Lawless Twenties xx-xx-xx (12) The Flood of Bootleg Gold - 'Dutch' Eddie Harris

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lawless Twenties xx-xx-xx (12) The Flood of Bootleg Gold - 'Dutch' Eddie Harris
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

"The Lawless Twenties" delves into the tumultuous era of the 1920s, a time marked by rampant bootlegging, organized crime, and widespread corruption within law enforcement. This episode, titled "The Flood of Bootleg Gold - 'Dutch' Eddie Harris," dramatizes the intricate cat-and-mouse game between the harbor police and one of the most notorious rum runners of the time, Dutch Eddie Harris. Through vivid storytelling and authentic period dialogue, listeners are transported back to a city where loyalty is scarce, and the allure of "gold" threatens to undermine justice.

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Main Plot

The narrative unfolds at the waterfront headquarters of the harbor police in a bustling metropolitan city. Captain McEwen (voiced by Bob) introduces the listeners to the challenges faced by the harbor police in combating the sophisticated operations of Dutch Eddie Harris and his mob. Harris, armed with a fleet of speedboats and a network of informants, has managed to stay one step ahead of the law enforcement for months.

As tensions rise, Captain McEwen reveals the pivotal moment when Lieutenant Murray (Sparks) becomes suspicious of the persistent evasion tactics employed by Harris. The police, determined to bring Harris to justice, decide to intensify their efforts. Captain McEwen orders Lieutenant Murray to intercept Harris's latest operation, leading to a high-stakes confrontation on the water.

Despite the police's best efforts, Murray's conflicted loyalty surfaces when Timmy Nolan, driven by vengeance for his brother's death, confronts Sparks. It becomes evident that Murray has been colluding with Harris, tipping off the rum runners and endangering police operations. This betrayal culminates in Captain McEwen uncovering Murray's deceit, resulting in Murray's arrest and the subsequent collapse of his criminal affiliations.

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Key Characters

• Captain McEwen
  The steadfast leader of the harbor police, determined to rid the city of Dutch Eddie Harris's bootlegging empire.
  Notable Quote:

  "They had so much money at their disposal, Bob, that they bought many a man's soul in those days." ([11:19])

• Lieutenant Murray (Sparks)
  A high-ranking officer within the harbor police who succumbs to corruption, betraying his duties for financial gain.
  Notable Quote:

  "I was in command of one of the speediest little gunboats afloat. And even then, more often than not, it wasn't fast enough." ([00:52])

• Dutch Eddie Harris
  The charismatic and ruthless rum runner who dominates the bootlegging scene with his fleet of fast boats and extensive network.
  Notable Quote:

  "Eddie was one of the biggest rum runners in this area. He was operating on a big scale with a fleet of speedy boats." ([01:35])

• Timmy Nolan
  A determined individual seeking justice for his brother's death, representing the personal vendettas that fueled the era's conflicts.
  Notable Quote:

  "You know all. Killing my kid brother, not doing nothing on top of that, as much as put the finger on my best pal, Eddie Harris." ([09:17])

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Corruption in Law Enforcement:
   The episode poignantly illustrates how the immense wealth generated from bootlegging can corrupt even those sworn to uphold the law. Lieutenant Murray's betrayal underscores the vulnerability of institutions to financial temptations.

2. Moral Ambiguity:
   Characters like Lieutenant Murray embody the struggle between duty and personal gain. His internal conflict highlights the moral complexities faced by individuals in positions of authority during the Prohibition era.

3. The Impact of Organized Crime:
   Dutch Eddie Harris's operations demonstrate the sophisticated nature of organized crime in the 1920s. His ability to outmaneuver law enforcement emphasizes the challenges faced by authorities in combating entrenched criminal networks.

4. Personal Vendettas and Justice:
   Timmy Nolan's quest for revenge for his brother's death adds a personal dimension to the broader narrative of crime and punishment, showcasing how individual motivations can intersect with larger societal issues.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Captain McEwen on Corruption:
  [11:19]

  "They had so much money at their disposal, Bob, that they bought many a man's soul in those days."

• Lieutenant Murray on Police Challenges:
  [00:52]

  "I was in command of one of the speediest little gunboats afloat. And even then, more often than not, it wasn't fast enough."

• Dutch Eddie Harris on His Operations:
  [01:35]

  "Eddie was one of the biggest rum runners in this area. He was operating on a big scale with a fleet of speedy boats."

• Timmy Nolan Confronting Sparks:
  [09:17]

  "You know all. Killing my kid brother, not doing nothing on top of that, as much as put the finger on my best pal, Eddie Harris."

• Captain McEwen Reflecting on Integrity:
  [11:38]

  "Well, there were, Bob. The vast majority of the men wearing the uniform of the harbor police were as honest as the day is long."

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Conclusion

The Flood of Bootleg Gold - 'Dutch' Eddie Harris serves as a compelling exploration of the Prohibition era's shadowy underbelly. Through the downfall of Lieutenant Murray, the episode underscores the destructive power of corruption and the perpetual struggle between law enforcement and organized crime. Captain McEwen's determination and integrity highlight the enduring hope that honest individuals can prevail even amidst widespread deceit and moral decay. This dramatization not only entertains but also offers insightful reflections on the complexities of justice and loyalty during one of America's most notorious decades.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Lawless Twenties.

[Bob]

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.

[Timmy Nolan]

Reasons, fictitious names and places have been substituted.

[Bob]

We take you now to the waterfront headquarters of the harbor police of a large metropolitan city.

[Captain McEwen]

Well, Bob, what can I tell you about the harbor police that'll make interesting reading.

[Bob]

Well, there certainly must be half a dozen good yarns a day on an exciting beat like this.

[Captain McEwen]

That used to be the case, Bob. You know those waters out yonder are where Dutch Eddie Harris and his mob operated.

[Bob]

Say, were you in the harbor police during those days, Captain?

[Captain McEwen]

I sure was. I was in command of one of the speediest little gunboats afloat. And even then, more often than not, it wasn't fast enough.

[Bob]

Gee, the bootlegger sure must have had fast boats.

[Captain McEwen]

Fast boats and good information, Bob. Only we didn't know that then. We just marked it down as bad luck every time one of Dutch Eddy's boats spotted us and made a run for it.

[Bob]

Say, it sounds to me that you selected the story we were talking about, Captain.

[Lieutenant Murray]

How about it?

[Captain McEwen]

It's a fact, Bob. We didn't tumble to the fact that Dutch Eddie and his boys were being kept informed of our whereabouts until one night. Oh, now, wait a minute, Wait a minute. I'm getting a little ahead of my story. You know who Dutch Eddie was, don't you?

[Bob]

Yes, but only in a general way, I'm afraid.

[Captain McEwen]

Eddie was one of the biggest rum runners in this area. He was operating on a big scale with a fleet of speedy boats. We'd been under orders to get him for months. The breaks never seemed to come our way until one night.

[Narrator]

Well, Murray, tonight may be the night.

[Captain McEwen]

You took every precaution to keep our movements secret.

[Sparks]

Yes, sir. Even the wireless has been keyed off so that the rum runners can't cut in on our messages.

[Captain McEwen]

Sparks, locate any messages going through anything that sounds like Dutch Eddie's land station?

[Sparks]

Well, no, the. The only thing he has been picking up is something that sounds like too much moon. Too much moon.

[Captain McEwen]

Good, good.

[Sparks]

Excuse me, sir, but does that mean something to you? I've been puzzling over it ever since Sparks reported it coming over.

[Captain McEwen]

Well, it means that our movements haven't to Eddie's land operator. Not yet anyhow. He slipped up this time.

[Sparks]

You mean the one we've suspected of contacting the rum runners and giving if.

[Captain McEwen]

Word had gone through that, we were on the prowl out here tonight, the message would have been too much copper. Too much copper.

[Sparks]

So that's how they.

[Captain McEwen]

Yes, what is it?

[Timmy Nolan]

Radio shack reporting, sir. Message from land station has been changed now. Reads too much copper. Too much copper.

[Captain McEwen]

I guess I spoke a little too soon. Thanks, Parks.

[Narrator]

Murray, order full speed ahead. Better take your post at the ford gun.

[Captain McEwen]

As soon as we sight Harris's boat, put one across her bow.

[Narrator]

She fails to heave to sink her a.

[Timmy Nolan]

Sir.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Gun crews to stations. Prepare for gun for action.

[Narrator]

Motor launch off starboard side. Running without lights. Put a shot across the bow. Lieutenant Murray.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Hi, Isaac. One across the bow. Fire.

[Narrator]

They're making a run for it. Fire at will.

[Captain McEwen]

My eyes.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Fire at will.

[Narrator]

Good work, men. A direct hit. They're sinking.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Forward gun, cease firing.

[Narrator]

Make ready to pick up survivors.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Aye, aye, sir. Cut your motors. Make ready to pick up survivors.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

Who's that?

[Sparks]

It's me, Murray.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

Well, well, Lieutenant. So nice you could call.

[Sparks]

Never mind the sarcasm, Eddie. I got your message that you wanted to see me. You ought to know it's dangerous for me to come up here.

[Narrator]

I can't.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

Yeah, huh? Well, take my word for it, copper. It would have been twice as dangerous for you not to come.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

What happened last night?

[Sparks]

Well, that was just one of those things, Eddie.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

I didn't know until I'm paying you to know. That little trip of yours cost me one of my best boats last night. Not to mention a couple of hundred cases of first class stuff.

[Sparks]

Well, we were sailing under sealed orders. I didn't find out that they had the tip about your boat until it was almost sailing time. Besides, I left a message.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

I ain't paying you good dough to leave me messages. When you got something as important as that, you tell me yourself. You get it?

[Sparks]

Okay, Eddie, you say so.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

I just said so, didn't I? Timmy Nolan's kid brother didn't come up last night after the vote went down. Timmy's almost crazy. All he wants is I should tell him who is responsible for getting us our wires crossed.

[Sparks]

Wait a minute, Eddie. I wasn't responsible. Keep that crazy killer away from me. Why, that guy.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

He'd cut your throat, feature to the fishes. Sure, that's what I think, too. That's why we better not get our wires crossed again. Say sure.

[Sparks]

Sure, Eddie, I. I get it. It won't happen again. Lieutenant Murray speaking.

[Captain]

This is Captain McEwen. Murray, I want you to round up.

[Captain McEwen]

The crew and have them at the.

[Captain]

Dock within an hour.

[Sparks]

But, Captain, they Just came off duty. They're not due back on until tomorrow night.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

You know all that.

[Captain]

Round them up.

[Captain McEwen]

This is a special job, and I.

[Captain]

Want to handle it myself. We just got word that Dutch Eddy's fleet is getting set to load up. And Eddie is riding one of the boats himself.

[Sparks]

Dutch Eddie on one of the boats? Why, that's.

[Captain]

I know, I know. It's one of the best breaks we've had yet. I've got the men together. Don't forget. Not a word of this to anyone.

[Sparks]

Right, Captain. See you at the pier.

[Narrator]

Get there as soon as you can.

[Sparks]

I better warn Dutch Eddie. He's walking right into a trap. Or should I? If he got killed tonight, nobody would ever know that I'd been selling him information. And Timmy Nolan would never know. Who would? Who was the cause of his brother getting killed in that last raid.

[Narrator]

Well, Marie, tonight may be the night.

[Captain McEwen]

Dutch Eddie's out here on the pond someplace and he doesn't know that we're after him.

[Sparks]

How about that land station of his captain? Have they been in contact with him yet?

[Narrator]

Sparks has picked up a couple of.

[Captain McEwen]

Messages, but nothing to show that they're wise to our being out here. They're evidently getting ready to land somewhere on the north shore. Because their land station keeps jabbering north.

[Narrator]

No moon running without lights off. Starboard quarter.

[Lieutenant Murray]

300 yards, sir.

[Narrator]

Right. Order men of their stations. Murray, we're to take Dutch Eddy's boat without sinking, if possible.

[Sparks]

Aye. Isaac.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Board gun crew.

[Sparks]

Prepare to fire a warning shot.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Fire.

[Sparks]

They're making a run for it, sir. Should we sink them?

[Narrator]

No, run them down. You and the gray boat. Heed to and submit the search. This is harbor police.

[Sparks]

Come and get us.

[Narrator]

Put another shot across the bow, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Aye, aye, sir. Hard gun fire. Hit ahoy.

[Narrator]

Stand by for boarding party.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Okay, combat, you got us.

[Narrator]

Make ready a boarding party, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Forward guns. Fire.

[Narrator]

Lieutenant Murray, I ordered. Cease firing. Make ready to pick up survivors.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Make ready to pick up survivors. Life preserve is on the starboard side.

[Narrator]

Lieutenant Murray to the bridge.

[Lieutenant Murray]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Sparks]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

You heard my orders. I think I distinctly said that we were to take the boat without sinking her.

[Sparks]

Well, I thought they were getting ready to rake us with the aft machine gun, sir. I got excited.

[Narrator]

You got excited and gave orders for a shell to be fired amidships to kill half the crew of that boat.

[Sparks]

Yes, sir, but I.

[Narrator]

But nothing. That shell may have destroyed the very purpose of this trip. To get Dutch Eddie Harris alive.

[Sparks]

You mean he.

[Narrator]

I mean that if Harris is dead, our chance of Finding out who's been tipping him off has gone with him.

[Sparks]

Then we may never know who it was.

[Lieutenant Murray]

All hands on board are dead, sir.

[Captain McEwen]

Now we never will find out who it was.

[Timmy Nolan]

Well, I thought you'd never get here, copper.

[Captain McEwen]

Who?

[Sparks]

You. How did you get in here?

[Timmy Nolan]

Get your hand away from that pocket, sucker. I don't need much shoving around to squeeze this trigger and splash you all over the wall.

[Sparks]

What do you want?

[Timmy Nolan]

You don't know me, do you, chum?

[Sparks]

No. Never saw you before in my life.

[Timmy Nolan]

My name's Timmy Nolan.

[Sparks]

Huh?

[Timmy Nolan]

That means something to you? Ah, so you recognize the name, huh?

[Sparks]

Well, I heard of you. What do you want with me? I never did anything to you.

[Timmy Nolan]

You know all. Killing my kid brother, not doing nothing on top of that, as much as put the finger on my best pal, Eddie Harris.

[Sparks]

Now, wait a minute, Nolan.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

You.

[Sparks]

You got me wrong. I never put the finger on Eddie. I didn't even know myself.

[Narrator]

You're a liar, Murray, and you know it.

[Sparks]

I'm not lying, Nolan. I've been on the level with you guys. I tipped Eddie off every time I knew we were on his trail. It was an accident about your.

[Timmy Nolan]

What do you mean, accident? He's dead, ain't he?

[Sparks]

Well, I gave Eddie the tip on that, Nolan. Honest I did. He just got the message too late. By the time he put it over the wireless of the boat, it was too late. And they tried to outrun us and missed.

[Timmy Nolan]

But he never would have took any stuff on board if he'd got the tip. You blasted him because you was afraid he'd blow the whistle.

[Sparks]

Oh, no, you got me wrong, Nolan. I didn't know we were after Eddie. I would have warned him. We were buddies. I was in his corner. You know that.

[Narrator]

All right, Nolan.

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

That'll do it.

[Sparks]

Captain, thank goodness you got here where this hood was.

[Narrator]

You're under arrest, Murray.

[Captain McEwen]

Took us a long time to catch up with you. And it took a lot to convince me.

[Sparks]

Wait a minute, Captain. I was just stalling this little lyin rat.

[Timmy Nolan]

You haven't even got enough of what it takes to take your medicine without trying.

[Narrator]

You've been under suspicion for some time. Murray tonight clinched it.

[Captain McEwen]

You almost fooled us when you failed to tip Harris off that we were after him.

[Narrator]

Then we got word that Nolan was.

[Captain McEwen]

Out gunning for the man responsible for his brother's death. We decided to test you.

[Narrator]

Then.

[Sparks]

Then Eddie Harris didn't?

[Dutch Eddie Harris]

Nah.

[Timmy Nolan]

He never told me who was feeding him the tips. I was playing along with the tin badgers over there.

[Sparks]

Stool pigeon.

[Timmy Nolan]

Yeah, and I loved it. It'll be a pleasure doing time. Just thinking of you up there getting fried.

[Sparks]

Fried? Now, wait a minute, Captain. You. You can't.

[Narrator]

I can't, eh?

[Captain McEwen]

But I'm gonna sure make a try at it.

[Narrator]

Take him away and book him for murder. Even a rum runner can be murdered.

[Captain McEwen]

Boy.

[Bob]

And was Lt. Murray executed for Harris's murder?

[Captain McEwen]

No, he wasn't. He did draw a long stretch in the penitentiary, though.

[Bob]

Yeah, but what could have persuaded a man like that to sell out to gangsters and racketeers?

[Captain McEwen]

They had so much money at their disposal, Bob, that they bought many a man's soul in those days. It later turned out that Eddie Harris was paying Murray as much for a tip as he ordinarily made in a year. Now, under those circumstances, it's easy to see why a weak man would go wrong, isn't it, Bob?

[Bob]

So wonder there was an honest man left.

[Captain McEwen]

Well, there were, Bob. The vast majority of the men wearing the uniform of the harbor police were as honest as the day is long. Murray, unfortunately, was one of the minority that sold out for the flood of gangster gold that flowed in the wake of the bootleg traffic.

[Bob]

Say, you've even given me a swell title for my article, the Flood of Bootleg Gold. Thanks a lot, Captain.

[Captain McEwen]

Drop by again, Bob. Maybe I can spin you some more tales about those days. Drop by anytime.