
Walk Softly, Peter Troy 63-12-24 (03) The Lady Who Loved Larceny
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Nicole Byer
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Peter Troy
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Nicole Byer
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Peter Troy
Being a private investigator means two things. You can be sure you'll run into trouble and you can never be sure you get out of it. Well, there's not much you can do about it, I guess. Except, like Julie always says, walks after Peter Troy. And now, Peter Troy and the lady who loved larceny. That girl Julia met a moment ago. She'll be back in a while because if she is in my office is liable to fold. But right now I'd like you to meet a blonde. A platinum blonde. A tall, elegantly dressed blonde, willowy, smooth and very, very expensive.
Geraldine Smythe
£11,000. That's a great deal of money to pay for a bracelet, isn't it?
Peter Troy
Match diamonds and rubies, madam.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, I wasn't complaining. But if my fiance is to pay that much, then I should be very careful about my selection, shouldn't I?
Peter Troy
The gentleman standing over by the door.
Geraldine Smythe
Yes?
Peter Troy
Perhaps if he were to come over.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, dear me, no. Poor Jonathan knows nothing about jewellery. He's just content to pay the bill. I should like to see a selection of bracelets in this price group.
Peter Troy
Certainly, madam. I'll get them. Who stays? We have some really exquisite pieces here in our latest collection. Now, if you care to have a look in this tray, I'm sure you'll find something you like.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, I'm sure I will. In fact, I like them all. Be so kind as to place them.
Peter Troy
In this bag in the.
Geraldine Smythe
And make no sudden movements. This gun is loaded and I shall have no compunction in using it if I have to. And please don't try to ring the alarm bell. I know exactly where it is situated and I shall pull the trigger if you make a move towards it.
Peter Troy
You can't get away with this, you know.
Geraldine Smythe
I can and I will. The gentleman by the door is watching you very carefully. Here's my accomplice and he also carries a gun. Now, those bracelets in my bag, please. And hurry. Thank you. You've been most cooperative. You may give the alarm once I'm outside the door, not before. If you value your life. Good afternoon.
Peter Troy
Jackson, quickly, come in here.
Geraldine Smythe
We'd be robbed.
Peter Troy
It was a beautifully executed job. The platinum blonde got clean together with £35,000 worth of diamond bracelets. However, the police did grab her accomplice, who turned out to be a Mr. Gerard Smide. But thereby hangs the paradox. But Mr. Smythe maintained that he'd taken no part in the hold up. The police, naturally enough, didn't believe him. So it is we come to the second lady in the case. A tall, elegantly dressed lady. Only this one had hair as dark as midnight on the Nile. Julie ushered her into my office and she introduced herself as Smythe.
Geraldine Smythe
Geraldine Smythe, Mr. Troy.
Peter Troy
Won't you sit down, Ms. Smyth?
Geraldine Smythe
Thank you.
Peter Troy
Cigarette, please. Smythe?
Geraldine Smythe
That's right.
Peter Troy
Geraldine Smythe. Gerard Smythe.
Geraldine Smythe
He's my brother.
Peter Troy
Ah.
Geraldine Smythe
I gather you read the account of the holdup in the newspapers.
Peter Troy
Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, it's right here in front of me.
Geraldine Smythe
And what could you make of it, Mr. Troy?
Peter Troy
Well, it seems your brother didn't move fast enough.
Geraldine Smythe
Do you really believe he Was her accomplice?
Peter Troy
Ms. Smiler wasn't there. I just know what I read in the papers, that's all. But here they seem to go along with the idea that the two of them were in the thing together.
Geraldine Smythe
I have here £100 in cash. I should like to retain your services to prove that Gerard had nothing whatsoever to do with that. Hold up.
Peter Troy
I see. One question, Ms. Smyth.
Geraldine Smythe
Yes?
Peter Troy
Did he?
Geraldine Smythe
Did he what?
Peter Troy
Oh, come on now, Mr.
Geraldine Smythe
Troy.
Peter Troy
You're offering me that money for one of two reasons. Either you know he was part of the setup and you want me to somehow break the police case against him, or. Or else. You're on the level. You honestly don't think he had anything to do with the stick up? Well, I'd just like to know which it is, that's all.
Geraldine Smythe
I see.
Peter Troy
Now, before we go any further, you'd better know that I wasn't born yesterday. 100 pounds or 100 times that amount doesn't make me want to go along with any snide deal. Mr.
Geraldine Smythe
Troy, if you have any idea, I.
Peter Troy
Bear you my license, Ms. Smythe. There are some people around this city who'd like to revoke it. Unorthodox we may be, but crooked we are not. How do I make myself clear? If your brother was involved in that robbery, then he's gonna have to take the rap. Well, I've said my piece, now you say yours.
Geraldine Smythe
My brother has a police record Mr. Troy.
Peter Troy
Well, it's been nice talking to you, Ms. Smyth.
Geraldine Smythe
At present he's bankrupt. In the past, he's foolishly written out checks when there have been no funds to meet them. He's silly, stupid, thoughtless. But he is not a criminal.
Peter Troy
What's the story, then?
Geraldine Smythe
A woman rang him up yesterday morning. She was able to copy my voice exactly. She made an appointment to meet Gerard at matiliers at 2.30 that same afternoon.
Peter Troy
And at 2.35, Metelliers was robbed of £35,000 worth of diamond bracelets.
Geraldine Smythe
And Gerard was there, you see. He thought he was meeting me. Well, the police don't believe the story. No one does. I doubt whether you'll prove an exception. But I thought.
Peter Troy
Sit down again, Ms. Snyth, you mean. We've got a lot of things to discuss.
Geraldine Smythe
You're going to take the case?
Peter Troy
And not just for the money, either. My creditors would kill me for saying that. Then I'll soon know if you're handing me a phony line. If you are, you're going to be very sorry, Geraldine.
Geraldine Smythe
I assure you, Mr. Troy.
Peter Troy
Now feed her at safe's. Time. Time. Well, now, let's have Julia and get some of this down and riding.
Geraldine Smythe
That man with the red head at the corner table.
Peter Troy
Yes? Peter Troy. Canadian. Harry says he's a private eye. Dangerous and snoopy. He's been asking question.
Geraldine Smythe
About what?
Peter Troy
About Gerard Smythe. He said someone told him that Smythe used to come here a lot. Go on. He seems to be checking out. He wants to know the name of any blonde woman who comes here. Richard. He's bad medicine. He's got a tough reputation.
Geraldine Smythe
He's not the only one, is he? Someone told him that Smythe used to come here a lot. Geraldine Smythe's sister, he said. Logical. She's probably called in a private detective to try and clear her brother.
Peter Troy
And Troy is just the one to do it. Rachel, I don't.
Geraldine Smythe
I'll fix it.
Peter Troy
You can't fix a man like that.
Geraldine Smythe
Can't I? Don't underestimate me, Pedro. People are always doing that. And they live to regret it. Troy. You're going to be the same. You know, there are times, Peter, when being your private secretary and general factotum has its advantages. I bet not many working girls get taken to places like the club, Rachel.
Peter Troy
Well, that's fine, Julie. But may I remind you we're here on business. Geraldine said.
Geraldine Smythe
Geraldine?
Peter Troy
Ms. Smyth said that her brother used to haunt this place. Okay, said the girl or ranger not posing As a sister knew him and her, there has to be only a passing acquaintance. Otherwise Gerard would have recognized the girl in the jewelry store. Recognized her immediately.
Geraldine Smythe
So you think perhaps it's someone who's met him quite casually?
Peter Troy
Yeah, probably in some place like this. I don't see any platinum blondes here.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, please. I am going to tell you some of the facts of life. Such as a lady's crowning glory can take on as many hues and colors as the rainbow. So bleach and hair dye. She may have been a platinum blonde when she held up that jewelry shop, but she could be brunette, redhead, raven or ball by now.
Peter Troy
Raven.
Geraldine Smythe
Raven like Geraldine. Smile. I'd just like to know what color her hair is at the root.
Peter Troy
You, my sweet, have a nasty, suspicious mind.
Geraldine Smythe
It comes from working for nasty, suspicious bots. Only where the ladies are concerned, he's sometimes just a babe in arms.
Peter Troy
Excuse me, Mr. Trover. Yep. You want it on the telephone, sir. A Miss Geraldine Snide. Oh, where's the phone? You can take it over at the reception desk, sir. Thank you. Excuse me, Julie. Back in toothpicks. Hello, this is Peter Troy.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, hello, Mr. Troy. This is Geraldine. I'm so glad I caught you. I thought you would be at the club. Rachel, look, I've just found out something of vital importance.
Peter Troy
Oh, yeah?
Geraldine Smythe
I can't tell you about it over the phone and I can't come to the club. Can you meet me right away?
Peter Troy
Well, there's a little park just two.
Geraldine Smythe
Blocks down from the pub on the opposite side of the road. I'll be sitting on the bench by the fountain. Hurry, please.
Peter Troy
Now wait a bit. Hey, waiter. Yes, sir? Look, would you tell the lady at night table I've been called away urgently. I won't be long and see that she has anything she wants. Very good, sir. But you will miss the flower show. It says about the star and Madame Rachel, the owner of the club has a fabulous act. Yeah, well, I'll catch it next time. Very good, sir. Give the lady your message, Mr. Troy. Charlie. She sends your apologies, Mr. Troy. Don't turn around and the thing will go off. You really felt that line, didn't you, Mr. Troy? Yes, I really did. Together with her apologies. Geraldine sends you a little present, Mr. Troy. Hello. To look at the fountain. Keep your eyes on it, Troy. Look at the cool, dark water. Not very deep, is it? But a man could drown there. I believe you. I would. Then take my word for it. Let me prove it to you. Yes, a man could quite easily drown him There. Well, it didn't look so good for Geraldine. Smile. Right then, it didn't look so hot for me either. A million years, I wouldn't have guessed there was a trap waiting for me in that little park. The guy, whoever he was, had slugged me with the butt of his gun. I guess I'd have passed out, but he gave me a push into a fountain. Cold water brought me back to earth with a bang. I lay possum in the water for a second or two, waiting for him to make his next move. Then things got a little confused because I distinctly heard his footsteps running off. I still made no move. I just lay face down, holding my breath, listening. And sure enough, moments later, I heard some footsteps coming back.
Nicole Byer
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.comfairs, this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior, way fair. Every style, every home.
Peter Troy
Then a hand grabbed the back of my coat color. I swung around, ready to land and unwind. Take it easy. Try Caswell. Come on. Come on, now. Let me give you a hand out of there. Let's see. Inspector Caswell. Now, what in the blue blazers are you doing here? Yes, well, I suppose I could ask you the same question. There must be some bylaw about swimming in city fountains. Thanks for the help. And how did you get on the scene? Quite simple. You see, we've had Geraldine Smythe under surveillance since we arrested her brother. She came to your office, so we put a shadow on you, too. Oh, thank you. You're as bad as Melonby. Yeah. We saw you go to the club, Rachel. An hour later, our man saw you leave the place in the very devil of a hurry. He radioed me because he thought you were on something. So I took a police car and came straight out here. Lucky I did, it seems. Tell me, did you see anyone running away from here? No, not actually. I heard someone, but too dark to catch up with him. Now, who was he? That was the faintest idea. You know, you really do get yourself into some scrapes, don't you? Bless you. Better get into some dried clothes. You'll catch your death a cold. Inspector, I nearly caught my death of drowning. And on two feet of water. That's Humiliating. Yes. Well, come along over to the car. Don't tell me anything about it. You know about as much as I do. Geraldine Smythe offered me a nice fat tea if I could find some evidence to clear a brother. A bit of an optimist, aren't you? Got a cast iron case against Smythe all right. Maybe his cute little sister is the stick up artist after all. The guy that slugged me said this was her idea and she phoned me at the club Rachel to meet her here. All seems to add up yet. Wait a minute. She phoned you at the club Rachel? Yes, ten minutes ago. Don't be sitting. It's impossible. Now look, Murray, I tell you. And I tell you that Geraldine S.M. has been sitting in a cinema and Leicester Square of the past two hours and there's a Scotland Yard N sitting right behind her. I had a report from him during the interval. Hasn't been out of his sight. She couldn't offend you. Now look, I know what I. Hey, now wait a minute. Maybe that figures. How do you mean? A salesman jewelry store said the woman spoke with an exaggerated accent. Right? Yeah. Before that, Gerard Smide received a phone call from someone whose voice was exactly like a sister's. Then I get a phone call and I'd swear it was Geraldine Smythe. Yep. Murray, we're looking for someone who's very clever at disguising their voice mimic. And a mighty good one too. And another thing. That guy the fountain didn't intend to kill me at all. He could have used that gun and still escaped. Oh, here we are. I'll be him. Driver, take us to Mr. Troy's flat in Chelsea, will you? It's just down the way from his office. Very good, sir. All right, so he didn't intend to kill you. Now he just wanted me to think Geraldine had sent him an attempt to frame her. They want me to think that she and her brother worked together on the hold up. Well, by diverting attention from someone else. Yeah. Troy, are you asking me to believe that this was a solo John? It looks like it to me. I wonder. Look, I got that phone call at the club Rachel. Right? Now, only my secretary and Geraldine Smide knew I was going there. So the call had to come from a tip off from the club. Now the answer just has to be there somewhere.
Geraldine Smythe
You went home just to change your suit. Full of all the corny.
Peter Troy
He really did have to Change his suit, Ms. Summers. I'm sorry for that.
Geraldine Smythe
You batting him up instead. Now that's what I call an Unholy alliance. Anyway, you missed a damn good sorcerer, Peter. And I had crepes to that. Smothered in brandy and another bottle of bare chicot.
Peter Troy
Well, bang goes our commission on this job. Anyway, let's have a look at the menu. I'm starving. The dinner's on me, Maury, and thank you. Well, I'll be. What's the matter? Price is too steep. The program of the floor show is listed on the other side of the menu. Yeah, what about it? A star attraction. Here, read it. By popular demand, Madame Rachel, your hostess returns the supplies to give you her impressions of famous voices from the stage and scream. Impressions of famous voices, get it? She's an impersonator. A mimic. Just a minute. Are you trying to say that the owner of this club is a stick up artist?
Geraldine Smythe
Well, you missed the act. It was fabulous.
Peter Troy
You mean Julie? You see her? She anywhere around the place?
Geraldine Smythe
Yes, over by the reception desk. The tall redhead.
Peter Troy
Redhead? We're looking for a platinum blonde. Now, Julie, explain the facts of life to the inspector, will you? Just a minute. Where are you going? Somewhere backstage. You must have a dressing room. I find a bottle of peroxide and a bottle of hair dye in that dressing room and I think we're onto something. Now listen, Troy. Now wait a minute. There's nothing to stop me having a look back there, is there? I don't need search warrants for that.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh dear. There's going to be trouble. I just know it.
Peter Troy
No wonder Melody was so keen to get away on his vacation. Troy and trouble are practically synonymous. Something here somewhere special? It's not the sort of that thing you can hide away. Looking for something, Troy? Well now that's a familiar voice. You're one of these fellows who just can't take a hint, aren't you? Well, so I've been told. Yes. You find anything of interest, Troy? Well, I didn't find what I was looking for. For like what? There was something else. What? This platinum blonde wig? Yeah. I'll bet it fits snugly over Rachel's red hair, huh? You just talked yourself into a grave foy.
Geraldine Smythe
Harry, I. What's he doing here?
Peter Troy
Snooping. He's found the blonde wig.
Geraldine Smythe
I see.
Peter Troy
So do I.
Geraldine Smythe
Now it's not going to do you any good, Mr. Troy.
Peter Troy
The car's outside.
Geraldine Smythe
Take him somewhere quiet. A drive in the night air will do you both good.
Peter Troy
I'd move, Troy, and no funny business. With all that racket going on in the club, no one would hear a shot. We're making for the back Door. It's opposite in the corridor. Ray, show Sardi. Remove the curtain. You know, it's too bad I didn't get to see you got a free.
Geraldine Smythe
Sample of it over the houseboat. Mr. Troy, you'll excuse me, I know I have to get ready for the late show. I'll leave you in Harry's very capable hands.
Peter Troy
Now, Troy, as we walk out into the corridor, keep your eyes straight in front of you. And remember, I'm right behind you and I don't much care where I let you. Come on you girl. Keep moving. Joy.
Geraldine Smythe
Hi, Harry. Ask him if he wants to do anything after the show.
Peter Troy
Get out of the way, you girls. Ladies, I love you. Gun go off now, Harry, and you'll really start. All right, look, I'm warning you. Thanks for the ducking, Harry. Just a little difference of opinion, ladies, that's all. On your feet, Harry. You just remember I can squeeze the trigger on this gun of mine quicker than you can reach for yours. Inside the dressing room. Make way, girls. Come on inside, Harry. Now here's your playmate, Rachel. We keep each other company whilst I send one of the ladies to the chorus for a pal of mine. Inspector Castle of Scotland Guard. He's sitting at my table.
Geraldine Smythe
Oh, Harry, you bungle.
Peter Troy
Now, which one of you girls would like to earn a bottle of champagne?
Geraldine Smythe
I still don't understand how she.
Peter Troy
Harry was outside the car. Rachel staged a stick up. Use Gerard Smith as a diversion. It worked perfectly.
Geraldine Smythe
They concentrated on holding Gerard whilst Rachel made a getaway.
Peter Troy
Exactly. Now would you please concentrate on the music and the dancing. Yes, honey bun.
Geraldine Smythe
That bottle of champagne the Cors do just a pickle. How do I use that as working?
Peter Troy
You're the secretary, honey. It's your problem.
Geraldine Smythe
Yes, well I. Oh, what's the matter? My feet. You're treading on me.
Peter Troy
Sorry.
Geraldine Smythe
Just walk softly.
Peter Troy
Platinum blonde wig, carefully applied makeup. A thin veil covering half the face. A very professional exaggerated accent. And the teen haired Rachel became a soft, willowy flaxen beauty just about as lethal as a truckload of tnt. Oh, she needed the money from her jewelry hall to pay a stiff mortgage in a club place wasn't hot, deeper than the bass fiddle's G notes. And that's why the gal with a thousand voices had to go back in front of the footlights. She found out about Gerard Smythe having a police record. And she watched his sister carefully. Watched and listened to Geraldine talking. The rest you know about. Oh, she and Harry got 10 years a piece and the lady doesn't love lney anymore.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Walk Softly, Peter Troy 63-12-24 (03) The Lady Who Loved Larceny
Release Date: June 18, 2025
In the thrilling episode titled "The Lady Who Loved Larceny," listeners are plunged into the murky world of private investigator Peter Troy. Set against the backdrop of a bustling city, this episode masterfully weaves elements of suspense, deception, and classic detective work reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. The narrative follows Peter Troy as he unravels a complex jewelry heist, uncovers familial ties, and confronts unexpected adversaries.
The episode opens with a dramatic sequence describing a meticulously executed jewelry store robbery. Peter Troy narrates, highlighting the involvement of a platinum blonde woman, Geraldine Smythe, who orchestrates the theft of £35,000 worth of diamond bracelets. Geraldine's accomplice, identified as Mr. Gerard Smythe, is swiftly apprehended by the police. However, Gerard vehemently denies any involvement, claiming ignorance of the crime.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [02:15]: "It was a beautifully executed job. The platinum blonde got clean together with £35,000 worth of diamond bracelets."
Geraldine Smythe approaches Peter Troy, presenting herself as a concerned sister seeking to clear her brother's name. She offers £100 in cash for his investigative services, insisting that Gerard was duped into meeting her under false pretenses, leading directly to the robbery. Peter, wary of potential deceit, confronts Geraldine about her motives.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [04:35]: "You're offering me that money for one of two reasons. Either you know he was part of the setup and you want me to somehow break the police case against him, or... you're on the level."
As Peter delves deeper, he discovers that the call Geraldine made impersonating her sister was a ruse to entrap Gerard. Simultaneously, Inspector Caswell and his associate Harry surveil Peter, suspecting his involvement in the case. A pivotal moment occurs when Geraldine warns Peter via a phone call to meet urgently at a park, only for him to narrowly escape an attempted ambush orchestrated by Geraldine's accomplice.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [09:17]: "A man could quite easily drown him There. Well, it didn't look so good for Geraldine."
Inspector Caswell confronts Peter at a nightclub, revealing that Geraldine Smythe has been under police surveillance. The inspector accuses Peter of complicity, especially after noticing his suspicious activities. However, a twist emerges as it's uncovered that the woman Geraldine impersonated was actually Julie (Madame Rachel), a known impersonator, indicating further layers of deception.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [12:39]: "Lucky I did, it seems. Tell me, did you see anyone running away from here?"
The climax unfolds backstage at the club, where Peter and Inspector Caswell uncover Julie's disguise. It becomes evident that Julie orchestrated the entire heist, using Geraldine as a scapegoat to divert attention from her true motives. With evidence such as a platinum blonde wig and makeup remnants, Peter confronts Julie, leading to her downfall.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [18:23]: "She's an impersonator. A mimic. Just a minute. Are you trying to say that the owner of this club is a stick-up artist?"
The episode concludes with Peter Troy reflecting on the intricate web of lies spun by Julie. Both Julie and Harry, her accomplice, face justice, each receiving 10-year sentences. Geraldine Smythe is exonerated from the robbery charges, vindicated by Peter's unwavering pursuit of the truth. The narrative wraps up with Peter reaffirming his commitment to justice, despite the personal risks involved.
Notable Quote:
Peter Troy [22:00]: "You're the secretary, honey. It's your problem."
Deception and Identity: The episode explores the complexities of identity through Julie's impersonation, highlighting how appearances can be deceiving.
Family and Loyalty: Geraldine's dedication to clearing her brother's name underscores themes of familial loyalty and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
Justice vs. Corruption: Peter Troy embodies the struggle between upholding justice and navigating the morally ambiguous avenues of private investigation.
Surveillance and Trust: The constant surveillance by Inspector Caswell raises questions about trust, both in professional relationships and personal alliances.
"The Lady Who Loved Larceny" is a captivating installment in the Peter Troy series, blending suspenseful storytelling with classic detective tropes. Through intricate plotting and dynamic character interactions, the episode offers listeners a rich narrative experience that pays homage to the Golden Age of Radio. Notable for its engaging dialogue and unexpected twists, this episode reinforces Peter Troy's role as a relentless pursuer of truth in a world rife with deception.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Nicole Byer Advertisement [00:01 & 12:02]: While advertisements are present, the narrative-driven summary focuses on the main content, omitting these segments as per instructions.
Peter Troy [02:15]: "It was a beautifully executed job. The platinum blonde got clean together with £35,000 worth of diamond bracelets."
Peter Troy [04:35]: "You're offering me that money for one of two reasons. Either you know he was part of the setup and you want me to somehow break the police case against him, or... you're on the level."
Peter Troy [09:17]: "A man could quite easily drown him There. Well, it didn't look so good for Geraldine."
Peter Troy [12:39]: "Lucky I did, it seems. Tell me, did you see anyone running away from here?"
Peter Troy [18:23]: "She's an impersonator. A mimic. Just a minute. Are you trying to say that the owner of this club is a stick-up artist?"
Peter Troy [22:00]: "You're the secretary, honey. It's your problem."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing both new listeners and longtime fans with a comprehensive overview of the plot, character dynamics, and thematic elements that make "The Lady Who Loved Larceny" a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series.