Harold's Old Time Radio: Episode Summary

Title: Wanted 1950-07-07 Willie The Actor Sutton
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

1. Episode Overview

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are taken back to the Golden Age of Radio to follow the intense manhunt for one of America's most notorious bank robbers, William "Willie the Actor" Sutton. The program meticulously reconstructs Sutton's criminal career through eyewitness accounts, police reports, and dramatic narratives, offering an immersive experience into the world of 1950s crime and law enforcement.

2. The Rosenthal and Sons Jewelry Heist

The episode opens with a dramatic recounting of the audacious robbery at M. Rosenthal and Sons jewelry shop on Broadway in New York City.

• Witness Charles Hayes ([02:29]) describes the harrowing experience:

  "I was a porter for M. Rosenthal and Son. One morning a postal messenger came to the door with a telegram for my firm... He pushed a gun in my stomach and said, back, back."

• Witness Julius Fox, the salesman at Rosenthal's ([04:08]), provides further details:

  "I was greeted by a postal telegraph messenger. He told me this was a stick-up... I went to the safe, but I don't remember the combination."

This meticulously planned heist led to the theft of $130,000, marking one of the most daring daylight robberies of the time.

3. Police Investigation and Leads

Captain McVeigh of the New York City Police Department outlines the investigation's initial challenges:

"[05:45] The job was to find two unidentified men in a city of 7 million. Police reasoned these men were experienced operators."

The investigation focused on two main leads:

1. Pattern Analysis: Identification of similar past robberies yielded eight potential jobs, but without distinctive leads.
2. Postal Telegraph Uniform: Tracing the rental of a postal messenger's uniform led detectives to J.R. Hancock of the Waverly School of Drama.

4. Arrest and Prison Escapes

The breakthrough came when Witness Anthony Lanzell ([06:07]) reported suspicious activity:

"Two postal telegraph messengers were stopped by a man who wanted to borrow their uniforms."

This led to the arrest of Willie Sutton ([08:32]), whose extensive criminal record made him a prime suspect. Despite being sentenced and placed in Sing Sing, Sutton formed an alliance with John Egan and orchestrated an escape on December 12, 1932. Their breakout underscored Sutton's cunning and determination to evade capture.

5. Subsequent Bank Robberies

Post-escape, Sutton's criminal activities escalated:

• July 9, 1933: Robbery of the 110th Street branch of the Corn Exchange Bank, stealing $23,835.
• January 15, 1934: West Philadelphia branch of the Corn Exchange Bank robbed of $21,000.

These heists were marked by meticulous planning, avoiding security systems, and adhering to Sutton's signature style.

6. Final Capture Efforts

The relentless pursuit led to Ed Wilson's ([10:45]) arrest:

"He admitted his part in the New York and Philly jobs. He implicated Sutton and Joseph Perlongo."

Despite Wilson's cooperation, locating Sutton remained elusive until a determined effort led to the surveillance of Richard Courtney's address, revealing Sutton's hideout. A coordinated police operation resulted in Sutton's capture, effectively ending his spree of robberies.

7. Description and Characteristics of Willie Sutton

The episode offers an in-depth description of Sutton, aiding in public recognition and awareness:

• Physical Description:

  • Age: 48
  • Height: 5ft 8in
  • Hair: Dark brown, possibly gray
  • Eyes: Blue
  • Distinguishing Feature: Scarred and deformed little finger ([26:32])

• Behavioral Traits:

  Underworld Informant: ([27:11])

  "He's some actor... a very neat dresser... crazy about young, stupid, pretty broads."

This portrayal emphasizes Sutton's deceptive charm and the dangers he posed, highlighting his ability to blend into society while orchestrating high-stakes crimes.

8. Conclusion and Legacy

In wrapping up, the narrator reflects on Sutton's legacy:

"Willie Sutton has become, in these past 20 years, a legend. A dangerous legend... Slick Willie. That's the legend."

However, a critical perspective is offered:

"He spent almost 20 of the last 27 years in prison. With all his bank robbing, he's averaged less than $75 a week. He's lived like a hunted rat."

This nuanced conclusion underscores the complex nature of Sutton's life—a blend of notoriety and constant peril.

Notable Quotes

• Witness Charles Hayes ([02:29]):

  "He came in and he said, stand still. My partner will be in just a moment."

• Witness Joe Rosenthal ([04:08]):

  "I was robbed of $130,000."

• Detective James E. Sheehy ([12:55]):

  "The letter was received from Richard Courtney... it was the handwriting of William Sutton."

• Officer Brown ([20:38]):

  "I knew this was a break."

• Warden Burke ([16:27]):

  "Willie Sutton's mind was working and working to an end."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wanted masterfully blends storytelling with investigative reporting, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into Willie Sutton's criminal endeavors and the relentless efforts to bring him to justice. Through firsthand accounts and detailed narratives, the program not only chronicles historical crimes but also delves into the psychology of a legendary bank robber, making it a compelling listen for enthusiasts of true crime and radio history alike.