Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: This Is Your FBI 45-07-13 (015) Misery Chiseling
Date: September 14, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode revives “This Is Your FBI,” focusing on the case titled “Misery Chiseling.” Through a gripping dramatization, the episode delves into the pernicious crimes committed by "misery chiselers"—individuals who exploit the heartache of those with missing loved ones for personal gain during wartime. The story follows Special Agent Hartley’s pursuit of Thomas Edward Bradley, a cunning con artist preying on vulnerable families, weaving together suspense, social commentary, and historical context on both criminal and law enforcement methods of the 1940s.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Misery Chiseler (00:00–02:20)

• The episode opens by defining the “misery chiseler” as a predatory criminal who exploits the grief and anxiety of families with relatives missing in the war.
  • Quote [01:09] (Voice B):
    "Defined in dignified terms, he is one who preys on the misfortunes of another for profit. In language more becoming, he is a parasite who exists on human sorrow, heartache and misery."
• The war environment amplifies both the field and the urgency to stop such crimes.

2. The San Francisco Case – Mrs. Miller’s Ordeal (02:20–05:42)

• Scene: Mrs. Henry Miller, a widow whose son was reported missing in action, is contacted by a man posing as "Colonel Addison Bramley" of British Army Intelligence.
• Bramley offers hope that her son is alive but a prisoner and claims he can send money and letters through "the underground."
  • Quote [03:36] (Colonel Bramley, D):
    "With a little money, Mrs. Miller, your son could purchase special favors and comforts from the Japanese guards. They're very susceptible to petty bribery."
• Overcome by hope and worry, Mrs. Miller offers $500.
• Suspicion is triggered days later when she learns a mistake was made—her son is alive and returning home.
  • Quote [05:16] (Mrs. Miller, C):
    "There had been a mistake. My son was not missing. He was wounded, and they're sending him home."
• She reports the scam to the FBI, initiating the investigation.

3. The FBI Investigation Begins (05:42–07:33)

• Special Agent Hartley and colleagues move quickly, gathering details and seeking fingerprints.
• A critical break comes from the local pastor's guestbook, which yields Bradley’s fingerprints.
  • Quote [06:45] (Hartley, E):
    "The pastor had Bramley sign his guestbook. ... Bramley signed on the right-hand page and had to press down the left-hand page with his left fingers while he signed."

4. A Pattern Emerges: Bradley’s Cross-Country Deception (07:33–16:49)

• Bradley moves city to city (Salt Lake City, Denver, Cleveland, Newark), changes aliases (Major Romney Richards, Colonel Ashley, Major Radcliffe, Dr. Philip Gibson, Colonel Barton), and varies his story to match the situation.
• Each time he targets a new victim, often contacting them through trusted intermediaries like pastors or directly via next-of-kin lists published in newspapers.
  • Quote [08:10] (Bradley/Major Richards, D):
    "Through my agents in Russia working with the Manchurian underground, the money will reach and bring relief to your dear husband."
• The FBI identifies Bradley as Thomas Edward Bradley, a career con-man with a history in forgery and swindling.
  • Quote [09:17] (F, re: Bradley):
    "Your man is Thomas Edward Bradley ... served New York prison term forgery. Paroled on request of chaplain whom Bradley served as secretary."

5. The FBI’s Nationwide Manhunt (12:21–22:55)

• Agent Hartley and the FBI coordinate across cities, alerting clergy, next-of-kin, and travel offices.
• Each time, Bradley evades capture narrowly, but the net tightens.
  • Notable Moment [19:25]: Hartley and Mrs. Everett in Cleveland—miss Bradley by minutes.
  • Notable Moment [20:45]: Airline ticket agent recalls Bradley’s suspicious mistakes when booking under an assumed name.
• The saga illustrates dogged law enforcement and gradually declining luck for the criminal.

6. Final Capture in Newark (22:10–24:11)

• The FBI, with help from an alerted citizen (Mrs. George Wylie), finally apprehends Bradley as he tries to execute another con.
  • Quote [23:24] (Hartley):
    "I'm a special agent of the FBI."
  • Quote [23:36] (Hartley):
    "Thomas Edward Bradley. Bad check artist, forger, swindler and misery chiseler."
  • Quote [23:51] (Bradley, feigning indignation):
    "Then I trust the FBI will exhibit proper regard for this country's international relations and take such an utter scoundrel out of circulation."
• The episode ends with a powerful reminder about the importance of reporting and verifying with authorities before entrusting money or sensitive information to strangers.

7. Aftermath & Lessons (24:11–27:11)

• Bradley is sentenced to a long term in federal prison for impersonating an official.
  • Quote [27:11] (B):
    "Thomas Bradley, charged with impersonating an accredited official of a country with which the United States is at peace, was sentenced to a long term in a federal penitentiary."
• The narrator urges listeners to use reputable agencies and the FBI for help with missing-in-action inquiries to prevent future tragedies.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:09 | B | "He is a parasite who exists on human sorrow, heartache and misery." | | 03:36 | D | "With a little money, Mrs. Miller, your son could purchase special favors..." | | 05:16 | C | "There had been a mistake. My son was not missing. He was wounded..." | | 06:45 | E | "The pastor had Bramley sign his guest book. ... left some fingerprints." | | 08:10 | D | "Through my agents in Russia... the money will reach ... your dear husband." | | 09:17 | F | "Your man is Thomas Edward Bradley ... served New York prison term forgery." | | 23:24 | E | "I'm a special agent of the FBI." | | 23:36 | E | "Thomas Edward Bradley. Bad check artist, forger, swindler and misery chiseler." | | 23:51 | D | "Then I trust the FBI will exhibit proper regard for this country's international..." | | 27:11 | B | "Thomas Bradley ... was sentenced to a long term in a federal penitentiary." |

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening narrative; definition and context of "misery chiselers"
• 02:20 – 05:42 – Mrs. Miller’s introduction, scam setup, and FBI notification
• 05:42 – 07:33 – The investigation launches, leads and fingerprints found
• 07:33 – 16:49 – Bradley’s multi-state swindle; recurring modus operandi; identification
• 19:13 – 20:57 – Near miss in Cleveland; discovery of Bradley’s alias at airport
• 22:10 – 24:11 – Newark sting operation; Bradley’s capture
• 24:11 – 27:11 – Aftermath, anti-swindle advice, and sentencing

Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a serious, urgent, somewhat didactic tone throughout, blending suspenseful drama with real-world warnings and procedural details.
• Narration is authoritative, methodical, and compassionate towards the victims, reflecting the straightforward and earnest style of 1940s radio crime drama.
• The criminals are depicted as duplicitous but ultimately fallible, while the FBI embodies determination and public service.

Conclusion

“Misery Chiseling” offers a suspenseful dramatization and a powerful historical PSA against wartime scams. The episode shows how clever criminality can be undone by cooperation, vigilance, and the methodical work of law enforcement. Its message remains timeless: verify, report, and don’t let hope eclipse caution when dealing with sensitive information and appeals for trust.

For listeners who want a vivid snapshot of crime and justice in radio’s golden age, this episode expertly balances gripping storytelling, procedural detail, and enduring moral lessons.