Rocky Fortune 1953-11-17 (006) Some Cat's Killed the Canary

Summary

Rocky Fortune: Some Cat's Killed the Canary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Rocky Fortune 1953-11-17 (006) Some Cat's Killed the Canary
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Introduction

In this thrilling installment of Rocky Fortune, Frank Sinatra breathes life into the character of Rocky Fortune, a talented yet carefree musician navigating the gritty underbelly of the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the backdrop of pre-television America, listeners are transported to a lively scene where music, mystery, and danger intertwine.

Characters Introduced

• Rocky Fortune (Frank Sinatra): A charismatic and skilled bass player with a penchant for getting involved in precarious situations.
• Bugsy Barton: Rocky's friend and bandmate, deeply entrenched in the local music scene and questionable dealings.
• Dolores Kane: Bugsy's new singer, a complex character caught in the web of deceit and murder.
• Johnny Lament: The original bassist struggling with personal demons, including alcohol and past relationships.
• Mr. Quaid: The manager of Hotel Zanzibar, revealed to have sinister motives.
• Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger: A seasoned detective with a history with Rocky.

The Gig at Hotel Zanzibar

The episode kicks off with Rocky Fortune recalling his humble beginnings and occasional gigs. [00:49] Rocky humorously shares, "I hocked the fiddle and ran away from home," highlighting his rebellious nature. His friend Bugsy Barton contacts him for help with a last-minute gig at the Hotel Zanzibar, indicating trouble when the current bassist is incapacitated.

Upon arrival, Rocky interacts with Bugsy and the other band members, setting the stage for the night's events. [02:33] Bugsy states, "My bass player's on the sauce. I need somebody to take his place tonight," underscoring the urgency and instability within the band.

Interaction with Johnny Lament and Dolores Kane

Rocky seeks out Johnny Lament to retrieve his fiddle, leading to an encounter with Dolores Kane, Bugsy's new singer. [05:01] Dolores introduces herself, "I didn't throw it. It's Dolores Kane. I'm Bugsy's new singer," immediately adding layers to the unfolding drama.

As Rocky negotiates the use of Johnny's fiddle, tensions rise due to Johnny's erratic behavior and unresolved issues with his ex-girlfriend, Evie Johnson.

Discovery of Eve Johnson's Murder

Late into the night, Rocky discovers a shocking scene in Dolores Kane's room. [08:35] Dolores exclaims, "It just is impossible. I finished singing my last number and I had a drink at the bar. ... I didn't kill her. Honest, I didn't."

Rocky senses foul play and confronts Dolores, revealing signs of poisoning: [10:05] "Someone slipped your Mickey. Your pupils are contracted."

Together, they devise a plan to dispose of the body to avoid immediate detection, showcasing Rocky's quick-thinking and resourcefulness.

Investigation and Suspicion

Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger enters the scene, questioning the events surrounding Eve Johnson's disappearance. [11:14] Sgt. Finger asks, "You'll find out," maintaining suspense about the true nature of the incident.

Rocky's suspicions grow as he deduces that Mr. Quaid, the manager, is involved in illicit activities, possibly a narcotics operation. [12:54] Rocky ponders, "Eve Johnson's body didn't walk out of that car, baby. Somebody lifted it," indicating deeper conspiracies.

Confrontation and Resolution

As the plot thickens, Johnny Lament becomes unstable, accusing Dolores of murder. [14:17] Johnny confronts, "Come on, baby. I know you. We were married once. You and me, remember?"

Rocky intervenes, leading to a climactic confrontation where truths are unveiled. [16:00] Rocky declares, "So you're the guy who was all busted up about losing his best girl," directly challenging Johnny's motives.

In a tense showdown, Rocky cleverly uses a fiddle case to outmaneuver his opponents. [19:06] Dolores warns, "Stop the lip dribble and get going before I get blue," as Rocky deftly navigates the perilous situation.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Rocky successfully escaping the immediate threat, but not without raising further questions about the hotel's operations and Bugsy's true allegiance. [22:38] Rocky reflects, "Man, dig that crazy bass fidd," hinting at unresolved tensions and future adventures.

As the story wraps, Frank Sinatra delivers a tantalizing preview for next week's episode, maintaining the suspense and allure of Rocky Fortune's world: [23:45] "Did I ever tell you about the Broadway actress who was involved in the murder of a drama critic?..."

Notable Quotes

• Rocky Fortune: "I hocked the fiddle and ran away from home." ([00:49])
• Bugsy Barton: "My bass player's on the sauce. I need somebody to take his place tonight." ([02:33])
• Dolores Kane: "I didn't kill her. Honest, I didn't." ([08:54])
• Detective Sergeant Finger: "We got a tip on a body in room 310." ([10:42])
• Johnny Lament: "She told me. She says, Johnny boy, Dolores is jealous of you..." ([14:03])
• Rocky Fortune: "Man, dig that crazy bass fidd." ([22:38])
• Rocky Fortune (closing): "Did I ever tell you about the Broadway actress who was involved in the murder of a drama critic?" ([23:45])

Analysis and Insights

"Some Cat's Killed the Canary" masterfully blends elements of jazz and suspense, capturing the essence of 1950s radio dramas. The interplay between characters highlights themes of betrayal, addiction, and the quest for redemption. Rocky Fortune emerges as a complex hero, navigating moral ambiguities with wit and resilience.

The episode also delves into the darker aspects of the music scene, portraying how personal demons and external pressures can lead to fatal consequences. The use of real-time dialogue and strategic cliffhangers keeps listeners engaged, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Rocky's adventures.

Conclusion

This episode stands out as a quintessential example of old-time radio storytelling, combining star power with intricate plots. Frank Sinatra's portrayal of Rocky Fortune brings charm and depth to the narrative, making "Some Cat's Killed the Canary" a memorable journey through music and mystery.

For those who haven't tuned in, this summary offers a glimpse into the captivating world of Rocky Fortune, where every note played and every decision made can lead to unexpected twists and turns.

Transcript

[Frank Sinatra]

Frank Sinatra transcribed as Rocky Fortune NBC presents Frank Sinatra as that footloose and fancy free young gentleman, Rocky Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hi. When I was a kid, a couple of maiden ants made me practice a bull fiddle to strengthen my character. It didn't do much for my character because I hocked the fiddle and ran away from home. Every once in a while, though, I got a chance to pick up a couple of bucks playing with a small combo at a Polish wedding or a bar mitzvah. The last job I had was neither. It was more of a funeral, my own. Yeah?

[Dolores Kane]

Hey, Dad.

[Bugsy Barton]

I want to speak to Rocky Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

You got him, Rock.

[Bugsy Barton]

This is Bugsy. Bugsy Barton.

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, hi, jazz boy. Where you been?

[Bugsy Barton]

Me and a cat bounce a little flea back called the Hotel Zanzibar. You dig that place?

[Rocky Fortune]

I've been there. How's America's greatest bebop horn?

[Bugsy Barton]

Gain an altitude, man, gain an altitude.

[Rocky Fortune]

Getting tall, huh?

[Bugsy Barton]

Yeah, real high. You all looking for a little gainful employment?

[Rocky Fortune]

You mean music, Dad. I don't mean bricklaying, Bugs. I ain't played the bass for five years. Also, my instrument is with Uncle. I hocked it for train fare and that don't signify.

[Bugsy Barton]

We'll scuffle up a base for you.

[Rocky Fortune]

How much and where this Anzabar?

[Bugsy Barton]

15 bucks and a pad for the night.

[Rocky Fortune]

See you in a half hour.

[Bugsy Barton]

Solid. Solid. Plant you now and dig you later.

[Rocky Fortune]

Whatever happened to that line? I invest the subway token and 20 minutes later I am in the jungle Room of the Hotel Zanzibar. Which is a cheap three story fleabag on Bleekman Street. On the band stand, there's Bugsy Barton. There's five barrels of bop. Bugsy is a musician's musician. And the boys are playing strictly from Memphis. After the set, Bugsy comes over and sits down with me. This boy is five feet wide across the chest. And he doesn't know from his own strength.

[Bugsy Barton]

Rock boy, give me some skin, man.

[Rocky Fortune]

Easy, Bugs. You're breaking up the metacarpals. What's up?

[Bugsy Barton]

My bass player's on the sauce. I need somebody to take his place tonight.

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, I ain't much of a bass player, Bugs.

[Bugsy Barton]

That don't matter, man. All you gotta do is stand up there and wallop the Wurlitzer. I just want to cover the boy to keep the hotel manager from blowing his top.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah, I see what you mean. Where's the fiddle?

[Bugsy Barton]

You go up to Johnny's, room 212, get his fiddle and come on down.

[Rocky Fortune]

Johnny, Johnny.

[Johnny Lament]

Lament, man.

[Bugsy Barton]

The best double bass you Ever laid in? Ear drum on.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah, of course. He used to play with Goodman, didn't he?

[Bugsy Barton]

Oh, this Johnny's been all over town. Rock, man. When he's sober, he can play all over that instrument hits every register with the cash register.

[Rocky Fortune]

What's wrong?

[Bugsy Barton]

Girl trouble. Used to have a little thrush called Evie Johnson. She and Johnny had a falling out and he's taking it pretty hard. Come on, man, you better hustle. We're on in 10 minutes.

[Rocky Fortune]

I hopped the self service elevator up to 2 and looked for room 212. It ain't very hard because it's the only room with a built in trombone plan. Yes, this Johnny Lament's room. Baby.

[Dolores Kane]

What do you want?

[Rocky Fortune]

I'm Rocky Fortune. I'm sitting in for Johnny till he comes in for a landing. Which won't be soon by the looks of him.

[Dolores Kane]

You still haven't said what you want.

[Rocky Fortune]

Pardon me, I need the fiddle.

[Dolores Kane]

Don't you have your own instrument?

[Rocky Fortune]

Honey, don't give me a bad time. I need the fiddle.

[Dolores Kane]

Come in.

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks.

[Johnny Lament]

Hello, Sonny. Who's that?

[Dolores Kane]

Take it easy, Johnny.

[Johnny Lament]

Evie. Evie, you come back in. Is that you, Evie?

[Rocky Fortune]

Oh, this kid's for Bellevue.

[Johnny Lament]

Evie.

[Dolores Kane]

Johnny, go back to sleep.

[Johnny Lament]

Put some more music on, baby. Play me something sad. If you see my baby, you send her home to me. If you see my baby, you send her home to me. Tell my baby I'm saying this I can be. Who's that cat?

[Rocky Fortune]

Name's Rocky Fortune, Johnny. I'm sitting in with Bugsy and the boys tonight and I need your fiddle.

[Johnny Lament]

Sure, man. Anything you say, man. You want to drink, man? Dolores, honey, give this righteous cat a little drink.

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks. I don't touch it, John.

[Johnny Lament]

Say, man, you see my Eevee? Any place around. See the little chick about so high with the softest blond hair? You seen him there?

[Rocky Fortune]

Afraid not, Johnny.

[Dolores Kane]

The fiddle's in the closet, Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks, baby. I didn't catch the name.

[Dolores Kane]

I didn't throw it. It's Dolores Kane. I'm Bugsy's new singer.

[Rocky Fortune]

Pleased to meet you. Hey.

[Dolores Kane]

Yes?

[Rocky Fortune]

What's the gun on the shelf for?

[Dolores Kane]

Oh, it's Johnny's. Don't worry, I already threw the bullets out the window.

[Rocky Fortune]

Clever girl.

[Dolores Kane]

Thank you.

[Rocky Fortune]

And pretty too.

[Dolores Kane]

Thank you. And don't forget the bass fiddle.

[Johnny Lament]

Yeah. Oh, sure.

[Dolores Kane]

Come in.

[Mr. Quaid]

It's 11:10, Ms. Kane.

[Dolores Kane]

Write down Mr. Quaid in case no.

[Mr. Quaid]

One has informed you. Ms. Kane, I pay you and Mr. Barton to put on a show in my club at 10:30. It is now 11:10 I'm sorry, Mr. Quaid.

[Dolores Kane]

We were just.

[Mr. Quaid]

I can see what you were just. Is this drunken Paganini going to perform tonight?

[Dolores Kane]

Well, Johnny isn't feeling so good, Mr. Quaid but Mr. Fortune here is going to take his place.

[Mr. Quaid]

Fortune? I don't believe I've ever heard of him.

[Dolores Kane]

Rocky Fortune? Why, he's one of the greatest bass players in the business.

[Mr. Quaid]

I'm paying for the greatest.

[Dolores Kane]

Rocky, tell Mr. Quaid how you and Dixie had him screaming for mercy at Lia's Hot in Paris last year.

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, you know I don't want to brag, baby. Oh, go on. Well, you see, we was playing a dog watch from 12 to 4 and sudden, like Dixie gets off on Japanese Sandman. Everybody said Dix was losing his lip, but that night he was blowing up a storm. I'm just playing along when up he comes boogerty, boogerty, open horn and every note, it looked like it was greased and stuffed. Pretty soon the cats were jumping and pandemonium breaks loose. French bankers were tearing their clothes off. You know, it took 150 gendarmes to calm the joint down.

[Mr. Quaid]

That's very interesting, Mr. Fortune, but the next show is due to start in three minutes, if you don't mind.

[Rocky Fortune]

Me, I don't mind. See you later, Johnny.

[Johnny Lament]

Anything you say, man. You see my Evie down there? You tell her Johnny says, come back here. You tell her. I heard Johnny's been to Weep City for her and he wants to buy.

[Rocky Fortune]

I shoulder the fiddle down to the Jungle Room just as Bugsy and the boys get off on Sweet Lorraine. We start off playing what the French call in time, we call it in a closet. After a while, the joint starts jumping and for the next five hours I slap that bass until the gut turns black and blue. Also my hand. Half the time I'm in two different keys, but nobody cares. And the fans figure I'm another Eddie Safranski because I'm playing notes that don't even exist. About 400am the whole deal builds to a crescendo till I think the top of my head's gonna fly off. And then Suddenly we're playing 16 bars of good Night, Sweetheart, and it's all over. I think.

[Bugsy Barton]

Okay, cut. That does it.

[Rocky Fortune]

Thanks, Rock. Well, how did it go, pal?

[Bugsy Barton]

Oh, I tell you, Sweet and groovy, like a 90 cent movie, man.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah. What happens now?

[Bugsy Barton]

You won't play again tomorrow. We got a room for you on.

[Rocky Fortune]

The third floor if you need a.

[Bugsy Barton]

Pad for the night.

[Rocky Fortune]

15 bucks.

[Bugsy Barton]

15?

[Rocky Fortune]

You got it Solid.

[Bugsy Barton]

Here's a key.

[Rocky Fortune]

Say, how's Johnny Lament?

[Bugsy Barton]

Still on his hip.

[Rocky Fortune]

He's taking this thing kind of hard, isn't he? What happened to him?

[Bugsy Barton]

Him and Evie had a big thing tonight. She walked out, bag and baggage.

[Rocky Fortune]

Oh, that's rough.

[Bugsy Barton]

Yeah, it's dangerous for you. Invest heavy and come out light.

[Rocky Fortune]

See you in the a.m. your pardoning.

[Bugsy Barton]

Expression, but what time the boys stopped seeing double?

[Rocky Fortune]

About 11. We rehearse at 12. I lug the bull fiddle up to the third floor and head for my room. I don't get very far, however, because halfway down the hall I hear something which ain't music. Hey, what's going on in there?

[Bugsy Barton]

Open up.

[Rocky Fortune]

Open up.

[Dolores Kane]

No, no.

[Rocky Fortune]

Take it easy, baby. Wait a minute. Just a minute.

[Dolores Kane]

What's wrong here in the bedroom.

[Rocky Fortune]

Before I have a look, would you mind putting down the knife?

[Dolores Kane]

Knife? I didn't even know.

[Rocky Fortune]

Unless that's ketchup on it. Baby, maybe you better tell me what's in that room.

[Dolores Kane]

It just is impossible.

[Rocky Fortune]

It never is. Pardon me while I take a look. Don't go away. I sprint for the bedroom, get the door halfway open and I stop. There on the bed is the body of a beautiful little blonde. One look tells it all. Some cats killed a canary. All right, Dolores, let's have it.

[Dolores Kane]

It can't be.

[Rocky Fortune]

Come on, baby. What happened here?

[Dolores Kane]

I. I finished singing my last number and I had a drink at the bar. Made me sleepy and I came up to the room and passed out. I woke up a minute ago. Eve was lying on the bed and this knife was in my hand. Rocky, I didn't kill her. Honest, I didn't.

[Rocky Fortune]

Just take it easy. If you didn't, who did?

[Dolores Kane]

I don't know. I swear to you. It happened just the way I said. When I saw her, I screamed and then.

[Rocky Fortune]

Take it easy. Look, open your eyes. I said open your eyes. Look at me. Okay.

[Dolores Kane]

What was that for?

[Rocky Fortune]

Just checking. Honey, somebody slipped your Mickey. Your pupils are contracted.

[Dolores Kane]

It was the drink. I know it.

[Rocky Fortune]

You know why anybody would want to frame you for Eve Johnson's murder?

[Dolores Kane]

Why should I know?

[Rocky Fortune]

Somebody did, baby. Now, come on. We got to work fast. Whoever did this has probably phoned the gendarmes already.

[Dolores Kane]

What can we do?

[Rocky Fortune]

I don't know. At 4am Wait a minute.

[Johnny Lament]

Listen.

[Rocky Fortune]

You go out and press the elevator button.

[Dolores Kane]

What are you gonna do?

[Rocky Fortune]

Get rid of the body. Now get moving. Dolores holds the elevator while I carry Eve's body in. Then I tell her to hold the button until I can hustle down to the first floor. I hit the lobby just as my good friend Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger of Homicide comes on like Buster's Gang.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Pardon me, Sam. Yes, Homicide. We got a tip on a body in room 310.

[Mr. Quaid]

Oh, there must be some mistake, sergeant.

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, well, my old cellmate, Hamilton Finger.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

I might have known. Is this one of your practical jokes, Fortune?

[Rocky Fortune]

I don't know from what you're talking, sarge.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Step over the elevator with me. We'll go upstairs.

[Rocky Fortune]

Rocky, anything you say. Look, what brings you here?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

I ain't sure, but I think it's a corpse.

[Rocky Fortune]

I jab the elevator button and we wait for. My pumper is playing footsie with my Adam's apple as the car comes down and the door is open and I nearly drop dead. The car is as empty as Everts feel in December. We ride up to room 310, which belongs to Dolores Kane. Hey, sarge, what's it all about?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

You'll find out.

[Dolores Kane]

Yes?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Open up, baby.

[Rocky Fortune]

Homicide, Sergeant Finger. Ms. Kane.

[Dolores Kane]

How you doing?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

You've met Delora.

[Rocky Fortune]

Sings for Bugsy. I've been sitting in. That's musicians talk.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

You mind if I look around?

[Dolores Kane]

Help yourself. You mind if I ask you what you're looking for?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

We got a phone call. Said there was a dead woman in this room.

[Dolores Kane]

That isn't very flattering.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

What's in that?

[Dolores Kane]

Take a look.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Empty.

[Dolores Kane]

I think somebody's been pulling your legs, sergeant.

[Rocky Fortune]

Both of them.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Where's the bedspread?

[Dolores Kane]

In the hamper.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Excuse me. I suppose this is nail polish.

[Dolores Kane]

How did you know, Yogi?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Mind if I take it down to the lab for analysis?

[Dolores Kane]

If you'll have it laundered.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Okay. What's in the closet?

[Dolores Kane]

Oh, that's a small dragon named Launcelot. Careful he doesn't bite you.

[Rocky Fortune]

Funny.

[Johnny Lament]

Boo.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Okay, I'll have the bedspread analyzed for blood stains. Now, don't go away, either one of you.

[Rocky Fortune]

We wouldn't think of it. Nighty night.

[Johnny Lament]

Sigh.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

And no more practical jokes, you understand?

[Rocky Fortune]

What did you do with it?

[Dolores Kane]

What?

[Rocky Fortune]

The body.

[Dolores Kane]

It's in the elevator.

[Rocky Fortune]

Not anymore, it ain't.

[Dolores Kane]

What do you mean?

[Rocky Fortune]

It never made the first floor. The car was empty.

[Dolores Kane]

That's impossible.

[Rocky Fortune]

Eve Johnson's body didn't walk out of that car, baby. Somebody lifted it.

[Dolores Kane]

But that means somebody must have stopped the car on the second floor.

[Rocky Fortune]

Correct. The next question is, who would want to steal a corpse?

[Dolores Kane]

What'll we do?

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, Finger's gonna find bloodstains on that spread. And when he does, he'll be back with some Ticklish questions. And I got a hunch we better have the answers. Let's move. We start a room to room canvas of the second floor. Dolores takes one, Carter and I take the other. Result. A big fat goose egg. I finish my car and go look for Dolores. She's gone. But from the sound of voices, I figure she stopped off to see how Johnny Lament is making out. I started to go in, but I changed my mind.

[Dolores Kane]

Johnny, cut it out.

[Johnny Lament]

She's dead, ain't she? My little Evie's dead.

[Dolores Kane]

Don't be crazy.

[Johnny Lament]

Ain't crazy, baby. Not anymore.

[Dolores Kane]

What makes you think she's dead?

[Johnny Lament]

I could see it in your eyes when I asked you about it.

[Dolores Kane]

Would it matter so much? She walked out on you, didn't she?

[Johnny Lament]

She'd come back if she was okay. I know Evie. Come on, Dolores.

[Rocky Fortune]

What happened to her?

[Dolores Kane]

How should I know?

[Johnny Lament]

You know, baby. You said you was gonna kill her.

[Dolores Kane]

Get her out of your head.

[Johnny Lament]

She told me. She says, Johnny boy, Dolores is jealous of you. And she says if. If I don't stop seeing you, she'll kill me.

[Dolores Kane]

It's not true.

[Johnny Lament]

Come on, baby. I know you. We were married once. You and me, remember? Now, let's have it. What'd you do to Ian?

[Dolores Kane]

Nothing.

[Johnny Lament]

That don't wash, baby. That just don't wash. Johnny.

[Dolores Kane]

Stay away.

[Johnny Lament]

You're gonna tell me. Honey. Where's Evie? What'd you do to her?

[Dolores Kane]

Johnny, you're crazy drunk.

[Rocky Fortune]

Now get away. You gonna talk?

[Dolores Kane]

Johnny, no. Johnny, no.

[Rocky Fortune]

All right, hold it. John, get out of here. Knock it off. You all right, baby? Not that I really care.

[Dolores Kane]

I'm all right.

[Rocky Fortune]

Sit down. Jazz Bo.

[Johnny Lament]

This your new boyfriend, baby? There's anything like his face. And I think I changed. Sit down.

[Dolores Kane]

Hey, Johnny.

[Rocky Fortune]

He's all right. I had to belt him. And I ought to clip you, too.

[Dolores Kane]

I don't understand.

[Rocky Fortune]

I heard it, baby. I got big ears. You didn't bother to tell me you were married to Johnny Lament. And you didn't bother to tell me you and Eve had a slight falling out.

[Dolores Kane]

I wanted you to help me. I was afraid.

[Rocky Fortune]

You wanted a patsy, baby, and you got one. Only you're about to lose him. Cause Rocky boy's gonna walk away from all this. Right down the nearest police station.

[Dolores Kane]

Rocky, no.

[Rocky Fortune]

All that bilge about how you were framed and me with my open mind. I got a hole in my head.

[Dolores Kane]

Rocky, it's not true.

[Rocky Fortune]

Yeah? Well, tell Dick the fun loving rover boy when he comes to. I'll leave his fiddle in the band. Room. So long, baby. And the next time you want a corpse moved, call the seven Santini brothers. I don't belong to the right union. I put it up to my room, as mad as a centipede with a hot foot and lug the big bass fiddle down to the band room, which is right across the hall from Johnny Lament's room. The empty fiddle case is standing in the corner. I start to lay it down flat and it weighs about a ton. And even before it slips out of my hands, I know why. Holy smokes.

[Johnny Lament]

Okay, flyboy, get him up high.

[Rocky Fortune]

So you're the guy who was all busted up about losing his best girl.

[Johnny Lament]

Back against the wall, a real nice guy.

[Rocky Fortune]

Kills his doll and tries to hang it on his ex wife. You're a doll, buster.

[Johnny Lament]

She found out I was pushing dope and threatened to go to the cops. I had a killer.

[Rocky Fortune]

Why, you crummy dope peddler. It's misfits like you to give honest musicians a bad name.

[Johnny Lament]

Now run your mouth at me, Fortune. If you'd have kept out of it, you'd be all right.

[Rocky Fortune]

You're gonna have a tough time trying to get rid of two corpses, John boy. A fiddle case only holds one.

[Johnny Lament]

I'll worry about that.

[Rocky Fortune]

Turn around.

[Johnny Lament]

Sure, pal.

[Rocky Fortune]

Anything you say. Only, before I do, there's one thing I think you ought to know. Yeah? Dolores took the bullets out of your gun. Hello? Hello.

[Mr. Quaid]

Yes, please.

[Rocky Fortune]

Who is this?

[Mr. Quaid]

The manager. What is it?

[Rocky Fortune]

Please, listen, Quaid. This is Rocky Fortune. I'm up in the band room 215. Now, listen. Eve Johnson's body's up here in a base fiddle case. And I got the cat that killed her. And get the cops and make it fast.

[Mr. Quaid]

You say you've got the man who.

[Rocky Fortune]

Stabbed it stretched out like a herring.

[Mr. Quaid]

That's just fine, Fortune. Stay right there. I'll call the police.

[Rocky Fortune]

Make it fast. I hear somebody coming.

[Mr. Quaid]

Now, don't worry. You'll be taken care of.

[Rocky Fortune]

It takes about two seconds before lightning strikes. How did Quaid know she was stabbed? And how did he know it was a man? Suddenly, little wheels start to spin around on my noodle. Quaid is in on it. Sure he is. He's probably supplying Johnny Lament with the stuff. And what's more, he's undoubtedly on his way up here right now. I start to pick up Johnny Lament's.45 and remind myself that Dolores Kane has removed the bullets. A hand turns the doorknob. But it can't be Quaid so soon. I just pray that one of the cats has come to get his instrument. The door opens, I freeze.

[Bugsy Barton]

Hey, hey, dad, put the thing down. You gone goony, Roxy?

[Rocky Fortune]

Brother, am I glad to see you.

[Bugsy Barton]

Put down the heater, man. What's going on in here?

[Rocky Fortune]

Take a look at that fiddle case.

[Johnny Lament]

Holy smokes, Eve. Yeah.

[Rocky Fortune]

Here's the little boy who did it. Johnny admitted it. I had to flatten him.

[Bugsy Barton]

Well, you did real good.

[Rocky Fortune]

Not good enough. Listen, Bugs, the manager's on his way up here right now. And unless I miss my guess, he's got heavy artillery.

[Bugsy Barton]

McQuade, is he in on this?

[Rocky Fortune]

He is now. I gotta get out of here.

[Bugsy Barton]

What you gonna do?

[Rocky Fortune]

I got a sudden brainstorm. Look, help me get Eve Johnson's body out of this case. Come on, pal, get with it.

[Bugsy Barton]

Come on.

[Johnny Lament]

Okay, okay.

[Bugsy Barton]

Yeah. Where to?

[Rocky Fortune]

In the closet?

[Dolores Kane]

Yeah.

[Rocky Fortune]

Atta boy. Now dump laughing boy into the bass truck right now.

[Bugsy Barton]

Open the door.

[Rocky Fortune]

Look, you think you can lift that case with me in it?

[Bugsy Barton]

Are you kidding?

[Rocky Fortune]

Atta boy, muscle Man. Here goes.

[Frank Sinatra]

All right.

[Bugsy Barton]

What you want me to do?

[Rocky Fortune]

Now, look, you just walk out like you're on your way to a jam session. Once I get past Quaid and his artillery. All right.

[Bugsy Barton]

Okay, watch.

[Rocky Fortune]

Watch your hand. Here goes.

[Dolores Kane]

How you doing?

[Rocky Fortune]

Cut the lip dribble and get going before I get blue. The fiddle case fits me like a fatal disease But I squint down to hold my breath and I figure maybe we'll make it. Bugsy boy picks me up like I weigh in at three pounds just as the door opens.

[Mr. Quaid]

All right, Fortune, get your.

[Bugsy Barton]

Hi, Mr. Quaid.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Oh, it's you.

[Bugsy Barton]

You was expecting somebody else?

[Mr. Quaid]

I was expecting a fortune. Did he get away?

[Bugsy Barton]

Fortune? Oh, you mean the bass player.

[Mr. Quaid]

You know who I mean, muscle brain. Did he get out?

[Bugsy Barton]

Ah, you know me better than that, boss. I got Rocky Fortune right here inside the fiddle.

[Rocky Fortune]

So there I am, smart. They don't come any smarter than old Rocco Fortunato. Jack, it never occurred to me that this hotel might be operating a narcotics dodge and that my pal Bugsy might be in on it. But I'm real tricky, I am. Yes, siree. I outwit the crook by crawling into a base fiddle case and letting him snap the catch on me. And there I hang like a cured ham waiting to be boiled in hot fat.

[Bugsy Barton]

What do we do with him, boss?

[Rocky Fortune]

Let me out of here, you punk.

[Mr. Quaid]

Get him out of here.

[Bugsy Barton]

Why don't we just drop him down the air shaft?

[Rocky Fortune]

It'll look like an accident.

[Mr. Quaid]

Don't be a jerk. Take him down to the river.

[Bugsy Barton]

Anything you say, boss. Hey, hey, hey, Fortune. Shut up. My, my, what a temper this cat has got.

[Mr. Quaid]

Come on, Bugsy, don't waste any.

[Rocky Fortune]

Who's that?

[Bugsy Barton]

Search me. Open up.

[Mr. Quaid]

Who is it?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Police.

[Mr. Quaid]

Just a moment. Drop him out the window.

[Rocky Fortune]

Right.

[Bugsy Barton]

Hey, open up a solid second.

[Mr. Quaid]

Okay, open the door. What's going on here, I'd like to know, officer. We came in and found this musician knocked out on the floor.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Where's Fortune?

[Mr. Quaid]

Fortune? I haven't seen him. Have you, Bugsy?

[Bugsy Barton]

Fortune? Oh, not a hide nor a hair either.

[Dolores Kane]

Well, I know he came in here to return the fiddle.

[Mr. Quaid]

He must have left then. Maybe he's in his room.

[Bugsy Barton]

Yeah, yeah, he might have been here, buddy.

[Johnny Lament]

Left.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Come on, miss, we'll go up to his room.

[Mr. Quaid]

Something wrong, officer?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Yeah. Fortune's wanted as an accessory to murder.

[Rocky Fortune]

Hold it.

[Bugsy Barton]

Oh, no. Rocky, what are you doing out there?

[Rocky Fortune]

You won't believe this, sergeant, but I just climbed out of a fiddle case. These hoodlums dropped me out of the window onto a fire escape one flight down. What?

[Mr. Quaid]

He's obviously crazy. Probably drunk.

[Rocky Fortune]

If I'm crazy, brother, then how about opening that closet door? Because I've had a hallucination that Eve Johnson's body's inside.

[Mr. Quaid]

I'd like to oblige Fortune, but you see, I've got other plans.

[Rocky Fortune]

Grab him.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Hold it, buddy. All right, don't move, either one of you.

[Bugsy Barton]

I'm standing still.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Open the closet, Rocky.

[Rocky Fortune]

Had enough for you, sergeant?

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Yeah, it'll do for the time being. All right, let's go. You two keep an eye on Dreamboat there.

[Johnny Lament]

Sure.

[Rocky Fortune]

Well, if he comes through, I'll belt him with a fiddle.

[Detective Sergeant Hamilton J. Finger]

Let's go.

[Dolores Kane]

Are you all right, Rocky?

[Rocky Fortune]

If I can ever straighten up, I'll be fine. What happened up here?

[Dolores Kane]

Well, the sergeant came back when he found out those were blood stains. And I told him the whole story. We came down to look for you and. Well, I guess you know the rest.

[Rocky Fortune]

Uh huh.

[Dolores Kane]

You sure you're all right, Rocky?

[Rocky Fortune]

I'm fine, baby. But I was just thinking.

[Dolores Kane]

What?

[Rocky Fortune]

What they would have said if that fire escape hadn't have been there.

[Dolores Kane]

What would they have said?

[Rocky Fortune]

Man, dig that crazy bass fidd.

[Frank Sinatra]

NBC has presented Frank Sinatra as that footloose, fancy free and frequently unemployed young gentleman, Rocky Fortune. Tonight's cast included Jack Crucian, Gene Tatum, Tom Holland, Frank Gerstel and Barney Phillips. Tonight's script was written by George Lefferts and Andrew C. Love directed. This is Eddie King speaking now to tell you about next week's adventure. Here's Frank Sinatra as Rocky Fortune.

[Rocky Fortune]

Did I ever tell you about the Broadway actress who was involved in the murder of a drama critic? And when I asked her for her autograph, she gave it to me with a.45. Tell you about it next week. See you around.

[Frank Sinatra]

Visit with Fiber McGee and Molly tonight on the NBC Radio Network.