The Blue Beetle 1940-xx-xx (028) Crime Incorporated pt. 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "The Blue Beetle 1940-xx-xx (028) Crime Incorporated pt. 2"

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: Crime Incorporated pt. 2

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Introduction

In this thrilling second installment of the "Crime Incorporated" saga, Harold's Old Time Radio continues to delve into the adventures of Patrolman Dan Garrett and his alter ego, The Blue Beetle. Set against the gritty backdrop of York City, this episode masterfully intertwines action, suspense, and the timeless battle between good and evil, reminiscent of the beloved Golden Age of Radio dramas.

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Plot Overview

The episode picks up with the clandestine operations of Crime Incorporated, a syndicate uniting crime overlords from various cities to orchestrate a nationwide criminal network. Frankie Capetto, the cunning ringleader, strategizes the next steps to instill fear and compel citizens to demand a crime-free environment, thereby ensuring the syndicate's dominance.

Key Points:

• Dan Garrett's Infiltration: Pretending to be an ally, Dan Garrett has successfully deceived Frankie Capetto into believing he is a valuable asset to the crime ring. Equipped with a Blue Beetle costume, he’s tasked with reporting to a sinister figure named Slick.

• Rise of the Fake Blue Beetles: To sabotage the syndicate's plans and create chaos, various underworld figures don Blue Beetle costumes, committing crimes such as bank robberies, kidnappings, and bombings. This strategy is intended to lure the real Blue Beetle out of hiding.

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Confrontation with Frankie Capetto

The heart of the episode lies in the intense confrontation between Dan Garrett (as the Blue Beetle) and Frankie Capetto. Frankie devises a plan to eliminate the real Blue Beetle by introducing a character named Strangler Van Norden, a wrestler with dubious capabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• Frankie Capetto:

  • "Well, boys, the first part of our plan is underway. The city officials are scared." (00:56)
  • "Once we get him out of the way, we're all set. We'll organize this town, then move on to other big cities." (01:40)

• Dan Garrett:

  • "I'll follow you, leaving a trail of gunpowder as I go." (09:26)
  • "I'll blast my way out." (07:07)

Frankie’s mistrust leads him to suspect Van Norden's loyalty, prompting him to unmask him. However, Dan Garrett's keen detective skills reveal that Van Norden is an impostor, not affiliated with the real Blue Beetle. This revelation puts Frankie on edge, setting the stage for the ensuing showdown.

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The Rescue Operation

As tensions escalate, Dan Garrett sustains an injury but remains undeterred. With the help of his confidant, Doc, Dan strategizes to rescue Mary Donnelly, the daughter of Commissioner Donnelly, who has been kidnapped by the syndicate.

Notable Quotes:

• Doc:

  • "Why didn't you wear the real Blue Beetle costume and mask and take along the magic ray and other things." (10:02)
  • "You and Ms. Donnelly were lucky to escape with your lives." (10:17)

• Mary Donnelly:

  • "You can't frighten me. You'd never dare harm me." (06:34)
  • "Help. Blue Beetle. Help." (07:33)

Dan's unwavering commitment leads him to infiltrate the hideout, confront Frankie, and ultimately orchestrate a daring rescue. Utilizing his intelligence and the Electric Ray pistol, Dan neutralizes Frankie and his cohorts, ensuring Mary Donnelly's safety.

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Climactic Showdown and Resolution

The climax unfolds as Dan Garrett confronts Frankie Capetto amidst the chaos of the syndicate's hideout. Leveraging the element of surprise and strategic use of gunpowder, Dan disables the hideout, effectively dismantling Crime Incorporated's operations.

Notable Quotes:

• Frankie Capetto:

  • "So, Ms. Donnelly, you refuse to sign this ransom note to your father?" (06:29)
  • "What's the matter? One of the blue beetles gone haywire?" (07:44)

• Dan Garrett:

  • "And the Blue Beetle will sting as well as nip." (06:08)
  • "I'll follow you, leaving a trail of gunpowder as I go." (09:26)

With the syndicate in disarray and the real Blue Beetle triumphant, York City breathes a sigh of relief. Dan ensures the safety of Mary Donnelly and contemplates turning himself in, reflecting on the thin line he walks between his dual identities.

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Conclusion and Moral

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the timeless message that good ultimately triumphs over evil. Dan Garrett's bravery and ingenuity showcase the virtues of courage, integrity, and resilience.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator:
  • "The moral of this story is that no matter what the odds, good will triumph over evil. Might is not right, but right is might." (10:45)

This poignant reminder underscores the essence of heroism, reinforcing the Blue Beetle's role as a beacon of justice in tumultuous times.

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Final Thoughts

"Crime Incorporated pt. 2" adeptly captures the essence of classic radio dramas, blending engaging storytelling with dynamic character interactions. Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a captivating episode that not only entertains but also imparts meaningful lessons, staying true to the legacy of the Golden Age of Radio.

Listeners new and old will find themselves immersed in the suspenseful narrative, eagerly anticipating the further adventures of The Blue Beetle in upcoming episodes.

Transcript

[Frankie Capetto]

The Blue Beetle.

[Narrator]

Sweeping down upon the underworld to smash.

[Frankie Capetto]

Ganglin comes the mysterious, all powerful character who is a problem to the police, but a crusader for law in reality, Dan Garrett, a rookie patrolman loved by everyone, but suspected by none of being the Blue Beetle. As the Blue Beetle, he hides behind a strange mask and a suit of impenetrable blue chain armor, flexible as silk, but stronger than steel.

[Narrator]

Today's episode of the Blue Beetle is the second part of a story entitled Crime Incorporated. In the first part of this story, crime overlords of various cities have gathered in York City to organize crime on a nationwide basis. Patrolman Dan Garrett, through a clever disguise, has convinced Frankie Capetto, the ringleader of the gang, that he would be an asset to the crime ring. Hired by Capetto, he has been given a Blue Beetle costume in order to report to a man named Slick. Meanwhile, underworld characters masquerading in Blue Beetle costumes have committed several crimes throughout the city. The First national bank has been robbed, Commissioner Donnelly's daughter has been kidnapped, and the mayor's office has been bombed. As our story opens, a meeting of Crime Incorporated is in session.

[Frankie Capetto]

Well, boys, the first part of our plan is underway. The city officials are scared. Our next move is to terrorize the citizens themselves. How? The guy I hired last night, Strangler Van Norden, he calls himself. Says he's a wrestler. He's husky enough to be one. Yeah, but he ain't fooling me. He's got brains. What are you gonna use him for, hold ups? Can he shoot? I don't know and I don't care. He won't use a gun. But how do you expect he'll just come up in back of a guy in the dark, give him the old hugger mugger with his arm around his neck, rob him and let him drop. That's swell. No noise or nothing. That's right. Once he gets started, the citizens will demand a crime cleanup. Well, what about the real Blue Beetle? Well, I figure he'll fall into our net as soon as he hears about all these fake Blue Beetles. Once we get him out of the way, we're all set. We'll organize this town, then move on to other big cities. Now, each of you specialists will hedge your own racket. But the take will be pooled. Every so often, the syndicate will declare a dividend. That's a swell idea. Great. I hope it works. Yeah. All the Blue Beetles are here. What about Strangler Van Norden? In the outer office. Hold the others and send in Van Norton. Okay. Oh, listen, Frankie.

[Dan Garrett]

Yeah?

[Frankie Capetto]

No. One by the name of Van Norton never worked for bj. You sure? Positive. Okay. Send in this Strangler and we'll unmask him. What's the lowdown? This wrestler's a fake. You mean he's a dick? I don't know, but we'll soon find out. Here's the Strangler. Ah, come in, Van Norton. You've met some of these gentlemen before.

[Dan Garrett]

Yes, I have.

[Frankie Capetto]

Say, you look swell in your Blue Beetle costume. Thanks. It's a very good fit, too. By the way, just what sort of work did you do for the late bj?

[Dan Garrett]

Well, I.

[Frankie Capetto]

Well, never mind. I won't pry into your past. I'll let somebody else do that. Yeah. Frankie, come in and bring the other Blue Beetles with you. Okay, Mr. Strangler. Van Norton, I want you to meet BJ's former chief of staff, Slick Thomas. He says you never worked for bj. Oh, come in, boys. Hey, Slick. Yeah, Frankie? Strip the mask from the Strangler's face. Okay. Grab him, boys. No, you don't. There's one Blue Beetle, two Blue Beetles left an offer. Look out while I plug him. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Not here, Slick. Funky unmasking door there. Well, Lyle, be you know him? Sure. Who is he? A copper. Dan Garrett. Dan Garrett, a copper? And what do you say, Capeto? Let me plug him. Now put up your guns. We don't want any shooting around here. What'll I do with him, Frankie? Examine his custom. Looks like one of ours. How about the midget antenna in his helmet? Just a minute. It's a fake. It ain't connected with anything. Search him. You find anything? Nothing. No Magic ray or flashlight or master keys? Nothing, Frankie. Then he isn't a real Blue Beetle, just a dumb copper. No, not so dumb. What do I do with him? Throw some water on him. We'll take him out to Hangman's island where we've got the girl. Hey, it's a cops. I should have stayed on guard. Hey, how do we get out of here? We'll blast our way out. Hey, quick. This way, everybody. Through this panel there's a secret stairway to the roof. Okay, here we go. But first, here's one for the copper on the floor there. His next costume will be a white robe and a harp.

[Dan Garrett]

There.

[Doc]

There you are, Danny, all bandaged up.

[Dan Garrett]

Thanks, Doug.

[Doc]

A little more to the right and that thug's bullet would have put an end to the career of Patrolman Dan.

[Dan Garrett]

Garrett and the Blue Beetle.

[Doc]

Why didn't you wear the real Blue Beetle costume and mask and take along the magic ray and other things.

[Dan Garrett]

I was out after information. I figured there was no sense in the Blue Beetle's nipping until I knew more about the plans of Crime Incorporated.

[Doc]

And what did you find out?

[Dan Garrett]

Well, from what I heard, as I was regaining consciousness after being hit on the head with a chair, Mary Donnelly's being held captive out at Hangman's Island.

[Doc]

When are you going out there?

[Dan Garrett]

Right away.

[Doc]

But your wound.

[Dan Garrett]

Oh, a little thing like that won't stop the real Blue Beetle. It's only a flesh wound.

[Doc]

But you're going as the real Blue Beetle this time, I hope.

[Dan Garrett]

You bet. And I'd like to take along that Electric Ray pistol if it's ready.

[Doc]

It's all ready, Danny.

[Dan Garrett]

Fine, Doc. As soon as I get into my Blue Beetle costume, I'm off to Hangman's Island. Tonight, the Blue Beetle will sting as well as nip.

[Frankie Capetto]

So, Ms. Donnelly, you refuse to sign this ransom note to your father?

[Mary Donnelly]

I certainly do.

[Frankie Capetto]

And I'm afraid he'll never see you again.

[Mary Donnelly]

You can't frighten me. You'd never dare harm me. My father.

[Frankie Capetto]

You've been reading the wrong kind of literature, Ms. Dunley.

[Mary Donnelly]

What do you mean?

[Frankie Capetto]

You been reading old fashioned romances where the brave and the true survive and the wicked perish.

[Mary Donnelly]

My father will have every policeman on the force out searching for me.

[Frankie Capetto]

But you'll never be found alive.

[Mary Donnelly]

You let me out of here. Let me out of here or I'll scratch your eyes.

[Frankie Capetto]

Easy. Easy. Easy. Or I'll have you tied up again.

[Mary Donnelly]

You'll be sorry for this.

[Frankie Capetto]

Why don't you sign this note, huh? Your father can raise $50,000. And as soon as we have the money, you'll be free.

[Mary Donnelly]

I'll never sign it. Never. Never.

[Frankie Capetto]

And I'm afraid you'll die of starvation in this cell. Unless your father's men get too close on our heels. In which case, I'll set fire to the powder magazine in the room next to yours and blow this whole place to kingdom come. Hey, what's that noise? The Blue Beetle.

[Dan Garrett]

And he's going to nip.

[Mary Donnelly]

Help. Blue Beetle. Help. Help. I'm locked in a cell here.

[Dan Garrett]

Beat it.

[Frankie Capetto]

Beat it. Blue Beetle, don't try to hijack me. I'll wipe you out and throw your body in the river.

[Dan Garrett]

Not this Blue Beetle.

[Narrator]

Slick Joe.

[Frankie Capetto]

Rod, Call them all.

[Dan Garrett]

And call you fake blue beetles.

[Frankie Capetto]

I'll take them all on. Come on. What's the matter? One of the blue beetles gone haywire? He's holding up Capetto. I'm more down. Stand back, all of you, or I'll shoot some of you blue beetles. There, you're wearing chain armor. Brush him. Go on. We'll get him, Will. What kind of a gun is that? I must have been shooting blanks. I know. Now I'll shoot Rocky and it won't be blank. Now, stand back, all of you.

[Dan Garrett]

Geppetto, give me the key to Ms. Donnelly's cell.

[Frankie Capetto]

Try and get it here. Here, take the key. Take the key. Take all of them.

[Dan Garrett]

Now, all of you, get over against the wall. Are you all right, Ms. Donnelly?

[Mary Donnelly]

Just about. Thank heavens you came when you did. That beam there was going to blow me up.

[Dan Garrett]

Blow you up?

[Mary Donnelly]

Yes. You see, the powder magazine is in that room next to this cell here.

[Dan Garrett]

That's an idea. Here, take the keys and see if one of them will open that door.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Mary Donnelly]

It's a lot.

[Dan Garrett]

Slip the bolt. Now open the door.

[Frankie Capetto]

And what are you gonna do?

[Dan Garrett]

Blow up this hideout.

[Frankie Capetto]

Quiet.

[Dan Garrett]

Quiet, or I'll blast you again with my gun. Here, I'll crack open this keg of gunpowder. There we are. Now, Ms. Donnelly, go up those stairs.

[Frankie Capetto]

There as fast as you can.

[Mary Donnelly]

But what about you, blue beetle?

[Dan Garrett]

I'll follow you, leaving a trail of gunpowder as I go. If any of these crooks move, I'll set fire to the trail and blow them all off the map.

[Frankie Capetto]

Here we go. Hey, Frankie.

[Doc]

Frankie, the money.

[Frankie Capetto]

It's upstairs. One more shot can't do no harm. Hey, look out. The blue beetle set fire to the gunpowder trail. Come on, let's get out of here. Get out of here. We're going to circle.

[Doc]

Well, Danny, the blue beetle certainly wiped out one rat nest.

[Dan Garrett]

Yes, and a lot of fake blue beetles with it. I meant to give them an even chance with a law when we got outside, but when I gave Rocky another burn with a ray gun, it ignited the powder trail.

[Doc]

You and Ms. Donnelly were lucky to escape with your lives.

[Dan Garrett]

Yes. As soon as I got her back to the mainland, I. I sent her home in a taxi.

[Doc]

Well, you'd better turn in.

[Dan Garrett]

Yes, I guess I will, Doc. After this adventure, I'll be seeing blue beetles in my sleep.

[Narrator]

And so the real blue beetle cleaned up a lot of fake blue beetles and smashed a nationwide crime ring before it had a chance to incorporate. The moral of this story is that no matter what the odds, good will triumph over evil. Might is not right, but right is might. Further adventures of the blue beetle will be presented in the next episode of the Blue Beetle. The Blue Beetle is a copyrighted box feature appearing in Mystery Men Comics magazine and the Blue Beetle magazine. The Blue Beetle is on the air twice a week on this same station. Consult the broadcast schedule in your local newspapers and don't forget to listen in to the Blue Beetle.