Under Arrest 1948-06-26 Paris Road

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Under Arrest 1948-06-26 Paris Road"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to enjoy popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Under Arrest 1948-06-26 Paris Road
• Release Date: April 8, 2025

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Introduction

"Under Arrest" is a gripping police drama from the Golden Age of Radio, brought to life by Harold's Old Time Radio. This episode, titled "1948-06-26 Paris Road," follows Police Captain Jim Scott, portrayed by Joe DeSantis, as he confronts a daring art heist at the Blake Art Gallery. Directed by Martin Mogner, the episode masterfully blends suspense, character development, and a compelling narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Act 1: The Call to Action

The episode opens with Captain Jim Scott receiving a mysterious call from Lieutenant Gavin regarding an alarm malfunction at the Blake Art Gallery's exhibition of the Van Gogh painting, "Paris Road" ([00:38] Captain Jim Scott: "Captain Scott speaking."). Initially dismissive, Scott senses the urgency in Gavin's voice and decides to investigate personally to avoid potential chaos.

Notable Quote:

• Lieutenant Gavin ([00:54]): "Come alone if you don't want to cause unnecessary murder."

Act 2: The Heist Unfolds

Upon arriving at the gallery, Captain Scott is confronted by Lieutenant Gavin, who reveals a dire situation: two armed gunmen have infiltrated the gallery with plans to steal the Van Gogh masterpiece. Gavin warns that a gun is hidden in the room, posing an imminent threat to innocent lives.

Scott attempts to comply, understanding that any resistance could endanger the spectators. As the crowd disperses at six o'clock, the tension escalates when the gunmen, disguised with black hoods, enter the gallery, leading to a violent confrontation where Captain Scott is shot, and the painting is stolen.

Notable Quotes:

• Captain Jim Scott ([03:16]): "Here we go again. Why is it that every gun in town just naturally looks up my back for a target."
• Gunman ([05:23]): "You still want your head beveled, don't you, copper?"

Act 3: The Investigation Begins

Despite his injury, Captain Scott remains determined to recover the stolen painting. He contacts Lieutenant Gavin, who swiftly deactivates the alarm system. Scott's investigation leads him to suspect Ms. Janice Blake, the gallery owner, due to the manipulative nature of the heist and the involvement of Lieutenant Gavin.

At the station, Scott and his assistant, Larry, deduce that the perpetrators likely have connections to frame-making due to the type of sawdust found at the crime scene—a clue pointing to teak wood commonly used in shipbuilding and furniture making.

Notable Quote:

• Captain Jim Scott ([10:00]): "I have a hunch. I'm having some sawdust analyzed that may have dropped from his clothes."

Act 4: Narrowing the Suspects

Their investigation leads them to the True Frame Company warehouse, where they observe suspicious activity involving Rick Hanson, a foreman at the company. Upon confronting Hanson, Scott identifies him as one of the collaborators behind the theft, revealing that Hanson and Ms. Blake orchestrated the meticulous heist together despite appearing as strangers.

Notable Quotes:

• Captain Jim Scott ([13:15]): "Hanson, you are not kidding anybody. You were in on that Blake Gallery job."
• Gunman Hanson ([19:40]): "It's home, hanging above my kitchen sink. I've got a calendar hooked to it. It makes a real pretty calendar."

Act 5: Confrontation and Revelation

As the investigation progresses, Captain Scott devises a plan to bring both Hanson and Ms. Blake together to extract a confession. Utilizing strategic tactics, including notes and setting up a meeting at a local bar, Scott successfully traps both culprits. The climax unfolds when Scott confronts Ms. Blake at her apartment, uncovering her motive to reclaim the beloved painting and eliminate any threats to her possession.

Notable Quotes:

• Ms. Janice Blake ([24:27]): "You think you've got this all figured out, don't you, Captain?"
• Captain Jim Scott ([25:01]): "You really let me in on it, Larry, back at the station house when you said a couple of total strangers running a business together."

Resolution

With the culprits apprehended, Captain Scott reflects on the complexities of trust and deception within the art world. The stolen Van Gogh painting is recovered, and justice is served, highlighting Scott's unwavering dedication to his duty despite personal injury and challenging circumstances.

Notable Quote:

• Captain Jim Scott ([25:44]): "They were, but they worked together just the same."

Character Development and Themes

Throughout the episode, Captain Jim Scott embodies the archetypal steadfast and resourceful police captain, navigating through deception and danger with wit and resilience. The narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their passions and possessions.

Conclusion

"Under Arrest 1948-06-26 Paris Road" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas from the Golden Age. Through its engaging plot, memorable characters, and suspenseful storytelling, the episode captivates listeners, making it a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio collection. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to vintage radio shows, this episode promises an immersive and thrilling listening experience.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Lieutenant Gavin ([00:54]): "Come alone if you don't want to cause unnecessary murder."
• Captain Jim Scott ([03:16]): "Here we go again. Why is it that every gun in town just naturally looks up my back for a target."
• Gunman ([05:23]): "You still want your head beveled, don't you, copper?"
• Captain Jim Scott ([10:00]): "I have a hunch. I'm having some sawdust analyzed that may have dropped from his clothes."
• Captain Jim Scott ([13:15]): "Hanson, you are not kidding anybody. You were in on that Blake Gallery job."
• Gunman Hanson ([19:40]): "It's home, hanging above my kitchen sink. I've got a calendar hooked to it. It makes a real pretty calendar."
• Ms. Janice Blake ([24:27]): "You think you've got this all figured out, don't you, Captain?"
• Captain Jim Scott ([25:01]): "You really let me in on it, Larry, back at the station house when you said a couple of total strangers running a business together."

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Disclaimer: All names of persons used in "Under Arrest" are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Mutual presents Under Arrest Directed by Martin Mogner and starring Joe DeSantis as Police Captain Jim Scott.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Under arrest.

[Gunman]

Into yourselves.

[Narrator]

Under Arrest. The story of Police Captain Jim Scott's fight against crime.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Captain Scott speaking.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

Captain, this is the special guard at the Blake Art Gallery.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

I want to see you about the alarm you've hooked up for us on the Van Gogh painting we're exhibiting.

[Captain Jim Scott]

What's the trouble?

[Lieutenant Gavin]

I'd rather not say on the phone. It's very important.

[Captain Jim Scott]

All right. Lieutenant Gavin and I will be right over. I know, Captain.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

Come alone if you don't want to cause unnecessary murder.

[Narrator]

Before we follow Captain Scott in his perilous way, may I have a word with you? A deadly killer threatens thousands. A killer that can be stopped short in time to save your life if you realize your danger. This killer is tuberculosis, killer of nearly 50,000 men, women and children in 1948. You can stop TB. You can protect yourself and help stamp out tuberculosis by getting a chest X ray.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I started to ring Lieutenant Gavin, but something about the voice told me I'd better appear to comply with my instructions. As I drove out Sanchez Boulevard, I felt like laughing. Nothing exhibited in this city had ever been as well guarded as that painting, Van Gogh. The Paris Road was on tour of the United States as a goodwill gesture from a country whose goodwill we wanted. That's why the gallery had a special guard. That's also why we'd installed an electrical shocker alarm which could only be controlled at the police station. It had been a very hot day, and I stopped a minute on the gallery porch to loosen my tie, and then I went inside. You're the guard here?

[Lieutenant Gavin]

That's right.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Captain Scott. Headquarters. There something I can do for you, Captain? What was that phone call about? Phone call. What phone call? I'm a tired man. Did you call police headquarters about 10 minutes ago? No, I haven't called anyone since. Oh, excuse me. Blake Gallery. Yes, he's here. It's for you, Captain. Thanks. Hello?

[Lieutenant Gavin]

Police Captain Scott speaking. I'm glad you saw fit to do as I said.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Captain, who is this?

[Lieutenant Gavin]

That really doesn't matter. What does matter is that there are people in that room with you, innocent spectators who might get hurt. Captain, if you don't do exactly as I say. Don't stutter, Captain. Just listen to me. There's a gun somewhere in that room that's very anxious to go off. You can't see it, but believe me, it's there. Point it at your back.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Here we go again. Why is it that every Gun in town just naturally looks up my back for a target.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

I'm glad to see you've got a sense of humor. You may need it to explain the next few hours of your life. You see, you're going to help me steal the Paris Road. I call the guard over. Go on. Or should innocent people start getting shot.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Guard, come here. Yes, Captain, he's here.

[Larry]

Now that's better.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

Now listen carefully. Let the people leave at six as usual in exactly three minutes. Then have the guard close the door, but don't lock them. As soon as the doors are closed, put your hands above your heads and wait. Don't move. Captain. Don't try to loosen your tie or anything else.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You've forgotten the alarm.

[Lieutenant Gavin]

Don't worry about that, Captain. I realize the Paris Road isn't guarded like it was just any painting. But you see, you're not messing with just any art lover.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I stood there helplessly. There was nothing I could do without endangering the crowd in the gallery. Not now. Then at 6, the people filed out. The guard closed the door as I ordered. I saw then that there was only one place our gunman could hide. Behind the large ventilating screen in the opposite wall. But from where I stood, the information was about as useless as knowing where there's a bargain lunch counter in Moscow. My mind worked feverishly. I had to do something. But what? I glanced at the guard, but just then the door opened. The stocky little man followed a gun into the room. Then the ventilating screen shifted aside and an extremely thin shouldered man followed another gun into the room. I felt like I'd have been invited to an old fashioned vigilante party. You see, except for the slits where their eyes were, our intruders heads were completely covered with black hoods.

[Gunman]

Now, Captain Scott, I think you can give us a little help, if you don't mind.

[Captain Jim Scott]

No, no, I don't mind. It's such a hot night to get shot.

[Gunman]

You got any more smart cracks you want to say, Captain?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Where did you learn to love me so much?

[Gunman]

You still want your head beveled, don't you copper? Now if you haven't any more smart things to say, call police headquarters and tell them that you're checking the alarm. Tell them to shut off the electrical shocking device. They'll know your voice. But don't get funny. I got a finger that likes to pull triggers. You know, Captain, I never realized how useful a cop could be before. Now pick up that phone and call.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I could feel his gun in my ribs. I had to do as he said. There is a theory after all, that it's hard to spend a police pension check in a graveyard. I phoned Lieutenant Gavin. He asked no questions. The alarm was shut off. My itchy fingered friends glanced greedily at the painting. That was the moment when I thought I had a chance to draw my gun. His pistol butt came down on my head like a Mack truck. My eyes saw cobwebs. And somewhere below me my legs were doing a week adagio. And they parted company and I got my nap. When I finally returned to this world, the gallery was silent. Painting was gone. There had been murder all right. The guard was sprawled on the carpet with the aid of a bullet hole between his eyes. My head was aching. But I managed to get up and check over the room. And after phoning headquarters, I looked up the address of Ms. Janice Blake, the gallery owner. She lived in the apartments across the street. And I went over and knocked. Door opened and I was staring at something that even a policeman could tell belonged more on exhibition in an art gallery than owning one.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Ms. Blake, you say it so nicely.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I'm Captain Scott, police.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Yes, I can see that. Would you care to come in?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Thanks. Ms. Blake, the van Gogh painting has just been stolen.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Stolen? Paris Road. Why?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Why?

[Ms. Janice Blake]

You're joking.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I wish I were. Not only that the guard was murdered.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

You know who did it?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Not yet. There were two of them.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

That hardly tells you anything.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I guess not. Except one of them didn't do any talking at all. The thin one. For other clues. I found some gritty stuff on a carpet near the guard's body. It looked like sawdust.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Maybe that's what they make guards of.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You don't sound too interested in the fact that a guard's been murdered. Ms. Blake.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

I'm much more interested in that painting.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You're quite cold blooded, aren't you?

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Am I? Why don't you sit down for a while, Captain?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Well, the idea is good, but the time is wrong. Seem to forget that painting must be back on that easel tomorrow morning at opening time. I left dear. Miss Blake went back to the station. I took the sawdust into the laboratory. Then I went to my office and tried to scratch my head for some answers that wouldn't come. I must have been looking pretty sour when Lt. Gavin opened the door.

[Larry]

Look at sad eyes smite a gem.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Nothing much. Just help the two men steal that Van Gogh painting from the Blake Gallery.

[Larry]

Sure, I just threw Lana Turner out the door too.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Not kidding, Larry.

[Larry]

You mean that painting's really gone? Good lord. Jim, I thought that thing was fixed up so tight dynamite couldn't blow it out.

[Captain Jim Scott]

It wasn't. In fact, they made the job seem quite simple. Let's get at it, Larry. Gotta get that painting back in a hurry.

[Larry]

I know. Any leads on who nabbed it?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I know who one of them is.

[Larry]

What are we waiting for?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Facts. They've still got a law that says you can't hang a person without facts. Yeah, but.

[Larry]

But, but how do you know who it is?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Larry, what would you say if I told you that one of our friends practically told me over the phone that I had fumbled with my tie when I was standing on the entrance porch of the gallery?

[Larry]

Obviously watched you come in.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Right. You see, I was standing inside the entrance porch. The only place that anyone could have seen me from and still be close to a phone was the apartment house across the street from the gallery. And our friend Ms. Blake lives in that apartment house.

[Larry]

Ms. Blake? Well, I thought they were men.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's what they hoped everyone would think. They both dressed like men. The real man did all the talking. Unfortunately, in a trial, I couldn't even prove that.

[Larry]

What a mess. Got any kind of lead on the man?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Not much. But I do have a hunch. I'm having some sawdust analyzed that may have dropped from his clothes. Check Johnny for me, will you?

[Larry]

Sure. Meet Johnny, will you? Johnny Gavin. Found anything yet on that sawdust? Uh huh. Okay. Johnny says it's a type of teak wood.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Teak? Uh huh. What do they use teak for, Gary? Ships.

[Larry]

How about furniture?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Furniture? Furniture. Frames. They make picture frames for one thing. I'm gonna play a hunch that our man works in some kind of a frame making outfit. You see, he used the word bevel too. That's a term quite common in frame making.

[Larry]

Great. Now all we've gotta do is search every frame making company in town.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's right. And we're starting tonight. Now, some of them are working night shifts. Find out which ones and see that the word gets around that police captain Jim Scott is coming to make an arrest.

[Larry]

Old scare method, huh? Gonna try and flush our little quail out that way?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I hope so. And if we do, let's hope we can put a tighter squeeze on him than we could on our friend Ms. Blake. After all, I hate to know who both our art lovers were and still not be able to make a move. Gavin did a good job. Even honest men looked nervous as I paraded conspicuously through the plants. But nothing happened. It was already past midnight when we came to the end of the list. True Frame Company warehouse. A large shed like building with stacks of wood piled on either side of long aisles and catwalks circling about up above where men worked at straightening the top lunga. But as usual, nothing happened.

[Larry]

Looks a little hopeless, doesn't it, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Well, let's go down this last aisle over here. Wait a minute, you. That fellow up there on that last catwalk. The one tightening those steel joints with that giant monkey wrench.

[Larry]

Yeah.

[Captain Jim Scott]

There's something about the way he moves, Larry.

[Larry]

He's been watching us pretty close.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Jim. I'm gonna wander down that aisle, Larry. I'm gonna get a closer look at that guy.

[Larry]

Looks like he'd use that monkey wrench.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's what we came to find out, isn't it? Well, keep your fingers crossed. I walked down the aisle. I could feel the sweat growing sticky on the back of my neck as each step brought me nearer under the catwalk. I could feel his eyes on me. But I kept gazing at the wood and walking closer. I wondered what kind of trade in value you could get in a policeman's heaven with a head dented in by a monkey wrench. And I thought that.

[Larry]

Jim, look out. Jim, look out.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I sprawled tight against the woodpile at one side and my head ached just to hear that wrench clang against the floor. When I looked up, Gavin was racing up the ladder to the catwalk and the foreman came rushing around the stack of wood. My friend with the slippery hands was just standing still on the catwalk, shaking his head and staring down. Hey, you all right? Yeah, no thanks to your little wrench thrower up there. Those wrenches are dangerous. Sometimes they slip. What's that fellow's name? Hanson. Rick Hanson. I want to speak to him in your office. All right, Hanson. I'll give you one more chance to come clean.

[Gunman]

Thanks, Hanson.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You're not kidding anybody. You were in on that Blake Gallery job.

[Gunman]

Thanks for telling me.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That hood may have hid your face, but I wouldn't mistake your voice anyway, Hanson.

[Gunman]

My voice? That's a great piece of evidence. Why don't you cops have to have evidence anymore?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Okay, okay, you can go, Hanson. But don't worry, we'll get the facts on you if we have to turn over every slimy rock in town.

[Gunman]

Thanks for the party, boys.

[Larry]

If that guy's not guilty, you can send me back to a beat.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Of course he's guilty, Larry. So is Ms. Blake. They're the two as clean as ABC. What can we do about it without facts? Our hands are Tied. If we only had a witness, Will.

[Larry]

Who's it, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Witness. A witness. That's it, Larry. We gotta get those two together tonight.

[Larry]

What are you talking about?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Just that. If we can get those two face to face somewhere where they'll talk, somewhere where we have witnesses, we'll get our evidence. Look, we got to work fast. There's an all night bar down the street, isn't there?

[Larry]

Yeah, Hank Clark's place.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Good. See that the plant foreman sends Hansen to the bar at exactly three o'clock. Have him. Have him send Hanson down there for some sandwiches or something. Then meet me at that bar as soon as you can. Right. I'll figure up a way of having the lady friend come to. Larry. I think things are beginning to crack for us. I left Gavin and raced across town to Ms. Blake's apartment. I slid a note under her door and rang the buzzer. Then I went to Hank Clark's. After Gavin and I had briefed Hank, we hid underneath the bar so that we could see out but couldn't be seen. We waited. I watched the clock and I thought of some of the sharply worded cables that would fly back and forth between a couple of countries if that painting wasn't back in the morning. Glanced over Gavin. The only thing his scowling face was thinking about was why the police manual had never taught him how to squat under a bar. Then he nodded and I saw that Ms. Blake had come through the door. Shouldn't be long now, Larry. I think she'll get right to the point when Hanson gets here.

[Larry]

How'd you get her here?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Just left her a note telling her to come here at three. Signed that. You know who I imagine she and Hanson had agreed to keep clear of each other for a few days. Less chances. That's why she's so nervous.

[Larry]

Hank's got her sitting over at the right table.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah. What time is it?

[Larry]

Three on the nose.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Ready?

[Larry]

I'm ready. And speaking of ghosts, here comes Hansen through the door.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Hasn't seen her yet. Now. Now he's looking over that way. He's. He's. He doesn't seem to recognize her.

[Gunman]

Hey, Hank, how about a couple of bottles of cold beer to take out?

[Larry]

Coming up. It'll be 60 cents.

[Gunman]

See you later, Hank.

[Larry]

Jim, that must be a mistake. They saw each other. But say, maybe they were wise to us and pretended or something, huh?

[Captain Jim Scott]

No, they wouldn't have even shown up if they were wise to us.

[Larry]

You still sure they're the ones?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, and I'm sure they pull that job Together? That's what I can't figure out. Those two don't even know each other.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our drama in just a moment. National, state and local law enforcement officers stand guard to protect you and your family against crime. But you and you alone can stand guard against tuberculosis. For your own chest is the hunting ground for TB, the disease that last year claimed nearly 50,000 victims. Yet as deadly as tuberculosis can be, a chest X ray taken in time will seek out this killer so that modern medical science and treatment are able to affect a cure and to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. It is a crime in this day of medical advancement to permit tuberculosis to claim thousands of lives needlessly when chest X rays are available easily and in many communities at no cost to you. But an estimated 500,000 cases of tuberculosis exist in the United States now, and only half of these are known to health departments. You yourself may have tuberculosis and not know it, for TB in its early stages frequently has no symptoms. Only a chest X ray can tell you and tell you positively that you do not threaten your own life and the lives of your family and friends. See your local doctor or health authorities check your chest. Get a chest X ray at once. Be safe, be sure. Do your part to stop tuberculosis. Now we return you to under arrest.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Gavin and I went back to the station house and dropped down like a couple of beaten rag dolls. Time slipped past, and then it was daylight again. Just one hour until the gallery opens. We've got to crack this thing, Larry. What now?

[Larry]

Oh, it's got me. How in the devil could they have worked together so closely and still not know each other? What did they do with that painting? You can't just carry a painting as big as that around the streets without being noticed.

[Captain Jim Scott]

No, you can't carry it around like that.

[Larry]

Oh, what a life. Where else would you spend your time trying to prove that a couple of total strangers are running a business together?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Total strangers. Total strangers. What a dope I've been, Larry. Come on, let's get a move on.

[Larry]

Where to? Have you got it figured, Jim?

[Captain Jim Scott]

What do you? I don't know, but if I have, we'll find our answer in the magazine file.

[Larry]

Here's the last stack, Jim. Eastern artist and art dealers. News all there is.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Never mind, Larry. I think I found what I want right here. Let's get back and talk to Hanson again.

[Gunman]

Well, if it isn't the rover boys again. What do you guys want me to do? Go out and paint a new picture for you?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sit down, Hanson. We haven't got time to play with you anymore. Sit down. Where's that painting?

[Gunman]

It's home, hanging above my kitchen sink. I've got a calendar hooked to it. It makes a real pretty calendar.

[Larry]

This boy's just filled with smart answers.

[Gunman]

Sure, I've got lots of them. Especially when the questions are so smart.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Now look, Hanson, I want you to.

[Gunman]

What do you guys want me to say? That I carry it back and forth with me to work?

[Larry]

Sure.

[Gunman]

That's what I do. You cops haven't got a thing on me, and I know it.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Do you? We know you took that picture, Hanson. We know who you worked with. We'll get you both. But what we want right now is that painting. You couldn't have gone far with it. But it's not hidden in the gallery. Sergeant Quinn's gone through that gallery from top to bottom. I even had him look under the carpets. Have men crawling through the ventilating plates. You'll what, Henson? You'll tell us where the painting is?

[Gunman]

I don't know. I told you, I'm clean. You're so sure of everything, why don't you go pick on the other guy? Or do you get a special kick out of pushing me around?

[Captain Jim Scott]

The other guy, Gavin, maybe we ought to go talk to Ms. Blake.

[Gunman]

Ms. Blake?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah. You knew your partner was a woman, Hanson, but you didn't know it was Ms. Blake herself, did you?

[Gunman]

Never heard of a dame. Have you guys got any more quiz games you want to play, or can I go back and get to work?

[Captain Jim Scott]

Sure. Sure, you can go now, Hanson. See you in jail.

[Larry]

All right, Jim. I didn't know you'd had Quinn go over the gallery.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yes, Larry. And I wanted Hanson to know that I think I got just what I wanted out of him. Good Lord, look at that clock. 20 minutes too late. I've got to make tracks.

[Larry]

Where to now?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I'm going to the gallery, but I want you to stay here and keep an eye on Hanse or anything. I want you to call me at the gallery office right away. Keep your fingers crossed, Larry. It'd be my boss if I got this thing figured wrong. I pulled up in front of the gallery. It was 12 minutes till 8. I glanced quickly at the apartment house across the street. There was a light on in Ms. Blake's apartment. Then I let myself into the gallery with my pass key place on my head where Hanson had tried to fit a gun butt was beginning to throw like a suction pump. But I got around all right. Even up the stairs and into the gallery. Office where I sat down at the desk and stared at the phone. And waited and waited and waited. Hello? Jim speaking.

[Larry]

Jim Hansen's given me the slip.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Ouch.

[Larry]

I was watching for him by the phone and suddenly he just wasn't anywhere.

[Captain Jim Scott]

How long ago?

[Larry]

I don't know. I have been looking around here for several minutes and I haven't.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Oh, Lord. I better get over to Ms. Blake's apartment. Meet me as soon as you can. We're lucky. We may be in time to prevent a murder. I made tracks out of the gallery across the street and started up the stairs into the apartment building. I wondered if I would get there in time to keep Hanson from playing target games with Ms. Blake as the target. But I didn't know how much of a start Hansen had. I rounded the first flight and started up the second. Sounded like a rather lovely art dealer. Had just been put out of business. I pulled my gun, stood for a moment outside the door. And I kicked it open. Yeah. Body lay very sprawled out and very dead in the middle of the room. But it was not Ms. Blake. It was Hanson. The rest of the room was silent and shadowy. Except where the gray morning light came through the fire escape window. It was wide open. I rushed over and looked down the fire escape, but no one was there. And suddenly I knew it was too late to grow smart at my age.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

There's no one out there, dear Captain. But keep looking. I know how to use this gun.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I can see that, sweetheart. A smart cop would have looked behind the door first, wouldn't he?

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Perhaps. But don't turn now. My floor is a little too untidy as it is. My colleague was a most untidy man. It just shows that you shouldn't go into business with a person you haven't investigated.

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's what he began to think when I told him you'd taken the painting out of the ventilator. But I thought he'd be up here to investigate his partner in a big hurry. People don't like their partners running off at the loot.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Then you knew where the painting had been hidden?

[Captain Jim Scott]

No. But when your friend Hansen began joking about how hard it would be to carry a big thing like that through the streets, I made a good guess.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

And when you told him it wasn't in the ventilator, he thought I double crossed him. Well, you were nearer right than you thought, Captain. I wouldn't share that painting with anybody. Not anybody.

[Captain Jim Scott]

You've got it bad, haven't you?

[Ms. Janice Blake]

That painting is mine. Just mine. It made me sick to even let that crude little man touch it.

[Captain Jim Scott]

And me, I suppose I get shot for having touched the tomb.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Yes, yes, I'm afraid you get shot, too, but not for the same reason. I had a hunch when you first came here that you might catch up with me. I should have shot you then, but you're not the kind of man a woman cares to shoot.

[Captain Jim Scott]

I always knew I was in the wrong profession.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

You'd have made a nice partner, Captain. Not like the scum who come in and gawk at my painting. What do they know of beauty? Well, they won't gawk anymore. It's mine now. Completely mine. No one else will ever see it. Sorry, Captain, but I'm going to have to untidy my rug with you.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Maybe not.

[Larry]

Oh.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

Good shot, Captain.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Don't worry, sweetheart. You're just scratched.

[Larry]

Gemma.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Here.

[Larry]

Oh, I see you've got everything under control.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Yeah, Larry, we can take Madam Dracula down to the station now. Maybe she can think up some more new angles down there.

[Ms. Janice Blake]

You think you've got this all figured out, don't you, captain?

[Captain Jim Scott]

I have, Ms. Blake. All of it.

[Larry]

But, Jim, you said yourself they were strangers.

[Captain Jim Scott]

They were, but they worked together just the same. You really let me in on it, Larry, back at the station house when you said a couple of total strangers running a business together. You know the most common failing crooks have squealing. You see, Ms. Blake was wise enough to know that crooks always squeal on each other. But you couldn't squeal if you didn't know who you were working with. So she put the sad in the personal column of some of those art magazines I checked. Wanted silent partner to enter business with. Very silent partner. Big risk. Big return call. Evergreen 65139 at exactly 5:00 Monday.

[Larry]

I don't get it. Is that how they met?

[Captain Jim Scott]

They didn't meet, Larry. Evergreen 65139 is a drugstore phone. You still doubt whether I have it figured out or not, Miss Blake?

[Ms. Janice Blake]

No, Captain. I'm afraid you've dispelled all my doubts.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Good Lord.

[Larry]

You mean they worked this whole job out together over telephones?

[Captain Jim Scott]

That's about the size of it, Larry. That way they didn't have to know each other. They even used drugstore phones where they couldn't trace each other's calls.

[Larry]

I'll be a rusty nut. Oh, and they wore hoods, huh, when they got together? Probably at some place like. Like a darkened part.

[Captain Jim Scott]

It was a smart idea, Larry. And it probably all would have worked had Hanson trusted his partner. But then, if he'd ever seen her without a hood on, they might still be out in that darkened park.

[Narrator]

Captain Jim Scott will be back in just a moment to tell you about next week's case. First, let me tell you about nearly 50,000 tragic cases of fatal tuberculosis in 1948. Well, perhaps you say too bad, but those things happen. Indeed, they do happen, but they need not. For tuberculosis is a curable disease. One of the great killers that has been defeated by modern medical science. Tuberculosis detected in time can be stopped. And that's up to you. It's up to you to discover if you're one of the nation's quarter of a million TB victims and who don't know they have tuberculosis. And you can be sure easily and quickly with a chest X ray in many areas. Chest X rays are available at little or no cost and health departments everywhere cooperate to make this sure test for tuberculosis open to everyone. Resolve now to check your chest. Get a chest X ray and be sure.

[Captain Jim Scott]

Captain Jim Scott speaking. Next week I have an unusual case for you. Police find the hijacked trailer and a murdered driver. This leads me on a chase with a notorious fence, a killer, a baby faced blonde and a mysterious button. I'll tell you all about it next week when I present the case of the shining button in my fight against crime.

[Narrator]

You have heard Under Arrest presented by Mutual and starring Joe DeSantis as Police Captain Jim Scott. Today's case was especially dramatized for Under Arrest by Cheryl Hendricks. Original music was composed and played by Milton Cave. Heard in today's cast were Joan Alexander, Ralph Bell, Carl Eastman, Louis Van Ruyten. All names of persons used in Under Arrest are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. This is Jack Farren speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.