Adventure Of The Count Trefanno Crest by The Adventures Of Frank Race

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Adventure Of The Count Trifano Crest" by The Adventures Of Frank Race

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: The best Old Time Radio adventures in crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense! Relic Radio Thrillers delivers the ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes, and the cloak and dagger action that today's armchair adventurer demands!
• Episode: Adventure Of The Count Trofano Crest by The Adventures Of Frank Race
• Release Date: November 30, 2024

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Introduction

"Adventure Of The Count Trofano Crest" is a captivating episode from The Adventures Of Frank Race, a series that transitioned from its original CBS airing in 1949 to being featured on Relic Radio Thrillers. Hosted by RelicRadio.com, this episode delves into a complex narrative of mystery, deception, and intrigue in post-war Los Angeles. The story follows Frank Race, a former attorney turned adventurer, as he unravels the disappearance and subsequent murder of his former employer, Jonathan Templeton.

Plot Overview

The episode begins with Frank Race contemplating a recent case in his hotel room when Viventi approaches him with a plea for help. Viventi, a chauffeur on parole, reports the mysterious disappearance of his boss, Joseph Templeton. Despite believing it should be a police matter, Frank is drawn into the investigation, leading him to Templeton's apartment where he discovers disturbing evidence:

• Tombstones and Clues: Frank finds numerous bank books, pawn tickets, and a ledger detailing transactions with pawn shops across the country. The most significant discovery is a collection of precious stones resembling the Bavarian crown jewels (00:40). These findings hint at Templeton's possible involvement in illicit activities.

As Frank delves deeper, he receives a threatening call from a man named Lombard demanding the return of a specific ring. This leads to a tense encounter with Maria Nieman, who aggressively seeks the ring connected to Count Trofano Crest. The plot thickens with Frank's subsequent investigation into local pawn shops, unraveling Templeton's deceptive dealings and connections to Lombard.

Key Scenes and Discussions

Encounter with Viventi (02:25 - 04:08)

Viventi approaches Frank, seeking help to find his missing boss, Joseph Templeton. Their conversation reveals Viventi's precarious situation on parole and hints at Templeton's involvement in shady dealings.

Viventi: "My boss disappeared. I am chauffeur."
Frank Race (02:35): "You mean he left town without paying you?"
Viventi (02:40): "No, no. Joseph disappeared. You're fine."

Discovery in Templeton’s Apartment (04:08 - 05:08)

Frank investigates Templeton’s apartment, uncovering significant financial documents and the invaluable ring, which becomes central to the mystery.

Frank Race (04:08): "The contents of Templeton's desk gave no clue to his whereabouts... but it was in a little metal filing box that I hit the jackpot."

Threatening Call and Confrontation with Maria Nieman (05:08 - 07:18)

Frank receives a menacing call from Lombard about the ring, leading to a hostile meeting with Maria Nieman, who insists on retrieving the ring at any cost.

Lombard (06:42): "Get that ring back here and get it back fast, unless you want trouble." Maria Nieman (06:46): "You give me little choice. I must have that ring you promised."

Investigation of Pawn Shops (08:00 - 11:28)

Frank and his associate Mark Donovan examine various pawn shops, discovering a pattern in Templeton’s fraudulent activities involving white zircons and deceitful practices.

Frank Race (10:00): "In your studies of human nature, have you ever come across a specimen named Jonathan Templeton?" Pawn Broker (10:10): "Yes, yes, I know Jonathan Templeton by other names. He plagues many pawnbrokers."

Confrontation with Lombard and Revelation (12:57 - 16:10)

A pivotal scene unfolds as Frank confronts Lombard, unveiling deeper layers of the conspiracy and linking Maria Nieman to the murder of Templeton.

Harry Kraft (12:57): "Ms. Lombard, Templeton's dead." Frank Race (13:01): "I knew something was wrong. Called again about the ring. I thought we'd be there by then."

Climactic Showdown and Truth Unveiled (24:09 - 25:00)

The tension peaks when Maria and Harry confront Frank, leading to the revelation of their involvement in Templeton's murder and their ulterior motives tied to Count Trofano Crest.

Frank Race (24:03): "You tell it, Harry." Harry Kraft (24:14): "I killed him. Speak to me." Maria Nieman (24:48): "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Character Insights

• Frank Race: A resourceful and determined adventurer who leverages his legal background to navigate complex criminal investigations. His interactions reveal a mix of skepticism and sharp intuition.

  Frank Race (05:22): "The bedroom was just as had been at first glance. A portrait of Jonathan Templeton..."

• Viventi: A conflicted character seeking redemption while entangled in Templeton's mysterious disappearance. His parole status adds urgency to his request for help.

  Viventi (03:08): "I don't want your money. What kind of a rap were you jailed on?"

• Maria Nieman: A femme fatale whose aggressive pursuit of the ring masks deeper connections to the central mystery. Her interactions suggest manipulation and desperation.

  Maria Nieman (06:46): "You give me little choice. I must have that ring you promised."

• Harry Kraft: A pivotal antagonist whose relationship with Maria and involvement in Templeton's death unravels the central conflict.

  Harry Kraft (24:27): "What are you trying to do, frame me?"

Themes and Insights

• Deception and Identity: The episode explores how appearances can be misleading, as characters like Maria Nieman and Count Trofano Crest embody hidden agendas and true identities.

• Moral Ambiguity: Frank Race operates in a gray area, where legal norms blur with personal vendettas, highlighting the complexities of post-war morality.

• The Quest for Truth: Frank’s relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the theme of uncovering hidden truths amidst layers of deceit.

Conclusion

"Adventure Of The Count Trofano Crest" masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue, showcasing Frank Race's detective prowess against a backdrop of deceitful characters and elaborate plots. The episode culminates in the revelation of the true motives behind Jonathan Templeton's murder, tying back to the enigmatic Count Trofano Crest and leaving listeners eager for the next installment of Frank Race's adventures.

Frank Race (25:13): "Women are funny, Mark."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Frank Race (00:40): "Before the war, Frank Race worked as an attorney. But he traded his law books for the cloak and dagger of the OSS, and when it was over, his former life was over, too. Adventure had become his business."

• Viventi (02:25): "Is Detective Rees?"

• Maria Nieman (07:04): "The count may be here tomorrow. We're to be married. Give me that ring. Give it to me."

• Frank Race (10:34): "Well, how about this ring? The royal crest of the Trofano family."

• Harry Kraft (24:14): "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the golden era of Old Time Radio, blending suspenseful storytelling with rich character development. Relic Radio Thrillers continues to honor this legacy by presenting engaging and intricately plotted adventures that captivate both nostalgic listeners and new audiences alike.

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Stay Tuned: Be sure to join Relic Radio Thrillers next Friday for another thrilling chapter in the adventures of Frank Race.

Transcript

[Art Gilmore]

This is Relic Radio. Thrillers, action adventure and intrigue every Friday@ Relicradio.com Our story comes from the Adventures of Frank Race. This week, we'll hear the Adventure of the Count Trifano Crest. First heard over CBS on November 19th of 1949. The series was syndicated and aired over all the major networks at one time or another. Here it is. The Adventures of Frank Race.

[Paul Dubov]

The Adventures of Frank Race. Starring Paul Dubov. With Tony Barrett as Mark Donovan. The war changed many things. The face of the earth and the people on it. Before the war, Frank Race worked as an attorney. But he traded his law books for the cloak and dagger of the oss and when it was over, his former life was over, too. Adventure had become his business. The Adventures of Frank Race. And now we join Frank Race for the adventure of the Count Trofano Crest.

[Frank Race]

Los Angeles. After sundown, a sleepy city, like a giant cat, warm and content, denying its spectacular reputation. Mark was out on the town, and I was sitting in our hotel room reading a newspaper account of a case we had just cleaned up. As my eyes came to the bottom of the column, I glanced down at the floor and suddenly noticed that I either had four feet or company. Since the other pair of shoes on the floor were several sizes smaller than my modest tens. I dropped the paper and looked up. About five feet up. He was dressed in a color scheme that might have come from a painting by Cezanne. And had I been a drinking man, I might have taken the pledge.

[Viventi]

Is Detective Rees?

[Frank Race]

Well, the name is Race, but I'm not a detective. What can I do for you?

[Viventi]

My boss disappeared. I am chauffeur.

[Frank Race]

You mean he left town without paying you?

[Viventi]

No, no. Joseph disappeared. You're fine.

[Frank Race]

Why come to me? This is a case for the police.

[Viventi]

No, no, no police. Viventi say no police.

[Frank Race]

Who is Viventi?

[Viventi]

It's me.

[Frank Race]

Oh. Well, that explains everything. Except why no police.

[Viventi]

Viventi is on parole from prison one more month.

[Frank Race]

Oh, I see. Which means that you'd be yanked as a parole violator if the police thought you were hooked up with the disappearance.

[Viventi]

You find the boss, I pay.

[Frank Race]

I don't want your money. What kind of a rap were you jailed on? The one you've been paroled for?

[Viventi]

Oh, fight in Kraft game with a.

[Frank Race]

Fellow who thought you threw too many sevens?

[Viventi]

Oh, no. Was Revan's that night. But was his own dice?

[Frank Race]

Ever have any trouble with your boss?

[Viventi]

Yes. Vivente want to go home, back to islands to loosen when parole is over, is why Mr. Templeton is mad. When I tell him is soon goodbye. He.

[Frank Race]

He blew his top.

[Viventi]

Oh, you said it, Mr. Templeton. Say he called Boris and tell him I squeeze oil and gasoline bills for to steal money.

[Frank Race]

When did you see Templeton last?

[Viventi]

Two nights ago. I drive him home and put car away. I go to apartment yesterday, is no answer. No. I called on telephone. Today is no, no, no answer. I go to apartment again tonight, is no answer. It's disappeared.

[Frank Race]

Is maybe dead. We better get into that apartment and have a look.

[Viventi]

You see Detective Racer, he's gone.

[Frank Race]

We might get a line on where he's gone, though. You're familiar with his dress. Check the bedroom closets and see if he took any clothing with him. I looked through this desk.

[Viventi]

Oh, he's cool. Idol.

[Frank Race]

The contents of Templeton's desk gave no clue to his whereabouts. But the search wasn't boring. There were a dozen bank books held together by a rubber band, all showing sizable balances. In another drawer, also bound by a rubber band, was a stack of pawn tickets, again for sizable sums. In the same drawer was a ledger and a list of money transactions with pawn shops in major cities all over the country. But it was in a little metal filing box that I hit the jackpot. A batch of precious stones in various settings. They looked like the Bavarian crown jewels. I spilled them out on the desk as Viventi came back into the room.

[Viventi]

Oh, it's change mind, detective racing.

[Paul Dubov]

Yeah.

[Frank Race]

What about you?

[Viventi]

Forget case, Mr. Templeton. Just go away. Vacation.

[Frank Race]

You got the jitters, Viventic. What did you find in there?

[Viventi]

Oh, nothing.

[Frank Race]

I think I'll take a look.

[Viventi]

No, no, no.

[Frank Race]

You go away. The bedroom was just as had been at first glance. A portrait of Jonathan Templeton on the wall dominating the room. But now the closets were open. Staring at me from one of them but not seeing me was the face that had posed for the portrait. Jonathan Templeton had been strangled by a brightly colored necktie. I turned back to Vinti just in time to see an iron paperway do things to my conscious mind. When I came to dawn, like my head was breaking, I made an anonymous call to the police, tipping them off about the body. And then I stuffed the jewelry and the pawn tickets into my pocket. For future reference. I was about to leave the apartment when the phone rang. I answered it. Hello? This is Lombard. Get that ring back here and get it back fast, unless you want trouble. Which ring and where shall I bring it? Don't stall. You know which. Who is this? A friend. Just a friend who Is it? Hello? Hello. A man named Lombard. And he wanted a ring. It was something to remember. I stepped to the door, out into the hall, just in time to bump into a female who might have stepped out of a drawing by Varga. Oh. Oh, excuse me. I didn't see you.

[Maria Nieman]

He's all right. I'm not hurt. I was coming in to see you.

[Frank Race]

So I notice. With a skeleton key in your hand.

[Maria Nieman]

You give me little choice. I must have that ring you promised. I have paid you all I can.

[Frank Race]

How do I know the ring is yours?

[Maria Nieman]

Why do you torture me? You know the crest. It belongs to Count Rafano. I must have the ring when he returns. I must.

[Frank Race]

Lombard wants the ring too. What am I bid?

[Maria Nieman]

This is my final bid.

[Frank Race]

A.22 pistol and monogrammed. What will they think of next? I've got bad news for you, ducky. I'm not Jonathan Tableton.

[Maria Nieman]

Then where is he?

[Frank Race]

Well, that depends on the kind of life he lived. Because he's dead and those sirens mean the police are coming to find out why I'm getting lost and humbly suggest you do the same.

[Viventi]

Well, well, well, well. The wandering boy comes home. And where have you been?

[Frank Race]

Out.

[Viventi]

Out, he says. I've been looking for you all night. You was a guy which was going to bed oily. And now you tell me you went off and had a ball.

[Frank Race]

When I set out, I met out cold. Somebody caressed me with a paperweight. Although I can't understand why he ran off and left these behind.

[Viventi]

Whoa, cocks. Hey, look, you didn't go off your trolley and knock off a jewelry store, now, did you?

[Frank Race]

No. But somewhere in this stuff is the clue to a man's murder. Come on.

[Viventi]

That's good. Come on where?

[Frank Race]

Down to the police robbery detail to check on these things. They're probably stolen. We can locate the owners through insurance pictures and circulars. The police check turned out to be a blind alley. Not one of the pieces showed up on the list of missing jewelry. I took out the batch of pawn tickets I had lifted from Templin's desk. Mark and I made the rounds of the three gold ball establishments. The answers were all the same. In each case, a man answering Templeton's description had pawned a valuable piece of jewelry. The handwriting on the pledges matched too, but he used a different name each time. We continued our march down Spring Street.

[Viventi]

He's another pawn shop.

[Frank Race]

Miller's. What?

[Viventi]

Did he drop in here?

[Frank Race]

That's funny. What? There aren't any tickets for Miller's. YETI hasn't missed any of the other shops on Spring street up to this point. And there are tickets for places further up the street.

[Viventi]

So?

[Frank Race]

So I've got a hunch. Give me your wristwatch. Mark my writ.

[Maria Nieman]

What for?

[Frank Race]

I'm gonna pawn it. I left my watch back at the hotel.

[Viventi]

Well, how convenient for your.

[Frank Race]

Come on, come on, Marcus, give. I'll put it on and go in there. Here, you take the tickets and check the rest of the pawn shops. I'll meet you back at the hotel.

[Viventi]

Yeah, yeah. Everything happens to me.

[Frank Race]

See you later.

[Pawn Broker]

Well, what can I do for you?

[Frank Race]

I'd like to get $10 on this wristwatch and I'll take it off here.

[Pawn Broker]

Nice watch. But it's not yours.

[Frank Race]

What did you do, take in a crystal ball on a pledge?

[Pawn Broker]

No, no. You had it fastened through the second hole in the watch band. But there are signs of wear on the band near the fourth hole. The person who wears this watch has a smaller wrist.

[Frank Race]

Maybe we ought to trade places.

[Pawn Broker]

In this business, one must be an observer of human beings and a student of human nature.

[Frank Race]

In your studies of human nature, have you ever come across a specimen named Jonathan Templeton?

[Pawn Broker]

Yes, yes, I know Jonathan Templeton by other names. He plagues many pawnbrokers.

[Frank Race]

Plagues them how?

[Pawn Broker]

By borrowing large sums of money on worthless collateral.

[Frank Race]

Well, maybe. I have some samples of his merchandise. Take a look at these.

[Pawn Broker]

Where'd you get.

[Frank Race]

That's not important. Are they worth anything? Well, no.

[Pawn Broker]

Settings are gold and platinum. But the stones, they are mostly white zircons. The zircon is only a semi precious stone.

[Frank Race]

Well, how about this ring? The royal crest of the Trofano family.

[Pawn Broker]

With the large diamond, also a zircon worth perhaps $100. Many pawnbrokers might give a thousand on it.

[Frank Race]

Are you kidding? No.

[Pawn Broker]

They are only businessmen, not jewelers. Most of them are not students of real values. Only one who knows jewelry well can tell a flawless white zircon from a diamond.

[Frank Race]

The ring would certainly fool me.

[Pawn Broker]

That's why it could also fool a pawnbroker. And if the pledge is not redeemed.

[Frank Race]

The pawnbroker is stuck with it when it's appraised for sale.

[Pawn Broker]

That's right. The more ethical pawnbrokers take their loss and try to be more careful. But there are others who try to get even by passing the collateral off on another broker.

[Frank Race]

And that's where a man like Templeton gets into the actual. The broker who gets stuck hires him to stick some other broker.

[Pawn Broker]

Yes, for a very large commission.

[Frank Race]

Did Templeton Ever work for you? He's never passed anything here, according to the tickets.

[Pawn Broker]

I know fine things. He could not fool me.

[Frank Race]

Well, can you think of any broker in town he might have worked for?

[Pawn Broker]

Perhaps there are others for whom you have no tickets. Like Charles Lombard.

[Frank Race]

Lombard? A pawnbroker named Lombard on South Hill Street. Can I help you? Are you Lombard? Yes. I'm a private investigator. I'm trying to locate some merchandise stolen from a client of mine about a year ago. I don't take in stolen stuff. I didn't say you did. I just want to look through your back files. Something wrong? Your voice. I've heard it before. I was on a radio quiz program a few days ago. Yeah, maybe that's it. What do you want to see? Your files from seven or eight months ago. Unclaimed stuff is sold if it isn't redeemed in six months. I know. I guess it's all right. The files are in the cage. Here, I'll show you. If the Crest ring had come from Lombards and had been passed to Templeton, I wanted to know who had dropped it off originally and why Lombard wanted it back. I rifled through the file, and there it was. It had been pledged by a woman, Maria Nieman, and her initials matched the MN monogram on the.22 that had been jabbed in my ribs. Outside of Templeton's apartment. I prepped a few questions to shoot at Lombard, but just then, another man came in.

[Harry Kraft]

Ms. Lombard, Templeton's dead.

[Viventi]

Take it easy, Craft.

[Harry Kraft]

Oh. Any news?

[Frank Race]

I knew something was wrong. Called again about the ring. I thought we'd be there by then.

[Harry Kraft]

Maria went up herself.

[Frank Race]

It was too late. Did you get a chance to look around?

[Harry Kraft]

No. Somebody was coming out of the apartment.

[Frank Race]

Must have been the same man who answered the phone when I called.

[Harry Kraft]

She said he was big, about 6ft. He was wearing a blue suit.

[Frank Race]

I was hidden from him by the grill of the cage. But he started to describe me like a police bulletin. It was time to let the sun set on the little island of precious pawn trinkets. I came out of the cage and headed for the door, fast. So long, and thanks. Find what you wanted?

[Paul Dubov]

Hey, he's the guy.

[Frank Race]

Grab him. I managed to dump the Lombard and a man named Crap and made the door. But as I stepped into the street, the face of Maria Neiman stared into mine from a car parked at the curb. Then all of a sudden. She had three eyes, and one of them was the muzzle of that.22. I yelled, Stop. Feet. And started after a Man who was running for a trolley. It served its purpose. A crowd fell in behind me, blocking her aim, and I beat the man I was chasing to the trolley by a good five yards.

[Paul Dubov]

We'll return to the Adventures of Frank Ray in just about one minute. And now back to the Adventures of Frank Race.

[Frank Race]

It was one of those rough days. Getting hit on the head and shot at had turned the case of Jonathan Templeton from a matter of idle curiosity to a matter of personal interest. I wanted to have another little chat with Aventi, who had left me speechless in his boss's apartment. So at 10:00 that night, I sashayed into the Rendezvous Ballroom, a dime a dance joint where many of Eventi's compatriots spend their evenings and their money worshiping the biggest blonde Amazon since the Gold Rush. The orchestra was in a break and only the pianist was left beating out a dreamy improvisation. I spotted my quarry in a dim corner of the hall near a fire escape. Friend Viventi was cradled in the arms of one of said Amazons who was gently rocking his dream board.

[Maria Nieman]

Hello, honey. Wanna dance talk?

[Frank Race]

No, thanks on all counts.

[Maria Nieman]

A big shot.

[Frank Race]

Hello, Vivivendi. Come on, Junior, show your face.

[Viventi]

No, no, priso.

[Frank Race]

You go away.

[Viventi]

Not beat it, Bob.

[Maria Nieman]

Don't bother my customers.

[Frank Race]

Here's a fistful of tickets, baby. Your partner and I want to sit this one out on the fire escape.

[Maria Nieman]

Well, thanks.

[Frank Race]

No.

[Viventi]

Oh, you find Viventio.

[Frank Race]

It's a gift. Come on, Romeo. Out on the balcony. Know anything about a pawnbroker named Lombard on Ferrell Street? Viventi?

[Viventi]

Oh, Issa sometimes go there to pick up retold packages for Mr. Templeton.

[Frank Race]

Ever heard Templeton mention a man named Controfano?

[Viventi]

No.

[Frank Race]

No? How about a man named Kraft?

[Viventi]

He's come to see Mr. Templeton sometimes. I drive him in car. Once with his girl, name of Maria. I read them out on Con on pawn shop.

[Frank Race]

When was that? About seven or eight months ago.

[Viventi]

Oh, yes, was spring. He's good.

[Frank Race]

Maybe it helps. Now look vamatic. You better call your parole officer and turn yourself in until I clear this up.

[Viventi]

Oh, no, no, no. With man, that is bad. Find who killed Templeton.

[Frank Race]

Goodbye. Please. His box toe shoe caught me in the shin and I jackknifed while he went down the ladder into the street. Try following a man down a ladder when you have only one working leg. If you can do it, you're a cinch to make the fire department. I tried to figure my next move and it was hours before a germ of intelligence bored its way into my brain. I was trying to do the chasing. When I had possession of the ring. I went back to my hotel, turned on all the lights and waited for them to come to me. I didn't wait long. Come in.

[Maria Nieman]

Mr. Voice.

[Frank Race]

Don't reach for the artillery in your purse. Maria. I happen to have a gun this time myself.

[Maria Nieman]

When I shot at you, I didn't know that you were a private investigation.

[Frank Race]

No, you thought I was a clay pigeon.

[Maria Nieman]

I can't help what you think. I will pay you well if you will return the ring you have. The one with the Trofano crest.

[Frank Race]

How much?

[Maria Nieman]

Well, I have $500.

[Frank Race]

It isn't worth any more than a hundred bucks.

[Maria Nieman]

I know. I don't care about the actual value. I must have the ring by tomorrow morning.

[Frank Race]

What's so important about it?

[Maria Nieman]

The count may be here tomorrow. We're to be married. Give me that ring. Give it to me.

[Frank Race]

She came at me with her nails flying and I grabbed her. Then she tried to give it that. 22 again. I don't like to argue with ladies when they're onto the teeth. So I put her to sleepy by just as Mark came into the room.

[Viventi]

Well, what? What, what, what, what? I will be a horse's neck, brother. That caveman stuff went out with high button shoes. Race. You cannot go around slugging dames.

[Frank Race]

If you would be more observant, Mark, you'd note that the lady is toting a gun. Gold plated, it's true, but deadly.

[Viventi]

That thing could almost make thine pleasure. What a gimmick.

[Frank Race]

Give her some water, then show her out. I'm going to call on another lady.

[Viventi]

But it's almost 3am just about the.

[Frank Race]

Time this particular lady will be having her nightcap in the small private room of Chico's nightclub out on the strip.

[Viventi]

Who is the babe?

[Frank Race]

Her name is Cissy Waterfield. She writes the best society column in Los Angeles. I've got to find out a few things about a man named Count Trofano. Sissy Waterfield wasn't hard to find a Chico's. There was the usual crowd of males surrounding her. I took a seat at a corner table and waited until she saw me. She pushed her way through the team and came over, the beauty of her blending with the soft beat of the piano.

[Maria Nieman]

Hello, Grace.

[Frank Race]

Why the pod, honey?

[Maria Nieman]

I read in the papers you were in town. But you didn't call me.

[Frank Race]

Papers also told where I was staying. You didn't call me.

[Maria Nieman]

I thought of it.

[Frank Race]

Good girl.

[Maria Nieman]

But you're a difficult man sometimes. I learned that on my last trip to New York.

[Frank Race]

You were getting serious, Sissy. I didn't become you. Not with that playgirl facade. I thought you were going to leave, Sissy.

[Maria Nieman]

Oh, Jerry, darling. I've just found an old friend. Why don't you run along?

[Frank Race]

How will you get home?

[Maria Nieman]

Rice will take me. Won't you race?

[Frank Race]

Well, yes.

[Maria Nieman]

Call me tomorrow, Jerry.

[Viventi]

Good night.

[Frank Race]

Oh, he didn't like that.

[Maria Nieman]

I'm a beast. I wouldn't have done it for anyone but you.

[Frank Race]

You know I believe you, don't you? I need some help, Sissy.

[Maria Nieman]

Anything you want, just ask.

[Frank Race]

What do you know about Count Trofano?

[Maria Nieman]

I wrote a column about him just a couple of weeks ago. He's a deer. A scandal, but charming. We were engaged once.

[Frank Race]

I didn't know that.

[Maria Nieman]

Didn't last long. He went back to Europe a year ago. Some sort of court trial. His family estates had been seized just before the war. And the poor darling was broke a year ago.

[Frank Race]

But you said you did a column on him just recently.

[Maria Nieman]

I did. His case was dragged through the courts and it was just settled. He got his estate back. A castle on the Riviera, the works. Always coming back to America. He said some ridiculous thing in an interview over there. Something about coming back to the woman he loves.

[Frank Race]

Know who the woman is?

[Maria Nieman]

With him, it's hard to tell. The competition was heavy. That help you?

[Frank Race]

Yes, plenty.

[Maria Nieman]

Good. Because I don't want to talk anymore. Take me home, darling.

[Frank Race]

I took Sissy home. I helped her wind the cat and put the. We made some confetti in case we should ever go to the Mardi Gras. Then I kissed her goodbye and headed for downtown Los Angeles. I got there just in time to see Lombard open his pawn shop for the day. I waited in the street for a minute or two. Then I followed him. You don't go for that gun. Lombard managed to get one of his arms up behind his back, pinned him to the mat and sat on him. After we've had a little chat, I'm warning you. I'll call the police. You're in no position to call anybody, legally or physically. Now, what goes with that ring? Or do I have to break your arm? The girl pondered. She didn't come back for it in a six month period, so I tried to sell it. And then you found out it was a piece of junk, so you gave it to Templeton to unload. Yeah. But then all of a sudden, she came back with the ring. I called Templeton, but he Wouldn't give it back. He wanted to keep it. Did she know that? I told her her boyfriend, Harry Kraft, knew Templeton and he went to him, but he wouldn't give it up. He blackmailed the girl. For what? I don't know. Why were you so hot on getting the ring back? I wanted to give the ring back to the proper owner since she wanted it. Well, that sounds honest and ethical. Now, one more thing. Where does the girl live? Why? So you can blackmail the Regent Arms near La Brea. That's better. Thanks. I'll be seeing you. My visit to the Regent Arms was brief. Nobody was home, so I whiled away the time by opening and closing drawers. There were several blackmail notes from Templeton to Maria Nieman and a bunch of torrid love letters from Harry Kraft to Maria. Another item of interest was an unused marriage license, just two weeks old, made out to Maria Nieman and Harry Kraft. That was what I was looking for. I called Mark at the hotel and told him to meet me at Kraft's house. I got there first.

[Harry Kraft]

Back. Your cabin. Oh, it's you.

[Frank Race]

Buying someplace? Craft.

[Maria Nieman]

Is that the cab?

[Harry Kraft]

Better come in.

[Frank Race]

I think so, too.

[Maria Nieman]

Oh, Mr. Race, I. I know it's a little late, but I. I want to apologize for all the trouble we've caused you, Skipper.

[Harry Kraft]

You mean that?

[Frank Race]

Sure. Your girlfriend offered me $500 for this ring. I've decided to sell. Well, what's the matter? No takers?

[Harry Kraft]

Well, you see, Maria wanted the ring back for sentimental reasons, but.

[Maria Nieman]

But now I don't. Harry and I have become very close in the past week or so.

[Frank Race]

And you've decided that he is your own true love, right?

[Harry Kraft]

I guess you could call it that.

[Frank Race]

Old friends for a long time, and then all of a sudden, in a week. Love.

[Maria Nieman]

I. I guess that's the way it is, Rhys. Foolish though it may seem.

[Frank Race]

Foolish? It's unbelievable.

[Harry Kraft]

What do you mean?

[Frank Race]

Well, your intuition must be strong because you took out this marriage license two weeks ago, before you even fell in love.

[Harry Kraft]

Where'd you get that?

[Frank Race]

In Maria's apartment, along with a bunch of love letters you wrote. Also, before you fell in love, you thought the good Count Trofano had passed out of your life. But then he turned up rich when the European courts verified his rights to his family estate. That's why you and Maria never used this marriage license.

[Harry Kraft]

Yes again, wise guy, because we are going to use a license. We're getting married today.

[Frank Race]

Why? Because of your great love. Or so you can't testify against each other.

[Maria Nieman]

Testify for what?

[Frank Race]

For the murder of Jonathan Templeton. Templeton figured out how you planned to take the count and he wanted the cuts.

[Maria Nieman]

But we had nothing to do with the murder of Templeton.

[Frank Race]

Is that right, Harry? Turning state's evidence isn't a bad idea when the going gets rough.

[Harry Kraft]

I'm sorry, Maria.

[Viventi]

He's right, Harry. What?

[Harry Kraft]

You better tell him, baby.

[Maria Nieman]

I have nothing to tell him.

[Frank Race]

You tell it, Harry.

[Harry Kraft]

I drove her there, waited downstairs. Maria went up.

[Maria Nieman]

That's a lie.

[Harry Kraft]

Wouldn't give her the ring, so she strangled him.

[Maria Nieman]

Liar. Liar.

[Viventi]

Hey, stop her.

[Frank Race]

Stop. Calm down, honey.

[Viventi]

Calm down.

[Frank Race]

I know he's lying. Because you'd never seen Templeton and you didn't know he was dead. You thought I was Templeton when you met me in the hall.

[Harry Kraft]

What are you trying to do, frame me?

[Frank Race]

I'm getting out of here. Not until you get a police. I'm holding.

[Maria Nieman]

I killed him. Speak to me, Lava. Speak to me.

[Frank Race]

Oh, he isn't dead, honey. That was a nice shot with that bottle, but what a wish. Good bourbon.

[Maria Nieman]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[Frank Race]

And so I endured that little scene until Mark came in, followed shortly by the police, who took over. Then Marcus and I flagged a stray cab and headed back to the hotel. Ain't that up?

[Viventi]

Panic. Imagine that thing bawling up about a guy who's trying to set her up for the gas chamber. Now, how does that.

[Frank Race]

Women are funny, Mark.

[Viventi]

Dad.

[Frank Race]

Dumb dang.

[Viventi]

That Count, your final character wasn't coming back to marry you. There's a story in today's paper about him. He married some fat blonde in Milwaukee. Her old man's a beer barrel of.

[Frank Race]

Stories, said a beer baron. Mark.

[Viventi]

Ain't that what I said?

[Frank Race]

I guess the Count was quite a Casanova. He must have had those phony rings made up by the gross to pass out like gumdrops to gullible females in exchange for their lovely, lovely kisses.

[Viventi]

Which is no crime if a guy can get away with it. Hey.

[Frank Race]

What?

[Viventi]

I wonder how much it will cost to get me a batch of those things.

[Maria Nieman]

And I.

[Viventi]

Just wondering, that's all. Just wondering. Can't a guy even dream a little?

[Paul Dubov]

The Adventures of Frank Ray, starring Paul Dubov with Tony Barrett as Mark Donovan comes to you from Hollywood. Others heard in tonight's cast were Georgia Ellis, Eve McVeigh, Parley Beyer, Gunner Peterson, Burt Holland and Jack Crucian. This series is written and directed by Buckley angel and Joel Murt. The music is composed and played by Ivan Ditmars. Be sure to be with us again this time next week for another dramatic chapter in the adventures of Frank Race. Art Gilmore speaking. This is a Bruce Elves program production.

[Art Gilmore]

There's more from Frank Race, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the Relic Radio podcasts. Relicradio.com where you'll find our shoutcast stream with even more old time radio lots to listen to there. All made possible by your support support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. Be back again next Friday with another episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.