Roger Kilgore Public Defender 1948-10-12 The Case Of Eddie Lewis

Summary

Summary of "Roger Kilgore Public Defender" Episode: The Case Of Eddie Lewis

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Roger Kilgore Public Defender 1948-10-12 The Case Of Eddie Lewis
• Release Date: August 2, 2025

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Introduction

The Case Of Eddie Lewis is a gripping episode from the "Roger Kilgore Public Defender" series, a staple of Harold's Old Time Radio that brings to life the intense courtroom dramas reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. Set in 1948, this episode weaves a tale of accusation, defense, and intricate personal relationships, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice by public defender Roger Kilgore.

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Main Characters

• Roger Kilgore (Voiced by Santos Ortega): The dedicated public defender committed to ensuring justice for those unable to afford legal representation.

• Bud Swift (Voiced by Bernard Grant): A celebrated prizefighter who becomes the victim of a stabbing once involved in a complex romantic triangle.

• Eddie Lewis (Voiced by Bill Lipton): A fellow prizefighter accused of attempting to murder Bud Swift.

• Judy Nichols (Voiced by Brynn A. Rayburn): A woman torn between her affections for Eddie Lewis and Bud Swift, whose decisions significantly impact the case.

• Hal Humphries (Voiced by Lawson Zerby): Owner of a local gym and a man with dubious connections to the fight business.

• Punchy (Voiced by Bob Dryden): An employee at Hal Humphries' gym who becomes a key witness.

• Jack Graham (Voiced by Whit Vernon): Bud Swift's manager, implicated in unethical practices to manipulate fight outcomes.

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Case Overview

The episode unfolds with Eddie Lewis, a 23-year-old prizefighter, being rushed to the hospital after being stabbed. As Eddie regains consciousness, the narrative delves into the events leading to the assault, painting a picture of rivalry, betrayal, and hidden motives within the boxing community.

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Investigation and Initial Accusations

Public defender Roger Kilgore is assigned to Eddie Lewis's case, where initial testimonies and evidence seem stacked against him.

• Bud Swift's Accusation:

  • Timestamp [00:43]
  • "Two inches lower and..." – Bud Swift implies the fatal stab was more severe, suggesting intent.

• Eddie's Alibi:

  • Timestamp [04:03]
  • "Sure I do. I want one bad." – Eddie expresses his desperation for employment, hinting at potential motives linked to financial strain or desperation.

Key Points:

• Eddie claims he was at Hal Humphries' gym from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM on the night of the stabbing.
• Bud Swift presents Eddie's presence at the gym as a significant part of the case against him.

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Unraveling the Alibi

As Kilgore digs deeper, inconsistencies in Eddie's alibi emerge.

• Judy Nichols' Testimony:

  • Timestamp [15:15]
  • "I'VE always been in love with him." – Judy reveals her true feelings for Eddie, complicating the narrative and introducing potential motive for manipulation.

• Punchy's Revelation:

  • Timestamp [19:35]
  • "He was there howling left..." – Punchy confirms Eddie's presence at the gym, reinforcing the alibi but also opening doors to ulterior motives.

Notable Quotes:

• Eddie Lewis (12:31): "You see, Roger, he was sore at Bud Swift because he took his girl away from him." – Suggesting jealousy as a potential motive.

• Judy Nichols (16:07): "The longest story in the world." – Highlighting the complexity of relationships and truth within the case.

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Corruption and Fight-Fixing Exposed

The plot thickens as evidence points towards corruption within the fight business, implicating Hal Humphries and Jack Graham.

• Bud Swift's Confrontation:

  • Timestamp [22:00]
  • "Then what did happen?" – Bud challenges the narrative, pushing for truth beneath the surface.

• Eddie's Defense:

  • Timestamp [25:18]
  • "Shut up, you. Now, now listen, punchy, I'm your pal..." – Eddie confronts Punchy, aiming to discredit his testimony.

Key Developments:

• Punchy admits overhearing conversations about fixing fights, directly implicating Hal Humphries and Jack Graham.
• Roger Kilgore strategically uses these admissions to dismantle the case against Eddie, unveiling the true culprit behind the stabbing.

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Resolution and Exoneration

Through persistent investigation and critical testimonies, Kilgore uncovers the truth:

• Hal Humphries' Confession:

  • Timestamp [24:37]
  • Hal openly admits to orchestrating the attack on Bud Swift to protect his interests in fight-fixing.

• Judy Nichols' Role:

  • Timestamp [27:02]
  • Judy clarifies her true feelings and motivations, aiding in Eddie's exoneration.

Conclusion Quotes:

• Roger Kilgore (27:27): "We hold these truths to be self evident..." – Reiterating the foundational principles of justice that guided the case to a fair conclusion.

• Bud Swift (27:27): "We hold these truths to be self evident..." – Highlights the culmination of truth prevailing over deceit.

Outcome: Eddie Lewis is proven innocent of the attempted murder charge against Bud Swift. The real perpetrator, Hal Humphries, is exposed, reinforcing the themes of integrity and the triumph of justice.

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Key Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode underscores the battle between genuine justice and the pervasive corruption that can undermine it.

• The Complexity of Truth: Multiple layers of deception and hidden motives illustrate how truth can be obscured by personal interests and relationships.

• Redemption and Integrity: Characters like Roger Kilgore embody the pursuit of truth and fair representation, serving as beacons of integrity in a flawed system.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Roger Kilgore's Opening Statement:

  • [00:03] "The Mutual Broadcasting System presents. Roger Kilgore, Public Defender."

• Bud Swift on Eternal Truths:

  • [00:18] "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal..."

• Eddie Lewis on Desperation:

  • [04:03] "Sure I do. I want one bad."

• Judy Nichols' Love Confession:

  • [15:15] "I'VE always been in love with him."

• Punchy's Admission:

  • [19:35] "He was there howling left..."

• Roger Kilgore's Reflection on Justice:

  • [27:27] "We hold these truths to be self evident..."

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Conclusion

The Case Of Eddie Lewis masterfully encapsulates the essence of Golden Age radio dramas, blending suspense, intricate character dynamics, and a compelling quest for truth. Through the unwavering dedication of Roger Kilgore, listeners witness the unraveling of a complex case rooted in personal vendettas and systemic corruption. This episode not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the enduring values of justice and equality.

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Production Credits:

• Written by: Stedman Coles
• Produced and Directed by: Jock McGregor
• Featured Cast:
  • Santos Ortega as Roger Kilgore
  • Stott Scottsworth as the District Attorney
  • Bill Lipton as Eddie Lewis
  • Bernard Grant as Bud Swift
  • Brynn A. Rayburn as Judy Nichols
  • Lawson Zerby as Hal Humphries
  • Bob Dryden as Punchy
  • Whit Vernon as Jack Graham
• Original Music: Milton Kay

All character names, locations, and dates are fictitious.

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This comprehensive summary aims to provide a vivid depiction of the episode, capturing its key moments, dialogues, and thematic essence, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can appreciate the depth and intrigue of The Case Of Eddie Lewis.

Transcript

[Roger Kilgore]

The Mutual Broadcasting System presents. Roger Kilgore, Public Defender.

[Bud Swift]

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[Roger Kilgore]

I'm Roger Kilgore, public defender, a paid.

[Bud Swift]

Servant of the public. It's my duty to defend any person accused of a crime who is unable to pay for his own defense.

[Roger Kilgore]

The case of Eddie Lewis began one evening as Bud Swift regained consciousness in the ambulance that was rushing him to the hospital.

[Bud Swift]

What? What? What hit me? Somebody put a knife in your back, Swift. A knife? Got any idea who it was? What's it to you? I'm a cop. That's what I figured. Say, Doc? What is it, Swift? Am I gonna be okay?

[Eddie Lewis]

I think so. But you've been very lucky. Two inches lower and.

[Bud Swift]

Yeah, well, a punk that tried to kill me ain't gonna be so lucky. Who is he, Swift? I'll take care of myself, copper. We've got jail for people who do that. Yeah, and we've got the same jails for people who take the law into their own hands.

[Eddie Lewis]

Now, you don't want to go to jail, do you?

[Bud Swift]

Leave me alone, will you? I ain't talking. Swift.

[Eddie Lewis]

I found some papers in your wallet that show you to be a prize fighter. So what?

[Bud Swift]

You got bad news for me?

[Eddie Lewis]

I'm afraid so. Of course, I can't be sure until we get you to the hospital, but my preliminary examination shows that perhaps your shoulder muscle has been severed.

[Bud Swift]

Good Lord. Ah.

[Eddie Lewis]

Now, it doesn't mean that with surgery and proper care, you won't recover the use of that arm, but.

[Bud Swift]

What. Yeah, I get it. I won't be a cripple, but I'll never fight in the ring again. That's a tough break. Here. I'll never fight. You don't want to see the guy.

[Eddie Lewis]

Who did this to you get away, do you?

[Bud Swift]

No, he ain't getting away. Then don't go after him yourself.

[Eddie Lewis]

Tell me who he is.

[Bud Swift]

What do you think he'll get, copper?

[Eddie Lewis]

10 years?

[Bud Swift]

Yeah, 10 years in the pen can ruin a guy for life. Okay, the guy you want, Eddie Lewis.

[Judy Nichols]

All right, Captain. I'll give the public defender your message as soon as he comes in. Yes. Thank you. Bye.

[Bud Swift]

Good morning, Miss Carpenter.

[Miss Carpenter]

Oh, Mr. Kilgore.

[Judy Nichols]

Court phone just this minute.

[Bud Swift]

What did he want?

[Judy Nichols]

The police chief referred a new case to you. The Eddie Lewis case.

[Bud Swift]

Hmm. What's the charge?

[Judy Nichols]

Attempted murder for stabbing someone by the name of Bud Swift.

[Bud Swift]

Bud Swift, that name's very familiar.

[Judy Nichols]

He's a prize fighter, Mr. Kilgore.

[Bud Swift]

Oh, yes, Yes, I saw him fight one of the preliminaries at the arena the other night. He knocked out his opponent in the second round of a scheduled six round bout.

[Judy Nichols]

Well, he's in the Midtown hospital now.

[Bud Swift]

When was he stabbed?

[Judy Nichols]

Last night around 8 o'. Clock.

[Bud Swift]

Did the captain tell you where Lewis is being held?

[Judy Nichols]

Yes, sir, at the city jail.

[Bud Swift]

Okay, thanks. That's where I'll be if you want me. Eddie, what do you do for a living? Nothing. Haven't you got a job? No. Why not? Eddie, don't you want a job?

[Eddie Lewis]

Sure I do. I want one bad.

[Bud Swift]

Well, don't tell me you haven't been able to find one these days.

[Eddie Lewis]

I found plenty, Mr. Kilgore, but they weren't for me.

[Bud Swift]

How old are you, wedding?

[Eddie Lewis]

23.

[Bud Swift]

You look strong enough and healthy enough.

[Eddie Lewis]

Sure, I know what I look like and I know what I feel like inside.

[Bud Swift]

What do you mean?

[Eddie Lewis]

I got a slug in my belly during the war. They took it out all right. But I see, I've never been the same like I used to be. I get sick so often I can't hold down no regular job.

[Bud Swift]

I'm sorry about that.

[Eddie Lewis]

It's okay. I'm not griping. Government sends me a check every month and Hal Humphries lets me pick up a few bucks every time I can.

[Bud Swift]

Who's Hal Humphries?

[Eddie Lewis]

A nice guy. He owns a gym on Cedar street where a lot of fighters train.

[Bud Swift]

What do you do there?

[Eddie Lewis]

I help out when a place gets too busy for Punchy. He's a regular porter to do the job all by himself.

[Bud Swift]

Is that the gym where Bud Swift does his training? Yeah. Eddie, where were you last night around 8 o'? Clock?

[Eddie Lewis]

I was at the gym from 7 o' clock until half past nine.

[Bud Swift]

Anybody see you there? Sure.

[Eddie Lewis]

Everybody see me.

[Bud Swift]

Who's everybody?

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, gee, I don't know. There was a big crowd there, but Hal Humphrey seen me a couple of minutes after I come in. I was watching some guy punching a bag when Hal came over to me.

[Bud Swift]

And said, oh, what's the matter, kid? You're not working tonight.

[Eddie Lewis]

I don't feel so good, Hal. Oh, I still grab. That's my stomach again, you know. Yeah, I know. Maybe you should have stayed home. That wouldn't both just go nuts thinking about myself. Sure. You don't mind if I just stick around without helping out, do you? Oh, have fun. It's your time. Neddy.

[Bud Swift]

Take it easy.

[Eddie Lewis]

Listen, Hal, if I should feel better later on, sure, just let me know.

[Bud Swift]

I'll be around. What happened after that, Eddie?

[Eddie Lewis]

Nothing. I hung around until half past nine and the pains in my stomach got so bad I had to go home.

[Bud Swift]

Then you have got an alibi, haven't you?

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah, but the cops locked me up anyhow.

[Bud Swift]

Who told the police that you stabbed Bud Swift?

[Eddie Lewis]

I don't know.

[Bud Swift]

Eddie, did you have any reason for trying to kill bud Swift?

[Eddie Lewis]

No, Mr. Kilgore, no reason at all.

[Bud Swift]

But Eddie. Excuse me, Ms. Kilgore. Huh? Oh, what is it? Tom Walton just got a call from the DA's office. Uh huh. The DA wants to see that young fella right away. So get through with him. Well, I was about to leave, but. Is Mr. Howard coming here? No, he wants us to bring the prisoner to his office. Good. I'll go with.

[Eddie Lewis]

Sit down, Lewis.

[Bud Swift]

Thanks, Mr. Howard.

[Eddie Lewis]

Roger, I'm glad you came here. Maybe we can settle this matter right now.

[Bud Swift]

What do you mean, Sam?

[Eddie Lewis]

Lewis told you he was innocent, didn't he?

[Bud Swift]

Yes.

[Eddie Lewis]

I suppose he also told you that he had no motive for stabbing Bud Swift last night.

[Bud Swift]

That's right, Sam.

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, he hasn't told you the truth, Roger. He had a strong motive for wanting Swift out of the way. That ain't so. And last night he tried to kill him. No, I didn't, Roger.

[Bud Swift]

This fella told the police that he.

[Eddie Lewis]

Was in Hal Humphrey's Gym last night from 7:00 clock until 9:30. Well, the police questioned every man that they could find who was in that place last night. And not one of them remembered seeing him.

[Bud Swift]

What?

[Eddie Lewis]

When? I was there, I tell you, I was even talking to Hal Humphries himself. You were not there, Lewis. You were outside the restaurant on Pine street where Swift was having his dinner. I was not. Swift says he saw you there as he was going inside a few minutes before seven. And I think you hung around until he came out at 8 o'.

[Bud Swift]

Clock.

[Eddie Lewis]

No, I didn't. It was pretty dark by then. And you followed him to the parking space next to the restaurant. That's crazy. You waited until Swift was getting in his car and then you stabbed him in the back.

[Bud Swift]

No, you got it all wrong. Were you outside that restaurant on Pine Street a few minutes before 7 last night?

[Eddie Lewis]

Oh, maybe I go by on my way to the gym.

[Bud Swift]

Did you stop there?

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, maybe I stopped to light a cigarette. How can I remember?

[Bud Swift]

But you say you didn't wait for Bud Swift to come out.

[Eddie Lewis]

I didn't even see him, Mr. Kilgore. If I had, I'd have stopped to talk to him. Like you talked to him a week ago, huh?

[Bud Swift]

What happened a week ago?

[Eddie Lewis]

Sam Lewis and Bud Swift had an argument over a girl, Judy Nichols, and Lewis threatened Swift.

[Bud Swift]

Threatened him? What about that, Eddie?

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, apparently he'd rather not talk just now. But here's the story, Rogers. The police got it from Bud Swift and Hal Humphries.

[Bud Swift]

Humphries? What does he know about the incident?

[Eddie Lewis]

Took place in his office at the gym. He and Bud were talking when Lewis came in and slammed the door. Hey, what's your idea? I want to see Bud Swift, Hal.

[Bud Swift]

Oh, we're busy.

[Eddie Lewis]

Next time try not. Take it easy, Hal.

[Bud Swift]

Can't you see the guy's mad?

[Eddie Lewis]

You bet I'm mad. You've been making some lousy cracks about Judy, Bud. Me? Yeah, you. You've been telling guys she'll go out with anybody anytime. Now, listen, all a guy's got to do is take her to a movie or buy her a soda and she'll. Why, you dumb palooka.

[Bud Swift]

If you weren't all busted up inside, I'd lay one right in your garbage.

[Eddie Lewis]

Go on, take a swing at me, why don't you? Ah, bait it, will ya? Listen. What? Judy's my girl. And if I find out you've been talking about, or if I ever find you're going out with her.

[Bud Swift]

Yeah? What do you do? Well.

[Eddie Lewis]

Maybe I can't trade punch for punch with you, but there are other ways I can pay you off. Ways that'll hurt a lot more. And I ain't kidding. And that, Roger, happened just last week.

[Bud Swift]

Well, Eddie, what about it?

[Eddie Lewis]

Truth, Mr. Kilgore. But it don't mean I tried to kill him for that. No, but you did try to kill him because he took your girl away.

[Bud Swift]

From you, didn't you? No.

[Eddie Lewis]

Who told you that? Your ex girlfriend, Judy Nichols told a detective I sent to question her. Look, Mr. Kilgore, I've been in love with Judy for about six months, but I. I never got up the nerve to asking her marry me. I had nothing to offer her. No job, no decent future.

[Bud Swift]

I see.

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, the other night me and Judy had a date. We went to a cheap movie. And then when I brought her home, we stopped outside the house and she said.

[Judy Nichols]

Well, goodbye, Eddie.

[Eddie Lewis]

Goodbye? You mean good night, don't you?

[Judy Nichols]

No, I. I can't see anymore.

[Eddie Lewis]

What's the matter?

[Judy Nichols]

Bud Swift has asked me to marry him.

[Bud Swift]

What?

[Judy Nichols]

Yes, and I accepted him. Oh, I'M sorry. I hope already I know how you feel about me. But I never said I loved you, did I?

[Eddie Lewis]

No, you never said it.

[Judy Nichols]

I've always liked you, and I. I still like you a lot.

[Eddie Lewis]

You don't have to make it easy for me.

[Judy Nichols]

But I want you to understand. I. I can't help it if I'm crazy about Bud, can I?

[Bud Swift]

I.

[Eddie Lewis]

I had no idea it was like that, Judy. I. I thought he was just another guy you were going out with.

[Judy Nichols]

I'm sorry, Eddie.

[Bud Swift]

Yeah.

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, what does the odd guy say at a time like this? Do I. Do I wish you health and happiness?

[Judy Nichols]

You. If you want to.

[Eddie Lewis]

Okay. I wish you health and happiness. And when I see Bud, I'll tell him the same.

[Judy Nichols]

No, no, don't say anything to Bud, Eddie.

[Eddie Lewis]

But why not?

[Judy Nichols]

Well, we sort of decided not to tell anyone for a while except our folks. And I don't want Bud to know that I told you. He might misunderstand. You know what I mean, Eddie?

[Eddie Lewis]

You see, Roger, he was sore at Bud Swift because he took his girl away from him. No, I wasn't sore at him. I felt pretty lousy when Judy told me about her and Bud. But I didn't blame him.

[Bud Swift]

Afraid? I don't understand, Eddie.

[Eddie Lewis]

Look, I knew Judy didn't love me. I knew I didn't have a chance, so. So when she told you about Bud, you just calmly accepted it? Yeah, it was tough. But I wasn't sore at anyone. If I'd have wanted to kill Bud, I could have waited for him until he got home that night and done it then.

[Bud Swift]

Eddie, why didn't you tell me the story before?

[Eddie Lewis]

Oh, Judy asked me not to say nothing about what she told me, so I wasn't gonna talk to anyone about it.

[Bud Swift]

I see. Sam, who told the police that Eddie stabbed Bud Swift? It was Bud himself, Roger. Did he see him at the time of the stabbing?

[Eddie Lewis]

No, but he saw him hanging around the restaurant an hour before. On the basis of the other evidence, I've got all.

[Bud Swift]

All of which happens to be circumstantial, Sam.

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, that's true, Roger, but I can't ignore it.

[Bud Swift]

Something wrong here. Bud Swift said some terrible things about Judy Nichols a week ago. Yes, and a few days later, he asked her to marry him. Also, he didn't know that Judy had told Eddie about her. And still he named Eddie as his attacker?

[Eddie Lewis]

Yes, he did.

[Bud Swift]

Sam, I'm going to the hospital to find out what's what. That punk sticks me good, Mr. Kilgore, but good. The Doctors. Think he'll be all right, Bud? Yeah, sure. I think you'll even be able to fight again. Oh, stop kidding me. I know what the ambulance doctor told me. Well, he made only a quick examination. Okay, we'll see who's right when I get out of here. Pardon? Why did you tell the police that Eddie had stabbed you? Because he did. How can you be so sure? You didn't see him. What was he hanging around a restaurant for? Well, that was an hour before. He claims that he wasn't hanging around, that he was just passing by.

[Eddie Lewis]

Then why did he make out like.

[Bud Swift]

He didn't see me? Are you sure he made out? Yeah. Was coming toward him when he turned the other way and started light a cigarette. I figured if the guy didn't want to talk to me, to heck with him. So I went into the restaurant. Did you see him when you came out? No, but that don't mean he wasn't hiding someplace. Look, Mr. Kilgore, the guy said he'd get me if I ever went out with Judy again. Well, I went out with Judy again and he got me. And you think that just because he threatened you, he had to be the one who stabbed you? Yeah. I got no other enemies. I see. Thought you said some pretty awful things about Judy. I didn't say nothing, Mr. Kilgore. Then why was Eddie sorry? Look, look, all the guys in the neighborhood know how that palooka feels about Judy. And some of them are wise guys. They were just kidding when they told them I said lousy things about her. When are you and Judy expect to get married, huh? Judy told the police you and what? Holy smoke, is everybody nuts? Bud, are you saying that you aren't planning to marry Judy?

[Eddie Lewis]

I'm saying I never even thought about it.

[Bud Swift]

We. We. We just been friends. Why, I never even kissed her. What's she trying to do? I don't know, Bud, but I'm going to try and. Well. Are you Miss Judy Nichols?

[Judy Nichols]

Yes.

[Bud Swift]

I'm the public defender, Roger Kilgore.

[Judy Nichols]

Oh, the public defender. Oh, come in, come in.

[Bud Swift]

Thank you.

[Judy Nichols]

You're the man who helps people when they get arrested.

[Bud Swift]

Yes, I am.

[Miss Carpenter]

You're gonna help Eddie, aren't you? You're gonna see that he gets out of jail.

[Bud Swift]

You want him to get out?

[Miss Carpenter]

Oh, I'll die if they send him away. I don't care what he did.

[Bud Swift]

Judy, are you in love with Eddie or do you want him out of jail because your conscience is bothering you?

[Miss Carpenter]

No, I'm in love with him.

[Judy Nichols]

I'VE always been in love with him.

[Bud Swift]

Then why did you tell him you were going to marry Bud?

[Judy Nichols]

I was afraid.

[Bud Swift]

Afraid of what, Judy?

[Judy Nichols]

Of myself. Got so I couldn't get Eddie out of my mind. When I went out with another boy, I kept thinking of Eddie.

[Bud Swift]

Naturally, you were in love with him.

[Miss Carpenter]

But I didn't want to be.

[Judy Nichols]

I didn't want to get into something that. That could never be any good for me.

[Bud Swift]

Why do you say that? Because Eddie didn't have a job.

[Judy Nichols]

Because he couldn't hold a job. Oh, I know he's tried. I've met him after work, when he was working and he was so sick he could hardly talk. The next day he went back to the job. And he kept going back and trying to work until he was fired. It happened over and over again.

[Bud Swift]

Judy, isn't it possible that Eddie might get well someday?

[Eddie Lewis]

I don't know.

[Judy Nichols]

But he lost so many jobs. I decided that maybe it'd be better for both of us if we.

[Miss Carpenter]

If we didn't see each other again. I made up a story. The longest story in the world.

[Bud Swift]

Judy, was Eddie sore at Bud when you told him? No.

[Judy Nichols]

No, he was awful nice about it. He even said he was gonna wish him health and happiness.

[Bud Swift]

I was.

[Miss Carpenter]

To King, you've gotta get Eddie out of jail. I'm married tomorrow. If you'll just send him out.

[Bud Swift]

Why did you tell the police that scoring? Didn't you realize that you were giving evidence against Eddie that might convict him?

[Miss Carpenter]

No, I didn't realize anything.

[Judy Nichols]

Detective came here this morning, asked me a lot of questions. I was afraid of being caught in a lie, so I. I told him the same story.

[Bud Swift]

Judy, you say that you're in love with Eddie.

[Judy Nichols]

Oh, he's got no IDEA how much, Mr. Kilmore.

[Bud Swift]

But still you believe that he tried to commit murder. What? Hasn't it occurred to you that he might be innocent? I.

[Miss Carpenter]

Oh, good heavens. I must be losing my mind. Just because the cops arrested him don't mean he's guilty, does he?

[Bud Swift]

Of course not. Why, he claims that he has an alibi. Then he has, but it doesn't seem to be any good. At any rate, I'm going over to Humphrey's Gym and check on it myself.

[Eddie Lewis]

Look, Shelgore, I told the cops all I know.

[Bud Swift]

But you don't remember seeing Eddie Lewis here last night?

[Eddie Lewis]

No, he wasn't here, Kilgore.

[Bud Swift]

But Eddie claims that he talked to you a few minutes after service.

[Eddie Lewis]

He's a liar.

[Bud Swift]

Why should he give you as an alibi if he knew, you wouldn't back him up.

[Eddie Lewis]

Look, mister, you wait a minute.

[Bud Swift]

Hey, Lefty. Yeah? Come here.

[Eddie Lewis]

What do you want, Lefty?

[Bud Swift]

This is a public defender.

[Eddie Lewis]

Okay. He wants to know if Eddie Lewis was in here last night. What time?

[Judy Nichols]

Say how.

[Eddie Lewis]

What's the matter, Punchy?

[Punchy]

I heard you through public defender. Is it this guy?

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah. Take a good look at him and scram.

[Punchy]

Okay.

[Eddie Lewis]

Come on in. What time, mister?

[Bud Swift]

Between 7:00 and 9:30, Lefty. No, he wasn't. Isn't it possible that he could have been here without you seeing him?

[Eddie Lewis]

Not a chance. I was all over the joint.

[Punchy]

I say how.

[Eddie Lewis]

Now, what is it, Punchy?

[Punchy]

I that fell over there says this guy's name is Roger Kilgore.

[Bud Swift]

Yes, it is.

[Punchy]

But Hal says you're a public defender.

[Eddie Lewis]

Now listen, Punchy, haven't you got any work to do?

[Bud Swift]

Yes.

[Eddie Lewis]

Sure. Okay, get busy. You want to keep working for me?

[Bud Swift]

Sure.

[Eddie Lewis]

Punch drunk, pug. I don't know why I keep mine.

[Bud Swift]

Mr. Humphries, you wouldn't have any reason to lie about Eddie, would you?

[Eddie Lewis]

Give me a cup of coffee, will you?

[Bud Swift]

What do you mean, Hugo? Well, if Eddie had simply said that he was here, I could doubt his alibi. I know what these training gyms are like when they get crowded, so. But he said that he talked to you.

[Eddie Lewis]

That proves that he's lying. Killgold, if you don't mind, I've got my business to think about it. Don't run without me.

[Punchy]

Hey, Mr. Kilgore.

[Bud Swift]

What?

[Punchy]

Mr. Kilgore?

[Bud Swift]

What is it, Punchy?

[Punchy]

I know something.

[Bud Swift]

Would you follow me down the street? Tell me about it.

[Punchy]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know something about Eddie.

[Bud Swift]

What do you know about him, Punchy?

[Punchy]

He's a good kid.

[Bud Swift]

Sure, sure he is.

[Punchy]

He was in the gym last night.

[Bud Swift]

What's that?

[Punchy]

Yeah, yeah, he was in the gym.

[Bud Swift]

What time was he there, Punchy?

[Punchy]

He was there howling left. He shouldn't have said he wasn't.

[Eddie Lewis]

Why didn't you tell this to the police?

[Bud Swift]

Police? Cops?

[Punchy]

I didn't see no cops.

[Bud Swift]

They were in the gym this morning questioning everyone.

[Punchy]

I didn't see no cops. I got a haircut this morning.

[Bud Swift]

And how Humphrey stood by. Listen, Punchy, do you know anything else?

[Punchy]

Yeah, I know something about Bud Swift.

[Bud Swift]

What about him?

[Punchy]

He should have took a dive in the third round.

[Bud Swift]

What?

[Punchy]

But he didn't.

[Bud Swift]

Yes, I know. He won by a knockout in the second.

[Punchy]

Yeah, but he shouldn't have.

[Bud Swift]

But how do you know that? He was supposed to lose in the.

[Punchy]

Third I heard Hal telling Jack Graham. Who's Jack Graham? It's Bud's manager.

[Bud Swift]

And you say you heard Hal and him talking?

[Punchy]

Yeah, yeah, a couple of days ago. And Bud's dressing up.

[Bud Swift]

Now, just a minute. Are you saying that Hal Humphries tried.

[Eddie Lewis]

To fix a fight while you were there, Puncher?

[Bud Swift]

Yeah.

[Punchy]

He didn't know I was there.

[Bud Swift]

But he must have seen you.

[Punchy]

I wasn't there.

[Bud Swift]

Now, look, Punchy, let's get it straight.

[Punchy]

I got it straight, Mr. Kilgore. Here's the dressing room, See how. And Jack was in there.

[Bud Swift]

All right.

[Punchy]

Next door is another room where I put towels for the fighters when they come out the shower.

[Bud Swift]

Oh, I see.

[Punchy]

I was in there.

[Eddie Lewis]

Where was Bud Swift?

[Punchy]

He was in the shower.

[Bud Swift]

Now, Punchy, you're sure you heard Hal Humphries tell Bud's manager that Bud would have to lose in the third round?

[Punchy]

Yeah, he said that to Jack Graham.

[Bud Swift]

All right, Punchy, suppose you and I get down to the DA's office.

[Punchy]

But I don't want to see the DA.

[Bud Swift]

I just want you to tell him your story.

[Punchy]

The DA's trouble.

[Bud Swift]

He is for people like Hal Humphries, but not for you. Come on, I'll drive you down there myself. And then I'll find Jack Crane. Now, look, Mr. Graham, I've told you I've got a witness who heard you and Humphreys making a deal.

[Eddie Lewis]

What are you trying to do, kill me off in the fight business?

[Bud Swift]

You've killed yourself off. In case you don't know, I've never.

[Eddie Lewis]

Taken a nickel from any crooked gambler.

[Bud Swift]

No.

[Eddie Lewis]

And I've never told one of my fighters to lay down. And anybody says I did is just a dirty framing, double crossing.

[Bud Swift]

We'll see about that.

[Eddie Lewis]

Who told you I made a deal with How? Was it Bud?

[Bud Swift]

No.

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, then who is the rat that's trying to squeeze me out of the fight business? You're gonna tell me, Mr. Kilgore.

[Bud Swift]

And if I don't? Well, you're what, Mr. Graham? Which are you more afraid of? Losing your license as a fight manager or going to prison for attempted murder?

[Eddie Lewis]

I didn't try to kill Bud.

[Bud Swift]

You told him to lose the fight and he didn't.

[Eddie Lewis]

No, I didn't tell him anything.

[Bud Swift]

Listen, I've discovered that Hal Humphries, besides running a gym, is also a bookmaker. Yeah, and I know that the betting was pretty heavy on your boy to win, but Hal was on the short end against him.

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah, but I didn't make no deal with him.

[Bud Swift]

Then what did happen?

[Eddie Lewis]

Well, Hal had been watching Bud work out. Kid went in for a shower. Hal said he wanted to talk to me, so we went into the dressing room.

[Bud Swift]

That kid looks very good, Jack.

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah, he's in the pink right now. I've got four grand bet on that fight. Jack, it's safe. The kid will take that rummy in two rounds. Jack, I think the rummy ought to take the kid in three rounds. You want Bud to take a dive? That's what I'm leading up to. You see, I'm betting on him to lose, but I can't tell him to take a dive. He's a nice, clean kid and he thinks. Jack, I don't care what he thinks. I'm betting against him. Nice odds, too. That's your hard luck. It'll be yours and his if he don't go down in the third. Now, listen, you want that kid to fight again, don't you?

[Bud Swift]

Why, sure, but.

[Eddie Lewis]

And you want to be around us, see him fight, don't you? Sure I do. Okay, you tell him it's a canvas in the third or a funeral around the creek.

[Bud Swift]

But you say you didn't tell him, Mr. Graham.

[Eddie Lewis]

No. I'm building fighters to win, not to lose. Besides, Bud thinks I'm a great guy.

[Bud Swift]

Maybe you are, Mr. Graham.

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah, a great guy. Somebody in Hal's mob put a knife in a kid's back last night. I've been sitting here all day waiting for my turn.

[Bud Swift]

But if you told the police, you wouldn't be in this predicament.

[Eddie Lewis]

That would take nerve, Mr. Kilgore, and I haven't got it. I didn't want to lose my license for not reporting Hal to the DA before the fight.

[Bud Swift]

Well, he's been reported. I'm sorry that it wasn't done by you. That's Humphreys now.

[Eddie Lewis]

Roger. Come in.

[Bud Swift]

Are you.

[Eddie Lewis]

Yes, I'm the D.A.

[Bud Swift]

Mr. Humphries. What's Kilgore doing here? Come in and close the door.

[Eddie Lewis]

We'll explain everything.

[Bud Swift]

And Punchy, how'd you get here?

[Punchy]

The public defender gave me a ride in his car.

[Bud Swift]

Hal. What for?

[Eddie Lewis]

Punchy? Suppose you let me ask the questions, Humphreys. Now, look, Humphreys. You told the police that Eddie Lewis was not in your gym last night. Yeah, and he wasn't. They checked.

[Bud Swift]

But, Mr. Humphreys. Punchy remember seeing him there? What? Yes. And he remembers something else. A conversation you had with Jack Graham in Bud's dressing room.

[Eddie Lewis]

A conversation? Yes. You told Graham to be sure his fighter lost in the third round.

[Bud Swift]

So you could collect your bets.

[Eddie Lewis]

Did that punch drunk pug say that about me? You deny it? Sure, I deny it. What do you think my racket is anyway? I think it's fixing fights.

[Punchy]

Hell, I ain't no punch drunk punk.

[Eddie Lewis]

Shut up, you. Now, now listen, punchy, I'm your pal and I.

[Punchy]

Sure, I gave you a job when.

[Eddie Lewis]

No other guy in the business would even look at you.

[Bud Swift]

Sure.

[Eddie Lewis]

Then how could you tell a DA you heard me trying to fix a fight? You know it ain't true.

[Punchy]

It is true, Hal. I was in the room next to where Bud was taking a shower and I heard you and Jack Parker.

[Eddie Lewis]

Listen, Howard, if you want to take the word of this punched up mug against mine, then go ahead and take it. You never get a jury to believe him.

[Bud Swift]

Humphries, I've got another witness I'd like you to. What? Will you come in here? Graham? Not.

[Eddie Lewis]

Not Jack Graham.

[Bud Swift]

Hello, Hal. Sir. Humphries, do you still want to deny that you tried to fix that fight?

[Eddie Lewis]

Why? It's no use, Hal. I've told him the whole story. Well, so? Okay, so I was trying to protect.

[Bud Swift]

My bets by dictating when Bud Swift had to lose.

[Eddie Lewis]

So what?

[Bud Swift]

And when he didn't lose, you or one of your gang went out to pay him off. Well, I don't follow.

[Eddie Lewis]

What are you guys trying to do? You can't pin a murder rap on me. You said he'd never fight again if he won. Shut up, Jack. Now look, Humphreys, you've lied about everything.

[Bud Swift]

In this case from the first minute.

[Eddie Lewis]

You talked to the police. But from now on, you're gonna start telling the truth for a change. Whoever thought I was gonna get washed and hung up by a dumb punch drunk Palo.

[Bud Swift]

Hello, Eddie.

[Eddie Lewis]

Hello, mister.

[Bud Swift]

What is this?

[Eddie Lewis]

Judy.

[Judy Nichols]

Eddie, darling.

[Eddie Lewis]

Hey.

[Bud Swift]

What? What? You're free, Eddie. Free? Yes. Hal Humphries has made a full statement. His man left. He did the actual stabbing.

[Eddie Lewis]

Holy smoke. Well, what did they knife Bud for?

[Judy Nichols]

I'll explain it to you, Eddie.

[Eddie Lewis]

Yeah, sure.

[Judy Nichols]

While you're taking me home.

[Bud Swift]

Well, I.

[Eddie Lewis]

What about you and Bud?

[Judy Nichols]

Everything's gonna be all right, Eddie.

[Bud Swift]

You know, Eddie, I think she's right.

[Eddie Lewis]

Thanks, Mr. Kilgore. Whoever figured out about a public defender sure figured okay.

[Bud Swift]

Yeah. We hold these truths to be self evident. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[Roger Kilgore]

Roger Kilgore Public Defender Written by Stedman Coles and produced and Directed by Jock McGregor Featured Santos Ortega as the public defender and Stott Scottsworth as the district attorney. Others in the cast were Bill Lipton as Eddie Lewis, Bernard Grant as Bud Swift, Brynn A. Rayburn as Judy Nichols, Lawson Zerby as Hal Humphries, Bob Dryden as Punchy and Whit Vernon as Jack Graham. Original music was played by Milton Kay. All names, places and dates used in this program were, for obvious reasons, fictitious. This is the last of the current series of Roger Kilgore, Public Defender.

[Bud Swift]

We hope to be back with you in the near future.

[Roger Kilgore]

In the meantime, remember that justice, equal justice, is the sacred right of all people in a democracy. Call Caruso speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.