
Operation Nightmare 53-xx-xx Coincidence (Billy is convicted for killing future father-in-law)
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Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.
Campaign Representative
For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Narrator
Out of the dark of night, from the shadows of the senses, comes this, the fantasy of fear nightmare. Starring as your exciting guide to terror. Peter Laurie. You know, we are all so safe in our tiny part of life. Seeing the familiar and comfortable things about us. And yet. Yet there may come a time when we are like the little Jack in a box. Something or somebody snaps snatched a tiny catch in our lives. And suddenly we are tossed from the dimness of our regulated existence into the blinding brilliance of danger. And so suddenly can it happen that we are left completely helpless. Billy was left with just a few insignificant hours of time. Time. Time with so many little slippery minutes in it. You are listening to Peter Laurie tell you of co incident another transcribed story of nightmare. Now, about this. This Billy boy. This Billy Bradley. Oh, yes. Just a fairly ordinary 18 year old youngster. But he's an interesting type, huh? A definite product of his environment. Youth always seems so resilient. And yet under pressure, this resilience disappears. You see, Billy was like any other human being. Well, I'll let you find out for yourself. Hey, have you ever been hemmed in by.
Billy Bradley
By Dick Billy?
Narrator
Yeah.
Billy Bradley
But I could be a movie star.
Narrator
You got the looks, baby.
Billy Bradley
I could act too.
Narrator
I wouldn't know.
Billy Bradley
Sure I could.
Narrator
You're smart enough now, maybe. Where'd it get you?
Billy Bradley
Oh, I can have a bunch of pretty clothes, go to a lot of places. You can have a house where I had a room on my own. That would be something.
Narrator
Yeah. Movies are full of stuff they don't know from nothing. Everybody's rich in the movies.
Billy Bradley
I'd still like it.
Narrator
So you could kiss all them good looking guys, huh?
Billy Bradley
You have to do that? It's part of the business.
Narrator
Oh, some business. Come here. Does that work?
Billy Bradley
Silly.
Narrator
Hey, I've been saving Teddy.
Billy Bradley
What?
Narrator
Going full time next week. Really? Twice a dough, full line mechanic.
Billy Bradley
So quick.
Narrator
And now who's smarter?
Billy Bradley
I knew you would.
Narrator
Listen, Tony.
Billy Bradley
Yeah?
Narrator
We're not gonna wait. No, no, that room over Jack's place?
Billy Bradley
Yes.
Narrator
Or we can get it cheap and fix it up. I'll help. We won't have to live with anybody.
Billy Bradley
A man and wife shouldn't just want your own baby. I'll live anywhere with you, Billy.
Narrator
Billy, you could be an actress, huh?
Billy Bradley
I'll be anything you want me to. I guess I've always loved you, Billy.
Narrator
See the one I used to pull your hair?
Billy Bradley
I didn't mind.
Narrator
You cried.
Billy Bradley
Well, it hurt. What's that?
Narrator
All lions in the zoo. It's the matter. You're scared.
Billy Bradley
Why'd they start up like that? Yeah.
Narrator
Hungry, maybe.
Billy Bradley
Sound fierce?
Narrator
Well, you got a right to be. How'd you like being shut up in a cage all day?
Billy Bradley
I'm shut up in a department store.
Narrator
I'd yell too, if I was shut up. You bet I would.
Billy Bradley
You won't be well neither.
Narrator
I cross over tonight. I'm going with you.
Billy Bradley
No, Billy.
Narrator
I am.
Billy Bradley
You'll just need another. I don't know, Billy.
Narrator
I seek out keeping you away from me.
Billy Bradley
It won't be much longer.
Narrator
See my own girl home. Guy's been killed for less than that, Billy. I'm not afraid of him, Dooney.
Billy Bradley
Tomorrow night, Same place?
Narrator
Yeah, I'll be there.
Billy Bradley
Well, you don't have to if you don't want to.
Narrator
I'm sorry. Good night, baby.
Billy Bradley
Night, Billy.
Narrator
Just see the right. Won't be much longer. Sounded like shots. Maybe somebody's hunting in the zoo. Backfired. Yeah. It's dark along here. I keep guns. Hey, it's a good one. Been shot. There wasn't no truck backfiring. Fuck you, huh? Here we are. Keep him covered, Fred. Hey, what's up? Keep that light on him. Hey, listen, coppers. I didn't. I need that gun. Yeah, sure. Hold it by the barrel. Well, sure. I don't want to do it. We'd miss you along the fence. I thought it was too dark. Hey, what's the idea? Get a gun, you think you own the world. Well, that ain't mine. I care how much you own when you sit in the hot seat. Let go of me. I didn't do nothing. Hey, I didn't do that. Boy. Following the car. This is one little weasel. Who's going to see what he does. What do you want? Over this way. Look, you got the wrong guy. I didn't do nothing. I was just. All right, look. Go on, look. What's that? I get the flash on it so you can see. There. Have a good look. Cop a dead crap look. At his face. Look at it. Oh, blush. With three bullets in it. What'd you expect? Who did it? You asked me. Well, I heard the shots, but I thought. Go on, pick up a story. Well, I thought you said, hey, no, you won't get out of this one. Well, I didn't do it. I was walking along. I kicked the gun, so I picked it up. Brad's got a hand. You've got the wrong guy, copper. Regan was saying he was having trouble with some kid up here. And now that the kid's got him. Yeah, Reagan. He'll square me. I'll go around with his daughter. You got Reagan. He'll talk for me. Reagan will talk for you? Sure he will. We don't get along. He knows I'm level, though. You want Regan? Oh, yeah. Tell him it's Billy Bradley. Tell him yourself. What? There he is on the sidewalk with the blood running out of his face. Go on, tell him. No. Take him down. His hand, you see? Why he can't even find one free moment. Each breath leaves, but only a few more. And so. So he walks. And a minute they walk with him, whispering, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty. Until the drumming in his mind makes him realize he's trapped. Trapped in a living nightmare. Now, where were we? Oh, yes, yes, yes. Trying to hold on to a handful of minutes. Poor, poor Billy. I wonder if there is any real hope for him. Just to sit and let the thread of life slip slowly through one's fingers. Take something. Perhaps we should wait and see. All lives hang from a thread of time. One never knows.
Billy Bradley
50, 50. 50. 50, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54.
Narrator
53, 52, 51, 50. You just look at the facts, kids. You'll save us all a lot of trouble. Now, let's go over the whole thing again. I told you all I know. You went to the movies with Ms. Reagan. Yeah. What I told you at the Palace. And you walked home. Yeah. Along the walk for the zoo. Yeah. And left you near 183rd. Yeah. You didn't go home with her because her father didn't want her going out with you. Yeah. You were going to get married secretly if you could. Yeah. Reagan wouldn't let you see his daughter because you had a criminal record. Yeah. And you hated him because he wouldn't let you forget that record. Yeah. So after you left Ms. Reagan that night, you waited along the fence until Reagan came by on his way home. Then you shot him when he started around the corner. Yeah. No, no, I, I, I just found a Guy. Is that what happened? No. Come on, admit it.
Billy Bradley
No. No. No.
Narrator
I just found the gun. I found it.
Billy Bradley
57.
Narrator
No.
Billy Bradley
56.
Narrator
No.
Billy Bradley
55.
Narrator
No. 54. No.
Billy Bradley
3. 8.
Narrator
No. No.
Billy Bradley
50.
Narrator
50.
Billy Bradley
50. 50.
Narrator
Time went fast after that. Too fast. A lawyer was assigned to me, and he came every day to make up his defense. But there was nothing much for him to go on. Nobody else came but him. Nobody then came to trial. And I was in a courtroom full of people who all seemed to be staring at me. I knew what was happening and I couldn't stop it. And that's how we found him, 100 yards away from Regan's body with a gun in his hand, still hot. Stop it. Willful, premeditated murder, as the evidence shows. But as final witness, I would like to calm his office.
Billy Bradley
Even if I do love Billy, if he did hate Pa, he often did say he might kill. Not in those words, that something like men have been killed for worse things. But Billy wouldn't really kill Pa. He wouldn't really do it.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
I might add his final statement, ladies.
Narrator
And gentlemen of the jury, that if I had any doubt as to Billy Bradley's guilt of the crime of which he has charged, I will not ask for the verdict that I do that of guilty. Guilty. Stop it.
Billy Bradley
59.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
58.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
57.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
56.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
55.
Narrator
Stop it.
Billy Bradley
54.
Narrator
Stop it. 53.
Billy Bradley
52.
Narrator
51. 50. 50.
Billy Bradley
50.
Narrator
50. 49. 48. 47.
Billy Bradley
46. 45.
Narrator
44. 43. 42.
Billy Bradley
41.
Narrator
40.
Billy Bradley
40. 40.
Narrator
40.
Billy Bradley
35. 34. 33.
Narrator
32.
Billy Bradley
31. 30. 30. 30.
Narrator
30. There's a bull, Brady. Oh, no. I'll try again. That won't do no good, white boy. No, walking won't help none either. You can get nowhere that way. What do you expect me to do? Just sit down, rest up. You got time for that? Rest is near the best case cure for bad luck I ever found. Oh, sure, sure. I got all the time in the world. Yeah, you got a lot more time than me gonna stick me in the chair. Well, that means you don't live so long as you might expect. I didn't do it. I didn't do it, Dog. Sure, not the bars all around like a cage. Well, I got them around me, too. Maybe that's good, too. Nothing is good. You got it pretty bad, huh, boy? I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do. Not much you can do except sit and rest. Go on, try it. Yeah. Yeah, maybe a better sure won't hurt. His name is Billy, huh? Yeah. Did I kill him? I think I did. Sure. He's doing all right. That thing's set up nice. That's the way it goes. Sure, I was in reform school. But I grew up and I got smart. A lot of kids stole things. You're not much more than a kid now, Billy. I'm old enough. Go straight and it'll pay off. That's what they told me when they sent me home. Mighty good advice. Yeah, sure. Look where it got me. Could have got here that sight sooner ate all of them. Hayden's no good either. Ask him. For me.
Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign.
Campaign Representative
For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Narrator
Yeah, I used to think like you was. I was out to hate anybody and everybody. Yeah. Got souls that didn't need no reason. Used to hate doors because they wouldn't open for me. Even now, dog can't help it if it got stuck and won't open, can it? No, I guess not. So after a while, I figured how funny it was. A fella hating something. Cause it is what it is. Yeah. I figured there was no sense to it. So I just don't hate no more. You just relax. You better watch me. It's kind of funny. I can handle him. Well, I warned you. Easy, Billy. Bill, here's T. Let me go. Holy shit. Get in there. Get me out of here. Now. Sit down, Billy. No. Every time I open this pal, he's trying to ram his way out. I'll take care of him. Leave us here. All right. But he's not safe anyhow. You shouldn't try that, Billy. This makes it harder. What do you want? Just a couple of questions. What they ever do to you? Nothing to me. I never hurt you. People hire me to catch punks like you, Billy. Send them in the chair. That's what the law says. Walking down the street with my girl. He had a fair trial. Yeah, fair trial. Look, Billy, you know why I came here. Yeah. Get your laughing. Beat it. That's not it. Well, you got another week. A week? That's all. Not a bright future, is it? Thanks to you, Billy. I came here for two reasons. Yeah? First, because I thought maybe you'd tell the truth about this. I don't like to see a man go to the chair still lying about his innocence. That's it, huh? Most of them break down and admit sooner or later. And I always like to know. You like to know. You like to be sure you're not going to have the wrong guy burning up for his life. But see, you can sleep night. Well, not exactly that sure.
Billy Bradley
I'll tell you.
Narrator
Sure, you want me to say? Okay, go ahead, put me in a chair. Because I got old man Regan, huh? I'm not going to say it, you hear? I'm not saying it cuz I didn't do it. And I'm going to be sitting somewhere once you turn it to us every.
Billy Bradley
Night, trying to sleep, I'll laugh.
Narrator
I'll laugh out loud. Now, look, Billy.
Billy Bradley
Look.
Narrator
Do not clench your fists. You cannot grasp times. And after all, death is only a moment of time. But you are young. Yes. And youth wants all of every moment. Come on, sit down, Billy. It might be that in death you'll find freedom. Poor Billy. Poor, poor Billy. He can think only of his freedom. And so. So he's a complete captive. Trapped. Trapped in a living nightmare. Death here is death, the solution to all problems. Death where the mind is finally at rest. Death where the body stops its restless twisting and turning. It's an interesting thought, isn't it? But Billy's not worried about what death may bring. Oh, no. Poor boy. He's so busy clinging to the last moment of life. Step, step, step, step toward eternity. Shall we see? I got Ms. Regan outside. If you'll keep calm, I'll bring her in to me. I finally wrangled it. And I'll bring her in if you'll keep quiet and not try anything. How about it? I don't know. What's the matter? I don't know. She thinks I killed him. You can have a guess on that. I'll see her. All right? Okay. Up here? Yeah, fine. Bring the girl in. If you think so. Want me to close the door, Billy? No, no, I'm all right. You were looking at it kind of funny. Yes. I'll be outside. Billy. Hi, Dooney.
Billy Bradley
Oh, baby.
Narrator
Baby, it's all right.
Billy Bradley
They wouldn't let me see him. I wanted to. I wanted to. I had to tell the truth at the trial. And that's All I did was tell the truth. That's all I did. I know you didn't kill Pop, Billy. I know you didn't. You might have been mad at him for not liking me to see you. But you couldn't kill him. Why would you kill him? And we could run off and get.
Narrator
Married anyway do we're all right.
Billy Bradley
Tell him to fix it. Cuz he was part of. He's been nice to me, Billy. He got me here and I'm not going to leave. I'll stay with you. I'll stay with you. I'm alone.
Narrator
Oh, sit down, baby.
Billy Bradley
Are you all right, Billy? Did they treat you good?
Narrator
Sure. I'm fine now. Come on, sit down.
Billy Bradley
It's good to hold your hand, Billy. I've missed you.
Narrator
Me too, Duny.
Billy Bradley
You look tired.
Narrator
Yeah, I guess I am.
Billy Bradley
Now, if I've got to see you. We'll fix it up. I know we will.
Narrator
Sure, honey. Don't you worry.
Billy Bradley
With Pa gone, I didn't have anybody.
Narrator
I know.
Billy Bradley
We can be married as soon as you get loose.
Narrator
Sure. As soon as I get loose.
Billy Bradley
Billy?
Narrator
Yeah?
Billy Bradley
I don't think Pa was as mad at you as he knew to be.
Narrator
Well, you can't blame him. I'd have felt the same way. That.
Billy Bradley
What?
Narrator
You got to go now, baby.
Billy Bradley
No.
Narrator
Yeah, yeah, you got to. No, I won't. No. I'll see you soon. Come on now. You got to keep that room clean, baby. It won't be long.
Billy Bradley
All right.
Narrator
Bye. Dooney.
Billy Bradley
Doy.
Narrator
See you soon. Take her out. Guard. I'll be there in a minute. Charlie.
Billy Bradley
Jack.
Narrator
Well, Billy.
Billy Bradley
It's okay. It's okay.
Narrator
Billy. I've been on the detective squad for 10 years and twice before I've been wrong about a man. I had you pegged right down the alley as a two bit gun punk. Maybe it was the way you grew up where you did. I don't know. Break that, sir. Listen, you told me everything about that night Reagan was killed. Yeah, sure I have everything. Thanks, son. Thank. Oh, it's like I told you. Go back over it. We were walking along by the zoo and. Was it dark? Yeah, it was dark. Trees hang over the walk. Go on. Well, I told you. We were walking along talking. What were you talking about? Oh, movies. Room over Jack's place and the zoo. What about the zoo? H. Yeah. We're walking, walking along some animals and the park started yelling. Dooney asked me why they yelled, that's all. I even told Dooney I could never stand being caged up. Now look at me. We. Well, that just shows how wrong you can be. I better go now. But I'll be back in a day or so. Billy. Yeah? Take it easy. Don't blow your top anymore. I won't. No, I don't think you will. I'll see you later, kid. You see, white boy? What? It ain't easy to hate all the time, is it? No. Hating is no good. I couldn't tell you near so plain as that pretty little girl. I don't hate anybody. That's fine. Now, you got plenty of time for other things now, don't you? Yeah, plenty of time.
Billy Bradley
45, 45, 44, 41, 34, 33, 32, 31 30.
Narrator
Cigarette? No. No, thanks. Perhaps money.
Billy Bradley
1 10. 1 10.
Narrator
1 10. One nine, one eight. You in the war, pulling? No, I'm too young. Why'd you ask? Well, I was on the beach as a DJ and I guess I kind of felt the way you do now. Right inside your handshake. Yes. I'd like to have been there. You made a good soldier. Maybe. What time has it been? Just about it. Ken.
Billy Bradley
What?
Narrator
Thanks.
Billy Bradley
What?
Narrator
What? They better be on time. They will be, Billy. God's warden. All the others, any second now. What? What?
Billy Bradley
What?
Narrator
What? What? Oh, hello, Mr. Sullivan. Sorry to get here at the last minute, but it took time. Yeah, time. I didn't expect you through that door. I'll make it fast. You don't have to worry about the chair. You got to reprieve until I can work the thing out. Work? What else? You're lucky. It rained the day Reagan was killed and it hasn't rained since. The weather bureau says. Oh, what do you mean? I was trying every angle, and you mentioned about the animals yelling in the zoo. Yeah. I checked and found that they were not being fed and that they usually sleep quiet. The bears in that section. Bears? Yeah, sure, the bears. Something must have disturbed them. So I went over every piece of ground, even into the bear pits. I just tonight found out what I was looking for. Yeah? Footprints. Human footprints hiding in the mud. And the park attendant says no one's been near the place. I see. I think the killer shot Riggin. Ran down the street, saw us coming, climbed the fence and dropped his gun. Then he swung down into the bare pit and got away. And I'm gonna prove it, Billy. It's the least I can do. You were too busy, Haight, huh? Maybe I was too. Well, now I got time. Plenty of it. Me and Dooney.
Billy Bradley
Have.
Narrator
I had to stop hating remembering? You did too tell Dooney. Mr. Sullivan. Going to put on time instead of cutting it off. We got it to spare now.
Billy Bradley
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 20.
Narrator
Death walked with Billy in a cell Minutes sounding out the Nell Poor Death most often quite adept Found that she was out of step so Death must find another one to carry on her ghastly fun. Don't feel sad or even blue Perhaps she's walking now with you. I do hope you'll sleep tonight. Oh, I. I know I will. I feel closed and cozy within the four walls of my room. And I can listen to the noises of the night outside and say, by the way, what makes you afraid?
Campaign Representative
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.
Teen Advocate
A lot of the flavors I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like. Like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.
Campaign Representative
It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Operation Nightmare 53-xx-xx Coincidence"
Episode Title: Operation Nightmare 53-xx-xx Coincidence (Billy is convicted for killing future father-in-law)
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Duration: Approximately 23 minutes
"Operation Nightmare 53-xx-xx Coincidence" is a gripping episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, which transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. This particular installment weaves a tale of suspense, drama, and intrigue centered around Billy Bradley, an 18-year-old who finds himself entangled in a dire predicament—convicted for the murder of his future father-in-law, Mr. Regan. The episode masterfully combines classic radio storytelling techniques with compelling character development, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The episode unfolds with Billy Bradley facing severe accusations for the murder of Mr. Regan. As the narrative progresses, listeners are taken through Billy's turmoil, the investigation led by Detective Sullivan, and the courtroom drama that seals Billy's fate. The story delves deep into themes of misunderstanding, societal pressures, and the quest for redemption, painting a nuanced picture of a young man caught in circumstances beyond his control.
Billy's Aspiration and Environment ([00:30] – [02:30]):
The Incident and Accusation ([03:00] – [07:11]):
Courtroom Drama and Conviction ([08:37] – [09:18]):
Billy's Inner Turmoil and Desperation ([09:20] – [17:28]):
Detective Sullivan's Revelation ([20:01] – [21:55]):
Climactic Conclusion and Ambiguous Fate ([21:55] – [23:09]):
Billy Bradley ([02:14], [02:16]):
"I could be a movie star."
"I could act too."
Narrator ([00:30]):
"Out of the dark of night, from the shadows of the senses, comes this, the fantasy of fear nightmare."
Detective Sullivan ([20:01]):
"Footprints. Human footprints hiding in the mud. And the park attendant says no one's been near the place."
Narrator ([08:37]):
"Willful, premeditated murder, as the evidence shows."
Billy Bradley ([09:25]):
"I didn't do it. I didn't do it, Dog."
Narrator ([21:55]):
"Death walked with Billy in a cell... Poor Death..."
"Operation Nightmare 53-xx-xx Coincidence" serves as a poignant exploration of youth, societal expectations, and the often-precarious nature of justice. Through Billy Bradley's ordeal, the episode invites listeners to ponder the ramifications of quick judgments and the importance of thorough investigations. The interplay between Billy's aspirations and his tragic circumstances underscores a universal theme of lost potential and the quest for redemption.
The introduction of Detective Sullivan's breakthrough highlights a critical commentary on the justice system's fallibility, reminding audiences that truth often lies beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. The unresolved ending leaves room for reflection, emphasizing that real-life narratives rarely conclude neatly, mirroring the complexities of human experiences.
Overall, this episode exemplifies Harold's Old Time Radio's commitment to delivering rich, engaging stories that resonate with timeless themes, all while maintaining the charm and suspense of classic radio dramas.