:37)
• Carosian (coldly): “Oh, be quiet. It's Dempster’s death which matters. He came to kill me, West.” (20:59)

7. Police Clues and the Hideout Identified

• In Ireland: Sergeant Gill is briefed by Superintendent Malone—Dempster had headed for a grand house called Kinara, "tucked away near the coast" with armed guards, guard dogs, and its own airstrip and moored motor cruiser (22:26–23:53).
• Corroboration: This confirms the location as Carosian’s stronghold.
• Gill’s Dilemma: Recognizes the need for caution—a direct raid would require overwhelming force.

8. Final Scenes: Plans Revealed and a Desperate Alliance

• Carosian’s Boast: Confirms he is orchestrating a “ten million pound operation” and taunts West that it is unstoppable (24:45–25:31).
• Julietta’s Plea: In a tense cliffhanger, Julietta—now shaken—proposes a desperate alliance with West:
  • Julietta: “I want you to kill him. Kill Carosian for me.” (26:54)

Memorable Quotes & Key Moments (with Timestamps)

• Carosian on Morality:
  • “The tiger doesn’t concern himself with the rights and wrongs of his hunger. He merely satisfies it. The ivy has no sympathy for the tree which it strangles.” (12:41)
• West’s Retort:
  • “You just can't justify yourself by some kind of cockeyed moral philosophy. You’re just another villain.” (13:04)
• Julietta’s Emotional Crack:
  • “You shot Dempster. You imbecile. Dogs... I love me dogs. Julietta.” (20:33)
• Carosian’s Ruthlessness:
  • “It’s Dempster’s death which matters. He came to kill me, West. And I planned to teach him how Carosian deals with people like that.” (21:12)
• Final Twist:
  • Julietta: “I want you to kill him. Kill Carosian for me.” (26:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:50 – West awakens captive, realizes the depth of danger.
• 07:14–08:17 – Janet meets Bully Willis and gets the tip about Dempster.
• 10:53–11:14 – Dempster escapes to Ireland, Gill in pursuit.
• 12:16–14:58 – Carosian and West debate morality; Julietta’s conditioning revealed.
• 18:17–19:43 – Julietta shows West the Grants being released.
• 20:01–21:12 – Dempster is killed by the dogs; Julietta’s breakdown.
• 22:26–23:37 – In Ireland, Kinara house identified as Carosian’s HQ.
• 24:45–25:31 – Carosian reveals his £10 million plan.
• 26:23–26:54 – Julietta proposes killing Carosian to West.

Conclusion

This episode ramps up the tension and intrigue, deftly blending action, philosophical sparring, and emotional stakes. Listeners are left on a knife-edge: West must decide whether to trust the broken Julietta, as the true nature and scale of Carosian’s criminal scheme comes into focus. With masterful performances and classic radio drama flair, "Trail from a Tip-off" is an exemplary entry in golden age detective fiction.