Shorty Bell 48-06-27 (14) Shorty Scoops Photographer (last show)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Shorty Bell 48-06-27 (14) Shorty Scoops Photographer"

Release Date: August 7, 2025

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Introduction

In the final installment of the beloved series, "Shorty Scoops Photographer," listeners are treated to a riveting conclusion of Shorty Bell’s adventures in the bustling world of journalism. Starring the charismatic Mickey Rooney as Shorty Bell, this episode masterfully intertwines themes of ambition, ethics, and the relentless pursuit of a story in the cutthroat newspaper business.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around Shorty Bell, an aspiring newspaper reporter navigating the competitive landscape of big-city journalism. Tasked with covering the escalating crimes of notorious criminal Al Benson, Shorty seeks to secure exclusive photographs from Winnie Lane, a dedicated photographer recently fired from the Record, another prominent newspaper.

Key Plot Points

1. Introduction to Shorty Bell’s Dilemma
   Shorty Bell grapples with the intense competition in the newspaper industry, emphasizing the "cutthroat business" nature of journalism.
   Shorty Bell (00:34): "The newspaper game is a cutthroat business. And the first rule is you gotta be sure the throat you cut isn't your own."

2. The Al Benson Story
   Al Benson’s string of crimes places Shorty in a prime position to capture a breakthrough story. Despite his aspirations for a vacation, Shorty is assigned to cover Benson’s latest criminal act, leading to a high-stakes pursuit.
   Shorty Bell (02:21): "Yesterday when I’m about to start my vacation and Benson kills a policeman... my vacation's off till the police take him out of circulation."

3. Encounter with Winnie Lane
   Winnie Lane, eager to make her mark in journalism, crosses paths with Shorty. Their interaction highlights ethical dilemmas as Shorty takes Winnie’s exclusive photos to boost his own career, ignoring the rightful ownership of the work.
   City Editor (05:04): "I never heard of the word ethics, Mr. Bell. Ethics, morality, the golden rule."

4. The Chase and Capture of Al Benson
   Teaming up with Winnie, Shorty pursues Benson, culminating in a tense confrontation. Although they manage to capture Benson, the ethical breach concerning the photographs leads to professional repercussions for Shorty.
   City Editor (22:52): "This guy's really shot. Nailed him."

5. Resolution and Shorty’s Reflection
   In the aftermath, Shorty learns the importance of integrity over personal gain. Winnie Lane decides to leave the newspaper business altogether, highlighting the personal costs of ethical compromises in journalism.
   Winnie Lane (10:28): "I know it. How is a gal from the Corn Belt to know otherwise?"

Character Interactions and Development

• Shorty Bell and the City Editor
  The dynamic between Shorty and the City Editor, portrayed by Mickey Rooney, underscores the tension between ambition and ethics. Shorty’s initial disregard for journalistic integrity leads to conflict, ultimately forcing him to confront his professional choices.
  Shorty Bell (09:43): "Man, your attitude is all wrong."

• Shorty Bell and Winnie Lane
  Their interactions reveal a deepening relationship that evolves from professional rivalry to a personal connection. Winnie’s frustration with Shorty’s unethical choices serves as a catalyst for her departure from the industry.
  Winnie Lane (15:14): "My name is probably known by now in every city room from Azusa to Albany."

Themes and Insights

• Ethics in Journalism
  The episode poignantly explores the moral compromises faced by journalists striving for exclusives, emphasizing the long-term repercussions of unethical decisions.
  City Editor (05:19): "Ms. Bell, that Winnie Lane's lady being on hand with a camera when a big story breaks comes just once in a lifetime, if at all."

• Ambition vs. Integrity
  Shorty Bell’s journey is a cautionary tale about the perils of prioritizing personal success over ethical standards, ultimately showcasing the hollow victories that come from compromising one’s morals.

• The Human Cost of Professional Decisions
  Winnie Lane’s disillusionment and eventual departure highlight the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that unethical practices can exact on individuals within competitive industries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shorty Bell on Ethics: Shorty Bell (09:43): "Man, your attitude is all wrong. I thought by now you'd see the whole thing for what it is, a big laugh."

• City Editor on Integrity: City Editor (05:19): "Ms. Bell, that Winnie Lane's lady being on hand with a camera when a big story breaks comes just once in a lifetime, if at all."

• Winnie Lane’s Frustration: Winnie Lane (15:14): "My name is probably known by now in every city room from Azusa to Albany. I'm finished in the newspaper business and I know it."

• Shorty Bell’s Realization: Shorty Bell (25:34): "We got story and pictures. Exclusive so far, but that's not going to last. Better hurry."

Concluding Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, Shorty Bell is forced to acknowledge the consequences of his actions. The interaction between Shorty and the City Editor serves as a final lesson in journalistic ethics, while Minnie Rooney’s portrayal of Shorty solidifies the character’s growth and the series' overarching message.

In a poignant farewell, Shorty reflects on his journey, expressing a desire to mentor new talent through the upcoming "Hollywood Showcase" segment, bridging his experiences with future aspirations.
Shorty Bell (26:17): "Because, you know, I've always thought of myself as a very lucky kid... I'll be back with you. Again next week with a brand new show."

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Conclusion

"Shorty Scoops Photographer" delivers a compelling narrative that encapsulates the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its rich storytelling and memorable performances, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on integrity and the true cost of ambition. For aficionados of classic radio dramas and newcomers alike, this final episode of Shorty Bell’s saga is a fitting and thought-provoking conclusion.

Transcript

[Mickey Rooney]

The Columbia Broadcasting System presents Mickey Rooney as Shorty Bell. From Hollywood, we bring you Shorty Bell.

[Mike]

Alpha Parade.

[City Editor]

The story of a young newspaper reporter in a big city. Starring Mickey Rooney.

[Shorty Bell]

Love that's one of the things all is fair in. The others are war and the newspaper game. When you look at it that way, and I do, the newspaper game is a cutthroat business. And the first rule is you gotta.

[Mickey Rooney]

Be sure the throat you cut isn't your own.

[Shorty Bell]

I learned that rule just like I seem to learn all the rules the hard way from a blonde. I always had good luck with blondes.

[Winnie Lane]

But this time I guess I pushed.

[Shorty Bell]

My luck too far.

[City Editor]

You make up your mind. What do you want for lunch here, Shorty?

[Shorty Bell]

I don't know, Mike. How's the hamburger today?

[City Editor]

That shit terrible. You know I serve only to waste the food in the town.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, make it a plain hamburger.

[City Editor]

1. A plain hamburger.

[Shorty Bell]

Nothing on it but a little relish.

[City Editor]

A little relish.

[Shorty Bell]

Maybe some pickle.

[City Editor]

Pissed pickle.

[Shorty Bell]

A little mustard and chili too.

[Mickey Rooney]

Add a little mustard and a chili.

[Shorty Bell]

And a small slice of onion.

[City Editor]

Slice of onion. You want anything to drink with this? A plain hamburger?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, a bottle of Whoopsie Cola. I guess that's all. No, no, wait. How's that banana cream pie? Is it fresh?

[City Editor]

Well, I don't like to recommend it to a guy want to take such a good care of his stomach like you do. You see, it was baked over an hour ago.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, I'll have a slice for dessert. Say, Mike, tell me, where is everybody? This joint's empty.

[City Editor]

That's the summertime, Ze boy. Peoples are going to vacation.

[Shorty Bell]

They do shoes.

[City Editor]

Don't you get a no vacation?

[Shorty Bell]

It's not up to me, Mike. Whether or not I get a vacation depends on one Al Benson.

[City Editor]

Al Benson, or who's he?

[Shorty Bell]

Al Benson. What's the matter? Don't you ever read the papers anymore?

[City Editor]

What do you think, I'm a grace? I figure if something important happens that people are gonna tell me. And if it ain't important enough for peoples to talk about, I should've worried.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, you see, about 10 days ago, this Al Benson held up a gas station. I wrote four lines about it which turned up on page 38among the Bunyan ads.

[Mickey Rooney]

Big story, eh?

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, this was enormous. And then a few days later, this Benson cleaned another gas station and fractured the attendant skull. I wrote two paragraphs which turned up on page four at the time. And this makes me a specialist on Al Benson all of a sudden. So that yesterday when I'M about to start my vacation and Benson kills a policeman. Robot assigns me to the story and my vacation's off till the police take him out of circulation. I hope he chokes Benson. Him too. Oh, well, goes to show you if you. What was that? Oh, the backfire. Fools me every time. Just goes to show you that you never know what.

[Mike]

Hey, let's not backfire. Holy cow. What is it? What is it? There, up on the roof. Out of my way, will you? Mike.

[Shorty Bell]

Mike, I'm taking out a nickel.

[Mike]

Hey, he's trying to come down a fire escape. Sonny's going to Passata. Kangita cops is a climbing up on a fire escape. He's going to back up on the roof. Not on news.

[Shorty Bell]

Hey, give me the city desk, quick. City desk is a shorty bell. Cops and robbers are third in Broadway.

[Mike]

Gunplay Burton, Broadway. Right, Mike.

[Shorty Bell]

Out of my way and cancel that order.

[Mike]

Be careful to shout in the castle. Hey, you. Wait a second. Hey, let me go. I'm from the news.

[Shorty Bell]

I don't care where you're from.

[City Editor]

You're trying to get killed. Get in that door.

[Mike]

But I have to. Go on, get in there.

[City Editor]

I don't want you to get killed on my beat. You want to cover this turret from the roof. But get away from here.

[Mike]

Go on. Do I get. All right, all right. Don't push.

[City Editor]

I'm going.

[Mike]

Hey, wait a second.

[Shorty Bell]

Out of my way, sister. He's away getting on the roof. Is there a trap door up there?

[Winnie Lane]

Save yourself the climb, rubberneck. I just can't from the roof. There's nothing more to see from the roof.

[City Editor]

Nothing more to see from the lady.

[Mickey Rooney]

Step aside, kid.

[Mike]

Say get inside, not get it.

[City Editor]

Duck down the park.

[Shorty Bell]

Wait.

[Winnie Lane]

Hey, kid, listen to me. You want to make yourself a five dollar bill?

[Mike]

Look, I.

[Winnie Lane]

All right, ten dollars. Just pay attention to what I say. I'm a newspaper photographer.

[Shorty Bell]

See?

[Winnie Lane]

Here's my camera. I work for the Record. That's a newspaper. Do you understand? Yeah, I understand all the films. Go on, take it and take it to the right.

[Shorty Bell]

Listen to me.

[Mike]

Stop and pay attention.

[Shorty Bell]

Grab a cab.

[Winnie Lane]

Just tell the driver to take you to the Record. He's not in the word.

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah.

[Winnie Lane]

When you get there, go up to the third floor. That's the third. Ask the city editor. His name is Kavanaugh.

[Mike]

Give him this film pack and tell.

[Winnie Lane]

Him I said to give you $10.

[Shorty Bell]

Stop for just a minute, sister.

[Winnie Lane]

Winnie Lane sent you. Winnie Lane? That's me. Tell him this is complete coverage of the gunfight between the police And Al Benson.

[Mike]

Remember that name?

[Winnie Lane]

Al Benson. The man who held up the post office yesterday and killed the policeman.

[Mike]

You mean these doors ask questions.

[Winnie Lane]

Tell him it's an exclusive. I was the only photographer here. We've scored a beat on the whole town. Now, can you remember all that?

[Shorty Bell]

Lady, I'll never forget it.

[Mike]

Tell him I'm staying here to cover.

[Winnie Lane]

The rest of it, if any.

[Shorty Bell]

Now hurry.

[Mike]

Run. I'm running. Oh, and thank you. Not at all. Thank you.

[City Editor]

These are what, Mr. Bell?

[Shorty Bell]

Exclusive pictures of the gun battle between the police and Al Benson. Well, I'll see you in two weeks, Mr. Robot.

[Mickey Rooney]

Where are you going?

[Shorty Bell]

On my vacation.

[Mickey Rooney]

Did the police take Benson into custody after this gun battle?

[Shorty Bell]

No, he got away. But that doesn't.

[Mickey Rooney]

I said you might take your vacation after Benson was captured. But look, Chief, here.

[Shorty Bell]

Here's the biggest beat the news has ever.

[Mickey Rooney]

Bell, where did you get these pictures?

[Shorty Bell]

A record photographer girl named Winnie Lane gave them to me.

[Mickey Rooney]

Gave them to me?

[Shorty Bell]

She didn't know I was a reporter. She promised me a 10 spot to deliver them to the Record.

[Winnie Lane]

Is that a laugh?

[Mickey Rooney]

Belle, do you mean to say you took these films under what is practically false pretense and instead of bringing them.

[City Editor]

To the Record, brought them here to the news?

[Mike]

Why, sure, chief.

[Shorty Bell]

That's what I supposed to do.

[Mickey Rooney]

Mr. Bell, that Winnie Lane's lady being on hand with a camera when a big story breaks comes just once in a lifetime, if at all.

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, I realized it.

[Mickey Rooney]

But I never heard of the word ethics, Mr. Bell. Ethics, morality, the golden rule.

[Shorty Bell]

Have you ever heard of the word vacation?

[Mickey Rooney]

Mr. Bell, I want you to fulfill your obligation to Winnie Lane. I want you to take these films to the Record.

[Shorty Bell]

You do?

[Mickey Rooney]

Yes, just as soon as we're finished with them. And are extraordinary as are out in the streets.

[City Editor]

In just a moment, Mickey Rooney will return in the second act of Shorty Bell.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, there is a great tradition in show business. A tradition that the star lends a helping hand to promising new performers who might not succeed without that one lucky break. An opportunity to display their talent to the right people at the right time. To encourage youthful talent to give them that opportunity they seek. Mickey Rooney has a word or two to say at the closing of our show tonight. So be sure to stay tuned.

[City Editor]

And now back to Shorty Bell starring Mickey Rona.

[Shorty Bell]

When I borrowed some exclusive pictures shot by Winnie Lane of the Record and brought them to my boss instead of hers, I thought I had my vacation cinched. As usual, I was wrong. Not only I didn't get my vacation, but I had to return the film's now worth buttons to old man Kavanaugh, city editor of the Record. A man reputed to devour his young.

[City Editor]

Where is he then? If you gave him the film and told him to come here to the Record, where is he?

[Mike]

I don't know, Mr. Kavanaugh. I gave him explicit instructions.

[Winnie Lane]

I told him to bring them to.

[City Editor]

Well, he should have been here over an hour ago in time for the bulldog. Are you sure you're not dreaming the whole thing?

[Mike]

Why didn't you come?

[Shorty Bell]

Excuse me. Are you the city editor of the Record?

[Winnie Lane]

Thank you.

[City Editor]

This is the kid. How'd you come? By way of Mexico. Where's the film?

[Shorty Bell]

Huh?

[City Editor]

Goldie, stop fret. Where's the film?

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, here you are.

[City Editor]

Yeah, they better be good shots. Oh, they are.

[Shorty Bell]

They're swell shots. And they made a beautiful layout for the front page of the news. See?

[Mike]

The News?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah.

[City Editor]

Why did you take them to the news?

[Shorty Bell]

Well, I happen to be one of their reporters. Shorty Bell. Why, you little heel.

[City Editor]

Go rolling. You heard me.

[Mike]

Rolling.

[Shorty Bell]

I hope I haven't caused you too much inconvenience.

[City Editor]

Get out. Get out of here before I. I'm going. Don't worry about you. My dear Miss Lane.

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, them golden slippers. Golden.

[Mike]

Hey. Hey, wait a minute. I'm going down, too.

[Shorty Bell]

Here.

[Mike]

Wait a minute. Wait.

[Shorty Bell]

Ah, this elevator service and this trap. Hello, Ms. Lame. I. I said hello. What?

[Winnie Lane]

Oh, it's you.

[City Editor]

Sure, sure.

[Shorty Bell]

Who else? You sick of something? You feel all right?

[Winnie Lane]

Oh, swell. Just swell.

[Mickey Rooney]

Atta girl.

[Shorty Bell]

That's the way to take it. Look, honey, I feel as though I owe you something. And I. I know a swell place. It's called.

[Winnie Lane]

It's called Mike's.

[Shorty Bell]

Have you ever been there?

[Winnie Lane]

No, never.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, wouldn't you like to go down there with me, huh? We can cut up a few touches or something like. How does it sound? Would you mind? Mind? Yeah.

[Winnie Lane]

What's there in mind? Hey, Mike.

[Shorty Bell]

Hey, Mike, will you take our order?

[City Editor]

Just one minute, sir. Charlie.

[Shorty Bell]

Ms. Lane, do you know you haven't said a word to me all the way down here? Lane, look. Remember me?

[Winnie Lane]

I've been trying not to.

[Shorty Bell]

Mad at me?

[Mike]

After all we've meant to each other.

[Shorty Bell]

How could I be all right.

[City Editor]

The sporty shorty. What's it gonna be?

[Shorty Bell]

What do you have, Lane?

[Winnie Lane]

I don't drink.

[Shorty Bell]

Not nothing at all?

[Winnie Lane]

No.

[Shorty Bell]

Mike, give me coffee. Just coffee.

[City Editor]

Warm. A coffee. Sure gonna get a rich today.

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, Lane, you're. You're mad at me, aren't you? I didn't bring you here to rub it in or crow over you or anything like that.

[Winnie Lane]

Anything you do now, Belle, would be an anticlimax.

[Shorty Bell]

You're mad.

[Mickey Rooney]

All right.

[City Editor]

Look.

[Shorty Bell]

The news gave me a bonus for bringing in those pictures. 50 bucks. It really belongs to you, I guess. Here, take it.

[Winnie Lane]

Put it back in your pocket.

[Shorty Bell]

Don't be silly.

[Winnie Lane]

I'm not being silly. What you taught me today is worth $50 easy.

[Shorty Bell]

Keep it.

[Winnie Lane]

You earned it.

[Shorty Bell]

Man, your attitude is all wrong. I thought by now you'd see the whole thing for what it is, a big laugh. There's nothing wrong about what I did this afternoon. You know, that's. That's the newspaper game.

[Winnie Lane]

No, it's not a game. It can't be. Games have rules. There are certain things you don't do in games. At least that's what I thought before today. But I leave it to you. How is a gal from the Corn Belt to know otherwise?

[Mickey Rooney]

You're making too big a thing out of it.

[Winnie Lane]

I'm not making anything out of it.

[Shorty Bell]

Today it was my turn. All right, to store a beat on you. Maybe tomorrow it'll be your turn. I doubt it. It happens all the time. Sure it will.

[Winnie Lane]

I doubt it.

[Shorty Bell]

I tell you, it happens all the time.

[Winnie Lane]

It won't happen this time. I've just been fired.

[Shorty Bell]

You've been fired?

[Winnie Lane]

Yes, fired. Hired and fired within 24 hours. A great career while it lasted.

[Shorty Bell]

Yes. Oh, gee.

[Winnie Lane]

You dream since pigtails of a job on a big town paper. You work for a photographer all through college to get the know how you spend weeks pestering the life out of art departments. They finally hand you a press card and like that you get shots that other photographers give their eye teeth to get. What does it all boil down to? A little jerk shaking his head and saying, gee.

[Mike]

Ouch.

[Shorty Bell]

All right, look, Lane, really, I'm. I'm sorry. That's. That's a tough break. Change your mind and take this 50. Honey, you real.

[Winnie Lane]

30. Sorry.

[Shorty Bell]

Honestly, I do. I feel so.

[Winnie Lane]

You'll have to get over it by yourself then. I'm not selling heart bond for $50 a jar today, Mike.

[Mike]

All right, all right. Hold on to your shirt.

[Shorty Bell]

I don't feel sorry for what I did. I'd do it again, but I feel sorry for the way it hit you. Wait. Look. Look, I, I. Honey, I just thought of something. Listen, I. I bet I can get you. I bet I can get you a job on the news.

[Winnie Lane]

Drop it. Drop the whole thing. No, I mean it You.

[Shorty Bell]

Your shots of Benson were great. I know I can get Mr. Robart to give you a job on my paperwork. Honey, he. He's got a heart as big as all outdoors.

[Winnie Lane]

I wouldn't work on the same sheet.

[Shorty Bell]

With you if it was the only coffee.

[City Editor]

Shorty, huh? You called me lady.

[Mike]

Yes.

[Winnie Lane]

I've changed my mind. I want some rye.

[City Editor]

Yes, mister. How many slices do you want?

[Mike]

No, I mean, I want a drink.

[Winnie Lane]

What do you call it when it's two drinks in one glass?

[City Editor]

A double.

[Winnie Lane]

That's it. Bring me a double and see what the boys in the back room will have.

[Shorty Bell]

Good morning, Mr. Robart.

[Mickey Rooney]

You have exactly two minutes.

[Shorty Bell]

I had a talk with Winnie Lane yesterday. The gal whose pictures I snitched.

[Mickey Rooney]

I'd rather you put these shy little confidences in your diary, Mr. Bell. I'm quite busy.

[Shorty Bell]

Old man Kavanaugh fired her.

[Mickey Rooney]

Old man Robard would have done the same.

[Shorty Bell]

She's a good kid.

[Mickey Rooney]

Irrelevant.

[Shorty Bell]

Just happened to make a mistake.

[Mickey Rooney]

Immaterial.

[Shorty Bell]

And they were good shots. Look, I. I was. I was just wondering whether you could give her a job up here with us.

[Mickey Rooney]

Here?

[Shorty Bell]

On my seat? Why not, Mr. Bell?

[Mickey Rooney]

Our tight little organization has no openings.

[Shorty Bell]

Knucklehead. Isn't there some way.

[Mickey Rooney]

No, there is not. That's final.

[Shorty Bell]

I feel a little bit like a heel. I think I did the right thing with it. Film. I mean, bringing it here to you.

[Mickey Rooney]

Anytime you fetch me an item that increases circulation and brings roses to the cheeks of the boys in the business department, you are doing the right thing. Should you ever stumble upon such an item and fail to bring it in, I'm sure I need to not complete the thought.

[Shorty Bell]

Isn't there anything you can do for a chief? She does a good turn for us, in a way.

[Mickey Rooney]

Well, let me see. She's a photographer. Does she have nice legs?

[Shorty Bell]

Well, of course, I never looked, but I think I overheard someone say she has.

[Mickey Rooney]

Have a talk with our amusement editor. Tell him I said to let his weight be felt by some nightclub manager who might need pretty girl to take.

[Shorty Bell]

Pictures of the suckers.

[Mike]

Nightclub?

[Winnie Lane]

But this girl is a News photographer.

[Mickey Rooney]

Your two minutes are up, Mr. Bell. Good morning.

[Winnie Lane]

Just a second. Oh, it's you.

[Shorty Bell]

Good evening.

[Winnie Lane]

Who brought me home this morning?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, but. But your landlady poured you into bed. May I come in?

[Mickey Rooney]

Why not?

[Shorty Bell]

It's a nice place you have here.

[Winnie Lane]

Yeah, I rented it with an eye toward pleasing you.

[Shorty Bell]

How do you feel? Anybody ever tell you have a hollow leg? I don't think I ever saw anyone drink so Many double rise and double double rise.

[Winnie Lane]

That must have been two other people. Here, I found this in my purse. I thought I told you I didn't want your $50.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, you can't pay me for trying.

[Winnie Lane]

Sure I can. Who are you to make up the rules?

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, swell. You're in a great mood.

[Winnie Lane]

I never drank before in my life and I never will again. There's the door.

[Shorty Bell]

Goodbye. Hold on. Wait a minute. Hold on. Not so fast. What are you gonna do now that you're no longer working for the record?

[Winnie Lane]

Oh, retire to my estate. Will breed peacocks, of course.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, have you tried any of the other papers?

[Winnie Lane]

All of them, including yours. You know, the one where you have so much influence.

[Shorty Bell]

Did you get anything?

[Winnie Lane]

Two pitying glances and three horse laughs. I'm quite famous for someone who arrived in town only three days ago. Thank you, Shorty.

[Shorty Bell]

Bill, I'd do it again. How do you like that?

[Winnie Lane]

You know, I believe you would.

[Shorty Bell]

Yes, I would like a shot when he can't you get it through your head, honey. You all's fair in love, war and the newspaper business.

[Winnie Lane]

Now there's a trenchant phrase. Did you carnage your.

[Shorty Bell]

I didn't come here to fight with you. Honest I didn't. Can't we just talk? Tell me, have you any plans? Will you try out of town papers? Oh, what would be the use?

[Winnie Lane]

All you newspaper guys know each other and a funny story travels fast. My name is probably known by now in every city room from Azusa to Albany. I'm finished in the newspaper business and I know it. Back to the corn belt for me. I got a job with some photographer. Hold the birdie for kitties to goggle at while he snaps their pictures.

[Shorty Bell]

Why not stay here?

[Winnie Lane]

There's a sometime thing called money. All I own are my clothes, my camera and my jalopy.

[Shorty Bell]

I know of a job if you want it. It's not a newspaper job.

[Winnie Lane]

Still mousing around for heart bomb, huh?

[Shorty Bell]

It wasn't my idea. My boss thought of it, Mr. Robart. Really?

[Winnie Lane]

He has got a heart as big.

[Shorty Bell]

As all of the outdoors. And it isn't hard bomb either. The job would come from the news and not from me.

[Winnie Lane]

But what sort of a job?

[Shorty Bell]

Taking pictures in a nightclub?

[Mike]

Are you out of your mind?

[Winnie Lane]

I know you take pictures in a nightclub with a fixed shutter, flat flashlighting and glossy single weight prints. Do you realize I won honorable mention at the 6th Annual Midland Photography Salon in Chicago last year?

[Shorty Bell]

Is that a fact? Oh, what was the picture?

[Winnie Lane]

I called it Tall Corn at Sunset.

[Shorty Bell]

Tall corn at sunset. Shots from a low angle with the corn fossil silhouetted against the sun and the clouds piling up toward the horizon.

[Winnie Lane]

Yes. Did you see it?

[City Editor]

No.

[Winnie Lane]

Well, I. I used a super Mercury reflex with a Raja lens at f16 with a number two filter.

[Mike]

No. Yes.

[Winnie Lane]

Oh, it was quite a difficult shot. A fiftieth of a second. But the problem was to bring out the foreground detail against the strong backlight.

[Shorty Bell]

Yes, Yes, I. I can see that that would be quite a problem.

[Winnie Lane]

But I compensated in the dark room by dodging.

[Shorty Bell]

Coward, huh?

[Winnie Lane]

Well, I. I developed with Stanwick's 43Q for three and a half. Stanwix? Yes. Well, I brought out the details slowly. It took eight tries before I got the results that I wanted on triple weight Florentine mass paper in sepia tones.

[Shorty Bell]

It must have been just sensational.

[Mike]

Well, it.

[Shorty Bell]

It, It.

[Winnie Lane]

One honorable mention and you want me.

[Mike]

To shoot pictures in a nightclub?

[Shorty Bell]

Well, you could work freelance in your spare time. Shoot tall skyscrapers in the sunset. Maybe get another exclus exclusive on something even bigger. I'd tip you off if I heard of anything. Something about that Benson thing, for instance. Liable to pay off on that story any day now. Any hour.

[Winnie Lane]

Honey.

[Shorty Bell]

Leave town and you're finished. Stay here and you might get your chance.

[Winnie Lane]

You know, I never thought of that. Yeah. If we work together, you and I, I might get a chance. Chance at that. Might.

[Mike]

Look, look, look, she's smiling.

[Winnie Lane]

I just thought of something very funny.

[Shorty Bell]

Well, let me in on it.

[Winnie Lane]

Someday, maybe. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I will.

[Shorty Bell]

Anybody alive in this hotel? Hey, front, front, front.

[City Editor]

We're bringing that bell.

[Mickey Rooney]

I'm trying to sleep.

[Shorty Bell]

Wake up. What do you want? My tea. Oh.

[City Editor]

Oh, Drew.

[Mickey Rooney]

Shorty. Say, you know, I was just having the dog on this dream.

[Shorty Bell]

I found myself face to face with.

[Mickey Rooney]

A gal who was. Oh, say, I. I got a message for you.

[Winnie Lane]

Yeah?

[Shorty Bell]

Well, what is it?

[Mickey Rooney]

Your paper's been phoning you for the last three hours.

[Shorty Bell]

Oh. What. What's the message? You're.

[Mickey Rooney]

You're supposed to wait a minute here. Go to Valentine woods and say, Shorty, this gal in my.

[Shorty Bell]

She was. Oh, never mind. Give me the rest of the message, will you?

[Mickey Rooney]

Oh, well, at the crossroads out on Route 11A, there's a general store.

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah.

[Mickey Rooney]

They report to somebody named Vogel there and he'll tell you what to do. Say, what are you supposed to dream like that mean?

[Shorty Bell]

They must have told you something more about the message. What was it? What's it about?

[Mickey Rooney]

Well, the police Got Al Benson cornered out there somewhere in the brush.

[Shorty Bell]

Al Benson, the cop killer?

[Mickey Rooney]

Yeah, that's the one.

[Mike]

Holy cow.

[Mickey Rooney]

Hey now that dream sure did.

[Mike]

Oh, never mind about the dream.

[Shorty Bell]

Do me a favor. Call Penner. 3791. Write it down. 3791. Keep ringing. A girl is going to answer. Give her this message, Tell her to.

[City Editor]

Dress, grab her camera, get in a.

[Shorty Bell]

Car and meet me at 4th and Walker. 4th and Walker.

[Mike]

You got that?

[Shorty Bell]

In 10 minutes.

[Mike]

Got it?

[Mickey Rooney]

Got it.

[Mike]

Tell her I'm on my way.

[Winnie Lane]

Are you sure Vogel g the right direction? Shorty, I think we're lost.

[Shorty Bell]

Said to stay on this dirt road till we reach a small bridge on the other side. We see a patrol car.

[Winnie Lane]

Hey, the fog is so thick I can't even see the road, let alone something on it. Oh, I'm going to get some great shots. In this fog in the middle of the night. You know that, don't you? Just great.

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, it'll clear by sun up.

[Winnie Lane]

Not with my luck.

[Shorty Bell]

Oh, there hit. There's the bridge. Now here's here's patrol car pull up.

[City Editor]

Eating cover, Murphy. Okay. Who are you?

[Shorty Bell]

My name's Bell. I'm from the news. Want me to show you my press card?

[Officer McCall]

Take it out slow, friend.

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, yeah, sure. There.

[Officer McCall]

Okay.

[City Editor]

They're okay. Murphy.

[Officer McCall]

Who's she?

[Shorty Bell]

My photographer. She's with me. Vogel said you'd explain the setup to me.

[Officer McCall]

Come on over to our car. Take a look at the map.

[Shorty Bell]

Right.

[Officer McCall]

We're from the sheriff's office. Yeah, I'm McCall. This is Murphy, my partner. Murphy Building news and his photographer.

[Shorty Bell]

I see.

[Winnie Lane]

Hello.

[City Editor]

He's the one deserves top billing if you ask me.

[Officer McCall]

Give me a light on this Murphy, will you? Okay, now follow my finger. Here's where we are now you see?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah.

[Officer McCall]

Benson's around somewhere in this circle and we've got it ringed all around. Yeah, we've been trying to flush him since near midnight. Sooner or later he's going to make a break. He's still in there. Maybe along this road.

[City Editor]

Fat chance. Along this back road. He'll head for the main highway anyway.

[Officer McCall]

Now you know as much about it as we do.

[City Editor]

They asked him if they want to play games.

[Officer McCall]

Yeah, we've been playing ghost a much else to do out here.

[City Editor]

What you say? You want to play?

[Officer McCall]

Sure.

[City Editor]

No words less than four letters. No proper name.

[Winnie Lane]

Sure, why not?

[City Editor]

Good girl. Come on. Crowd in the back of this crowd.

[Officer McCall]

Okay, now wait a second before we begin. Murphy and McCall. Car 73 reporting. Car 73 reporting nothing. Okay, I'll start.

[City Editor]

X435.

[Mickey Rooney]

X, Y.

[City Editor]

X, Y, X, Y, L. I challenge you.

[Shorty Bell]

Sleeping. Thumbs up. Fog's all gone. I'm cold.

[Winnie Lane]

Could you put your armor on?

[Shorty Bell]

Sure. How's that? Do you use perfume in your hair? Smells nice. Got a boyfriend back home? Tell me, what was that joke that you said was so funny that you wouldn't tell me last night? Hey, honey, do you think you could spare a kiss? Just as a gesture, Just lift your head low. Now say prunes. Like this? Prunes.

[Winnie Lane]

Prunes.

[Shorty Bell]

That was nice. Real nice, you know. Hey, Winnie. Get down.

[City Editor]

Murphy. Murphy, you okay? Yeah. I got a good look at him too. Extension all right. You guys okay?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, we're all right.

[City Editor]

Stay down on the floor. You'll be safe. Where is he? Murphy? Behind that big tree. No, no. Further left. That's it.

[Officer McCall]

All right, Murphy. You and me.

[City Editor]

What's the difference?

[Officer McCall]

Now we better slide out on your side.

[City Editor]

I'll cover you from the back of the car.

[Officer McCall]

You start out from the hood.

[Winnie Lane]

Hold it a second, you two.

[Shorty Bell]

Wait a minute. Don't.

[Mike]

Thanks.

[City Editor]

Take your pictures later. Here I go, Mac. Okay, I'm ready.

[Winnie Lane]

Sorry, I'm going out.

[Mike]

Now, wait a minute.

[Winnie Lane]

Win in here.

[Shorty Bell]

Get back in this car.

[City Editor]

Throw away the gun and come out with your hands up. Benson.

[Shorty Bell]

Winnie, will you get down, please?

[Mike]

Not on your life.

[Shorty Bell]

Stop.

[City Editor]

Last chance, Benson. I want. How about it, Murph? He's down, but keep me covered.

[Shorty Bell]

Quinnie, you all right?

[Mike]

I'm fine.

[Winnie Lane]

I got the whole thing, Shorty.

[Mike]

The whole thing.

[City Editor]

Okay, Max. We got him. Good. Dead?

[Mickey Rooney]

No.

[City Editor]

36.

[Mike]

Hold it.

[Winnie Lane]

Just like that.

[City Editor]

Oh, lady, let up already. Help me get him in the car, Mac.

[Shorty Bell]

What's your first name, Murphy?

[City Editor]

Patrick. What else would it be? Little initial is X for Xavier. Get it straight for once, will you? Badge number 5862. Nine years in the sheriff's office.

[Shorty Bell]

All right, check.

[Officer McCall]

McCall, Herbert J. J for Jacob. 3375. Four years in the sheriff's office. Open the door for us, will you?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, sure.

[Officer McCall]

Hey, careful of his leg right here.

[Shorty Bell]

This guy's really shot.

[Officer McCall]

Yeah, that does it.

[Shorty Bell]

Nailed him.

[Officer McCall]

Got everything you want, Bell?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, Yeah, I have it.

[Officer McCall]

How about you, lady?

[Winnie Lane]

Give me a final shot?

[Officer McCall]

Sure.

[City Editor]

Oh, don't be a lens la smack. This guy's bleeding. Too good a death for a cop killer. I want him to hang.

[Shorty Bell]

I'll put that in my story.

[City Editor]

Do that. Well, so long. Goodbye, lady.

[Mike]

Goodbye.

[Shorty Bell]

We got story and pictures. Exclusive so far, but that's not going to last. Better hurry. Come on, let's get in your car.

[Winnie Lane]

Shorty, my camera case near that bush over there. Will you get it for me?

[Shorty Bell]

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure. Here, take my notes. This, this bush here.

[Mike]

Go on, Shorty. Hey, hey, what he. Wait a minute, wait a minute. That's the newspaper game, Shorty, remember? Have a nice walk.

[Mickey Rooney]

Come in. Come all the way in, Mr. Bell. Where have you been, Mr. Bell.

[Shorty Bell]

This way, Chief.

[Mickey Rooney]

We put out five editions on the Benson capture already. Your version is a little late, but I'd be interested.

[Shorty Bell]

I walked back roads for three hours before I got a lift. Didn't you have a car on the way out? I had, yes. Well, what happened to it? I was sucker, chief. The girl went. Girl?

[City Editor]

What girl?

[Shorty Bell]

Winnie Lane. She.

[Mickey Rooney]

Where did she enter this?

[Shorty Bell]

I took her out there with me.

[City Editor]

What?

[Shorty Bell]

Well, she's a photographer and I thought maybe if I had a photographer, I could get the pictures of the whole thing.

[Mickey Rooney]

And did you?

[Shorty Bell]

Yes, of the whole thing.

[Mickey Rooney]

Excellent. Let me have them.

[Shorty Bell]

I don't think I can do that.

[Mickey Rooney]

You see, I. Oh, don't be coy, Mr. Bell. Give them to me.

[Shorty Bell]

I don't have them.

[City Editor]

You don't?

[Mickey Rooney]

Who does?

[Mike]

Just one.

[Winnie Lane]

Elaine.

[Shorty Bell]

She.

[Mickey Rooney]

Well, what's she doing with him?

[Shorty Bell]

She drove away with the films and.

[City Editor]

My notes in the car.

[Shorty Bell]

Left me stranded out there.

[Mickey Rooney]

Played you for a knucklehead, eh, Mr. Bell? In our tight little organization there is.

[Winnie Lane]

Right off the press. And what a layoff they make for the front page.

[Mike]

Lane. You double crossing on the hand of little cross.

[City Editor]

Mr. Bell.

[Mickey Rooney]

I'll have no bickering between employees of the news.

[Shorty Bell]

Employee of the news?

[Officer McCall]

Yes.

[Mickey Rooney]

Ms. Lane brought her pictures to us, not to the Record. So I have persuaded her to join our staff. Takes rather a good shot, don't you think? Look at the paper, Mr. Bell, not at her. Oh, like the lead story and the byline.

[Shorty Bell]

Police capture Al Benson in the by. Shorty Bell.

[Mickey Rooney]

Yeah, we turned your notes over to rewrite. Well, have a nice vacation, Mr. Bell.

[Shorty Bell]

Vacation? Chief, look, I, I, I don't want a vacation. Now, look, maybe Lane and I could have an assignment for giving Mr. Bell, huh?

[Mickey Rooney]

I order you to take a vacation. You may not need one, but I most certainly do.

[Mike]

This is Mickey.

[Shorty Bell]

Tonight Shorty Bell goes on his vacation with the blessing of Editor Robard, who, as you know, been played by that fine actor, John Hoyt during the past many weeks and with good wishes of our noted producer, Mr. Bill Robeson. But me, well, I, I'll be back with you. Again next week with a brand new show. Because, you know, I've always thought of myself as a very lucky kid. I was born lucky, I guess, because from the time I could say, good night, Mom, I was traveling in vaudeville with my family. My lucky breaks came early in life and kept coming. So for a long time now, I've been hoping to find a way to give the breaks to other kids. To help bring young, new professional talent to the attention of both the public and the famous producers here in Hollywood beginning next week. And as they say over these same stations in a program we've titled Hollywood Showcase, it'll be my pleasure and privilege each week to introduce four new personalities who are ready and ripe for their break in show business. A group of Hollywood producers from the movie, from the radio and from famous nightclubs will be on hand to hear them right here in the studio and to decide how far along they are on that stairway to the stars. So try and be with us next week when we open our Hollywood Showcase.

[Mike]

Good night, folks. Good night, Mom.

[City Editor]

Mickey Looney appears by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayor. Producers of Irving Berlin's Technicolor Easter Parade, starring Judy Garland and Fred a.

[Shorty Bell]

This is CBS.

[City Editor]

For 99 people gather every week, the Columbia Broadcasting System.