Official Detective - Car Theft Ring

Summary

Podcast Summary: Official Detective – Car Theft Ring

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: July 24, 2026

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Overview

This episode of "Official Detective" plunges listeners into a fast-paced story of law enforcement collaboration and criminal intrigue, characteristic of 1950s radio dramas. Lieutenant John Hogarth and Sergeant Allen become entangled in an FBI probe into an international car theft ring centered on deluxe convertibles. The narrative unfolds with double-crosses, a stolen luxury car, a violent underworld pecking order, and a series of escalating reprisals that lead all the way to murder and a dramatic car bombing.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The FBI Seeks Help (00:00 – 02:25)

• Lieutenant Hogarth is approached by Mr. Davis of the FBI about a car theft operation smuggling luxury convertibles to Latin America for a hefty profit ($7,500 per car).
  • Mr. Davis: “The Bureau’s trying to smoke out an international car theft gang... The mob deals only in deluxe convertibles.” (00:58)
• The investigation centers around notorious local racketeer Benny Pinker.
  • Sergeant Allen: “Benny Pinker’s got a record this long.” (01:46)

2. The Car Theft in Action: Orders from Benny (02:25 – 03:07)

• Benny Pinker instructs his underling, Dizzy Wilcox, to steal a red Cadillac convertible for a rush order to Havana.
  • Benny: "You know my slogan. Benny Pinker always pays prompt." (03:01)

3. At Charlie’s Sirloin Club: Gathering the Players (03:22 – 07:07)

• Hogarth and Allen scan for Benny at his known hangout, instead witnessing the arrival of gangster Sheik Babson and his bodyguard Bang Bang Trout.
  • Sheik’s flashy new red convertible is parked outside.
  • Tension erupts when Bang Bang reports that Sheik's prized car has been stolen, leading to a brawl nearly breaking out.
  • Sheik Babson: “My brand new convertible, Firehouse red, just like I ordered. Got everything on it. All them extras.” (05:49)

4. The Racket Unravels: The Wrong Car (07:30 – 10:45)

• Dizzy delivers the stolen car to Benny, not realizing it’s Sheik Babson’s, a “hands-off” vehicle.
  • Benny: “This is the one car in town nobody touches.” (07:50)
• The car also has a dented fender, further incensing everyone.
• Bang Bang retrieves Sheik’s car; tensions spike between Sheik and Bang Bang, nearly resulting in gunplay.

5. Murder in the Alley: Dizzy Wilcox Is Found Dead (11:04 – 12:11)

• Dizzy Wilcox turns up murdered—shot twice in the back.
  • Hogarth: “Man named Dizzy Wilcox. They found him in an alley this morning with two bullets in his back.” (11:15)
• Suspicion immediately falls on Sheik Babson, who raged over the car theft.

6. Police Questioning: Sheik Babson as Suspect (12:11 – 13:56)

• Hogarth and Allen question Sheik at home about Dizzy's murder and the return of his damaged car.
  • Hogarth: “We’re going to have to arrest you on suspicion.” (13:29)
  • Sheik remains nonchalant and mocks the police, certain he’ll be bailed out quickly.

7. Retribution: “A Little Lesson” for Benny (14:07 – 15:12)

• Sheik, now released, confronts Benny with Bang Bang, intending to "dent" him as retribution for the car incident. Benny is taken out of town and beaten.

8. Escalation: Car Bombing and Final Showdown (16:27 – 20:27)

• Bang Bang calls Sheik, encouraging him to start his freshly cleaned car.
• Sheik is killed by a car bomb rigged to the ignition.
  • Allen: “Sheik Babson…he got blown up in his car.” (18:02)
• Police arrive at Benny’s garage, stopping a brawl between Benny and Bang Bang, and extracting confessions.
  • Bang Bang: “He needled me once too often. I wasn’t gonna take it.” (20:09)
• Bang Bang admits to planting the bomb that killed Sheik; also implicates Sheik in Dizzy’s murder.
• Benny confesses to running the car theft ring but denies involvement in the bombing.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Benny Pinker (about his payment style):
  “You know my slogan. Benny Pinker always pays prompt.” (03:01)

• Sheik Babson (on his car’s extravagance):
  “My brand new convertible, Firehouse red, just like I ordered. Got everything on it. All them extras.” (05:49)

• Bang Bang Trout (final confession):
  "He needled me once too often. I wasn't gonna take it." (20:09)

• Hogarth (to Sheik Babson after a warning):
  “A no good gambler with 17 arrests. No rough stuff." (07:11)

• Sheik Babson (cocky about his release):
  "I'll be sprung inside of an hour. I'll be out faster than you can blow your nose." (13:50)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:58: FBI outlines international car theft operation.
• 03:01: Benny Pinker instructs Dizzy to steal the red Caddy.
• 05:49: Sheik rages over the theft of his "Firehouse red" convertible.
• 07:50: Benny explodes when he learns Dizzy stole Sheik's car.
• 11:15: Dizzy Wilcox is reported murdered.
• 13:29: Police arrest Sheik Babson on suspicion.
• 18:02: News arrives that Sheik Babson was killed by a car bomb.
• 20:09: Bang Bang confesses to the bombing, triggered by resentment at Sheik’s abuse.

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Episode Tone and Feel

• The dialogue is snappy, slang-heavy, and rich with hard-boiled banter characteristic of classic radio crime dramas.
• The atmosphere is tense, with an undercurrent of violent retribution in the criminal underworld.
• Police protagonists come off as methodical, clever, and understated, while the criminals are brash, impulsive, and ultimately self-destructive.

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Conclusion

"Official Detective – Car Theft Ring" is a compact crime story brimming with vintage radio drama urgency and grit. Starting with an FBI tip, it unspools a web of illicit deals, betrayals, and drive for revenge. Key players meet their fates as the police piece together the truth, and in classic noir fashion, nearly everyone involved in the racket ends up dead or behind bars. The script delivers a blend of suspense, characterful dialogue, and period atmosphere, exemplifying the storytelling style of the Golden Age of Radio.

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For further listening:
Episodes like this are treasures from broadcast history. Visit Harold’s archive for more classic old-time radio mysteries.

Transcript

[A]

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

[B]

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.

[C]

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.

[B]

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

[C]

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.

[D]

That's a pile of loot.

[C]

It sure is, Sergeant.

[E]

Anyway, we know that a good many

[C]

of these expensive jobs are being stolen and shipped right from this city. They're stolen to order.

[B]

What do you mean?

[C]

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.

[B]

Sounds pretty well organized.

[C]

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.

[B]

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

[C]

Benny Pinker.

[D]

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

[C]

Have the police got anything on him now?

[B]

Not at the moment.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[D]

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

[C]

That sounds like the place where he'd be.

[B]

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.

[F]

Hey, boss, I got your phone call.

[G]

All right, shut the door, Dizzy.

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[G]

250 cash on delivery.

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[G]

You know my slogan. Benny Pinker always pays prompt.

[F]

Oh, sure, Benny, I know that.

[G]

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.

[D]

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

[B]

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

[D]

You're telling me.

[B]

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

[F]

Uh oh.

[B]

Hold onto your wallet.

[D]

Look who's coming in.

[B]

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

[D]

That sheik's a real nasty character.

[B]

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

[E]

I don't know him.

[B]

Sheik's bodyguard. Calls himself Bang Bang Trout.

[D]

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

[B]

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.

[D]

I bet he's gonna have a sirloin.

[B]

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

[D]

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

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Look.

[B]

Bang Bang. Trout came back in.

[D]

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

[B]

It must be bad.

[F]

What?

[H]

What are you talking about?

[E]

It's true. Sheik, sir. Help me.

[H]

Why, you dirty.

[B]

Looks like a brawl. Alan.

[G]

Come on.

[H]

That's your idea of a gag. I'll tear you apart.

[E]

Get your big paws off of me, sheep.

[F]

Get him off.

[B]

What's the trouble here?

[H]

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

[E]

Can I let go? My neck tie shook.

[A]

I'm one of you.

[B]

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

[H]

We don't need cops.

[D]

You got cops, fella. Come on, move.

[E]

Both of you. Hey, wait a second.

[F]

You too.

[B]

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

[H]

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

[B]

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

[H]

Tell, um, Trout what you told me.

[E]

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

[B]

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

[H]

Yeah, we've been in for 20 minutes.

[E]

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

[B]

Got a pretty short temper, haven't you?

[H]

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

[E]

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

[F]

Come on now.

[D]

You too.

[E]

Bang Bang.

[B]

Now quiet down.

[H]

Quiet Again, see?

[B]

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

[E]

I don't take that slapping around from nobody.

[B]

Has Sheik's car really been stolen?

[E]

You hide me. It's gone right off the street.

[H]

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

[D]

Sounds real special.

[H]

Sure. Special radio. 800 bucks. Air conditioned, Leopard type upholstery, bulletproof glass. You got quite a sense of humor, Sergeant. Hey, Bang Bang. Sorry I slapped you around like I done.

[E]

Sorry? You think that squares it?

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

Okay?

[B]

Where are you going to look? Bang Bang.

[E]

Who knows?

[B]

Might be anywheres on its way to a boat, maybe.

[E]

I don't follow, Lieutenant.

[H]

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.

[E]

Okay, Sheik.

[C]

See ya.

[E]

I'll be in touch if I get news.

[B]

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

[H]

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

[B]

You know who stole your car?

[H]

You kidding? How would I know?

[B]

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

[H]

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

[B]

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

[A]

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.

[G]

Why, you dimwit. You punchy baboon.

[F]

Me? What do you mean, Benny?

[G]

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

[F]

No, Who?

[G]

Sheik Babson.

[F]

Sheik Bab.

[G]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Ah, shut up.

[G]

Holy mackerel.

[D]

Look at this.

[E]

What a smashed fender.

[G]

Dizzy, did you do this?

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

Who's that?

[E]

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

[G]

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

[E]

You're so right.

[F]

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

[E]

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

[G]

How is he? Bang Bang. Is he burned up?

[E]

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

[G]

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

[E]

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

[G]

It was an accident. Dizzy bumped it a little.

[E]

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

[G]

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

[E]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[H]

Bang. Bang.

[E]

Yeah? Sheik, I brung your car back.

[H]

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

[C]

Pinker's garage.

[H]

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

[F]

Okay?

[E]

Well, yeah, except for one thing.

[H]

What do you mean, one thing?

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

Take your hooks off of me.

[H]

My new car.

[E]

I said take your hooks off me.

[H]

This is my new baby.

[E]

Call it. You feel this in your stomach?

[H]

All right.

[E]

45. It makes big holes. Now step back.

[H]

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

[E]

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.

[D]

Okay?

[H]

Bang, bang. Okay. How about that fender?

[E]

Dizzy Wilcox done it.

[H]

That the guy that works for Benny?

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

You got me awful sore, Shake.

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

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.

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

Okay, Sheik. Where are you gonna be?

[H]

Out. I gotta see a punchy guy about a driving lesson.

[B]

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

[D]

What was that?

[B]

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

[D]

He got a record?

[B]

Yes, all petty stuff. Punchy character? A dimwit. Know anything more about him? If I remember rightly, he took some kind of a rap once. He was arrested with Benny Pinker. Benny got off, naturally.

[D]

Sure, he's got an expensive mouthpiece.

[B]

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

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Maybe Dizzy Wilcox stole it.

[D]

Could be, Lieutenant.

[B]

Maybe he stole it for Benny Pinker.

[D]

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

[B]

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.

[H]

See you, Cuff. Must get up early. What time is it?

[D]

Little after nine, Chic.

[H]

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

[B]

To ask about Dizzy Wilcox's murder.

[H]

Dizzy Wilcox? When did that big ape get himself

[B]

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

[H]

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

[D]

Don't you know?

[H]

Listen, I don't know nothing about it

[D]

you deny all knowledge of the murder?

[H]

That's it, Sergeant.

[B]

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

[H]

Yeah? Ate it. A doll. Sent me back six cheese.

[B]

Who returned it to you?

[H]

My man, Bang Bang Trout.

[D]

Where'd he find it?

[H]

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

[D]

Yeah, terrific. Was the car in good shape?

[H]

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

[B]

That make you mad, Babson?

[H]

Sure, wouldn't it? You?

[B]

No. You said last night if there was one scratch on it, there'd be trouble.

[H]

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

[D]

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

[H]

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

[B]

Where were you at 3 o' clock this morning?

[H]

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.

[B]

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

[H]

Suspicion of what?

[B]

Shooting Dizzy Wilcox. Get dressed.

[H]

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

[D]

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

[H]

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

[B]

Get dressed.

[H]

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

[D]

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

[H]

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

[G]

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

[E]

It's only me, Benny.

[G]

What do you want? Bang Bang me.

[E]

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

[G]

What?

[E]

Here he is, Sheik, waiting for you.

[H]

Yeah? Well, what do you know. Benny Pinker, Big Car Heister. How you feeling tonight, Benny?

[G]

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

[H]

It sure was.

[G]

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

[H]

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

[G]

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

[H]

You noticed, huh? You gonna act tough, too?

[G]

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

[E]

Out it, Benny. What?

[G]

What's the idea of the heater?

[E]

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

[C]

Sure.

[H]

Keep him covered.

[G]

You crummy tin horn gambler.

[F]

Shut up.

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

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

[G]

Dizzy's dead. Ain't you satisfied?

[H]

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.

[D]

Lieutenant, here's Benny Pinker.

[B]

Oh, yes. Good morning, Benny.

[G]

Hi.

[B]

Quite a bandage you've got on your head.

[G]

Yeah.

[B]

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

[G]

I couldn't see. It was too dark.

[D]

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

[B]

I don't know nothing, but 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?

[G]

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

[D]

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

[G]

Why would it be him?

[B]

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

[G]

You guys are all cockeyed. I don't heist cars.

[D]

Tell the truth.

[G]

I telling you, I don't heist cars.

[B]

Is that all you're going to say?

[H]

That's all I know.

[B]

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.

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

Yeah? How's it look?

[E]

Like a million. I had the carburetor adjusted too.

[H]

Swell. Does he run good?

[E]

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

[H]

I'd like to. Where is it?

[E]

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

[H]

My car's outside the house here.

[E]

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

[H]

Okay, Bang, bang.

[D]

Thanks.

[H]

I'll go out and try it right away. So long. It.

[D]

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

[B]

Take it easy, Alan. What is it?

[D]

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

[B]

Is he dead?

[D]

Dead as a herring.

[B]

What's the story? Car bombed? Sure.

[D]

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

[F]

Boom.

[D]

No Babson, no red convertible.

[B]

Well, let's get rolling. Where to, Benny? Pinker's garage.

[E]

Hi, Benny.

[G]

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

[E]

I just dropped in to have a little afternoon talk.

[G]

Well, drop out again. Go on. You've done enough to me. Last night, you and Sheik Babson.

[E]

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.

[G]

Blowed up?

[B]

How?

[E]

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

[G]

What are you, nuts? I never done it to you.

[E]

Put down that wrench.

[G]

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

[E]

Put down that wrench.

[G]

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

[E]

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

[G]

No, you reach for your rod and see.

[B]

All right, Benny, drop it.

[E]

You cops. Cops always. Drop the wrench.

[D]

Benny.

[B]

Alan, you frisk. Bang, bang. I'll take care of Benny, okay?

[D]

He's healed, Lieutenant. Automatic. Mm.

[B]

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

[G]

This guerrilla come in here and said I put a booby in Sheik's car.

[B]

Well, Benny, did you?

[H]

No.

[G]

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

[E]

Hey, Lieutenant, can I say a few words?

[B]

Go ahead. Bang, bang.

[E]

It might interest you cops to know that Benny here's a big wheel in a car heist and mob. He swiped Sheik's new heap the other night.

[B]

That right, Benny?

[D]

Better talk. Sheik's murder put you in a bad spot.

[G]

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

[E]

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

[G]

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

[E]

Shut up. Sh.

[G]

Big trigger man. Ah, real chef.

[D]

I said stand still.

[E]

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

[B]

So you booby trapped his car. Is that right?

[C]

He.

[E]

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

[D]

So you blew him up, huh?

[E]

So what?

[F]

So what?

[E]

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

[B]

Calm down.

[E]

He thought he could get away with.

[B]

Be quiet or we'll get a straight jacket.

[E]

He needled me. Nobody can do that.

[D]

He said be quiet.

[B]

Now, who shot Dizzy Wilcox?

[E]

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

[B]

Okay, that's all we want to know. You'll be charged with Sheik's murder, Benny.

[E]

What?

[B]

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.

[A]

In our cast, sergeant allen was played by lawson zerby, benny by mandel creamer, bang bang by dan ocho and dizzy by earl george. Official Detective is produced and directed by Wynn 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.