Official Detective 56-12-13 505 Car Theft Ring

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Official Detective 56-12-13 "505 Car Theft Ring"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: August 20, 2025
Original Broadcast: December 13, 1956

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Episode Overview

This episode of Official Detective delves into the tangled web of an international car theft ring, focusing on the investigation of high-end cars stolen to order and shipped to Latin America for enormous profits. The story follows Lieutenant John Hogarth, Sergeant Allen, and an FBI agent, Mr. Davis, as they work together to uncover the upper echelon of the operation. Center stage are the underworld figures—Benny Pinker, Sheik Babson, “Bang Bang” Trout, and hapless thief Dizzy Wilcox—whose shifting alliances, pride, and violence drive the plot to a dramatic conclusion.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. FBI Joins Forces with Local Police (01:00–02:41)

• Collaboration: Mr. Davis from the FBI calls on the local police for leads on an international theft gang specializing in deluxe convertibles.
• The Lead: Suspicion centers on Benny Pinker, a well-known local racketeer.
• Plan: Hogarth and Allen agree to observe Pinker's usual hangout, Charlie's Sirloin Club.

2. The Car Theft in Action (02:55–03:52)

• The Assignment: Benny Pinker orders Dizzy Wilcox to steal a “red Caddy convertible” for a client in Havana.
• Dizzy's Doubts: Dizzy negotiates fee—reluctantly accepts $250 for the job.
• Key Quote (03:31):
  "You know my slogan. Benny Pinker always pays prompt." – Benny Pinker

3. Sirloin Club Stakeout & Mobster Dynamics (03:52–04:51)

• Waiting Game: Hogarth and Allen stake out Benny at the club, but encounter Sheik Babson and his bodyguard, Bang Bang Trout, instead.
• Mobster Details: Sheik’s flamboyance and criminal background become evident.
• Comic Relief: Jokes about Sirloin Club’s high prices and Sheik’s legal expenses.
  • (04:38):
    "That's the only joint in town where you can get a steak and cup of coffee for a mere fortune." – Sgt. Allen

4. The Car is Stolen—And the Fallout (05:00–07:41)

• Commotion: News breaks in the club—Sheik Babson’s prized red convertible is stolen.
• Suspects and Tensions: Accusations, brawl, and police intervention ensue.
  • (06:19):
    "My brand new convertible. Firehouse red, just like I ordered. Got everything on it. All them extras." – Sheik Babson

5. The Thieves’ Blunder & Underworld Consequences (08:00–11:11)

• Dizzy’s Fateful Mistake: Dizzy brings the stolen car to Benny Pinker, only for Benny to realize Dizzy stole Sheik’s untouchable car.
• Bang Bang Recovers the Car: Returns it to Sheik, who is enraged over a dented fender.
• Gunplay and Threats: Tension peaks as Bang Bang threatens Sheik for past slights.
  • (10:17):
    "You feel this in your stomach? A rod 45. It makes big holes. Now step back." – Bang Bang Trout

6. Murder in the Night (12:05–14:56)

• Grim News: Dizzy Wilcox is found murdered—shot in the back, likely over the stolen car mishap.
  • (12:14):
    "A new guest in the morgue. Man named Dizzy Wilcox. They found him in an alley this morning with two bullets in his back." – Lt. Hogarth
• Police Visit Sheik: Sheik denies involvement, but his known temper and threats place suspicion on him.

7. Repercussions & Mobster Payback (15:08–16:27)

• Mob Justice: Sheik and Bang Bang abduct and beat Benny Pinker, exacting “payment” for the stolen car fiasco.

8. Bombshell—Literally (18:58–19:15)

• Shocking Turn: Sheik Babson is killed when his red convertible explodes, rigged with a booby trap.
  • (19:05):
    "Sheik Babson. Half an hour ago he got blown up in his car." – Sgt. Allen

9. The True Culprit Revealed (20:19–21:27)

• Confrontation: Police question Benny and Bang Bang. The latter, enraged and slighted by Sheik’s abuse, admits to killing his boss with the car bomb.
  • (21:03):
    "Yeah, I'm tough, all right. Nobody pushes me around. Not even Sheik Babson." – Bang Bang Trout
  • (21:09):
    "Yeah. He needled me once too often. I wasn't gonna take it." – Bang Bang Trout
• Resolution: Bang Bang confesses Sheik shot Dizzy Wilcox and he, in turn, murdered Sheik.
  • (21:30):
    "Sheik did. He was sore cause Dizzy dented his fender." – Bang Bang Trout

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Comic Banter & Product Placement:
  • (00:02 & 11:21):
    "The new banana split cookie from AM PM...with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors."
    (Lighthearted commercial banter bookends the gritty story with comic flavor.)
• On Mob Loyalty:
  • (07:24):
    "He won't get rough. He works for me. I'm his cash register." – Sheik Babson
• Mobster Wisdom:
  • (13:49):
    "Yeah, ain't it a doll? Sent me back six GS." – Sheik Babson, on his prized car.

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | 01:00-02:41 | FBI enlist local police | Discuss car theft ring, Benny Pinker as suspect | | 02:55-03:52 | Dizzy gets a job | Tasked to steal a red convertible | | 03:52-04:51 | Sirloin Club stakeout | Hogarth & Allen monitor mobster activity | | 05:00-07:41 | Sheik’s car is stolen | Brawl and police step in | | 08:00-11:11 | Dizzy’s blunder revealed | Danger for all, threats escalate | | 12:05-14:56 | Dizzy found murdered | Sheik denies involvement | | 15:08-16:27 | Benny Pinker beaten by Sheik & Bang Bang | Underworld retaliation | | 18:58-19:15 | Sheik killed via car bomb | Police scramble to investigate | | 20:19-21:27 | Bang Bang confesses | He murdered Sheik for disrespect |

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Tone & Style

The episode blends tough guy patter and 1950s hardboiled police procedural style with comic asides and memorable period slang, giving a vivid sense of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

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Conclusion

This tightly plotted episode exposes the ruthless hierarchy of mid-century organized crime and the unpredictable violence that underlies underworld loyalty and betrayal. Dizzy’s tragic mistake, the cascading acts of vengeance, and the police’s steady, sardonic pursuit bring the case to a bitter close—true to the noir flavor of the Official Detective series.

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Transcript

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Mmm.

[Sheik Babson]

Oh. Whatcha eating?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Sheik Babson]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Sheik Babson]

Not even a little? Not even a crumb. What if.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

No, please.

[Sheik Babson]

Mine.

[AM PM Announcer]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravenience. Get a three pack for 99 cents with our app AMPM. Too much good stuff. Plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary. Terms and conditions apply.

[Narrator]

Official Detective dedicated to the men who guard your safety and protect your home. Your police department. Now Official Detective.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Lieutenant John Hogarth, Headquarters. There's plenty of cooperation among the many different law enforcement agencies of the country. One morning last week, for example, Sergeant Allen and I had a chance to help the big boys in Washington when Mr. Davis of the FBI dropped in for a business talk.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Right after my plane landed this morning, Lieutenant, I called on the chief of your department. Even though there's no homicide involved, he said you and Sergeant Ella might give me a few leads, maybe some shortcuts.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

I hope we can, Mr. Davis. What's the problem?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

The Bureau's trying to smoke out an international car theft gang. The mob deals only in deluxe convertibles. Cars are stolen and shipped to Latin America where they bring as much as $7,500.

[Sergeant Allen]

That's a pile of loot.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

It sure is, Sergeant. Anyway, we know that a good many of these expensive jobs are being stolen and shipped right from this city. They're stolen to order.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Well, especially this theft ring is bright colored convertibles. When a car thief gets a special order from the ring, he crews around town until he spots the kind of car that's wanted. He steals it, turns it into the ring and gets two or three hundred dollars for his trouble.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Sounds pretty well organized.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

It is. And right now the Bureau thinks it has a line. And one of the big boys near the top, a well known racketeer in this town.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

In that case, we might have met him in the morning lineup. What's his name?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Benny Pinker.

[Sergeant Allen]

I'll say we've met him. Benny Pinker's got a record this long.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Have the police got anything on him now?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Not at the moment.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Well, since you're familiar with this character, I'd appreciate you doing a little checking.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Be glad to. Unless Benny's changed his habits. His evening hangout is a place called Charlie's Sirloin Club.

[Sergeant Allen]

Yeah, that's the only joint in town where you can get a Steak and cup of coffee for a mere fortune.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

That sounds like the place where he'd be.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Alan and I will drop in there tonight, Mr. Davis. We'll keep our eyes and ears open and see if Benny's mixed up in this car theft racket. I'll keep you posted.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Hey, boss, I got your phone call.

[Benny Pinker]

All right, shut the door, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

I come here to the garage right away. Is it a job for me?

[Benny Pinker]

Yeah, and a quick one. I got a hurry call from Havana. They want a red Caddy convertible.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Yeah. Hey, Benny, what's that kind of job worth in Havana?

[Benny Pinker]

That's my business. Your job's to pick one up and deliver it to me.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Okay, okay. What's in it for me?

[Benny Pinker]

250 cash on delivery.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Gee, two and a half yards ain't much for a job like that.

[Benny Pinker]

It ain't, huh? Okay, I'll get another boy.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Oh, hey, no, boss, boss, I'll. I'll do it. I get the dough on delivery here on the line.

[Benny Pinker]

You know my slogan. Benny Pinker always pays prompt.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Oh, sure, Benny, I know that.

[Benny Pinker]

All right then, Dizzy, get going. Cruise around town and pick up a nice red job and step on it. It's got to be on a boat tomorrow night.

[Sergeant Allen]

Lieutenant, I've been nursing this cheese sandwich for a long time. Sure like one of the sirloins this joint is so famous for.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

So do I, Sergeant, but we don't have expense accounts.

[Sergeant Allen]

You're telling me.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Well, Benny Pinker hasn't been here. Guess he isn't going to show tonight. I guess not.

[Sergeant Allen]

Uh oh, hold on to your wallet. Look who's coming in.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Uh huh. Sheik Babson. This seems to be quite a hangout for mobsters.

[Sergeant Allen]

That sheik's a real nasty character.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

No nastier than the big goon who's with him.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I don't know him.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Sheik's bodyguard calls himself Bang Bang Trout.

[Sergeant Allen]

Ah, I took the wrong seat. Now I can't see what they're doing.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Bang Bang just said something to the head waiter and went out. Must have slipped him a sawbuck. Sheik's getting the best table in the house.

[Sergeant Allen]

I bet he's gonna have a sirloin.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Oh, sure. Big gamblers like Sheik Babson always seem to be loaded.

[Sergeant Allen]

Oh, Sheik has to be loaded to pay off his mouthpiece. 17 arrests, only two convictions. That's a big bill to pay.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Allen]

Look.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Bang Bang Trout came back in.

[Sergeant Allen]

But the black look on his kisser. He's got real bad news.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

It must be bad.

[Sheik Babson]

What? What are you talking about?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

It's T.R. sheik, sir. Help me.

[Sheik Babson]

Why, you dirty.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Looks like a brawl, Alan.

[Benny Pinker]

Come on.

[Sheik Babson]

Your idea of a gag? I'll tear you apart.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Get your big paws off of me, sheep.

[Sheik Babson]

Get him off.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

What's the trouble here?

[Sheik Babson]

Stay out of this, Hogarth. We don't need cops.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Can I let go my neck tie?

[Sheik Babson]

Shoot.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I'm one of you.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

You two are going to strap. Let's move out into the hall.

[Sheik Babson]

We don't need cops.

[Sergeant Allen]

You got cops, fella. Come on, move, both of you.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Hey, wait a second.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

You too. Bang Bang. We're all stepping outside. Close the door, Sergeant.

[Sheik Babson]

Now, look, this is private business between me and my man. Bang Bang Trout.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Then don't do it in a public place. How'd this fight start?

[Sheik Babson]

Tell, um, Trout what you told me.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I told him somebody just swiped his new car from outside the joint.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

How could anybody have time to steal your car, Sheik? You two men just came in.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah, we've been in for 20 minutes.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

We was upstairs, so I told Sheik it was gone and he flipped his wig.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Got a pretty short temper, haven't you?

[Sheik Babson]

I still think Bang Bang's ribbing me, and I don't like that kind of rubbish.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Nobody can do that to me. Okay, take it easy.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Come on now. You too.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Bang Bang.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Now quiet down.

[Sheik Babson]

Quiet again. See?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Start fighting again and we'll arrest both of you.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I don't take that slapping around from nobody.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Has Sheik's car really been stolen?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah. Hide me. It's gone right off the street.

[Sheik Babson]

My brand new convertible. Firehouse red, just like I ordered. Got everything on it. All them extras.

[Sergeant Allen]

Sounds real special.

[Sheik Babson]

Sure. Special radio. 800 bucks. Air conditioned, Leopard type upholstery.

[Sergeant Allen]

Bulletproof glass.

[Sheik Babson]

You got quite a sense of humor, Sergeant. Hey, Bang Bang. Sorry I slapped you around like I done.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Sorry? You think that squares it?

[Sheik Babson]

I said I'm sorry. Now here, pal, here's a C note. Drink it up.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Say, notes don't cover everything, Sheik, but I'll take it.

[Sheik Babson]

Okay, swell. I'll start looking around town. Find my car, get it back.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Okay?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Where are you going to look? Bang Bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Who knows? Might be anywheres.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

On its way to a boat, maybe.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I don't follow, Lieutenant.

[Sheik Babson]

Now, go ahead. Bang Bang. Go and look for it. And if there's one scratch on it, just one, there's gonna be real trouble. Now blow.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Okay, Sheik, See ya. I'll be in touch if I get news.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Well, Sheik, consider yourself lucky we stopped the brawl. Bang Bang. Trout's a Mean customer to slap around.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah. He won't get rough. He works for me. I'm his cash register.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

You know who stole your car?

[Sheik Babson]

You kidding? How would I know?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Okay, when you get the car back, just forget it. No rough stuff, understand?

[Sheik Babson]

Now wait a second. Who do you think you're talking to?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

A no good gambler with 17 arrests. No rough stuff. Come on, Sergeant, let's get some fresh air.

[Narrator]

While the brawl was taking place at the restaurant, Dizzy Wilcox was driving a stolen car into Benny Pinker's garage. As the scene opens, Benny is looking at the red convertible with horror.

[Benny Pinker]

Why, you dimwit. You punchy baboon.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Me? What do you mean, Benny?

[Benny Pinker]

Don't you know who this special job belongs to?

[Dizzy Wilcox]

No, who?

[Benny Pinker]

Sheik Babson.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Sheik Bab.

[Benny Pinker]

Oh, you brainless ape. This is the one car in town nobody touches.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Chee Cheep. Benny, I didn't know it was Sheik's car.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Ah, shut up.

[Benny Pinker]

Holy mackerel.

[Sheik Babson]

Look at this.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

What a smashed fender.

[Benny Pinker]

Dizzy, did you do this?

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Yeah, yeah, boss, but I couldn't help it. I misjudged a beard truck. I got poor vision.

[Benny Pinker]

Sheik Babson worships the scar. He treats it like a little baby. He'll bust you wide open.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Yeah. Hey, Chief Bunny, what do we do?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

What's the matter, Dizzy? Scared about something?

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Who's that?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Bang Bang Trout. I just wandered in looking for a certain red car.

[Benny Pinker]

Hey, look. Bang Bang. Everything's gonna be all right. Dizzy here made a big mistake.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You're so right.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

I'll drive the car right back. I'll take it anywhere. As you say.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

No, you won't, Sheik. Don't let nobody drive this car but me.

[Benny Pinker]

How is he? Bang Bang's. He burned up.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Burned up? There's blue flames shooting out of his ears. Look, look.

[Benny Pinker]

I'll go right over to his house and apologize.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Look, Benny, take my tip and don't go near him. He'll only. Hey, what happened to this fender?

[Benny Pinker]

It was an accident. Dizzy bumped it a little.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Bumped it? It's wrinkled like an old man's neck.

[Benny Pinker]

I'll have it fixed like new. I know where I can get it fixed in an hour.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Cheek ain't got no hour. He wants it back right away.

[Benny Pinker]

You hear that, Dizzy? You see what you done?

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Yeah, cheap. Bang bang. What'll I do?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Drop dead. It'll save somebody a lot of trouble.

[Sheik Babson]

Bang Bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah? Sheik, I brung your car back.

[Sheik Babson]

Oh, good. Where'd you find it, Benny?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Pinker's garage.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah, just like I thought. Ah, just look at this pretty red baby. Some beautiful job, huh? How is it? Bang, bang.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Okay?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Well, yeah, except for one thing.

[Sheik Babson]

What do you mean one thing?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Now don't get sore, Sheik. Take a look at that fen over there.

[Sheik Babson]

It's all busted. You hit something, you done this.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Take your hooks off of me.

[Sheik Babson]

My new car.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I said take your hooks off of me.

[Sheik Babson]

This is my new baby.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You feel this in your stomach? A rod 45. It makes big holes. Now step back.

[Sheik Babson]

Now wait a second. Bang, bang. I didn't mean nothing.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Step back, I said. Okay, now stand there. Now listen to what I tell you, Sheik. If you ever rough me up again, they're gonna find you in an alley with a couple of blue portholes in your back. Okay?

[Sheik Babson]

Bang, bang. Okay. How about that fender?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Dizzy Wilcox done it.

[Sheik Babson]

That the guy that works for Benny?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah, the punchy guy. Claims he hit a beer truck.

[Sheik Babson]

All right, I'll put the heater back in your pocket.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You got me awful sore, Shake.

[Sheik Babson]

All right, forget it. Look, here's a C note, okay?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

But that next C note ain't gonna be enough.

[Sheik Babson]

Don't threaten me. Bang, bang. You're working for me. I'll drive this car down to that all night place and get the fender fixed. Tell him, Sheik. Babson wants it to look like new.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

That won't though. It'll always look like a repaint.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah, yeah. That's too bad. I'll drive it down and get it fixed anyway.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Okay. Sheik, where are you gonna be?

[Sheik Babson]

Out.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Mm.

[Benny Pinker]

Oh.

[Sheik Babson]

Whatcha eating?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

The new banana split cookie from AM pm All freshly baked with real butter with ban banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Sheik Babson]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Sheik Babson]

Not even a little? Not even a crumb. What if.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

No, please.

[Sheik Babson]

Mine.

[AM PM Announcer]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravenience. Get a three pack for 99 cents with our app AMPM. Too much good stuff. Plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary. Terms and conditions apply.

[Sheik Babson]

I gotta see a punchy guy about a driving lesson.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Lieutenant Hogarth. Really? What time? Where is he now? Okay, we'll start things rolling.

[Sergeant Allen]

What was that?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

A new guest in the morgue. Man named Dizzy Wilcox. They found him in an alley this morning with two bullets in his back.

[Sergeant Allen]

He got a record?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Yes. All petty stuff. Punchy character? A dimwit.

[Sergeant Allen]

Know anything more about him?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

If I remember rightly, he took some kind of a rap once. He was arrested with Benny Pinker. Benny got off, naturally.

[Sergeant Allen]

Sure, he's got an expensive mouthpiece.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

This thing's beginning to gel. Sergeant, remember how Sheik Babson was in love with his red convertible that was stolen last night?

[Sergeant Allen]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Maybe Dizzy Wilcox stole it.

[Sergeant Allen]

Could be, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Maybe he stole it for Benny Pinker.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Maybe.

[Sergeant Allen]

FBI man said he suspected Benny in that car theft mob.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

I bet I'm right. I think Sheik Babson would kill any man that laid a hand on that car of his. Let's drive out to Babson's house and ask a few questions.

[Sheik Babson]

You cops must get up early. What time is it?

[Sergeant Allen]

Little after nine, Chic.

[Sheik Babson]

Hell, no wonder I can't get my eyes open. To me, that's the middle of the night. Well, boys, what'd you prime me out of the hay for?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

To ask about Dizzy Wilcox's murder.

[Sheik Babson]

Dizzy Wilcox? When did that big ape get himself.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Knocked off during the night? Is it really that funny?

[Sheik Babson]

Well, I don't feel bad enough to sponsor the funeral. Was he knifed?

[Sergeant Allen]

Don't you know?

[Sheik Babson]

Listen, I don't know nothing about it.

[Sergeant Allen]

You deny all knowledge of the murder?

[Sheik Babson]

That's it, Sergeant.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

By the way, Sheik, we saw your red convertible outside in the driveway.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah, ain't it a doll? Sent me back six GS.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Who returned it to you?

[Sheik Babson]

My man, Bang Bang Trout.

[Sergeant Allen]

Where'd he find it?

[Sheik Babson]

Just a couple of blocks from the sirloin joint. Ain't that a coincidence?

[Sergeant Allen]

Yeah, terrific. Was the car in good shape?

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah, pretty good. One fender was a little dented, that's all.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

That make you mad, Babson?

[Sheik Babson]

Sure, wouldn't it? You.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

You said last night if there was one scratch on it, there'd be trouble.

[Sheik Babson]

Well, you know how it is. Everybody feels that way about a new car.

[Sergeant Allen]

They don't maul people the way you maul. Bang Bang Trout.

[Sheik Babson]

He don't mind. I pay him good. I pay everybody good.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Where were you at 3 o' clock this morning?

[Sheik Babson]

Right here in my house. I was in bed by half past two. Can I prove it? That's the next question. No, I can't prove it. That ain't no dormitory. I live here by myself.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

That's a fine speech, Babson, but we're going to have to arrest you on suspicion.

[Sheik Babson]

Suspicion of what?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Shooting Dizzy Wilcox. Get dressed.

[Sheik Babson]

What'll I wear, boys? The prison formal with the stripes that go around?

[Sergeant Allen]

You get one of those later with a ball and chain to decorate your ankle.

[Sheik Babson]

You cops, you two bit operators. How long do you punks think you can hold me at headquarters?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Get dressed.

[Sheik Babson]

I'll be sprung inside of an hour. I'll be out faster than you can blow your nose.

[Sergeant Allen]

I don't doubt that, but how much will it cost you?

[Sheik Babson]

Plenty, Sergeant. Like I said, I pay everybody. Good.

[Benny Pinker]

Who's out there? Who's out of my garage?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

It's only me, Benny.

[Benny Pinker]

What do you want? Bang, bang me.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I don't want nothing, but I brung a guy that does. My boss, Sheikh Babson.

[Benny Pinker]

What?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Here he is, Sheik, waiting for you.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah? Well, what do you know. Benny Pinker, big car heister. How you feeling tonight, Benny?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Swell.

[Benny Pinker]

Look, Sheik, if it's about that red convertible, it was all a mistake.

[Sheik Babson]

It sure was.

[Benny Pinker]

Dizzy Wilcox picked it up. He didn't know it was yours.

[Sheik Babson]

Quit crawling, Benny. You sent him out to pick it up.

[Benny Pinker]

You're acting a little tough, ain't you?

[Sheik Babson]

You notice, huh? You gonna act tough too?

[Benny Pinker]

I might if you guys don't get out of my garage. Go on, get lost.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

All right, Benny.

[Sheik Babson]

What?

[Benny Pinker]

What's the idea of the heater?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I figured I'd get mine out first. Wanna frisk em Chic? Sure.

[Sheik Babson]

Keep em covered.

[Benny Pinker]

You crummy tin horn gambler.

[Dizzy Wilcox]

Shut up.

[Benny Pinker]

Give me back that rod and we'll shoot it out.

[Sheik Babson]

You ain't gonna do nothing, Benny, except come along with me and bang bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Go ahead. Benny, what's this all about?

[Sheik Babson]

Your man Dizzy dented my new car. And I don't like that kind of stuff.

[Benny Pinker]

Dizzy's dead. Ain't you satisfied?

[Sheik Babson]

Sure, Benny, I'm satisfied. But you need a little lesson about leaving my car alone. And you're gonna get a little dented tonight way out in the country.

[Sergeant Allen]

Lieutenant, here's Benny Pinker.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Oh, yes. Good morning, Benny.

[Benny Pinker]

Hi.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Quite a bandage you've got in your head.

[Benny Pinker]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

All right, let's have it. Who took you out last night, beat you up?

[Benny Pinker]

I couldn't see, it was too dark.

[Sergeant Allen]

Come on, Benny, this is no time to clamor.

[Benny Pinker]

I don't know nothing.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Police find you 20 miles from town in the middle of the night. You're beaten up and hysterical. Who dumped you out there? Sheik Babson?

[Benny Pinker]

How could it be? I heard you cops picked him up on suspicion yesterday.

[Sergeant Allen]

It got sprung in two hours and you know it. Come on, Benny. Who beat you up? Was it Sheik Babson?

[Benny Pinker]

Why would it be him?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Cause maybe you made a dumb move and heisted his new red convertible. Is that what happened?

[Benny Pinker]

You guys are all cockeyed. I don't heist cars. Tell the truth, I ain't Telling you, I don't heist cars.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Is that all you're going to say?

[Sheik Babson]

That's all I know.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Okay, Benny, we tried to help you, but you don't want help, so you're on your own. Now beat it. Go on, get out of here before I lose my temper.

[Sheik Babson]

Hello, Sheik? Yeah? Sheikh Babson. Who's this?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Bang, bang. Who do you think? Hey, you had lunch yet?

[Sheik Babson]

No, I slept late. Going out to lunch right now. Where's my car?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

That's what I'm calling about. I had it washed after we come back from the trip to the country last night. It was kind of muddy.

[Sheik Babson]

Yeah? How's it look?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Like a million. I had the carburetor adjusted. Too.

[Sheik Babson]

Swell. Does he run good?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Like a breeze. Why don't you try it yourself?

[Sheik Babson]

I'd like to. Where is it?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

What's the matter, Sheik? Don't you ever look out the window?

[Sheik Babson]

My car's outside the house. Here?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Sure, it's in your driveway. I left it out there. About an hour ago. You were still asleep. The case is on the floor.

[Sheik Babson]

Now.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Go on out and try it, Sheik. You'll get a big surprise.

[Sheik Babson]

Okay, Bang, bang. Thanks. I'll go out and try it right away. So long.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

It.

[Sergeant Allen]

Hey, Lieutenant, Big news boy. Wait till you hear this.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Take it easy, Alan. What is it?

[Sergeant Allen]

Sheik Babson. Half an hour ago he got blown up in his car.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Is he dead?

[Sergeant Allen]

Dead as a herring.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

What's the story? Car bombed? Sure.

[Sergeant Allen]

Booby trapped. High explosives wired to the ignition. He pressed the starter.

[Sheik Babson]

Boom.

[Sergeant Allen]

No Babson, no red convertible.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Well, let's get rolling.

[Sergeant Allen]

Where to?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Benny Picker's garage.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Hi, Benny.

[Benny Pinker]

What are you doing in my office? Bang, bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I just dropped in to have a little afternoon talk.

[Benny Pinker]

Well, drop out again.

[Sheik Babson]

Go on.

[Benny Pinker]

You've done enough to me. Last night, you and Sheik Babson.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah, that's what I come to talk about, Sheik. It happened just a little while ago. He's dead. He got blowed up in his car.

[Benny Pinker]

Blowed up?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

How?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You know how, Benny. You put a gimmick on his starter.

[Benny Pinker]

What are you nuts? I never done it.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Put down that wrench.

[Benny Pinker]

You already done enough to me. Bang, bang. You ain't gonna do no more.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Put down that wrench.

[Benny Pinker]

You reach for your rod, you'll get this right in the head.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You ain't got the guts to throw that thing.

[Benny Pinker]

No, you reach for your rod and see.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

All right, Benny, drop it.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

You cops. Cops always drop the wrench.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Benny Allen. You fish. Bang, bang. I'll take care of Benny.

[Sergeant Allen]

Okay. He's healed, Lieutenant. Automatic.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Mm. No rod on this one. Now, you two, what's this meeting all about?

[Benny Pinker]

Well, this guerrilla come in here and said I put a booby in Cheek's car.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Well, Benny, did you?

[Sheik Babson]

No.

[Benny Pinker]

When I left your office, I come right over here to my garage.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Hey, Lieutenant, can I say a few words?

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Go ahead. Bang, bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

It might interest you cops, you know that Benny here is a big wheel in a car heist and mob. He swiped cheeks new heap the other night.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

That right? Benny better talk.

[Sergeant Allen]

Sheik's murder put you in a bad spot.

[Benny Pinker]

Okay, okay, sure, I'm in the car heist ring. But I didn't gimmick that car. Bang, bang.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Ah, dopey. Why would I knock off my own boss?

[Benny Pinker]

Because he needed you, that's why. He slapped you around. You had to take it, and it burned you up.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Shut up. Shut up.

[Benny Pinker]

Some big trigger man. Ah, real shut up.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

I said.

[Sergeant Allen]

Stand still.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah, I'm tough, all right. Nobody pushes me around. Not even sheep. Absent.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

So you booby trapped his car. Is that right?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Yeah. He needled me once too often. I wasn't gonna take it.

[Sergeant Allen]

So you blew him up, huh?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

So what? So what? See, he was a louse. Thought he could pay me off with C notes, but he couldn't. I paid him off.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Calm down.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

He thought he could get away with.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Be quiet or we'll get a straight jacket.

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

He needed me. Nobody can do that.

[Sergeant Allen]

He said be quiet.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

No. Who shot Dizzy Wilcox?

[Mr. Davis (FBI Agent)]

Shake did. He was sore cause Dizzy dented his fender.

[Lieutenant John Hogarth]

Okay, that's all we want to know. You'll be charged with Sheik's murder. Benny Wyatt. We're turning you over to the FBI. Sergeant, let's put cuffs on both of these punks and get them out of here fast.

[Narrator]

In our cast, Sergeant Allen was played by Lawson Zerby, Benny by Mandel Creamer, Bang Bang by Dan Acho and Dizzy by Earl George. Official Detective is produced and directed by Win Wright. Written by Albert G. Miller. All names of persons and places used in this program are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons living or did is coincidental. Jack Irish speaking. This program came from New York.