Podcast Summary: "Wanted 1950-07-07 Willie The Actor Sutton"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Wanted 1950-07-07 Willie The Actor Sutton
Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Wanted 1950-07-07 Willie The Actor Sutton," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The host delves deep into the life and crimes of Willie Sutton, a notorious armed robber whose exploits kept law enforcement on high alert throughout the early to mid-20th century. Through a series of dramatized eyewitness accounts, police reports, and character analyses, the episode paints a detailed picture of Sutton's rise, his criminal maneuvers, and his eventual capture.

The Infamous Robbery and Initial Manhunt

The episode opens with a dramatic recounting of Sutton's most daring daylight robbery on October 29, 1930, at M. Rosenthal and Sons, a prestigious jewelry shop located on Broadway in New York City's Capitol Theater building.

• Charles F. Hayes (68) recounts the terrifying morning he was coerced into compliance:

  [02:30] Willie Sutton: "I was a porter for M. Rosenthal and Son... pushed a gun in my stomach and says, back, back."

The meticulous nature of the robbery is highlighted, showcasing the robbers' use of wiretaps, disguises, and insider knowledge to bypass security measures:

• Captain McVeigh emphasizes the sophistication of the crime:

  [05:02] Captain McVeigh: "The job was to find two unidentified men in a city of 7 million. Police reasoned these men were experienced operators."

Police Investigation and Clues

As the police launch a nationwide manhunt, several leads emerge. One significant breakthrough involves a postal telegraph uniform rented by a customer, which links to J.R. Hancock at the Waverly School of Drama. This clue, though initially a dead end, eventually points detectives toward Sutton through a series of fortunate events and eyewitness testimonies.

• Anthony Lanzell provides a crucial piece of evidence:

  [06:08] Anthony Lanzell: "A man came in one day and asked for a messenger boy's uniform... handed me a card marked J.R. hancock."

Detective James E. Sheehy details the investigative process that leads to Sutton's identification:

[10:46] Detective Sheehy: "We learned that the card belonged to Ed Wilson... Ed Wilson was a small-time hoodlum."

Despite initial setbacks, such as Sutton's escape from Sing Sing prison alongside John Egan—who was later found murdered—the persistent efforts of law enforcement keep tightening the noose around Sutton.

Sutton's Arrest and Subsequent Jailbreak Attempts

Willie Sutton's criminal record is thoroughly examined, revealing multiple arrests and incarcerations. His final arrest in connection to the Rosenthal robbery results in his identification and conviction.

• Vito Corleone narrates the culmination of Sutton's initial crimes:

  [08:50] Vito Corleone: "Sutton was safely behind bars. But he formed a prison partnership with a hulking burglar named John Egan."

However, Sutton's ingenuity leads to two major jailbreak attempts from Eastern State Penitentiary:

1. First Attempt:

   [13:32] Officer John Craig: "I found a head made up identically like Willie Sutton... sent out for Willie Sutton and placed him under arrest."

2. Second Attempt:

   [14:44] Officer Brown: "There was a phony body and a head made of plaster... a large hole leading to a tunnel."

Despite these attempts, Sutton is swiftly recaptured, showcasing the relentless determination of the authorities.

Continuation of Criminal Activities

Even after multiple incarcerations, Willie Sutton's criminal endeavors do not cease. He orchestrates additional bank robberies in New York and Philadelphia, meticulously planning each heist to avoid detection.

• James Weston, a vault custodian, provides an account of the March 9, 1950 robbery at the Manufacturers Trust Company:

  [20:40] James Weston: "I was rushed from the bank... ordered me to admit all employees as they came to the door."

These meticulous operations further solidify Sutton's reputation as a "Slick Willie" who remains elusive despite his growing legend.

Final Capture and Legal Proceedings

The relentless pursuit by law enforcement finally pays off when Sutton is captured in Sunnyside, Long Island, following his involvement in yet another bank robbery.

• Detective James E. Sheehy describes the final steps leading to Sutton's arrest:

  [23:32] Detective Sheehy: "A letter was found... handwriting proved to be the handwriting of William Sutton."

The legal process culminates in Sutton's indictment by the county of Queens, with formal charges of robbery in the first degree.

• Vito Corleone narrates the courtroom drama:

  [24:11] Vito Corleone: "William Sutton is wanted. Here again is Alan Hind. You can put the finger on Willie Sutton."

Character Analysis and Public Appeal

The episode provides an in-depth character study of Willie Sutton, juxtaposing his criminal activities with personal quirks and habits. Through vivid descriptions and firsthand accounts, listeners gain insight into Sutton's persona:

• Alan Hind underscores Sutton's notorious reputation:

  [27:13] Alan Hind: "Willie the actor. Clever, smart, too smart for the cops... Slick Willie."

The podcast also features public appeals to recognize and report Sutton, emphasizing his deceptive nature and the danger he poses to ordinary citizens.

• Vito Corleone delivers a cautionary message:

  [25:47] Vito Corleone: "John Quigley... discovered this photograph to be a photograph of one Woody Sutton, a bank robber."

Visual descriptions aid in public recognition:

[27:13] Vito Corleone: "Sutton is 48 years old, height 5ft 8 inches. He's a mild looking, mild mannered man. Hair dark brown, possibly gray. Eyes blue. Complexion medium."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reinforcing the severity of Sutton's crimes and the importance of community vigilance in combating such notorious figures. It highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the collective responsibility of citizens to aid in apprehending criminals like Willie Sutton.

• Vito Corleone wraps up with a compelling statement:

  [28:08] Vito Corleone: "Sutton has become, in these, a legend. A dangerous legend. Willie the actor. Clever, smart, too smart for the cops."

The host promises future episodes to continue unraveling gripping criminal cases, ensuring listeners remain engaged and informed.

Notable Quotes

• Willie Sutton:

  [02:30] "I was a porter for M. Rosenthal and Son... pushed a gun in my stomach and says, back, back."

• Captain McVeigh:

  [05:46] "The job was to find two unidentified men in a city of 7 million. Police reasoned these men were experienced operators."

• Detective Sheehy:

  [10:46] "We learned that the card belonged to Ed Wilson... Ed Wilson was a small-time hoodlum."

• Officer John Craig:

  [13:32] "I found a head made up identically like Willie Sutton... sent out for Willie Sutton and placed him under arrest."

• Alan Hind:

  [27:13] "Willie the actor. Clever, smart, too smart for the cops... Slick Willie."

Closing Remarks

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully intertwines storytelling with factual reporting, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Willie Sutton's criminal journey. Through engaging narratives and authentic voices, the podcast not only entertains but also educates its audience about the intricacies of criminal investigations during the era.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript sections to facilitate easy reference for listeners who may wish to revisit specific parts of the episode.