
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 1950-10-14 067 The Yankee Pride Matter
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Edmund O'Brien
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Edmund O'Brien in another adventure of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dol to Tri State Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Yankee pride matter. Expense account item 1. A dollar and a half cab fare to your office. Maritime insurance is a bad gamble at best. Dollar. Looks like we're on the short end of this one. That I know about. I bet on Notre Dame last Saturday. You aren't alone. This is a cargo of tin bound for a West coast plant that's under government contract. Armament bearings. I think that's where that time clause you mentioned fits, huh? Right. They got a deadline so they insured themselves. The way it stands, if that ship doesn't leave Singapore in a week, we start losing 2% a day on 300,000. You have an office in Singapore? Yes, but we haven't gotten any satisfaction from them. I don't know that far away. You're out of touch. What's your man's name here? Name's Ells. Vincent Ells. Here's the address. Well, I guess I can get the rest of the dope from him. I'll get out of here as soon as I can get space. Good. It's nice seeing you, Johnny. Let me know when your plane leaves. I'll send you a bouquet of bourbon or something. Expense account item $2,280 airfare and incidental expenses between Hartford and Singapore. And the perverse way of ship and air. We arrived with one of Malaya's heavy muggy dawns. Coasting in over haze, hidden native villages, the island studded harbor and finally settling on the big field. I finished customs by 9, napped in my room at the Hotel Europe till 10, and I was in Tri State's office by 1pm I'm happy to meet you, Mr. Dollar. Sit down. I trust you had a pleasant trip out. Well, it's a little too long to be pleasant, Mr. Ells, but those airline people do everything they can. Yes. You've been in these before? A few times. Now then, you know that the unexpected is more or less commonplace here. Then what are you driving at? It's possible that you've come on an extremely dangerous mission, sir. Oh. On the other hand, perhaps it's only coincidence. One of my adjustments has been killed. He was working on this case? Yes, I'm afraid he was. What have you done about it? I turned the matter over to the police. Did you mention the situation, the delayed cargo? I did, but I rather think that they categorized him as an individual rather than as an insurance adjuster. Who was he? A young Chinese kufosun, an intelligent chap. I discussed the matter with him the morning previous to his death. That was two days ago. He told me he was going to visit the ship in question, the Yankee Pride. The men on board said he never arrived. You don't think his death was a coincidence, do you? Instinctively, no. But it's true that death isn't rare in some quarters here. So I've heard. Hey, did this boy of yours leave a family? Anyone I can talk to? His parents were killed in the last unpleasantness, but there's a brother. They shared quarters. I'd like to have the address. Of course. It's in Vancouveran Street. Here you are. I won't bother directing you. Any rickshaw fellow will know where tis. But I believe he's employed by a Dutch concern. Wouldn't be at home till evening. That'll work out. I want to go talk to the chief engineer of that ship first anyway. Yes, I suppose you'll have to go. I only beg of you to proceed with great caution. The ship is down at the east docks. I'm in the sack. Come in. Sorry to bother you, Chief. I. What's the matter with you? Blast and fever. Seems like this climate brings it back. Valeria. Yeah? What do you want aboard? My name's Dollar. I was sent out here by the company that's insuring your cargo. What about it? They're going to start losing money if this ship doesn't get started. Home in a few days. 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What do you think about all this mechanical trouble you've been having? What do you mean? Well, has it all been legitimate or could it have been sabotaged? Sabotage? Now who'd do that? I don't know. Well, it hasn't been sabotage. Bearings go and generators foul up without any help. Ask me, I've been nursing them for 15 years. When do you expect the stuff from Hong Kong? It's hard to say. People don't work the same out here as they do in the States. Well, I'll fly up there myself after your bearing if it'll get you out of here on time. Look, mister, I'm not in any shape to figure out anything now. I'm sick. I'll try and talk to the captain about it. Come back tomorrow, will you? Uh huh. Chief, I know that fever's rough. After dinner that night, I rickshawed towards the address of the dead Chinese adjuster. I crossed over the Singapore river, which winds through the city to separate the native and European quarters, and entered Ben Coulin Street. It was jammed with its people outside to take advantage of the breadth of coolness that comes with night. Which door? You go some other place to win? I wait. All right, you wait. Are you Mr. Ku? Who asked? I'm an American. I want to talk to you about your brother. I will not talk. Why do you come here? I'm working with a company where your brother works. I came all the way from America. Why won't you talk to me? You speak the truth? Yes. I have no reason to lie. Your comrade. You heard in America about my brother? No. But I'm here in Singapore to do the same job he was doing when he was killed. I wondered if there was some connection. Connection? Was he killed because of what he was doing or for some other reason? I do not know. I did not know what he was doing. Are you telling the truth? Yes. What are you afraid of? Why did you tell me you wouldn't talk about your brother? I do not want to die. Why would you die? Did someone tell you that you would if you talked about it? Yes. I cannot tell anything because I know nothing that he will not believe. Oh, come on, you can trust me. I promise you I won't mention a word of this. He who came here before the police. I told him that my brother and I speak of other things, not work. But he made promise that I die if I speak to police. Who was this man? Did you know him? No, I have never seen him. The Oriental or Occidental English. He would do no work. I think the work of frightening people for some other. And you're sure your brother didn't say anything about his work the night or day before he was killed? Huh? Anything about a ship named the Yankee Pride? Nothing. I have spent many hours remembering his last words to me. He spoke only of one new thing. A woman. With Horssoon, there was always new woman. With this one, he was filled with pride and excitement. She was Malayan. Perhaps she brought him death. The man that threatened you, did he ask you about her? He asked me everything that had been talked of. But I was frightened and did not mention her. Do you know her name or where I can find her? You will keep the secret. I won't even mention that I've met you. What will you say? I'll lie about when I got here. I'll tell her I talked to your brother that night before he died. Her name is Randy. There's a place of an Arab in Malabar Street. It is called Bili Parker. That is where he spoke of finding her. Alright. I'll see if I can. Please. Ko Soon's death is a very heavy sorrow. But my death is in the future. Do not come back. To speak further of this would be to waste the future. I won't come back. Mr. Koh. Thanks for the help you've given me. Goodbye. I wait one. You go other place now. Yeah, I go other Place Malabar Street. Billy Parker. You know that. I know, I know. I didn't bop. Better go back. The crowd surging around the door I'd come out was enough to tell me what had happened. The future that Mr. Koo had been so anxious to protect had just ceased to exist. In just a moment, we'll return to the second act of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Edmund O'Brien. But first, are you ready to sing it again tonight? You'll find a whole hour full of the day's popular music sung by Eugenie Baird, Alan Dale, Bob Howard and the Riddlers. You'll hear the tuneful riddle songs that lead to Sing It Again's Phantom Voice treasure trove. $5,000 in cash and 10,000 more in wonder prizes. Be listening again to Sing it Again tonight when it comes your way. On most of these same CBS stations, the Phantom's a puzzler. But some CBS listener will win that five grand in cash. And now, with our star, Edmund O'Brien, we return you to the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Telephones are still at a premium in the native quarters of Singapore. I wanted to report what had happened to Vincent Elles and tell them where I was going and why. So I tried to find one, but couldn't. The joint called the Beeley Parker was a mixture of nationalities, languages and tobacco smoke. I spotted two Occidentals as I went in. They ignored me, so I ignored them and elbowed a place at the bar. Hello, boss. What do you drink? Any scotch? Oh, yes, sir. A good scotch. I'll take one. Don't mix it. I'm looking for a girl named Randy. She hit a knife. She serve you, boss. You pay her right. Hi, I'm Randy. I brought drinks from. Is all right. I'm glad you did. Sit down. Why did you ask for me? Well, a friend told me about you. You sound American. Are you? That's right. I know some Americans. Did one teach you to speak English? You speak very well. No, they do not teach me that. I learned from missionary school in Penang. You are surprised? I didn't know a joke. Everybody is surprised. Iran. They want to. Some American friend told me about me. No, he was Chinese. His name was Ku Fo Soon Ko t. He is no friend of mine. He's folklore. He told you about me A couple of afternoons ago. Said he was coming here to meet you. Wanted to meet me all right. But I did not want to meet him. He made fool of himself. That would be easy. What did he say about me? Oh, that. That you were Beautiful that he was looking forward to seeing you. He said that because he was lonely. I know about men. That's why you think of me tonight. Because you are lonely. As a matter of fact, I am. What is your name? Dolla Johnny Dollar. You tease me. I'll admit it has a ring to it. No, I tease you. I know the name. Penang. My father worked for a steamship line with that name. Are you in shipping business? No relation. Shall we get rid of the scotch? How do you say bottoms up? I think I like just son better now. What do you mean? Because he told you about me. I get tired of these people. I like to talk to you, Randy. You come work. Oh, will you wait for me? Wait for you? Only a little while. Then I stop work. You come to my house. We can talk some more. Please. You wait, Randy. Are you lying to me? Or don't you really know that Khufu soon is dead? He is dead. I only knew him that one time. Not as well as I know you. How should I find out? Why should I lie to you? Because the chances are that you're the last person to see him before he was killed. How do you know that? Because he was on his way to meet you and he never came back. There are many places to go in Singapore. Yeah, but it all keeps returning to you. Or that place Husun's brother was shot right after he told me about you. I did not know he had brother Johnny. I do not want to talk to you like this. I gave the name of the place to my rickshaw boy. Somebody overheard it and the shooting took place right after we left. Why would somebody want to keep me away from you? Nobody wants to keep you away from me. You are frightened. Ah, that's past. If they wanted to kill me, they would have by now. Why did you bring me here? I thought you understood. You are in trouble. Why don't you tell me to listen to you? I would help you. I get it. That would be better. I will help you forget too. I'll make a drink. Pie. You like pie? Sure. Sure. Anything. Do not think about your dead friends, John. You cannot help them. Now you think of me. What else? Easy now. Easy. Sorry to interrupt. Hey, keep your pistol on him, Roy. All right. Well, I'll find out if he's got one. He's not. Ah, well, you should know, dearie. Well, now, Ain't you going to get up? I don't see why I should. Because we're going for a little drive. That's why you should. Are you coming like A gentleman or otherwise. Boy. Yeah. Oh. How do you make an Airbnb? A vrbo. Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbo. At Walden University, we get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities. At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W. Walden University. Set a course for change. Visit Waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Chev. Well, $, what do you make of this? You go to sleep in a river shack. Yeah. Now, careful now. Stay on your feet and you wake up on the threshold of a blasted mansion. Give him your hand, Roy. He can't hold his feet yet. You know you're an important man, $. But don't get big headed. It's them that's more important. Major. Here we are. I'm in the library. Come along. Right you are. Go on, straight ahead. What on earth have you done to him? He was quite violent, sir. Here, help him to the chair. I'd hoped this wouldn't happen, Mr. Duller. Let me look at you. Don't bother. You'll get a foot in the face if you get close enough. I promise you that. Oh, I see. It's obvious that you fancy yourself difficult men to deal with. But let me share a simple truth. You will accomplish nothing here until I allow you to. Those are strong words. I have the power to support them. I know all about you, why you're here. My chief engineer will see that the Yankee Pride does not move until I give the word. When will that be? When I am ready to leave for Mexico. Me? You're crazy. That ship isn't going to Mexico. Oh, yes it is, Mr. Dollar, because I have paid well for passage there. You don't buy ship's articles. The Yankee Pride says she's going to San Francisco. One can buy anything with sufficient funds. The simplest are the petty official signatures needed to make these changes. You'd be amazed at how easily eyes are blinded and ears deafened. You don't agree with me? Up to a point. I understand you think that I brought you here for the purpose of bargaining with you. There's no need for that. Why am I here? Because I Enjoy my power. And at the moment, I'm fighting you and your stumbling, idiotic methods. You're proud of your own. What kind of power did it take to bring off the murders of the Koo brothers? I'm not impressed. You will be. I'm going to let you go on with your investigation because you're a harmless pipsqueeper. Thanks. How much money will your company lose by further delay? 2% of $300,000 for each day over schedule. Well, please convey to them my thanks and tell them I shall cover their loss. They won't attempt to prosecute. You may go. Earl and Roy will drive you wherever you wish them to. I retreated to my hotel room, but I knew one thing about him and thought I knew something else. His name, as spotted on an envelope on the way out, seemed to be Major Ralph Dixon. And I had a strong feeling that his weakness was his strength and vice versa. The man was power mad. In spite of my exhaustion, frustration didn't let me sleep too well through the rest of the night. Good morning, Mr. Ells here, Mrs. Dollar. Well, I'm glad you phoned. I worried about what might happen to you last night. Well, don't think for a minute that it didn't happen. What do you know about a Major Ralph Dixon? Ralph Dixon? Yeah, by nothing. Who is he? Well, he boasts that he's the man behind our trouble. He's crazy, and I really mean that. He claims that he's bribed everybody concerned with the Yankee Pride sailing, including port officials. Mr. Dolly, you sound serious. I believe him. Look, you have better entree here than I have. Would you see that you can learn something about the ship's papers being changed to include a Mexican port? There was no Mexican port. I know that. Well, he says there is. And see what you can learn about his visas and passport. And you might even check customs. He's holding the sailing up for something. I say, what are you going to be doing? Well, I'll start at the other end. I know my way around the bottom. Hello, Randy. I did not run away, did I? I knew you would come back here. You aren't afraid of me, but you will be. Right now you're afraid of the Major, and I don't blame you. Two men were killed to keep you and the rest of his pawns. Afraid. Yes, I'm afraid of him. Many people are. You and one or two others are going to have to protect him by taking the blame for those two murders. You know that, don't you? Said there would be no trouble. That Was before I came to town. I say there is going to be trouble because I'm going to turn you in. And the Major is so powerful that nobody will believe you. When you tell the truth, you will pay for it all. I believe that. Well, don't you want to help yourself if you can? Why? You know his power. Not like you do. And I don't want to. I think he's crazy. And if I have to, I'll kill him. What can I do? Tell me what's behind it. Gold from an inland sultanate who is afraid of invasion. They send their gold out when they can. The Major is making the arrangements. How much do you know? I've only heard almost 100 million. American standard. Yes, America. It's been delayed in its journey here. What can you do against power like that, Johnny? If we can get high enough, we'll break him. The man I am working with on this is checking every official the Major claims to have paid off. How do you know that? What do you mean by that? Well, speaking of Mr. L. That's right. He is only a human being. He is as greedy as any of us. I do not think he is asking. He's been bought too, huh? Yes. You, the captain, the engineer, officials, elves. You too, Johnny, if you were wise. Did they tell you to say that? It does not matter. Yes, they did. They told me to warn you. I'm glad I hear that. Why should you be glad? Because it means he's afraid of me. What else were you supposed to tell me? Only about Mr. Ells. Mr. Ells is as good a place to start as any. A check on the Tri State office told me that Els had left for home. So I followed him there. It was a cottage set back from the. No one answered my knock. Through the veranda window I could see why. Vincent Ells was sprawled on the floor. A pistol just beyond his outstretched hand. On the way to Major Dixon's, I stopped at my hotel long enough to get an automatic out of my luggage. Well, what are you. What's the meaning of this? I just left Vincent L's house. Oh, yes. I've been advised that the poor man took his own life. Perhaps you can profit from his anger. I think I can. What happened? Did he turn on you? Let us say that he didn't appreciate his position with me. He miscalculated my strength naturally learned there was nothing left for him to live for. How have you fared? I've done all right. I finally realized that there's only one way to stop you oh, and what is that? To kill you. Have you thought of that? See here. I'm a man of influence. You'd not be rewarded, you'd be prosecuted. I think you're a man of influence only in your own mind. Your influence is due partially to money, but more to fear. El's turned on you and you kill him. The girl Rondi would if she weren't afraid. Ah, but she is. You wouldn't be if you were dead. I want you to come with me. And where would we go? Down to the police commissioner. Where I want you to list every bribe and killing you've been involved in. Ridiculous. I have an appointment at the club. You'll pardon me, I'm sure. I know about the gold, Major. Oh, you do, do you? What do you propose doing about it? I'm going to stop it. You don't try to leave. Major. Major. I didn't kill him. As it turned out, I didn't have. Police investigation of the shooting brought out all the truth. The gold was confiscated when it arrived and after three days of questioning, I was released. Remarks. You may lose two days on the Yankee Pride schedule, but to balance that, you also lost Mr. Ells an agent you can do without. Expense account, item 4, $300. Miscellaneous expense account, item 5, same as item 2. Expense account total $2,686. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny dollar stars Edmund O'Brien in the title role and is written by Gildad with music conducted by Alexander courage. Edmund O'Brien may soon be seen in the Paramount Pictures production Warpath. Featured in tonight's cast were Virginia Gregg, Bob Sweeney, Pewter Owen, Bill Johnstone, Wally Mayer, Jack Crucian and Ben Wright. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Jaime Del Valle. This is Bob Stevenson inviting you to join us next week at this time when we'll again bring you Edmund O'Brien as yours truly, Johnny Dollar. There's Saturday Night fun with the younger married set when Lucille Ball and her favorite husband come along later this evening on most of these same Columbia station. Now stay tuned for Vaughn Monroe's Caravan which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. This is CBS where Hopalong Cassidy rides every Saturday night on the Columbia Broadcasting System at Walden University. We get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities. At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W Walden University Set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Shep.
Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" Episode: "The Yankee Pride Matter"
Podcast Information:
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar is a classic radio drama series that follows the adventures of Johnny Dollar, a freelance insurance investigator. In the episode titled "The Yankee Pride Matter," Johnny is drawn into a complex case involving marine insurance, potential sabotage, and international intrigue.
[00:00] The episode begins with Johnny Dollar receiving a call from Carl Bush regarding a marine insurance issue. The policy in question is valued at $300,000, covering a cargo delayed in Singapore. The key concern is determining whether the delay is due to mechanical failures or accidental sabotage.
Carl Bush: "The policy is for $300,000. It covers a cargo that's being delayed out there."
[02:15]
Recognizing the potential for a lucrative commission, Johnny decides to take on the case and prepares for an international investigation.
[05:30] Johnny travels to Singapore, navigating through the bustling, multicultural environment. Upon arrival, he meets Mr. Vincent Ells at Tri State Insurance's Singapore office.
Mr. Vincent Ells: "It's possible that you've come on an extremely dangerous mission, sir."
[07:20]
Ells informs Johnny about the recent death of Ku Fo Soon, an insurance adjuster who was investigating the same case. Ku Fo Soon was last seen heading to inspect the ship Yankee Pride, raising suspicions of foul play.
[15:45] Johnny seeks out Chief Engineer Valeria of the Yankee Pride to discuss the mechanical issues causing the delay. Valeria reveals ongoing problems with the ship's boilers, hinting that the delays might not be purely mechanical.
Valeria: "I'm sick. I'll try and talk to the captain about it. Come back tomorrow, will you?"
[18:10]
This interaction deepens Johnny's suspicion of potential sabotage, suggesting that someone may be deliberately hindering the ship's progress.
[25:00] Johnny tracks down Randy, a woman connected to Ku Fo Soon. Their conversation reveals links to Major Ralph Dixon, a powerful figure suspected of orchestrating the delays and possible sabotage to manipulate the cargo's fate.
Randy: "Why would you die? Did someone tell you that you would if you talked about it?"
[30:25]
Randy's reluctance to speak about her brother's death only fuels Johnny's determination to uncover the truth behind the Yankee Pride's predicament.
[40:50] The investigation leads Johnny to a confrontation with Major Ralph Dixon. Dixon admits to manipulating ship schedules and bribing officials to control the cargo flow, driven by greed and power.
Major Ralph Dixon: "I enjoy my power. And at the moment, I'm fighting you and your stumbling, idiotic methods."
[45:15]
Despite Dixon's threats, Johnny remains steadfast, challenging the Major's authority and exposing his corrupt activities.
[55:40] With evidence collected and Dixon's operations dismantled, the cargo issue is resolved. The gold intended for an inland sultanate is seized, preventing further exploitation. Johnny successfully concludes the case, ensuring that Tri State Insurance avoids financial losses.
Johnny Dollar: "I can pump water into the boilers and not before."
[58:05]
Johnny Dollar's meticulous investigation into the Yankee Pride Matter highlights his resourcefulness and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. By navigating through layers of deception and confronting powerful adversaries, Johnny exemplifies the quintessential freelance insurance investigator of the Golden Age of Radio.
Carl Bush:
"The policy is for $300,000. It covers a cargo that's being delayed out there."
[02:15]
Mr. Vincent Ells:
"It's possible that you've come on an extremely dangerous mission, sir."
[07:20]
Valeria:
"I'm sick. I'll try and talk to the captain about it. Come back tomorrow, will you?"
[18:10]
Randy:
"Why would you die? Did someone tell you that you would if you talked about it?"
[30:25]
Major Ralph Dixon:
"I enjoy my power. And at the moment, I'm fighting you and your stumbling, idiotic methods."
[45:15]
Johnny Dollar:
"I can pump water into the boilers and not before."
[58:05]
This episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, corruption, and heroism, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, "The Yankee Pride Matter" offers a captivating listening experience that underscores Johnny Dollar's role as America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.