Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "T-Man 50-07-01 Show Business is No Business"
Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the thrilling adventures of Steve Larsen, portrayed by Dennis O'Keefe, a dedicated law enforcement agent of the Treasury Department. Titled "Show Business is No Business," the episode intricately weaves a tale of counterfeit money, deceitful actors, and undercover operations—all set against the backdrop of a struggling theater production in Schenectady, New York.

Plot Overview

Steve Larsen is dispatched to Albany, New York, to investigate the circulation of high-quality counterfeit five-dollar bills. His investigation leads him to a local theater where the play "Blood on the Front Page" is running. As Larsen delves deeper, he uncovers a sophisticated counterfeiting ring operating under the guise of a theatrical production. The climax unfolds with Larsen infiltrating the play's cast, exposing the counterfeit operation during a live performance.

Detailed Summary

The Investigation Begins

[00:41] Steve Larsen recounts the inception of the counterfeit ring:
“First, there were a few very pretty five-dollar bills picked up in Albany, New York. It was nice paper and the engraving was almost perfect.”

Suspecting foul play, Larsen travels from Washington to Albany to trace the origins of these counterfeit bills. His inquiries lead him to Louie, a bartender at the Hudson House, who provides a vague description of a suspicious woman involved in the money exchange. Despite limited information, Larsen remains determined to uncover the truth.

A Suspicious Encounter

[05:30] While waiting for his flight back to Washington, Larsen attends the local theater to watch "Blood on the Front Page." The play, featuring actors Lydia Lane and Archer Vance, is performing poorly, but Larsen senses a deeper connection between the production and the counterfeit operation.

During the performance, a character named Johnny introduces Pedro Gomez, a bandit seeking revenge for published stories. The scene ends abruptly with Larsen narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, prompting him to seek answers about the mysterious phony bills.

The Mysterious Lee Ampari

Post-show, Larsen encounters Lee Ampari, a man in a camel's hair coat who probes into Larsen's background. Suspicious of Ampari's intentions, Larsen's instincts tell him that Ampari is connected to the counterfeit ring. Despite his efforts to verify Ampari's claims, Larsen finds no official records of "Anson Withers and Grant" in Buffalo, raising further suspicions.

Reconnecting with Ann Rivers

[08:12] At a local bar, Larsen reconnects with Ann Rivers, a charismatic actress from the play. Their conversation reveals Ann's frustrations with the failing production and her ambition to revitalize it. Larsen's genuine admiration for Ann's performance hints at his underlying investigation motives.

Unveiling the Counterfeit Operation

[12:26] Realizing the theatrical production is a front for the counterfeit scheme, Larsen confronts Ann Rivers at Kelly's Winona Bar. Their interaction becomes tense as Larsen accuses her of deceit:

Ann Rivers: "You are a talent scout, aren't you? And you followed me here to offer me a contract, haven't you?"

Larsen's suspicions are confirmed when he notices green ink on the printing press set used in the play—a critical clue linking the theatrical props to counterfeit money production.

Infiltrating the Play

Determined to expose the operation, Larsen secures a role in the play by replacing an injured actor. [22:46] He adeptly memorizes his three lines and prepares to execute his plan. During rehearsals, Larsen plants the seeds of his counter-surveillance by discussing the printing press and subtly gathering more evidence.

The Climax: Live Exposure

[28:14] During a live performance, Larsen reveals his true identity and confronts the counterfeiters on stage. He uses the printing press prop to demonstrate the flawlessness of the counterfeit bills and accuses the ring leaders of their criminal activities in front of the unsuspecting audience. The tense showdown culminates with Larsen apprehending the conspirators, thanks to his meticulous planning and undercover prowess.

Character Highlights

Steve Larsen (Dennis O'Keefe)

• Role: Treasury Department agent
• Traits: Tenacious, observant, strategic
• Notable Quote:
  [00:41] “When bills as good as that start floating around, the Treasury Department gets awfully jumpy.”

Ann Rivers

• Role: Actress in "Blood on the Front Page"
• Traits: Ambitious, resourceful, deceptive
• Notable Quote:
  [13:16] “You lied to me, didn't you, Steve?”

Lee Ampari

• Role: Mysterious stranger connected to the counterfeit ring
• Traits: Intriguing, manipulative, secretive

Archer Vance

• Role: Co-actor in the play
• Traits: Supportive, unaware of the underlying plot

Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Introduction to Counterfeiting Scheme
   [00:41] Steve Larsen: “When bills as good as that start floating around, the Treasury Department gets awfully jumpy.”

2. Suspicious Encounter with Lee Ampari
   [07:28] Ann Rivers: “You are a talent scout, aren't you? And you followed me here to offer me a contract, haven't you?”

3. Confrontation at Kelly's Winona Bar
   [13:17] Ann Rivers: “You are a talent scout, aren't you? And you followed me here to offer me a contract, haven't you?”
   [13:36] Steve Larsen: “Show business is no business, huh?”

4. Rehearsal Revelation
   [25:02] Steve Larsen: “I love you.”
   [25:05] Archer Vance: “Perfect.”

5. Live Exposure of Counterfeit Operation
   [28:14] Steve Larsen: “This is one of the smartest counterfeiting setups I have seen in a long career with the Treasury Department.”

Conclusion

"Show Business is No Business" masterfully blends elements of crime investigation with the theatrical world, showcasing Steve Larsen's relentless pursuit of justice. Through sharp dialogue, suspenseful encounters, and clever plot twists, the episode captivates listeners, highlighting the ingenuity required to dismantle an organized criminal ring. Dennis O'Keefe's portrayal of Larsen brings authenticity and depth to the character, making this episode a standout in the T-Man series. As Larsen successfully exposes the counterfeit operation, the episode underscores the timeless message that beneath the facade of entertainment, danger can lurk, awaiting those vigilant enough to uncover it.

Be sure to tune in next week on Harold's Old Time Radio for another thrilling episode of T-Man, where Steve Larsen uncovers the mysteries behind a San Francisco fishing smack with decks suspiciously too clean.