Richard Diamond 50-02-05 (040) To Guard A Seal

Summary

Podcast Summary: Richard Diamond 50-02-05 (040) "To Guard A Seal"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Richard Diamond 50-02-05 (040) "To Guard A Seal"
• Release Date: June 28, 2025
• Description: This episode revisits the thrilling adventures of Richard Diamond, a private detective navigating the intrigues of the Golden Age of Radio. Listeners are transported back to an era where families gathered around the radio to enjoy captivating stories featuring iconic characters and suspenseful mysteries.

---

Introduction

In the episode "To Guard A Seal," Richard Diamond, portrayed by Dick Powell, takes on a peculiar case that intertwines mystery, humor, and unexpected twists. The storyline centers around Diamond’s unexpected assignment to protect a unique client—a seal named Timothy—which spirals into a complex web of deception, theft, and intrigue.

Main Plot Summary

1. The Unusual Hire (00:51 - 03:19)

The episode kicks off with Richard Diamond receiving a mysterious job offer from Caspar Wellington. Originally, Diamond's day begins at river street, searching for a suspect, only to be interrupted by a sudden phone call.

• Walt Levinson: "Diamond, this is Walt. Where the devil are you?" [00:51]
• Richard Diamond: "Why stop looking?" [00:59]

Caspar Wellington approaches Diamond with a peculiar request: to hire him as a bodyguard for Timothy. Despite the oddity of the situation, Wellington insists on confidentiality regarding Timothy's identity and details.

• Caspar Wellington: "I need a bodyguard, Mr. Diamond. It’s not for myself. It’s for Timothy." [02:02]

After a brief negotiation, Diamond agrees to the job, intrigued yet cautious about the mysterious Timothy.

2. Complications and Comic Relief (03:19 - 08:50)

Back at his office, Diamond discusses the strange assignment with Helen, his companion, who expresses concern over the ambiguous nature of the job.

• Helen: "I have a very unhealthy feeling that I've just let myself in for something I won't like." [04:02]
• Richard Diamond: "The client just came on like secret service. I got the name of the guy he wants guarded and I know that someone's gonna try and kill him." [04:11]

As Diamond grapples with the perplexing scenario, two mysterious figures, Tony and Walt Levinson, attempt to intimidate him, suspecting him of being involved in the case.

• Tony: "You don't know Caspar Wellington, friend." [05:02]
• Richard Diamond: "I don't know anything about this Casper or whatever his name is." [05:14]

The tension provides a blend of suspense and lighthearted banter, showcasing Diamond's wit and resilience.

3. The Arrival of Timothy, the Seal (08:32 - 16:44)

The plot takes a whimsical turn when Diamond receives a crate containing a seal, Timothy. Upon opening the crate, Timothy humorously interacts with Diamond and Helen, demonstrating unusual intelligence.

• Richard Diamond: "This has got to be Timothy. If you want him to do something, throw him a fish." [08:03]
• Helen: "A seal?" [08:55]

Using a bag of fish, Diamond successfully befriends Timothy, leading them to inadvertently involve the local police, particularly Sergeant Otis.

• Richard Diamond: "I gotta give you the description of the guys who grabbed him." [20:00]

4. The Investigation Unfolds (16:44 - 20:46)

As Diamond delves deeper, he uncovers that Timothy is not an ordinary seal but is somehow connected to a stash of diamonds. The plot thickens when two men with malicious intent target Timothy to retrieve the hidden loot.

• Richard Diamond: "I think Casper was mixed up with the two guys who grabbed the seal, but in some way crossed them." [19:38]
• Walt Levinson: "Put out a 108 on Timothy." [20:00]

The episode masterfully balances the detective narrative with humorous exchanges, highlighting Diamond's unconventional methods and interactions with law enforcement.

5. Climax and Resolution (20:46 - 27:53)

The climax unfolds at Grand Central Station, where Diamond and Walt confront the antagonists attempting to seize Timothy and the diamonds. Through a combination of quick thinking and Diamond’s unique rapport with Timothy, they thwart the villains' plans.

• Richard Diamond: "If I know Timothy, he'll raise a few flippers." [22:18]
• Walt Levinson: "He's very weak. Doctor says he thinks he doesn't want to live, nor will." [24:25]

In a heartwarming conclusion, Diamond uses his singing prowess to rejuvenate Timothy, proving that even a seal can be the key to unraveling complex mysteries.

• Richard Diamond: "If her name is Kathy she's mine alone... she's the only angel I've ever known." [25:30]

The episode wraps up with a reflective Diamond contemplating the unusual case and reconnecting with Helen, hinting at more adventures to come.

6. Epilogue and Acknowledgements (27:53 - End)

The narrator provides credits, highlighting the talented cast and crew who brought the story to life. Dick Powell mentions his involvement in the motion picture version of "Mrs. Mike," and Ed Begley, who plays Lieutenant Walt Levinson, extends warm regards to longtime listeners in Hartford, Connecticut.

• Narrator: "You have just heard Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell..." [27:53]
• Richard Diamond: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right, Eddie..." [28:21]

---

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Walt Levinson: "Stay right there and wait for me. But you might as well stop looking." [00:57]
• Caspar Wellington: "Someone's trying to kill him." [02:09]
• Richard Diamond: "I'd love to, but you can never tell when, Mr. Diamond." [01:36]
• Helen: "And I think it was rude and inconsiderate." [07:00]
• Tony: "We're pointing things that shot bullets." [16:01]
• Richard Diamond: "If you take your hands off that seal." [15:33]
• Helen: "Listen." [23:26]
• Richard Diamond: "She's a maid no man is worthy of." [26:40]

These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments, character motivations, and the blend of tension and humor that defines the episode.

Character Insights

• Richard Diamond: Demonstrates unwavering dedication and adaptability. His ability to handle bizarre situations with grace and humor highlights his prowess as a detective.

• Caspar Wellington: A mysterious and affluent client whose true intentions are obscured by his secrecy regarding Timothy.

• Helen: Provides both emotional support and pragmatic perspectives, balancing Diamond's adventurous spirit with caution.

• Lt. Walt Levinson & Tony: Represent the law's comedic and sometimes exasperated response to Diamond's unconventional cases, adding levity to the narrative.

Conclusion

"To Guard A Seal" is a quintessential episode that marries the classic elements of detective storytelling with unique and humorous twists. Richard Diamond's adventure with Timothy the seal offers listeners a delightful blend of suspense, comedy, and heartwarming moments, making it a standout installment in the "Richard Diamond, Private Detective" series. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode promises an engaging and entertaining experience reminiscent of the beloved Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Richard Diamond]

Trip Planner by Expedia.

[Walt Levinson]

You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia Made to Travel.

[Narrator]

National Broadcasting Company presents Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective.

[Walt Levinson]

Diamond, this is Walt. Where the devil are you?

[Richard Diamond]

Where I started out to be, down on river street looking for the guy.

[Walt Levinson]

Stay right there and wait for me. But you might as well stop looking.

[Richard Diamond]

Why stop looking?

[Walt Levinson]

Take my word for it. He's not there.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if you're so smart, where is he?

[Walt Levinson]

The city morgue. We fished him out of the river 10 minutes ago.

[Narrator]

Here's another exciting case from the files of Richard Diamond, Private detective, starring Dick Powell.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm a detective agency first over the bars. Oh, hello, Helen baby.

[Helen]

Busy?

[Richard Diamond]

No. Why?

[Helen]

I'm lonesome. Can't you come over?

[Richard Diamond]

Honey, I'd love to, but you can Never tell when, Mr. Diamond. Oh. See what I mean?

[Helen]

Or customer.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, let's see. What can I do for you?

[Caspar Wellington]

I want to hire you.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen, the man wants to hire me.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, good.

[Helen]

I'll call you back.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye bye now.

[Caspar Wellington]

Mr. Wellington? Mr. Diamond. Casper Wellington.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. Pull up a couch and tell me the details, Mr. Wellington.

[Caspar Wellington]

I need a bodyguard, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Why?

[Caspar Wellington]

It's not for myself. It's for Timothy.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, why does Timothy need a bodyguard?

[Caspar Wellington]

Someone's trying to kill him.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. You've been to the police?

[Caspar Wellington]

Oh, yes, yes, but they feel it's not quite important enough for them.

[Richard Diamond]

You mean this Timothy's life is in danger and the police won't handle it?

[Tony]

Yes.

[Caspar Wellington]

Isn't it ridiculous?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know. Has anybody tried to kill Timothy before?

[Caspar Wellington]

Well, no one has exactly tried to kill him, but I very definitely expect an attempt.

[Richard Diamond]

Hmm. Now, look, this Timothy, is he a friend of yours?

[Caspar Wellington]

Oh, yes, a very good friend.

[Richard Diamond]

So what makes you think that someone is going to try to kill him?

[Caspar Wellington]

Mr. Diamond, I came here to hire you to protect Timothy. I'm perfectly willing to pay you your fee, but for the moment, the rest of your questions must go unanswered.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, my fee's $100 a day in expenses, Mr. Wellington. Still perfectly willing to pay it?

[Caspar Wellington]

Here's the cash. And there'll be another hundred if you protect Timothy long enough for me to get him on a train tomorrow.

[Richard Diamond]

Where's he going?

[Caspar Wellington]

Out of town, where he can be safe.

[Richard Diamond]

What's Timothy's last name?

[Caspar Wellington]

That will also have to go unanswered.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Supposing. I do take the job, where do I meet this Timothy? How will I know him?

[Caspar Wellington]

If you take the job, he'll be in your office in a matter of minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, something sure doesn't ring up right. But the 200 fish and expenses. I'd play foots with a cobra.

[Caspar Wellington]

Good. Now, I'm going down to the train station to pick up Timothy's ticket. When he arrives, I expect you to remain with him constantly until tomorrow.

[Richard Diamond]

I got a small apartment. I hate the bundle.

[Caspar Wellington]

Don't let him out of your sight for a moment. I want him alive and well when he gets on that train in the morning.

[Richard Diamond]

Does he play Pacheesi?

[Caspar Wellington]

Well, I doubt it, but you never can tell. He might like it Dandy. Have him at Grand Central at 8 o' clock. I'll meet you.

[Richard Diamond]

Do you know of any way I could possibly learn to hate money?

[Caspar Wellington]

If I did, I would never have come to you. Good day, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Atlantic Bone and Fertilizer.

[Helen]

Oh, that's a pit.

[Richard Diamond]

Just wondering how a new business would work out.

[Helen]

Now, what's wrong?

[Richard Diamond]

I have a very unhealthy feeling that I've just let myself in for something I won't like.

[Helen]

Oh, the client?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, kinda. I've got a guard, a friend of his.

[Helen]

What's the matter with that?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm not going all through that again. The client just came on like secret service. I got the name of the guy he wants guarded and I know that someone's gonna try and kill him. And that's it.

[Helen]

Rick, you be careful.

[Richard Diamond]

Honey. Honey. The client shoved 200 bucks in my rural hot hand.

[Helen]

Oh, good.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you want me to do? I'm trying for capitalist this year.

[Helen]

Didn't your client go to the police first?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, he went to the police with.

[Walt Levinson]

Hey, you.

[Richard Diamond]

Me what?

[Tony]

Yeah, you.

[Helen]

Rick. Are you listening?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I'm listening.

[Tony]

Put down the phone, friend. We want to talk to you.

[Helen]

Well, if you're listening, why don't you answer my question? If your client went to the police, that's better.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, now I'm a sport. Especially when someone's got a gun pointed at me.

[Tony]

Oh, the gun ain't gonna hurt you, chum, if you answer a couple of questions. Where's Caspar Wellington?

[Richard Diamond]

Who?

[Walt Levinson]

You're gonna be difficult.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, you got a gun on me. Who wants to be difficult?

[Tony]

You don't know Caspar Wellington, friend.

[Richard Diamond]

Never heard of him.

[Walt Levinson]

We seen him come into the building.

[Richard Diamond]

So you figured he came to see me. It's such a small building, only about.

[Tony]

100 offices oh, that's pretty funny.

[Richard Diamond]

Glad you liked it.

[Walt Levinson]

No, but we didn't. You're the only private detective in the building. We figured maybe Casper wanted to hire you.

[Richard Diamond]

What would he want to hire me for? What did this guy do?

[Tony]

How do you like that, George? Now he's a nosy comic.

[Richard Diamond]

Durante gets away with it.

[Tony]

Friend, I have just decided. Your humor bores me.

[Walt Levinson]

It's pretty bad, ain't it, Tony? Suppose we push his face around, huh? Maybe he don't feel like no more Joe.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, now, wait a minute. I don't know anything about this Casper or whatever his name is. What good's it gonna do to work me over?

[Walt Levinson]

Well, now, you see, honey, you mean got real nasty dispositions. We've been crossed. And then you make with the jokes. We don't like being the only ones unhappy, so we think maybe you ought to join.

[Tony]

Hold on a second, Judge.

[Walt Levinson]

What for? He's a setup.

[Tony]

No way. We mess him up, the law comes, we gotta find cast. But we ain't got no time to play patty cake with the cops.

[Walt Levinson]

Ah, just one across the mouth.

[Tony]

Forget it. Look, friend, you sure Caspar Wellington didn't come in here?

[Richard Diamond]

I couldn't be more positive.

[Tony]

Okay. Put down a ride, George. That don't look so unhappy. Maybe the shamus is lying. We catch him telling the fib. Just think of the fun you can have later on, huh?

[Walt Levinson]

Come on, we'll leave him.

[Tony]

Yeah. So long, friend. And for your sake, I hope you've been leveling.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Walt Levinson]

See you around.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Bye.

[Helen]

Now, you listen to me, Richard Diamond. The next time you hang up on me, I'll never speak to you again. But you better have a pretty good excuse for doing it this time. You know, I take a lot of things from you, Rick, but never, never once have you hung up on me.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen, please.

[Helen]

And I think it was rude and inconsiderate.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen.

[Helen]

And I want to know right now, this minute just what kind of a poor, lame brain excuse you're going to come up with.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen. Well, now, look, baby, I don't know what's going on. This is like doing business in a roundhouse. The only reason I hung up on you was because two guys stole in here and shoved guns in my face. And they were looking for the guy who came in earlier and hired me to look after someone named Timothy that I haven't even seen yet.

[Helen]

It sounds awfully confusing.

[Richard Diamond]

It is. Oh, hold the phone. Here's somebody else. Comment with your hands up.

[Walt Levinson]

You Richard Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Yep.

[Walt Levinson]

You got a crate here Addressed to you.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that figures. Bring it in. Helen.

[Otis]

Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

You sent me maybe a present.

[Helen]

No. You want me to?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but someone's beating you to it.

[Walt Levinson]

Where do you want it?

[Richard Diamond]

Good grief. Put it down right there.

[Helen]

What's the matter?

[Richard Diamond]

The present. The biggest crate you ever saw.

[Helen]

A crate? What's in it?

[Richard Diamond]

How do I know?

[Helen]

Well, open it.

[Walt Levinson]

Okay, Mr. Diamond. Stand right here.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. There you are.

[Walt Levinson]

I hope you still be very happy.

[Richard Diamond]

Ellen.

[Helen]

Yes?

[Richard Diamond]

Hold the phone. I'm going to open this thing.

[Helen]

All right.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no. Oh, get away. Get away. Now, get on. Get down. Don't come up here. Don't, don't, don't. Oh, Helen.

[Helen]

Rick, what in the world's the matter?

[Richard Diamond]

Helen, if this is your idea of.

[Helen]

A joke, please calm down and tell me what's wrong.

[Richard Diamond]

Can't you hear it?

[Helen]

Well, I heard something, but I thought you must have eaten your lunch too fast.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm standing on my desk trying to fight off a monster. Call up Charles Adams right away.

[Helen]

A monster?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes. I'd swear it was a seal, but I know my friend's better than that. This thing has got to be poisonous.

[Helen]

A seal?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, a seal. Hey, he's not so bad. He's applauding. You must have liked that remark about Adams.

[Helen]

Now you stop it. Do you expect me to believe all this?

[Richard Diamond]

She doubts you, fella. Say a few words.

[Helen]

Rick, who in the world would send you a seal?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't even need to look. This has got to be Timothy. Oh, it is Timothy. When he heard his name, he made like a curtain call.

[Helen]

Sounds like one. Richard Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, that's pretty nothing. I'll call you back.

[Helen]

Where are you going?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm going to take Timothy right back to Mr. Casper Wellington and tell him that.

[Helen]

Yes?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, for the love of. I don't know where to find Mr. Casper Wellington. Well, there it was. It was pretty silly. The smart, shrewd, level headed Richard diamond, for the sake of a couple of hundred fast bucks, winds up playing nursemaid and companion to a honking seal. Just to make sure it was Timothy, I took a look at the crate and there on top was a small printed card. It read, this is Timothy. If you want him to do something, throw him a fish. Herring. Signed, Caspar Wellington. Well, that tore it. My temper was already pushing my hair up to attention. So I went out to the nearest delicatessen and came back with a bag of fish. With this, I lured Timothy out of the building and down on the street I had to find Casper Wellington. So 60 pedestrians and one unhappy cabbie later, Timothy and I stole casually into the Fifth Precinct police station. Well, well, hello, Sergeant Otis.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, how are you, Shammas? Huh?

[Richard Diamond]

Huh? What?

[Walt Levinson]

What'd you just say?

[Richard Diamond]

I said, hello, Sergeant Otis.

[Walt Levinson]

No, after that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that was it.

[Richard Diamond]

Something wrong, Sergeant?

[Walt Levinson]

Yipe.

[Richard Diamond]

Otis. Otis, say hello to Timothy. Timothy, this is Sergeant Otis.

[Walt Levinson]

Look on, Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Go on. We kiss the sergeant, Timothy. Go on. Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Walt Levinson]

Get him away from me.

[Richard Diamond]

Get him away, Otis. He's not so bad, Lieutenant.

[Walt Levinson]

Help.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, Otis, come down off that desk. You look sillier than I did.

[Walt Levinson]

He's trying to eat me.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, be quiet. You too, Timothy. You'll wake up the lieutenant. Here's a fish. Throw it to Timothy.

[Walt Levinson]

And that's you, Diamond. You probably take my arm along with it. Get away. Get away. What the devil is going on out here? Otis, what are you doing up there?

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Walt.

[Walt Levinson]

What are you doing to my sergeant? And you shut up, Otis. That wasn't me. What do you mean, it wasn't you? Of course it was you.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, meet Timothy.

[Walt Levinson]

How do you.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd hate to think what would happen if someone wandered in here with a walrus. Come on, Timothy. Let's go see the brave old head of homicide.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get him out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, relax, Otis. Timothy's as scared as you are. Oh, yeah?

[Walt Levinson]

What makes you say that?

[Richard Diamond]

He's probably thinking there's more like you. That would be a horrible shock to anyone, even a seal. Come on, Timothy.

[Walt Levinson]

You get that thing out of here right now.

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond, everybody's standing on something. You'd think it was a steam bath.

[Walt Levinson]

Up till now, I've had two reported homicides and a couple of fat robberies. And if you think you're going to wander in here with that thing and confuse the whole department, you're mistaken. Now get it out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, Walt, it's only a seal. Have a fish.

[Walt Levinson]

I'm not hungry.

[Richard Diamond]

No, no, Walt, it's for Timothy. Feed it to him. He'll love you.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah. Do you think so?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. Sure, Walt. Go ahead, try it. Okay.

[Walt Levinson]

Here, Timothy. Hey, he's applauding.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure, he's a nice little fella. Now climb down and help me.

[Walt Levinson]

Give me another fish.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, wait. Come down without it, huh? Okay. Well, speak.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. I want to feed it to Timothy. He likes me. See?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, lovely. Why don't you two get engaged?

[Walt Levinson]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, after everybody got used to him, Timothy made the rounds of the whole department, with the commissioner being the only exception, of course. I told Walt the story About Caspar Wellington and the two ganiffs who had come into my office looking for him. So Walt put Otis to work checking on the whereabouts of my missing client. Along about three in the afternoon, Otis pounced in with some news. Hey, diamond, you find something?

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, hi, Timothy. Yeah. Say, I check with the Humane Society and they report some guy who lives down by the docks. Name's Wellington, all right. He'd been turned in a couple of times because he raises seals and they make a lot of noise. Oh, and Lieutenant, we just got a report on another homicide. Well, thanks, sporty.

[Richard Diamond]

You tell the lieutenant all about it, Otis. I'm going after Caspar Wellington. What's the address?

[Walt Levinson]

Here it is. 918 River Street.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, Tim.

[Walt Levinson]

Goodbye, Timothy Otis.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, yeah, yeah. What was I saying? Homicide, remember? Just a little old homicide.

[Richard Diamond]

I left Walton Otis climbing over the furniture and headed for the address of Casper Wellington. Timothy and I grabbed the first cabbie who didn't believe what he was seeing. And 20 minutes later, we pulled up in front of a building on River Street. Thanks, cabby.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, sure.

[Richard Diamond]

Thank the man. Timothy. Mister? Yeah?

[Caspar Wellington]

I didn't ask you nothing when you got in the cab. Because I just didn't believe it. Is that the seal you got with you?

[Richard Diamond]

You're expecting maybe a raccoon?

[Caspar Wellington]

Do you always take him around with you like that?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure.

[Narrator]

We're brothers.

[Richard Diamond]

Right by the house sometime for dinner when mom isn't taking a swim. She's not a very good driver, is he, Timothy? You know it. Come on. You're going home.

[Tony]

Hold her right here, friend.

[Walt Levinson]

You hide him.

[Tony]

This is a gun in your back.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yeah.

[Tony]

Oh, you lied to me, friend.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll go stand in the corner. Nah.

[Tony]

Don't move.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay.

[Tony]

George, grab the seal.

[Otis]

Meet Olivia. Hey, what's up? Olivia dreams big. I want to go back to school.

[Helen]

And get a pet and buy a.

[Otis]

House and save for retirement and travel the world. That's quite the list. Thank you. Numerica Credit Union is the perfect partner to help turn Olivia's dreams into reality. Really? Yep. We're all about helping our members create a life that feels like theirs. And we have the tools, expertise and guidance to make it happen.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm in.

[Otis]

Let's get started. Numerica Credit Union. Money where it matters. Federally insured by ncua.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You can't do that.

[Walt Levinson]

Wanna bet? Come here.

[Richard Diamond]

You take your hands off that seal.

[Tony]

Shut your mouth. Next time you don't get it across the neck, I'll give you the rod on the skull.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, friend, I got him.

[Tony]

All right. Get him in a car and you stay put. One bad move, you're gonna get shot up very bad.

[Walt Levinson]

Come on, George.

[Tony]

You got that thing in the car?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Walt Levinson]

He's saying, let's get out of here.

[Tony]

Hey, friend.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah?

[Tony]

You see this I got pointed at you?

[Richard Diamond]

I see.

[Walt Levinson]

Good.

[Tony]

Forget about today. You won't see it again. Open that big yap of yours, and it goes boom. Now turn around. Cause when we leave, I don't want you looking back for no license number.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I stood there while they drove off with poor little Timothy. Then I made a quick dash across the street into a store with a phone booth. Seconds later, I was hearing one of the most beautiful sounds in the world.

[Walt Levinson]

Diamond, this is Walt. Where the devil are you?

[Richard Diamond]

Where I started out to be, down on river street, looking for my client.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, you stay right there and wait for me. But you might as well stop looking.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, why stop looking? His house is just down at the end of the block.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, take my word for it, he isn't there.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if you're so smart, where is he?

[Walt Levinson]

The city morgue. We fished him out of the river 10 minutes ago.

[Richard Diamond]

What?

[Walt Levinson]

He was suffering from a hole in his chest. Dead before he was tossed in.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, Walt. Walt, remember those two guys who came into my office earlier?

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, they just put the snatch on Timothy and belted me across the neck for my trouble.

[Walt Levinson]

They swiped the seal.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. So get on here. I'll meet you at Casper Wellington's house.

[Walt Levinson]

Anybody in the house? Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

No, no. No answer.

[Walt Levinson]

Let's case the place. I've got a skeleton key.

[Richard Diamond]

Dual Dwalt. It's open. See? Now, if you'll notice, as I walk in, at no time do my feet leave my legs.

[Walt Levinson]

Very funny.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Smells like somebody's been cooking up a fish stew.

[Walt Levinson]

Crummy joint.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, get a load of that kitchen.

[Walt Levinson]

What a mess.

[Richard Diamond]

Weren't cooking fish wall. Just cleaning it.

[Walt Levinson]

There's still a mess of them left in the sink.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Casper raised seals.

[Walt Levinson]

Why are the rest of them.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Come here.

[Walt Levinson]

What is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Get a look at this backyard.

[Walt Levinson]

Holy cow. Bunch of dead seals.

[Richard Diamond]

Who in the world would do anything like that?

[Walt Levinson]

Maybe your two friends. Hey, what's this?

[Richard Diamond]

What's what?

[Walt Levinson]

This bag on the floor. Leather bag.

[Richard Diamond]

What's in it?

[Walt Levinson]

Nothing. Wait a minute. Some kind of dust at the bottom.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll save it. We'll have it analyzed when we get down to the station. We got to check up on those two guys who kidnapped Timothy.

[Walt Levinson]

This is the Craziest case.

[Richard Diamond]

I got a hunch. Sure, it's crazy, but if I'm right, it's also pretty smart. Let's go to the station.

[Walt Levinson]

Hey, Lieutenant. Yeah, Otis? We just got something else on that Casper Wellington guy.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, why? Did he steal?

[Walt Levinson]

Hey, how do you know?

[Richard Diamond]

Just a guess.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, what is it, Hammerhead? Why? It seems this Wellington guy works at. I mean, used to work for David and Sons. David and Sons. Diamond Importers.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that ties it.

[Walt Levinson]

Would somebody mind telling me what the devil this is all about? And, Rick, you stay out of it. Now, Otis, what about Wellington?

[Richard Diamond]

Wellington? Oh, he ran off with a load of diamonds.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, 50,000 bucks worth. Hey, but you, Rick, will you please, for the sake of my sour stomach, tell me exactly what it is?

[Richard Diamond]

You know, I'd be glad to, Lieutenant. It's very simple. Wellington comes to me and asked me to guard Timothy. Two guys kidnapped Timothy.

[Walt Levinson]

That we heard.

[Richard Diamond]

Then we find a bunch of dead seals in Wellington's backyard and the remains of a pile of clean fish. So? So the two guys who kidnapped Timothy were obviously after something. And the seal was part of it.

[Walt Levinson]

Hey, maybe Timothy wasn't the seal after all. Now, what would he be, Otis? Well, if those guys wanted him that bad, maybe he was a mink.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that bag you picked up. Walt, have that powder in the bottom analyzed. I'll lay six to an even that is diamond dust.

[Walt Levinson]

What do you think?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Yeah, I think Timothy's got a stomach full of diamonds.

[Walt Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

I think Casper was mixed up with the two guys who grabbed the seal, but in some way crossed them. Why? He had to hide the loot, so he stuck it in some fish and fed it to Timothy. Then he left Timothy with me for protection until he could get him shipped out on the train.

[Walt Levinson]

And in the meantime, the two guys who found Casper killed him and went back to his house to find the loot. They figured out the fish like you did and killed the seals in the backyard. But trying to find the stuff, you.

[Richard Diamond]

My friend, win a herring.

[Walt Levinson]

Otis, have the powder in the bottom of this bag analyzed. Put out a 108 on Timothy. Yes, sir. Diamond here will give you the description of the guys who grabbed him.

[Richard Diamond]

We'll never find him that way.

[Walt Levinson]

You got a better idea?

[Richard Diamond]

Maybe. Look, you said those two guys killed Casper and then went right over to the house to look for the missing diamonds. All right, they knew where to look, but they didn't find anything. So they waited for me and Timothy. So? So Caspar Wellington probably told them all about it before they Killed him trying to save his own life.

[Walt Levinson]

All right, I'll buy that. So what?

[Richard Diamond]

So by now they must know how hot those diamonds are. They're certainly not going to try to get rid of me in town.

[Walt Levinson]

And then they leave town.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, and with that much loot, it would be a little risky if they try it by car.

[Walt Levinson]

All right. All right. How do they do it?

[Richard Diamond]

The same way Caspar thought of ship Timothy out on a train.

[Walt Levinson]

Wait a minute. Rick Otis. Yeah? Put in a call to all units. Tell them to cover the airports, train and bus stations. Be on the lookout for a seal that's about to be shipped.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, Walt.

[Walt Levinson]

Where to?

[Richard Diamond]

As long as Caspar Wellington already made the arrangements by train. Let's go down to Grand Central. Maybe our two seal nappers will keep the reservation. Well, Walt and I piled in the squad car again, and 20 minutes later we were standing in the middle of Grand Central Station with a bag of fish and a weather eye out for the missing seal and his two abductors.

[Walt Levinson]

Now, where do we start?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Walt, why don't you just go ask information? Just say I'm looking for two men and a seal. The seal is hiding $50,000 worth of diamonds.

[Walt Levinson]

Now you stop that. This was plenty silly before a jewel robbery and a homicide got into the picture. But now it's gotten ridiculous.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, if I was a seal, where would I go?

[Walt Levinson]

They have to crate him. The shipping department.

[Richard Diamond]

And so with their crusty bag of fish, the two brave detectives walk nonstop.

[Walt Levinson]

Shut up and let's go.

[Richard Diamond]

But smile, Walt. This kind of case doesn't happen but once every 10,000 years. Think of your report to the commissioner.

[Walt Levinson]

If you don't stop kidding with me, so help me.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, Walt.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, now what?

[Richard Diamond]

Look. Those two guys where going down the ramp.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh, they got a big box.

[Richard Diamond]

That's it. Let's take them.

[Walt Levinson]

You said they got guns.

[Richard Diamond]

We're pointing things that shot bullets. Could be guns.

[Walt Levinson]

Take it easy. They're going up to that counter.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Hold it. Hold it here. No sense in starting a shooting match. Too many people.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, what do we do? Maybe the seal's not in the box. And if I pick them up without the loot, we may never find it.

[Richard Diamond]

I got an idea.

[Walt Levinson]

Go ahead, genius.

[Richard Diamond]

Timothy likes fish, doesn't he? Yeah. Yeah, he likes fish. Well, take this bag. They know me. So you walk down there and move in close to the box. Timothy's bound to get a whiff. And if I know Timothy, he'll raise a few flippers.

[Walt Levinson]

You want me to you want to.

[Richard Diamond]

Get those diamonds, don't you?

[Walt Levinson]

Give me the bag.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't snap. People will just think you ran out of cologne. I'll get going.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah. Pardon me, but I'd like to find out about sending something. Oh, yeah? Well, what's the idea, buster? We was here first.

[Tony]

Shut up, stupid.

[Walt Levinson]

You boys must be really sending something big.

[Tony]

I told you to shut up. Yeah, some.

[Walt Levinson]

Some furs. Oh, live ones.

[Narrator]

Hey, Tiny, what's with the seal?

[Walt Levinson]

Will you shut up? I hate to mention it, but your furs are throwing a fit. Okay, boys, that's all I wanted to know. He's gone after the sack this guy laid down. It's a sack full of fish. Hey, what's the item? Hello? Stay right there.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, Rick.

[Walt Levinson]

Cop.

[Richard Diamond]

Who are you? All right, bud, drop it. I said drop it.

[Walt Levinson]

Okay, okay. Ain't taking me. Look out, Rick. This guy's got a gun. Lego, Lego on my hand.

[Richard Diamond]

Where'd he get the seal off?

[Walt Levinson]

He's chewing my hand off. And drop the gun.

[Tony]

All right, all right. Get him off.

[Walt Levinson]

Come on. Get him off. How do you like this? That Timothy grabbed this gun up by the gun hand and made him drop it. I'll be done.

[Tony]

Crazy seal nearly kill me.

[Walt Levinson]

You and your bright idea. Ship to shield, you. Okay, boys, here's a bracelet for you. Let's go outside.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt. Walt, wait a minute. We got to get the jewels.

[Walt Levinson]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Well, I'll take care of these two guys. And I'll take Timothy to a good veterinary.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay? Walt? Yeah, if it means surgery, keep in touch.

[Walt Levinson]

Sure.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye, Timothy.

[Helen]

Rick, now, don't be unhappy.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, how can I help it, honey? I. He's been in surgery for nearly an.

[Helen]

Hour, but he'll be all right. They got a good vet.

[Richard Diamond]

I hope so. I was getting attached to that seal. Oh, I got it. Yeah.

[Walt Levinson]

Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Walt? Yeah. How's Timothy?

[Walt Levinson]

He had the diamonds in him all right.

[Richard Diamond]

But how is he? Well, go ahead, Walt. You can tell me. I can stand it.

[Walt Levinson]

He's very weak. Doctor says he thinks he doesn't want to live, nor will.

[Richard Diamond]

What's the matter? He was such a happy seal.

[Walt Levinson]

I think he misses you, Rick. Every time someone mentions your name, he kind of honks and raises a weak flipper.

[Richard Diamond]

I better come right down.

[Walt Levinson]

He's sinking fast.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you think maybe if he heard my voice. Can you get a phone near him?

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, yeah. Wait a minute. Okay, I got it next to his ear. Say something.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Timothy. Oh, Walt.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Ask him if he's seen a picture called Mrs. Mike.

[Walt Levinson]

He says he saw it. Didn't like the leading man loved Evelyn Keys.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, Ask him if you like the music.

[Walt Levinson]

Yeah, he liked that.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, put the receiver next to his ear and I'll sing him the theme song.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, go ahead and try anything in case of an emergency.

[Richard Diamond]

If her name is Kathy she's mine alone When I walk with Kathy Proud am I She's the girl I'll marry and cross the threshold I'll carry and I'll love But Kathy till I die she's the only angel Angel I've ever.

[Walt Levinson]

Known.

[Richard Diamond]

She's a maid no man is worthy of Although girls are many Compared to her There isn't any.

[Walt Levinson]

Only.

[Richard Diamond]

Cathy do I know well, Walt, I did it. He's better.

[Walt Levinson]

Listen.

[Richard Diamond]

Good old Timothy. That a boy.

[Walt Levinson]

I guess the singing did it.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you mean, you guess? When I sang with The Peter Pan 5, we played two weeks at the Carl Gables Hotel in Florida.

[Walt Levinson]

So what?

[Richard Diamond]

So what? I'll have you know, five minutes after I opened my mouth, every seal in the Biscayne Keys came in and sat ringside.

[Walt Levinson]

That sounds like a pretty good act. What'd you give it up for?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I got a sore throat one night and the place was up to its ears in alligators.

[Walt Levinson]

Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, Wall. Bye.

[Narrator]

You have just heard Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Ed Begley played Lieutenant Walt Levinson. Also in the cast were Wills, Herbert, Fay Baker, Junius Matthews, Billy Bletcher, Tony Barrett and Larry Dobkin. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Richard diamond is written by Blake Edwards and directed by Russell Hughes. Dick Powell currently may be seen in the motion picture version of the best selling novel, Mrs. Mike. Isn't that right, Dick?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right, Eddie. Oh, by the way, Ed Begley, who plays Lt. Levinson on our show, would like to say a few words to his old friends in Hartford, Connecticut.

[Walt Levinson]

Well, I just want to say on behalf of all of us here, I'm Richard Diamond. Congratulations to radio station WTIC in Hartford, Connecticut, where I got my start in radio and which this week celebrates its 25th anniversary of service to the people of southern New England.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Ed Begley. Now, this is Eddie King inviting you to be with us next Sunday at this same time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Governing a country is a pretty hard headed business. And we don't usually think of our government as a dealer in dreams. But in one respect it is because it's a dealer in savings bonds. Your particular dream for the future can come true through the judicious purchase of United States Savings Bonds today. As for buying United States Savings bonds, the process is simplicity itself. If you're employed by others, use the payroll savings Plan where you work. Your employer will set aside a specific sum from each paycheck for the purchase of bonds. If you're self employed, use the bond a Month plan where you bank. Either way, you'll be saving with regularity, with certainty and with profit through the purchase of United States Savings Bonds. What's on NBC today? You'll hear Charles Boyer and Dorothy Maguire today on Theatre Guild on the air in Autumn Crocus. And there's the Phil Harris Alice Fay show to add to your Sunday listening pleasure. Be sure to hear Charles Boyer and Dorothy Maguire on Theater Guild on the air and the Phil Harris Alice Fay show today on NBC.