Lawless Twenties xx-xx-xx (11) The 1928 Saxon Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lawless Twenties xx-xx-xx (11) The 1928 Saxon Case

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Lawless Twenties xx-xx-xx (11) The 1928 Saxon Case
• Release Date: March 1, 2025

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Introduction

In the eleventh episode of the "Lawless Twenties" series, The 1928 Saxon Case, listeners are transported to the tumultuous era of the Roaring Twenties, a time marked by Prohibition, organized crime, and societal upheaval. This dramatization delves into the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal within a bootlegging ring, offering a gripping narrative based on real historical events, albeit with fictionalized names and locations for dramatic effect.

Plot Overview

The episode unfolds in the bustling office of a large metropolitan newspaper, where the managing editor assigns Bob, the managing editor themselves, to investigate the infamous Saxon case from 1928. The editor emphasizes the importance of portraying Dixie Dennis, a central figure in the case, not as a romanticized outlaw but as the ruthless antagonist he truly was.

Dixie Dennis, once the loyal bodyguard of Big Mike Teen, harbors ambitions to ascend within the bootlegging hierarchy. Together with Skeets Houston, Big Mike's trusted driver, Dixie devises a plan to eliminate Big Mike and seize control of the operation. Their scheme involves kidnapping Big Mike under the guise of a routine inspection of a new still.

As tensions escalate, Dixie confronts Big Mike, leading to a standoff that underscores the fragility of alliances within the criminal underworld. The plot thickens when Dixie and Skeets turn their attention to Deputy Attorney Saxon, employing intimidation tactics by threatening Saxon's daughter to extract information about witnesses related to Diamond Joe's murder.

The climax culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Dixie’s faction and law enforcement, orchestrated by Big Mike, who aligns with the police to dismantle Dixie’s control. The ensuing shootout results in Dixie's downfall, effectively ending his violent reign over the local bootlegging ring.

Characters

• Dixie Dennis (Bob): The primary antagonist, a former bodyguard turned power-hungry criminal mastermind. Dixie is depicted as cunning, ruthless, and manipulative, determined to climb the ranks by eliminating obstacles.

  "Shut up and get this heat moving you. Murph in the back seat with the tommy gun. All right, let them have it as soon as they come into range." [10:32]

• Skeets Houston: Dixie's accomplice and Big Mike’s driver, Skeets is reluctantly drawn into Dixie’s schemes. He grapples with loyalty and fear as the stakes escalate.

  "I hear you've been talking to the da Who?" [07:00]

• Big Mike Teen: The respected leader of the bootlegging operation, Big Mike values loyalty and camaraderie. He becomes a target for Dixie’s ambition, leading to a violent confrontation.

  "You've been a pretty good guy, but you've been standing my way. I got ideas for you." [03:00]

• Saxon (Deputy Attorney): A dedicated law enforcement officer determined to bring Dixie and his cronies to justice. Saxon’s personal stake intensifies the conflict as Dixie threatens his family to coerce compliance.

  "I've made up my mind to play ball. I, I, I won't talk. I, I just want my girl." [09:12]

• Murph Tilson: An associate within the bootlegging ring, Murph's role becomes pivotal during the final confrontation, ultimately contributing to Dixie's downfall.

Key Scenes

1. Assignment to Rehash the Saxon Case (00:50 - 02:16): The editor briefs Dixie on the need to revisit the Saxon case, cautioning against glorifying Dixie’s criminal persona. This sets the stage for the exploration of Dixie’s true nature.

2. The Kidnapping of Big Mike (02:16 - 04:21): Dixie and Skeets execute their plan to abduct Big Mike, revealing Dixie’s willingness to betray and eliminate those closest to him for personal gain.

   "This is the chance we've been waiting for, Skeets. He don't suspect nothing. Be like taking pennies from a poor box." [02:16]

3. Threatening Deputy Attorney Saxon (05:00 - 07:37): Dixie and Skeets intimidate Saxon by threatening his daughter, showcasing the cruel tactics employed to manipulate and control law enforcement officials.

   "There's a law on this land. And just like you say, I'll tell your kid all about it just before." [07:22]

4. Confrontation and Shootout (10:02 - 12:16): The episode reaches its climax as Big Mike sides with the authorities to thwart Dixie’s plans. The ensuing shootout results in Dixie's demise, restoring order and ending his tyrannical control over the bootlegging operations.

   "Well, that saves us the necessity of a trial. And Mr. Saxon is going to be able to take that well earned rest with his daughter." [11:24]

Themes and Insights

• Ambition and Betrayal: Dixie Dennis embodies unchecked ambition, willing to betray friends and colleagues to ascend the criminal hierarchy. His actions demonstrate the destructive potential of power-hungry individuals within organized crime.

• Loyalty and Redemption: The complex relationships between characters like Big Mike and Dixie highlight themes of loyalty, redemption, and the moral dilemmas faced by those entangled in illicit activities.

• Justice and Corruption: The episode explores the thin line between law enforcement and criminal enterprises, illustrating how intimidation and manipulation can impede justice.

• The Human Cost of Crime: Through Saxon’s plight, the narrative underscores the personal sacrifices and suffering inflicted upon families caught in the crossfire of criminal endeavors.

Notable Quotes

1. Editor on Dixie Dennis:

   "Don't make the same mistake many of these maudlin movie writers make by painting rats like Dixie Dennis as some kind of a cross between a Robin Hood and a Jesse James. When you get the files on the Saxon case, you'll be able to see what a ruthless, cruel killer Dixie really was." [01:24]

2. Dixie Dennis on the Kidnapping:

   "What goes on?" [03:06]

   "You've got a pretty good joint over there near the high school." [05:15]

3. Deputy Attorney Saxon’s Plea:

   "I must see my daughter. Is she all right?" [09:12]

4. Dixie Dennis on Intimidation:

   "Nobody asked you to beat your gums. Beat it." [06:27]

   "Shut up and get this heat moving you. Murph in the back seat with the tommy gun." [10:32]

5. Chief Reflecting on the Era:

   "Yes, Bob. There were three ways of dealing with a witness in the bootlegger's book. Buy him off, intimidate him, or in the last extreme, kill him." [11:56]

   "I can't fail to realize that those good old days are good days to have behind us." [12:16]

Conclusion

The 1928 Saxon Case masterfully captures the essence of the Lawless Twenties, illustrating the intricate web of power, loyalty, and betrayal that defined the era's criminal landscape. Through its compelling characters and dramatic narrative, the episode offers a vivid portrayal of how ambition and ruthlessness can lead to downfall, ultimately reaffirming the triumph of justice over tyranny. As the managing editor muses, reflecting on the tumultuous past serves as a sobering reminder of the progress made and the lessons learned from those "good old days."

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Bob]

The Lawless Twenties. We bring you another in the regular weekly series of radio dramatizations of personalities and institutions that sprang out of the lawless twenties and combined to give that era its notoriety. The events depicted in this series are based upon actual files, but for obvious reasons, fictitious names and places have been substituted. We take you now to the managing editor's office in a large metropolitan newspaper.

[Chief]

You want to see me, Chief?

[Editor]

Yes. Yes, Bob. I think I've got a little job here that you can handle for me.

[Chief]

Uh huh.

[Editor]

How'd you like to tackle a little sob stuff?

[Chief]

Sob stuff? Aw, gee, that's hardly in my line, Chief.

[Editor]

Probably means a byline for you over the story.

[Chief]

Say, that's different. I'd even welcome a chance to write obituaries if it meant getting my name at the head of the story. All right, what's the assignment?

[Editor]

Well, I want you to do a rehash on the Saxon case. It happened back about 1928, as I remember. You can get the exact date out of the morgue files.

[Bob]

Right.

[Editor]

There's one thing that I might caution you against, though. Before you begin, Bob.

[Chief]

And what's that, Chief?

[Editor]

Don't make the same mistake many of these maudlin movie writers make by painting rats like Dixie Dennis as some kind of a cross between a Robin Hood and a Jesse James. When you get the files on the Saxon case, you'll be able to see what a ruthless, cruel killer Dixie really was.

[Chief]

And what happened in the case, Chief?

[Editor]

Well, it might help you if I gave you a little of the background on the case. About the time it happened. Dixie was Big Mike Teen's bodyguard. Now, Big Mike treated him more like a kid brother than like a bodyguard. But that wasn't enough for Dixie. He wanted to be the main squeeze. So he and Skeets Houston, Big Mike's driver, planned to liquidate Big Mike and take over.

[Skeets]

It's like I told you, Dixie the big shot just called the garage and told me to pick you up. He wants to go over and look at that new still.

[Bob]

This is the chance we've been waiting for, Skeets. He don't suspect nothing. Be like taking pennies from a poor box.

[Skeets]

Yeah, yeah, maybe. But how about Murph and the other boys, what are they gonna say?

[Bob]

You leave them to me. Once Big Mike's out of the way, I ain't worried. I can take care of Murph. Oh, okay, okay. Hey, there's Big Mike waiting over there. Pull.

[Big Mike]

All right. Hello, Skeets. Let's get going.

[Skeets]

Right, chief.

[Big Mike]

I told you you took the wrong fork back there. Skeets, we're off on a dirt road.

[Bob]

Where do you set tight, Big Shut, huh? On the road's as good as another for all the riding you got left. What?

[Big Mike]

Hey, if this is a gag, I ain't laughing. What goes on?

[Bob]

Well, it's like this, Mike. You've been a pretty good guy, but you've been standing my way. I got ideas for you.

[Big Mike]

Crazy little punk. I picked you up out of the gutter and I'll throw you back there face down.

[Bob]

Damn. Pretty strong words, chum. I wouldn't do so much moving if I was you. This cannon I got in my hand ain't exactly an ornament.

[Skeets]

How about up there, Dixie? I can pull in off the road between them two trees.

[Chief]

Right.

[Big Mike]

You won't get away with this, you little rat. I got too many friends in this town.

[Bob]

Okay, big shot, Out.

[Big Mike]

Now, wait a minute. You ain't going through with this, Dixie, after all I'd done for you. We've been friends and I give you everything you wanted.

[Bob]

Sure, sure. You ain't a bad guy, Mike. There ain't nothing personal in this. Come on out the door.

[Big Mike]

But look, you can't do this to me, Dixie. I've been good to you. You can't do this.

[Bob]

I.

[Skeets]

Come on, let's put some territory between us and this place. Mike Tillerson's here, Dixie. One I should send him in, huh?

[Bob]

Yeah. Come on in with him. I want you to hear what I got to say. Okay.

[Editor]

Wow. You sure look at home in Big Mike's chair, Dixie. I'd almost guess you've been measuring yourself for a long time. Meaning nothing. Only you was Big Mike's bodyguard, wasn't you? Funny thing how he got himself all shot up.

[Skeets]

I think Mike's been getting a little bit chesty lately, Dixie. Maybe he was measuring herself for Big Mike's chair, too, huh?

[Bob]

Got it. Skates. You know what I wanted to see you about, Murph? How come the alky sales on the north side been falling off?

[Editor]

The stuff we've been trying to sell them is rotten. Them cookers don't even try to get the poison out of it. It's already sent A couple of guys to the hospital.

[Bob]

I don't ask you to drink it, do I? All you gotta do is sell it. What do you care what happens to the suckers that buy it? Where you falling off worst?

[Editor]

All over the north side, Damon. Joe Regal's got a pretty big joint over there near the high school.

[Skeets]

He's.

[Editor]

He won't even let our drivers put the stuff in.

[Bob]

Let's go visit this guy Diamond Joe, huh? Maybe he ain't heard that there's a new guy running this show. He can't get away with the kind of stuff that he pulled with Big Mike.

[Editor]

Hi, Joe. Got a couple of guys I want you to meet.

[Chief]

Ain't you guys giving up trying to pedal me that poison you're bottling? Now, look, I told you yesterday that two kids got good and sick in here drinking it, and the school principal's at.

[Bob]

I'm Dixie Dennis chum. That's my alky you're talking about. I didn't come here to get conversational. I came down to tell you that you're taking 10 cases a week.

[Chief]

Is this guy kidding?

[Bob]

Wife, there's a guy back there at.

[Chief]

The table, he's waiting for his kid. Drives her home from school. Why?

[Bob]

Get him out of here.

[Chief]

Why, you little squid o. Hey, now, wait a minute, fella. Put that right away. All right, I'll get him out. I'm sorry, Mr. Saxon, but I'm closing up. You'll have to wait outside.

[Skeets]

Oh, are you closing up, Joe? At this time of day? Why, I.

[Bob]

Nobody asked you to beat your gums. Beat it.

[Skeets]

Oh.

[Editor]

Oh.

[Skeets]

All right.

[Bob]

All right, Joe, let's talk business. You going to be reasonable?

[Editor]

Look how big she's got a bunk.

[Chief]

Brainy, you little punk.

[Bob]

Come on, speed it out of here. Hey, hey, who's that guy that they called Saxon that was in here?

[Editor]

I don't know.

[Bob]

Well, he can put the finger on both of us. Find out who he is and where we can lay our hands on him.

[Skeets]

Hello?

[Bob]

Hello, Saxon.

[Skeets]

Yes.

[Bob]

I hear you've been talking to the da Who?

[Skeets]

Who is this?

[Bob]

I hear you picked out the picture of a couple of mugs and swear they was in Diamond Joe's place the day he was killed.

[Skeets]

If you are trying to intimidate me, you haven't a chance.

[Bob]

I. You ain't been down to pick up your kid at the high school today, have you? Well, never mind doing it. We done it for you.

[Skeets]

Well, what do you mean?

[Bob]

Nice looking filly she is, Saxon. Be a shame if she was to get hurt now, wouldn't it?

[Skeets]

You can't frighten me. There's a law on this land, or I'll go.

[Bob]

There's a law on this land. And just like you say, I'll tell your kid all about it just before.

[Skeets]

Just before. Just before what?

[Bob]

Just before what happens to her? Right after you shoot your montau. Then later, a lot later, we let her go swimming in a Kelly suit.

[Skeets]

A Kelly suit?

[Bob]

Yeah. When she goes swimming, we wouldn't want she should catch cold. So we're fixing to put her feet in some nice warm cement.

[Skeets]

You. You wouldn't dare. You. Hello? Hello, operator? Operator? Oh, trace that call. What? Oh, it came from a pay booth. Thank you, Operett. But, but my daughter, her life is in danger. I can't. I can't.

[Big Mike]

You've got to. Mr. Saxon, this is bigger than you and me. Men like you aren't willing to help us rid this state of murdering.

[Skeets]

But don't you see, Mr. District Attorney? It's not for myself that I'm afraid. It's my daughter. They've got my daughter.

[Big Mike]

I know exactly how you feel. There's a lot I'm asking. But you must go through with your identification of Dennis and Murph Tilson as the men in Diamond Joe's place.

[Skeets]

But my daughter. What will happen to her? It's three days now since they took her. Every night they phoned me. Every night they threatened the most horrible things.

[Big Mike]

We're doing everything in our power to find her, Mr. Saxon. We have every reason to hope that she's all right.

[Skeets]

Every reason to hope. That's not enough, Mr. District Attorney. I must know. I'm going crazy. Those phone calls.

[Big Mike]

Look, Mr. Saxon, why don't you go home and get some rest? I think we'll have some good news for you tomorrow.

[Skeets]

I'll go home. But I, I, I don't expect that I'll, I'll get any rest. Hello, Mrs. Saxon.

[Bob]

Hello, sucker. Time's getting short. Don't you want to see your kid no more?

[Skeets]

I do. I do. Look, I'll do anything. Anything. I, I must see my daughter. Is she all right?

[Bob]

So far.

[Skeets]

I've made up my mind to play ball. I, I, I won't talk. I, I just want my girl.

[Bob]

Blake, I know you're being smart. If you want your kid, meet me on the Clayville Road. But come alone.

[Skeets]

How. How do I know that you aren't going to hunt?

[Bob]

You don't. That's what makes it interesting. If you tell anybody, if you bring somebody, you'll never see that kid of yours again.

[Skeets]

I'll come alone. I won't answer it. It's the police. If they interfere, I'll never see her again. Like answer it. My daughter's life. I must go. I. Oh, all right, all right. I'll. I'll answer it. Hello?

[Big Mike]

Hello, Saxon, is that you?

[Skeets]

Yes, yes, this is the da. I can't speak to you. I. I must go out. I.

[Big Mike]

Thank heavens we caught you in time. We have your daughter. She's safe and sound.

[Skeets]

But the telephone call. I just had a call to go out to the Clayville Road. They said they had her, that. That I'd never see her again.

[Big Mike]

That's all I wanted to know. And Dennis got away. That was his last stab at shutting you up. I'll keep your date on Clayville Road.

[Skeets]

Do you think it's a good idea to hang around here like this, Dixie? Suppose that guy squeals to the copper.

[Bob]

Shut up. I told you.

[Skeets]

Let me do the thinking, okay?

[Bob]

He's too scared to go to the police. He thinks we got his kid.

[Editor]

Hey, Dixie, I see headlights coming down the road. This must be him now.

[Bob]

Ah, good. Now, when he gets here, Skeets, you flash your lights. I'll tell him to get out of his car and come over for his kid. Then Murph lets him have it. You got that?

[Editor]

Okay, I got it. Got it. Hey, Dixie, look.

[Bob]

Huh?

[Editor]

Them headlights got red in them.

[Skeets]

It's the cops. I tell you so.

[Editor]

I know it.

[Bob]

Shut up and get this heat moving you. Murph in the back seat with the tommy gun. All right, let them have it as soon as they come into range. Well, what are you waiting for, Murph?

[Editor]

Shoot back. What's the use? They're not in range.

[Bob]

They're using high powered rifles.

[Skeets]

Hey, they got a tire. Hang on, I got a crash.

[Big Mike]

Well, that saves us the necessity of a trial. And Mr. Saxon is going to be able to take that well earned rest with his daughter.

[Editor]

And that, Bob, ended Dixie Dennis control of our local bootleg ring. His vicious and bloodthirsty career came to a very appropriate end. Although many of us would have preferred to have him hanging from a tree than wrapped around one.

[Chief]

Well, it was through no fault of his that he didn't murder off Saxon. I suppose that was the customary method of silencing witnesses in those so called good old days, huh?

[Editor]

Yes, Bob. There were three ways of dealing with a witness in the bootlegger's book. Buy him off, intimidate him, or in the last extreme, kill him.

[Chief]

Nice characters those boys were. Okay, Chief. I'll do my best with it. You know, it might be a good idea to recall to the public's mind just how bad those good old days were.

[Editor]

Right, Bob? I can't fail to realize that those good old days are good days to have behind us.