Yours Truly,Johnny Dollar 1950-10-14 067 The Yankee Pride Matter

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar – The Yankee Pride Matter"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 27, 2025 (original broadcast: October 14, 1950)
Episode: #067 "The Yankee Pride Matter"
Main Theme:
This vintage episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" follows bantering, tough-talking insurance investigator Johnny Dollar as he journeys to Singapore to solve the mystery of a delayed marine cargo and a string of connected murders. Set amid sweating ships, shadowy bars, and exotic intrigue, the case unfolds with bribes, power plays, and a touch of romance.

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1. Episode Overview

Johnny Dollar is dispatched to Singapore by an insurance company to investigate a suspicious delay of a ship called the Yankee Pride, which is carrying a valuable cargo. Amid mounting company losses and cryptic incidents—including the murder of an insurance adjuster—Dollar navigates corruption, fearful witnesses, and menacing power brokers in colonial Singapore.

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2. Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Case Assignment and Stakes (00:39–02:28)

• Johnny Dollar is contacted by Carl Bush from Tri State Insurance about a lucrative but risky case involving a $300,000 marine insurance policy. The delay of a tin cargo bound for U.S. war production could cost the company 2% per day past the deadline.
• Commission and Danger:
  “It’ll have to be a fat commission to get me back there.”
  – Johnny Dollar (00:51)

Arrival in Singapore and Immediate Tension (02:57–03:54)

• Upon landing, Johnny meets Tri State’s local agent, Vincent Ells, who warns:
  “You know that the unexpected is more or less commonplace here. It’s possible you’ve come on an extremely dangerous mission, sir.”
  – Vincent Ells (03:48)

• A previous adjuster, Kufo Soon, was killed while investigating the same case.

Probing the Ship’s Crew (05:20–08:14)

• Johnny visits the Yankee Pride and speaks to the chief engineer, who is sick with fever and waits on critical parts from Hong Kong, expressing suspicion at Johnny’s line of questioning about sabotage.

Meeting the Murdered Adjuster’s Brother (08:14–12:11)

• Johnny tracks down the late adjuster’s brother, Mr. Ku (Kufo Soon’s brother). The brother is terrified:
  “I do not want to die.” – Mr. Ku (10:08)
  He’s been threatened with death if he speaks to police. The only clue is that Kufo Soon was excited about meeting a local woman named Randi.

Tragic Violence Escalates (12:26–13:13)

• Johnny leaves Kufo Soon’s brother only to hear from the crowd outside that the brother has been murdered immediately after their conversation, underscoring the city’s danger and the major’s reach.

The Underworld of Singapore (14:09–17:20)

• Johnny enters the smoky, bustling Beeley Parker bar on Malabar Street, looking for Randi. The interaction has flirtatious undertones but is laced with suspicion.
  "He said that because he was lonely. I know about men. Is that why you think of me tonight? Because you are lonely?"
  – Randi (16:04)

Johnny Is Kidnapped (18:54–22:31)

• After visiting Randi’s home, Johnny is confronted by English thugs and brought before their boss, Major Ralph Dixon (posing as “Vincent Ells”).
• Major Dixon reveals his control:
  “You will accomplish nothing here until I allow you to. … My chief engineer will see that the Yankee Pride does not move until I give the word.”
  – Major Dixon (21:11)
• The Major is delaying the ship for nefarious reasons, planning to reroute the cargo to Mexico through bribery:
  “You’d be amazed at how easily eyes are blinded and ears deafened."
  – Major Dixon (21:42)

The Plot Unfolds: Gold Smuggling & Bribery (24:41–27:00)

• Randi is terrified but hints that nearly everyone, including Mr. Ells, has been bribed.
• The true cargo is revealed:
  “Gold from an inland sultanate who is afraid of invasion. … The Major is making the arrangements.”
  – Randi (25:38)
  The amount: “Almost 100 million. American standard.” (25:53)

Climax: Confrontation and Justice (27:00–29:54)

• Johnny finds Mr. Ells dead by apparent suicide, and confronts Major Dixon.
• Dixon taunts Johnny’s lack of power to stop him, until a final confrontation leads to the Major’s death (not by Johnny’s hand), exposing all the criminal dealings.
• Self-awareness of Corruption:
  “Your influence is due partially to money, but more to fear.”
  – Johnny Dollar (28:57)

Resolution (29:54–30:38)

• The police uncover the entire plot. The gold is confiscated; Johnny is cleared and ready to return to the States, having narrowly escaped with his life.
• Johnny closes his expense account with signature dry humor.

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On colonial Singapore’s danger:
  “Did you mention the situation? The delayed cargo?”
  – Johnny Dollar (04:11)
  “I rather think that they categorized him as an individual rather than as an insurance adjuster.”
  – Vincent Ells (04:15)

• Johnny’s blunt style:
  “Don’t bother. You’ll get a foot in the face if you get close enough, I promise you that.”
  – Johnny Dollar to Major Dixon (20:57)

• Major Dixon’s hubris:
  “Because I enjoy my power. And at the moment, I’m fighting you and your stumbling, idiotic methods.”
  – Major Dixon (22:06)

• The cost of silence:
  “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.”
  – Mr. Ku (11:58)

• Randi’s fear:
  “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?” — Johnny Dollar
  “Said there would be no trouble that. … I believe that.” — Randi (25:04–25:21)

• On the pervasiveness of corruption:
  “You, the captain, the engineer, the officials, Ells.”
  – Johnny Dollar (26:28)

• Final expense account humor:
  “Expense account total $2,686. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.” (30:38)

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4. Key Timestamps

• Case setup & stakes: 00:39–02:28
• Ells warns of danger, death of Kufo Soon: 03:36–04:53
• Interview with engineer: 05:20–08:14
• Mr. Ku, threat and clue about Randi: 08:14–12:11
• Ku’s murder: 12:48–13:13
• Meeting Randi at the Beeley Parker: 14:09–17:20
• Kidnapping and power confrontation: 18:54–22:31
• Plot revelation/gold smuggling: 24:41–25:55
• Confrontation and resolution: 27:00–30:38

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5. Tone and Style

True to the hard-boiled noir left behind by golden-age radio, Johnny’s narration is brisk, sardonic, and tinged with cold humor amid danger. The dialogue is packed with clipped wit and character-defining exchanges, all feeding the episode’s sense of claustrophobic intrigue and exotic peril.

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6. Conclusion

“The Yankee Pride Matter” is a classic Johnny Dollar mystery: dangerous, fast-moving, and full of double-crosses, fear, and greed. It transports listeners to a tense, atmospheric Singapore where greed fuels murder and only relentless determination can punch through layers of corruption.

For fans of noir, vintage mysteries, or the golden age of radio, this episode remains a smart, sharp hour of intrigue and suspense.

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Transcript

[Laundry Customer]

Every now and then I rinse it out and I need downy rinse tonight and I need it more. My kid wet the bed and the smell never leaves. I don't know what to do I'm always in the dark the sweat in that short smells like a dark dark. I'm downy rinsing tonight.

[Laundry Product Announcer]

Downy rinse fights stubborn odors in just one wash when impossible odors get stuck in.

[Laundry Customer]

Rinse it out.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood, it's time now for Edmund o' Brien as.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Vincent Ells]

This is Carl Bush.

[Carl Bush]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Carl. What's new?

[Carl Bush]

We've currently got a marine insurance headache down here. I don't know if you're interested, but your commission would be fat. I called you because I had a feeling. You know, Singapore. Is that right?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I've been there on a case and it'll have to be a fat commission to get me back there.

[Carl Bush]

The policy is for $300,000. It covers a cargo that's being delayed out there. A time clause.

[Johnny Dollar]

What reason do you have so far?

[Carl Bush]

Mechanical trouble on the ship? One breakdown after another?

[Johnny Dollar]

Accidental sabotage or both?

[Carl Bush]

That's what we want to learn. Come on down after lunch and talk it over.

[Narrator]

Edmund o' Brien in another adventure of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar 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 one. A dollar and a half cab fare to your office.

[Carl Bush]

Maritime insurance is a bad gamble at best.

[Vincent Ells]

Dollar.

[Carl Bush]

Looks like we're on the short end.

[Vincent Ells]

Of this one that I know about.

[Johnny Dollar]

I bet on Notre Dame last Saturday.

[Carl Bush]

You aren't alone. This is a cargo of tin bound for a West coast plant that's under government contract. Armament, bearings.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think that's where that time clause you mentioned fits, huh?

[Carl Bush]

Right. I 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.

[Johnny Dollar]

You have an office in Singapore?

[Carl Bush]

Yes, but we haven't gotten any satisfaction from them. I don't know that far away. You're out of touch.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's your man's name here?

[Carl Bush]

Name's Els. Vincent Ells. Here's the address.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Vincent Ells]

Good.

[Carl Bush]

It's nice seeing you, Johnny. Let me know when your Plane leaves. I'll send you a bouquet of bourbon or something.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense Account, Item 2. $1280 Airfare and Incidental expenses between Hartford and Singapore. In the perverse way of ship and airlines, we arrived with one of Malaya's heavy muggy dawns. Coasting in over haze hidden native vil, the island studded harbor and finally settling on a 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.

[Vincent Ells]

Sit down. I trust you had a pleasant trip out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it's a little too long to be pleasant, Mr. Ells, but those airline people do everything they can. Yes.

[Vincent Ells]

You've been in these before?

[Johnny Dollar]

A few times.

[Vincent Ells]

Now then, you know that the unexpected is more or less commonplace here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then what are you driving at?

[Vincent Ells]

It's possible that you've come on an extremely dangerous mission, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh.

[Vincent Ells]

On the other hand, perhaps it's only coincidence. One of my adjusters has been killed.

[Johnny Dollar]

He was working on this case.

[Vincent Ells]

Yes, I'm afraid he was.

[Johnny Dollar]

What have you done about it?

[Vincent Ells]

I turned the matter over to the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you mention the situation? The delayed cargo?

[Vincent Ells]

I did, but I rather think that they categorized him as an individual rather than as an insurance adjuster.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who was he?

[Vincent Ells]

A young Chinese kufosun, an intelligent chap. I discussed the matter with him the morning previous to his death. That was two days ago.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

He told me he was going to.

[Vincent Ells]

Visit the ship in question, the Yankee Pride. The men on board said he never arrived.

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't think his death was a coincidence, do you?

[Vincent Ells]

Instinctively, no. But it's true that death isn't rare in some quarters here.

[Johnny Dollar]

So I've heard. Hey, did this boy of yours leave a family? Anyone I can talk to?

[Vincent Ells]

His parents were killed in the last unpleasantness. But there's a brother. They shared quarters.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'd like to have the address.

[Vincent Ells]

Of course. It's in Ben Coulin Street.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here you are.

[Vincent Ells]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

That'll work out. I want to go talk to the chief engineer of that ship first anyway.

[Vincent Ells]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sorry to bother you, Chief. I. What's the matter with you? Blast and fever. Seems like this climate brings it back. Alleria.

[Vincent Ells]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

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 gonna start losing money if this ship doesn't get started. Home in a few days. Well, there's nothing they can do. Or nothing I can do.

[Laundry Product Announcer]

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[Downy Product Announcer]

What's that sound? That's the sound of Downy unstoppable scent beads going into your washing machine and giving your clothes freshness that lasts all day long. There it is again. It's like music to your ears. Or more like music to your nose. That freshness is irresistible. Let's get a Downy unstoppables bottle shake. And now a sniff solo. Nice. With Downy unstoppables, you just toss wash wow. For all day freshness.

[Johnny Dollar]

I have a bearing flown to me from Hong Kong. When that gets here, I can pump water into the boilers and not before. 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?

[Vincent Ells]

Now who'd do that?

[Johnny Dollar]

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. 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. 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?

[Vincent Ells]

Uh huh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, chief. I know that fever's rough. After dinner that night, I rickshaw 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. Good. Which door? You've got some other place to run? I wait. All right, you wait. Are you Mr. Ku?

[Laundry Product Announcer]

Who asked?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm an American. I want to talk to you about your brother.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

I will not talk.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

You speak the truth?

[Vincent Ells]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

I have no reason to lie. Duke.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

Comrade. You heard in America about my brother?

[Vincent Ells]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

Connection?

[Johnny Dollar]

Was he killed because of what he was doing or for some other reason?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

I do not know. I did not know what he was doing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you telling the truth?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you afraid of? Why did you tell me you wouldn't talk about your brother?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

I do not want to die.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why would you die? Did someone tell you that you would if you talked about it?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

Yes. I cannot tell anything because I know nothing that he will not believe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, come on, you can trust me. I promise you I won't mention a word of this.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who was this man? Did you know him?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

No, I have never seen him.

[Johnny Dollar]

The Oriental or Occidental English.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

He would do low work. I think the work of frightening people for some other.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

The man that threatened you, did he ask you about her?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

He asked me everything that had been talked of. But I was frightened and did not mention her.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you know her name or where I can find her?

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

You will keep the secret.

[Johnny Dollar]

I won't even mention that I've met you.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

What will you say?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll lie about when I got here. I'll tell her I talked to your brother that night before he died.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Alright. I'll see if I can.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

I won't come back, Mr. Koh. Thanks for the help you've given me. Goodbye.

[Randy]

I wait one.

[Johnny Dollar]

You go other place now. Yeah, I go other place. Malabar Street.

[Narrator]

Billy Parker.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know that.

[Laundry Product Announcer]

I know. I know.

[Vincent Ells]

I didn't. Bob.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Narrator]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Telephones are still at a premium in the native quarters of Singapore. I wanted to report what had happened to Vincent Ells and tell him 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. Whatcha 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 here tonight.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

You go.

[Johnny Dollar]

She serve you boss. You pay her, right?

[Randy]

Hi, I'm Randy. I brought drinks for Is all right.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm glad you did. Sit down.

[Randy]

Why did you ask for me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, a friend told me about you.

[Randy]

You sound American.

[Vincent Ells]

Are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Randy]

I know some Americans.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did one teach you to speak English? You speak very well.

[Randy]

No, they do not teach me that. I learned from missionary school in Penang. You are surprised?

[Johnny Dollar]

I didn't know a joke.

[Randy]

Everybody is surprised. Iran, they want to speak. Some American friend told you about me?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, he was Chinese. His name was Kufo Soon.

[Randy]

He is no friend of mine. He's for clerk. He told you about me?

[Johnny Dollar]

A couple of afternoons ago. Said he was coming here to meet you.

[Randy]

He wanted to meet me? All right. But I did not want to meet him. He made fool of himself.

[Johnny Dollar]

That would be easy.

[Randy]

What did he say about me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, that. That you were beautiful. That he was looking forward to seeing you.

[Randy]

He said that because he was lonely. I know about men. Is that why you think of me tonight? Because you are lonely?

[Johnny Dollar]

As a matter of fact, I am.

[Randy]

What is your name?

[Johnny Dollar]

$Johnny Dolla.

[Randy]

You tease me.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll admit it has a ring to it.

[Randy]

No, I tease you. I know the name. And Penang. My father worked for a steamship line with that name. Are you in shipping business?

[Johnny Dollar]

No relation. Shall we get rid of the scotch?

[Randy]

How do you say bottoms up? I think I like son better now.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Randy]

Because he told you about me? I get tired of these people. I like to talk to you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Randy. You come work.

[Randy]

Oh, good. Will you wait for me?

[Vincent Ells]

Wait for you?

[Randy]

Only a little while. Then I stop work. You come to my house. We can talk some more. Please. You wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

Randy. Are you lying to me? Or don't you really know that Khufu soon is dead?

[Randy]

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?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because the chances are that you're the last person to see him before he was killed.

[Randy]

How do you know that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because he was on his way to meet you and he never came back.

[Randy]

There are many places to go in Singapore.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, but it all keeps returning to you or that place. Husum's brother was shot right after he told me about you.

[Randy]

I did not know he had brother Johnny. I do not want to talk to you like this.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Randy]

Nobody wants to keep you away from me. You are frightened.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, that's past. If they wanted to kill me, they would have by now. Why did you bring me here?

[Randy]

I thought you understood. You are in trouble. Why don't you tell me to listen to you? I would help you.

[Johnny Dollar]

I get it.

[Randy]

That would be better. I will help you forget too. I'll make a drink. Hi. You like pie?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure. Anything.

[Randy]

Do not think about your dead Saints John. You cannot help them. Now you think of me.

[Vincent Ells]

What else?

[Narrator]

Easy now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Easy. Sorry to interrupt.

[Narrator]

Hey, keep your pistol on him, Roy.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. Well, I'll find out if he's got one.

[Randy]

He's not on.

[Johnny Dollar]

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 dry. That's why you should. Are you coming like a gentleman or otherwise, boy? Yeah.

[Randy]

Ooh.

[Tide Pods Announcer]

You know that big bargain detergent jug is 80% water, right? It doesn't clean as well. 80% water? I thought I was getting a better deal because it's so big. If you want a better clean, tide pods are only 12% water. The rest is pure, concentrated cleaning ingredients. Oh, let me make an announcement.

[Randy]

Attention, shoppers, if you want a real deal, try tide pods.

[Tide Pods Announcer]

Stop paying for watered down detergents. Pay for clean. If it's gotta be clean, it's gotta be tide pods. Water content based on the leading bargain liquid detergent.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, $. What do you make of this?

[Narrator]

You go to sleep in a river.

[Johnny Dollar]

Shack, you're not 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.

[Mr. Ku / Kufo Soon's Brother]

It's them that's more important.

[Vincent Ells]

Major.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here we are. I'm in the library. Come along. Right you are. Go on, straight ahead.

[Vincent Ells]

What on earth have you done to him?

[Laundry Product Announcer]

He.

[Johnny Dollar]

He was quite violent, sir. Here, help him to the chair.

[Vincent Ells]

I'd hope this wouldn't happen, Mr. Duller. Let me look at you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't bother. You'll get a foot in the face if you get close enough. I promise you that.

[Vincent Ells]

Oh, I see. It's obvious that you fancy yourself a difficult man to deal with. But let me share a simple truth. You will accomplish nothing here until I allow you to.

[Johnny Dollar]

Those are strong words.

[Vincent Ells]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

When will that be?

[Vincent Ells]

When I am ready to leave for Mexico. Me?

[Johnny Dollar]

You're crazy. That ship isn't going to Mexico.

[Vincent Ells]

Oh, yes it is, Mr. Dullard, because I have paid well for passage there.

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't buy ship's articles. The Yankee Pride says she's going to San Francisco.

[Vincent Ells]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Up to a point.

[Vincent Ells]

I understand you think that I brought you here for the purpose of bargaining with you. There's no need for that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why am I here?

[Vincent Ells]

Because I enjoy my power. And at the moment I'm fighting you and your stumbling, idiotic methods.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Vincent Ells]

You will be. I'm going to let you go on with your investigation because you're a harmless pipsqueep.

[Laundry Product Announcer]

Thanks.

[Vincent Ells]

How much money will your company lose by further delay?

[Johnny Dollar]

2% of $300,000 for each day over schedule.

[Vincent Ells]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Vincent Ells]

Good morning, Mr. Ells here, Mrs. Dollar. Well, I'm glad you phoned. I worried about what might happen to you last night.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, don't think for a minute that it didn't happen. What do you know about a Major Ralph Dixon?

[Vincent Ells]

Ralph Dixon? Yeah, by nothing. Who is he?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, he boasts that he's the man behind our trouble. He's crazy, and I really mean that. Oh, he claims that he's bribed everybody concerned with the Yankee Pride sailing, including port officials.

[Vincent Ells]

Mr. Dolly, you sound serious.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Vincent Ells]

There was no Mexican port.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Vincent Ells]

I say, what are you going to be doing?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'll start at the other end. I know my way around the bottom. Hello, Randy.

[Randy]

I did not run away, did I? I knew you would come back soon.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Randy]

Yes, I'm afraid of him. Many people are.

[Johnny Dollar]

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?

[Randy]

Said there would be no trouble that.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Randy]

I believe that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, don't you want to help yourself if you can?

[Randy]

Why? You know his power.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not like you do. And I don't want to. I think he's crazy. And if I have to, I'll kill him.

[Randy]

What can I do?

[Johnny Dollar]

Tell me what's behind it.

[Randy]

Gold from an inland sultanate who is afraid of invasion. They send their gold out when they can. The Major is making the arrangements.

[Johnny Dollar]

How much do you know?

[Randy]

I've only heard almost 100 million.

[Johnny Dollar]

American standard.

[Randy]

Yes, America. It's been delayed in its journey here. What can you do against power like that, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

If we can get high enough, we'll break him. The man I'm working with on this is checking every official the Major claims to have paid off.

[Randy]

How do you know that?

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean by that?

[Randy]

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 questions.

[Johnny Dollar]

He's been bored too, huh?

[Randy]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

You, the captain, the engineer, the officials, elves.

[Randy]

You too, Johnny, if you were wise.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did they tell you to say that?

[Randy]

It doesn't matter. Yes, they did. They told me to warn you.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm glad to hear that.

[Randy]

Why should you be glad?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because it means he's afraid of me. What else were you supposed to tell me?

[Randy]

Only about Mr. Ells.

[Vincent Ells]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

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 them there. It was a cottage set back from the street. 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.

[Vincent Ells]

Oh, yes. I've been advised that the poor man took his own life. Perhaps you can profit from his anger.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think I can. What happened? Did he turn on you?

[Vincent Ells]

Let us say that he didn't appreciate his position with me. He missed, calculated my strength, naturally learned there was nothing left for him to live for. How have you fared?

[Johnny Dollar]

I've done all right. I finally realized that there's only one Way to stop you.

[Vincent Ells]

Oh, and what is that?

[Johnny Dollar]

To kill you. Have you thought of that?

[Vincent Ells]

See here. I'm a man of influence. You'd not be rewarded, you'd be prosecuted.

[Johnny Dollar]

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 killed him. The girl, Rondi would if she weren't afraid.

[Vincent Ells]

But she is.

[Johnny Dollar]

She wouldn't be if you were dead. I want you to come with me.

[Vincent Ells]

And where would we go?

[Johnny Dollar]

Down to the police commissioner. Where I want you to list every bribe and killing you've been involved in.

[Vincent Ells]

Ridiculous. I have an appointment at the club. You'll pardon me, I'm sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know about the gold, Major.

[Vincent Ells]

Oh, you do, do you? What do you propose doing about it?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm going to stop it. You don't try to leave. Major.

[Vincent Ells]

Major. You fool.

[Randy]

Stupid little.

[Johnny Dollar]

I didn't kill him. As it turned out, I didn't have to. 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.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar stars Edmund o' Brien in the title role and is written by Gildoud with music conducted by Alexander Curry. Edmund o' Brien may soon be seen in the Paramount Pictures production Warpath. Featured in tonight's cast were Virginia Gregg, Bob Sweeney Tudor 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'.

[Johnny Dollar]

Brien as yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

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 the same Columbia station. Now stay tuned for Vaughn Monroe's Caravan which follows immediately on most the of these same CBS stations. This is CBS where Hopalong Cassidy rides every Saturday night on the Columbia Broadcasting System.