The Newspaper Reporter by The Chase

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: Episode Summary – "The Newspaper Reporter" by The Chase

Release Date: December 27, 2024

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Introduction

Welcome to a detailed summary of "The Newspaper Reporter," an episode from The Chase, an NBC series that originally aired between April 1952 and June 1953. Hosted by RelicRadio.com, this episode plunges listeners into a whirlwind of crime, mystery, and suspense, centered around the tumultuous journey of reporter Charlie Morgan. This summary captures the essential moments, key dialogues, and pivotal developments throughout the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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Act 1: The Firing

Setting the Stage: Charlie Morgan, once a respected reporter, finds himself at odds with his editor, Potter. Their heated exchange sets the tone for Charlie's downward spiral.

Key Interactions:

• Charlie Morgan (00:01:47): Launches into a tirade against Potter, accusing him of incompetence and unprofessionalism.

  "Potter, you're a bum. You heard me. You're a bum." – Charlie Morgan [00:01:47]

• Potter (00:02:32): Remorselessly fires Charlie, citing his alcoholism and poor performance.

  "Morgan, you're fired." – Potter [00:02:32]

• Charlie Morgan (00:02:36): Denies and protests his termination.

  "Am I, fired?" – Charlie Morgan [00:02:47]

Significant Quote:

"Because of your pigheadedness, you missed the biggest news beat since the atom bomb." – Charlie Morgan [00:01:47]

Act 2: Gonzalez's Tip

A Glimmer of Opportunity: Shortly after being fired, Charlie encounters Gonzalez, an old acquaintance, who promises a lucrative news scoop about a missing man presumed dead.

Key Interactions:

• Gonzalez (00:04:45): Reintroduces himself and hints at a significant story.

  "I have something to offer you, senor. For a little money." – Gonzalez [00:04:55]

• Charlie Morgan (00:05:10): Shows initial reluctance but is intrigued by the potential of the story.

  "A man the world thought was dead, who has suddenly reappeared." – Gonzalez [00:05:39]

Significant Quote:

"I will give you the news bit of the century." – Gonzalez [00:05:25]

Act 3: Murder at the Elcato Hotel

The Deadly Meeting: Charlie heeds Gonzalez's tip and arrives at hotel room 413, only to discover the grisly murder of Potter and be targeted by assailants.

Key Events:

• Discovery of Potter's Body (00:07:27): Charlie finds Potter dead with a bullet hole in his chest.

  "Gonzalez, your body." – Charlie Morgan [00:07:28]

• Mysterious Warning (00:07:30): The dead Gonzalez warns Charlie about being the next target.

  "They know about you, senor. You will be next." – Gonzalez (Ghostly Voice) [00:07:30]

• Narrow Escape: Charlie narrowly avoids being shot and takes the photograph of the woman in the room.

Significant Quote:

"It's the biggest rhubarb since Lincoln's assassination." – Charlie Morgan [00:18:05]

Act 4: Pursued by Steuben and Escape

Encounter with Kurt Steuben: Charlie meets Kurt Steuben in a tense confrontation, heightening the stakes as he realizes the depth of the conspiracy against him.

Key Interactions:

• Kurt Steuben (00:08:25): Questions Charlie's presence and intentions.

  "May I ask who you are?" – Kurt Steuben [00:08:25]

• Charlie Morgan (00:09:04): Insists on the gravity of the situation, suspecting a larger scheme.

  "I've been conned, chased, mauled and shot at." – Charlie Morgan [00:18:10]

Significant Quote:

"They'll probably knock off this escape con themselves so he can take the rap for killing Gonzalez." – Charlie Morgan [00:20:53]

Act 5: Reaching Out to Potter

A Failed Plea for Help: In desperation, Charlie attempts to contact Potter to gain support, but Potter dismisses him, further isolating him.

Key Interactions:

• Unknown Caller (00:12:29): Attempts to communicate with Charlie, reinforcing the peril he’s in.

  "What kind of a pitch are you trying to hand me? Morgan, you drunk again?" – Unknown Caller [00:12:36]

• Charlie Morgan (00:13:10): Tries persuading Potter to take his story seriously.

  "I'm convinced I walked into the biggest rhubarb since Lincoln's assassination." – Charlie Morgan [00:18:05]

Significant Quote:

"I've got a photograph. Some dame. She might be his lady friend." – Charlie Morgan [00:12:58]

Act 6: Chasing Ms. Friar Talon

Following the Lead: Charlie tracks Ms. Friar Talon, believing she holds the key to unraveling the mystery behind the missing man and the series of murders.

Key Events:

• Confrontation with Ms. Friar Talon (00:21:35): Charlie accuses her of deceit and manipulative ties to the conspiracy.

  "Because you lied before. Gonzalez wasn't mixed up with a small time gangster." – Charlie Morgan [00:21:42]

• Seductive Deception: Ms. Talon attempts to distract Charlie, leading to heightened tension.

Significant Quote:

"You were pretty good at it before." – Ms. Friar Talon [00:22:07]

Act 7: Final Confrontation and Climax at the Bridge

The Bridge Showdown: Charlie is forcefully taken to a bridge by Steuben and Ms. Talon, where the true nature of the conspiracy is revealed, culminating in a deadly encounter with piranha fish.

Key Events:

• Approach to the Bridge (00:25:00): Tensions escalate as Charlie demands to know the identity of the mysterious man.

  "Who is he? Who's this mystery guy who's so hot you've got to keep him under wraps by leaving a trail of stiffs from here to the Amazon?" – Charlie Morgan [00:25:21]

• The Tragic Scene (00:27:26): The bridge collapses, and the piranha fish attack, leading to appearances of both the antagonist and the missing man’s demise.

  "It's the mystery man with the upturned coat collar. And just before the fish pulled him under, I caught a glimpse of a trick mustache and heard him scream." – Charlie Morgan [00:26:15]

Conclusion

Unraveling the Mystery: In the aftermath, Charlie discovers clues pointing toward a larger, possibly political, conspiracy involving a man named Adoles, symbolized by a swastika. This revelation hints at deeper motives behind the murders and the chase.

Key Discoveries:

• Evidence Found (00:26:54): Charlie retrieves a hat and a billfold containing a political party identification tag.

  "But I was able to make out two things on the card. Potter One was a crossed symbol in the form of a swastika on the upper right-hand corner and the other was what was left of a name on the bottom, a first name. Potter Adoles."

Final Reflections: Charlie's relentless pursuit exposes him to life-threatening dangers, but also uncovers significant truths about the powerful forces seeking to silence him, promising more intrigue in future episodes.

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Notable Cast and Crew

• Lawrence Clee: Creator and writer for The Chase.
• Vinton Hayworth, Doris Dalton, Snefen Schnabel, Wendell Holmes, Louis Van Rutten: Featured cast members.
• Walter McGraw: Director and transcriber.

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Closing Remarks

"The Newspaper Reporter" delivers a gripping narrative filled with twists, suspenseful chases, and complex character dynamics. For fans of old-time radio adventures in crime and mystery, this episode offers an immersive experience that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

For more episodes and thrilling stories, visit RelicRadio.com and explore the extensive library of Relic Radio podcasts and streams.

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Note: This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing all critical elements and dialogues that drive the story forward.

Transcript

[Charlie Morgan]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

This is relic Radio. Thrillers, action adventure and intrigue every Friday@ Relicradio.com. our story comes from the Chase this week, an NBC series of 55 episodes that first aired April of 1952 to June of 1953. Our story today is from May 25, 1952. It's titled the Newspaper Reporter.

[Lawrence Clee]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the chase. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted. Hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, chicken and worm. We in the topmost species have also joined the hunt. But who is to judge precisely which of us are hounds or foxes as we enter the chase?

[Charlie Morgan]

Potter, you're a bum. You heard me. You're a bum. This is Charlie Morgan telling it right to you in your own Dictaphone pottery. Because of your pigheadedness, you missed the biggest news beat since the atom bomb. And I'm laughing at you, Potter, right up my sleeve. I only wish the joke was really funny. But it. It's sad, Potter. It's downright pitiful. Remember the day you can me, Mr. Editor. Remember the day you bounced me off the staff? Big wheel sitting on a rubber inner tube behind your lousy desk. Fat, complacent smuggler. A law under yourself down here in South America. Top foot kisser for the Continental Press. Yeah, I can still see you wiggle that fat cigar around your greasy mouth.

[Potter]

Morgan, you're fired.

[Charlie Morgan]

I. I'm what?

[Potter]

Fired. Five letter word. Look it up. Synonym for bounce. Can withhold salary from and dismiss without notice.

[Charlie Morgan]

Why?

[Potter]

Why what?

[Charlie Morgan]

Am I, fired?

[Potter]

Oh, several reasons. I won't list them all, just two of them. A, you drink too much. B, you're a rotten reporter.

[Charlie Morgan]

No, wait a minute.

[Potter]

No point in arguing, Charlie. As a newspaper man, you're through. Particularly here in South America. You know it?

[Charlie Morgan]

Yeah, I guess I do.

[Potter]

The AP fired you first, and you lost your birth with up. I gave you a berth here on Continental because I felt sorry for you. You didn't appreciate it.

[Charlie Morgan]

I don't want a lecture, Potter.

[Potter]

Too much vino, Charlie. Too many senoritas. This is a newspaper office at Hollywood's version of what a newspaper office ought to be like. Days are gone when reporters wore their hats on the backs of their heads and scooped the town while having a quick one at Harry speak. You gotta work for a living if you want to keep a job, Johnny.

[Charlie Morgan]

Yeah, I guess you're right.

[Potter]

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll stake you to the tourist plane fare back to New York. It's 5,500 miles due north, Charlie. And I don't expect you to walk.

[Charlie Morgan]

Keep your stake, Potter. Oh, I'll get along. Maybe you were right about the hooch. The Danes. But when you call me a rotten reporter, I should have kicked your teeth.

[Potter]

Don't try any rough stuff, Martin.

[Charlie Morgan]

Blind drunk. I'm better than you'll ever be and I'll prove it. How? Fight. Well, I'll let you know right after I wind up cockeyed. You were half right anyway, Potter. I couldn't hold the job. That's why I came down to SA in the first place. My rep in the States was getting too bad. But the atmosphere south of the Amazon didn't change me, Potter. And I knew it when I wandered into that tourist ridden cocktail lounge at the Elcato Hotel and found a place for myself at the. Wow.

[Gonzalez]

You are an American reporter, are you not?

[Charlie Morgan]

I was.

[Gonzalez]

You do not remember me?

[Charlie Morgan]

No.

[Gonzalez]

The name is Gonzalez. We met in Rio two years ago. I worked for a magazine at that time. El Estilo.

[Charlie Morgan]

So what?

[Gonzalez]

I have something to offer you, senor. For a little money.

[Charlie Morgan]

No thanks.

[Gonzalez]

You do not even know what it.

[Charlie Morgan]

Is I have for whatever it is, I'm not interested. Go pedal it somewhere else.

[Gonzalez]

If that is how you feel about the most astounding piece of news since Hiroshima.

[Charlie Morgan]

What are you gassing about?

[Gonzalez]

I am taking a big risk by talking to you this way, senor. More than one man has been thrown into the river for the piranha fish to feast on. Within minutes they can strip onto the bone so that nothing is left.

[Charlie Morgan]

You're a cheerful character.

[Gonzalez]

But for a sum, senor, a small sum. I will give you the news bit of the century.

[Charlie Morgan]

Better try drinking your martinis through a straw. You're loaded.

[Gonzalez]

Don't be a fool. Won't you even listen to me?

[Charlie Morgan]

I'm listening, but you don't say anything. What's this big news scoop all about?

[Gonzalez]

I can only tell you at this time that it concerns a missing person. A man the world thought was dead, who has suddenly reappeared.

[Charlie Morgan]

How big deal.

[Gonzalez]

It is a big deal, senor, since you are so stubborn about it.

[Charlie Morgan]

Wait. Wait a minute. Well, all right. You got a beat. I'll buy it if it's ripe. But what is it?

[Gonzalez]

Will you pay $500?

[Charlie Morgan]

Maybe.

[Gonzalez]

Do you have $500 in American money?

[Charlie Morgan]

I can get it.

[Gonzalez]

Very well, senor. In that case. Being watched, senor?

[Charlie Morgan]

Watched?

[Gonzalez]

Do not look around. I am in the hotel, room 413. Meet me there in exactly one hour.

[Charlie Morgan]

41 3.

[Gonzalez]

Leave the hotel first, then return. Make sure you are not followed, senor. Your life may depend on it.

[Charlie Morgan]

He turned and slunk out of the bar like an animal afraid of being cornered. I waited 10 minutes, then walked through the lobby and left the hotel. I strolled up the avenida to kill a little time, then crossed the plaza and started to circle back. It was at that point that I first had the feeling of being shadowed. Twenty minutes later, I was standing in front of a room. 41 3. I rapped once and waited, then wrapped again. Then I tried the door and found it open. The room seemed empty at first, but when I crossed to the window, I saw an arm sticking out from behind the couch. There was a body attached to the arm. Potter. Gonzalez's body. And as I lifted his head, I saw the bullet hole in his chest. Gonzalez.

[Gonzalez]

Senor Morgan.

[Charlie Morgan]

Who plugged your Gonzalez? Tell me.

[Gonzalez]

They know about you, senor. You will be next. Run. Run, senor, for your life.

[Charlie Morgan]

The next thing I heard was a death rattle. And I lowered what was left of guns on us to the floor. My first impulse was to get out of there fast. But as I started for the door, I noticed a photograph standing near the bed. It was a picture of a woman, and I grabbed it on a hunch and yanked it out of the frame. That was when they made attempt number one, Potter, to shut me up. The shots came from the window, and they missed me by a hair. I bounded out into the car and started racing down the hall when I heard footsteps behind me and I knew I was being chased. I could almost hear the next two bullets whistle past my ear. And it was no time to stand on ceremony. I grabbed the nearest doorknob with a prayer that was answered when the door pushed open and I slammed in and locked it behind me. As I staggered into somebody's room.

[Kurt Steuben]

I beg your pardon.

[Charlie Morgan]

Excuse me, I.

[Kurt Steuben]

May I ask who you are?

[Charlie Morgan]

10 more seconds and it would have been who I was.

[Kurt Steuben]

What are you doing in my room?

[Charlie Morgan]

I'm running, mister.

[Kurt Steuben]

Running?

[Charlie Morgan]

Yeah. From a gun. Somebody out in that car that thinks there's an open season on Americans.

[Kurt Steuben]

Is this some kind of practical joke?

[Charlie Morgan]

Didn't you hear the shots?

[Kurt Steuben]

No.

[Charlie Morgan]

Well, I heard them, mister, and they were meant for me.

[Kurt Steuben]

Just a moment.

[Charlie Morgan]

Don't open that door, please.

[Kurt Steuben]

Well, all is empty.

[Charlie Morgan]

You're sure?

[Kurt Steuben]

Look for yourself.

[Charlie Morgan]

The guy who was chasing me must have taken a Potter, which suits me fine.

[Kurt Steuben]

Please. Exactly what is this all about?

[Charlie Morgan]

Man's been murdered. Room 413 on this floor. Let me see. Now wait a minute, mister. They've had five tries at me up to now and I don't want number six to hit the jackpot.

[Kurt Steuben]

I tell you, there's no one here in the corridor, my friend. Now show me the corpse.

[Charlie Morgan]

This way.

[Kurt Steuben]

Incidentally, who are you?

[Charlie Morgan]

Charlie Morgan's my name.

[Kurt Steuben]

Mine is Steuben. Kurt Steuben. And Charlie, do you mind if I suggest that you have the liquor on your dress?

[Charlie Morgan]

Okay, okay, so I had a quick one. One, mind you, that's not enough to dream up a yarn like this, is it? This? This is the room.

[Kurt Steuben]

Very well. The room is empty, my friend.

[Charlie Morgan]

Empty.

[Kurt Steuben]

Quite.

[Charlie Morgan]

But he was lying over there near the couch.

[Kurt Steuben]

Perhaps your corpse throw down to the bar for a beer, huh?

[Charlie Morgan]

Ah, these boys work fast. They got him out here while I was ducking slugs in the hall. Oh, I'm sure now that Gonzalez had a story. And what a story. If it's hot enough to kill for, it must be blazing.

[Kurt Steuben]

What kind of a story are you referring to?

[Charlie Morgan]

A missing man. Must be a big shot. I guess he turned up somewhere. But. But who? Where? I. What are you smiling at? Was I smiling? You think I'm off my conch?

[Kurt Steuben]

No, not exactly. Perhaps you did run into something important and the man was killed because of it. Wouldn't it be wiser to forget that?

[Charlie Morgan]

A suggestion or a threat?

[Kurt Steuben]

A threat? Why should I threaten you?

[Charlie Morgan]

Look, I've got part of a front page banner headline in my pocket, Bob. And if a certain fat headed editor will give me five minutes, you can read all about it in the next edition. He smiled again, then stuck a monocle in the corner of his eye and looked me over like I was some kind of bug under glass. He was still gawking at me with all his molars showing when I left the room. As soon as I stepped out of the street from the hotel lobby, I knew I'd made another mistake. I should have called Japada from a phone booth inside, but it was too late now. Right behind me, blocking the doorway, was a guy with a chest like a barrel and a face like an apes. He was watching me with an ugly scowl. One of his mitts was inside his pocket, wrapped around a gun. I began to walk and so did he. And then I started to run. I tried to lose myself in the narrow streets, but he stuck to me like blue and any second I expected to hear his revolver crack and feel the lead burn through my spine. Then, just as I thought my legs would give out, I spotted a Shopping arcade. And I ducked inside with the crowd. A few seconds later, I looked behind me and he was gone. I ducked into a phone booth.

[Unknown Caller]

Hello? Potter.

[Charlie Morgan]

The Charlie Morgan Potter. Well, Charlie, listen, I'm calling from a phone booth near the Avenue of Rio Carta. I just got a tip. It's a hot one.

[Unknown Caller]

What kind of a tip?

[Charlie Morgan]

A guy's been missing. He's supposed to be dead, but he's shown up again.

[Unknown Caller]

What guy?

[Charlie Morgan]

Well, I don't know yet.

[Unknown Caller]

Oh, brother.

[Charlie Morgan]

Now, listen to me, Potter.

[Unknown Caller]

What kind of a pitch are you trying to hand me? Morgan, you drunk again?

[Charlie Morgan]

Don't be a chump. A man's been murdered because of this thing. I saw his body.

[Unknown Caller]

Where?

[Charlie Morgan]

The Elcado Hotel.

[Unknown Caller]

You notify the police?

[Charlie Morgan]

I. Well, no, I.

[Unknown Caller]

Why not?

[Charlie Morgan]

Because his body disappeared along with the pink elephant. Oh, for the love of Mike, stop baiting me, will you? This is on the level, Potter. I swear it. I've got a photograph. Some dame. She might be his lady friend. If I can find out who she is. All right, all right.

[Unknown Caller]

Come up to the the office. Let's see what goes.

[Charlie Morgan]

Do I get my job back if this thing hooks up?

[Unknown Caller]

Doesn't, I'll have you thrown in the river. Let the piranha fishes eat you alive.

[Charlie Morgan]

I'm on my way, Potter. Just sit tight. But I wasn't on my way, at least not yet, because I suddenly spotted the gorilla who'd been chasing me coming through the arcade. I ducked out of the phone booth just as he caught my eye and we both started moving together. He was big, but I was fast, and 10 seconds later, I tumbled into a cab that was parked in front of the arcade and yelled, calle mate. Una dos cinco. Pronto, hombre. I looked back through the window and saw him standing on the curb. The sun was down, the streets were getting dark, but I could have sworn I saw a smile on his face as my cab jumped away. Five minutes later, I knew the joke was on me. Driver. Hombre.

[Gonzalez]

You called, senor?

[Charlie Morgan]

Where are you going?

[Gonzalez]

Calle Martes, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

This isn't the way to the Calle Martes. You're going north.

[Gonzalez]

Si, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

Como?

[Gonzalez]

A shortcut, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

Esta ustad bien. Seguro. Where?

[Gonzalez]

Si, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

Hey, wait a minute. Stop the car. I'm getting out here. Did you hear me, hombre? Stop this jalopy, you stupid looking crumb, before I.

[Gonzalez]

Be quiet, senor, and enjoy the ride.

[Charlie Morgan]

I saw it when I leaned over a German Luger as big as a cannon of A strapped to his gear shift. And he had one hand on the wheel and the other on the gun butt. We drove for 20 minutes more in silence. While I weighed the odds against trying to take him from behind. He was doing 50 by that time and we were on the open road at least five miles from town. But gun or no gun, I wasn't going to let him waltz me around again, will he? So I moved up suddenly and grabbed his throat while his hand shot up and pressed the Luger, muzzle against my cheek. Got him. Stop this car. Let go, I shoot. Go ahead and I'll twist this wheel right off the road. I swear, I shoot. Let go. Hey, look out. We hit a tree head on and the car was a wreck. I got out of it lucky with a twisted shoulder and a cut on my cheek. While the driver's head smacked into the dashboard and knocked him cold. Hey, hombre. Wake up, hombre. Take it easy, hombre. Now I've got the Luger. Can you stand?

[Gonzalez]

No, Puerto, I'm there.

[Charlie Morgan]

Try it. Come on, get on your feet. That's better. Now let's keep it in English. You were pretty good at it before.

[Gonzalez]

What's the deal, Senor?

[Charlie Morgan]

Who paid you to take me for a ride?

[Gonzalez]

I do not remember.

[Charlie Morgan]

Will you remember better if I massage your skull with this Luger?

[Gonzalez]

Senor, por favor. I'm a poor man. For a few pesos, I do someone a favor.

[Charlie Morgan]

A few pesos? I'm not worth much, am I?

[Gonzalez]

I was not to hurt you, senor. Just to drive you to the house.

[Charlie Morgan]

What house?

[Gonzalez]

It is near here.

[Charlie Morgan]

Okay, let's go.

[Gonzalez]

Senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

I said let's go to that house, hombre. He took me through the woods about a half a mile. Till we reached a broken down shack with a car parked in front of it. It was a big job, European Mercedes. And it looked incongruous standing in front of that hovel. I nudged the guy with my gun and we stopped for a minute while I took stock of the surroundings. This the joint? Gee, who owns that car?

[Gonzalez]

I don't know, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

Who lives in the shack?

[Gonzalez]

I don't know, senor.

[Charlie Morgan]

Do you know you're alive. Congratulations. Come on, we're moving up to that busted window to see who's inside. We approached the window slowly, bent half over. And when we reached the house wall, I raised my head inch by inch until I could peer through the broken glass. The first guy I noticed was the hatchet man who'd chased me through the streets. And then I spotted the guy who Called himself Kurt Steuben. Between them was another character with his back to me and his head hunched over, almost hidden by an upturned coat collar. This was the missing man, the guy Gonzalez told me about. But before I could get a good look at his face, his sidekick spotted me, raised his hand and fired point blank through the window. I felt a stab of pain in my right wrist and I dropped the gun. Then everything happened at once. The driver lunged the shack door open. The air was filled with oath orders and whistling. How I got back to town, Potter, I don't know. I remember how dark it was as I tore through the woods and the way my spine crawled every time I heard a noise behind me and thought they were closing in. But I found the highway at last and bummed a ride back into the city on a banana cart. That was when you came into the picture again, you great big lovable slob.

[Potter]

Morgan. Yeah, Morgan, what's happened to you? You're. You're a mess.

[Charlie Morgan]

I'll tell you what happened to me, Potter. I've been conned, chased, mauled and shot at. I played tag with a gunman and wound up crawling out of a car wreck with a radiator cap in my teeth.

[Potter]

Oh, your wrist.

[Charlie Morgan]

Ah, it's just a little flesh wound. Forget it. Listen, I'm convinced I walked into the biggest rhubarb since Lincoln's assassination. Somebody big's on the loose, Potter. Someone so hot, his pals go in for mass murder just to keep it quiet.

[Potter]

Now, wait just a minute, Charlie.

[Charlie Morgan]

Oh, you wait. How do you think I got into this condition, playing jacks? I tell you, there's something tremendous going on, Potter. Bigger than anything I've ever handled in my life. Look. Look at. Look at this picture. It's the one I took from Gonzalez's room. She must have been his girlfriend, and he knew all the answers. And if he knew who this mystery character is, she will.

[Potter]

But she doesn't if I can find her.

[Charlie Morgan]

What did you say?

[Potter]

I said she doesn't. The whole thing's a tempest in the teapot.

[Charlie Morgan]

Now, that's an original expression. How can you tell what this dame knows?

[Potter]

Because she's inside my private office, see?

[Charlie Morgan]

She's what?

[Potter]

They found Gonzalez's body half an hour ago. She came in to give me the story. Gonzalez was mixed up with a small time heister. A crook who broke out of jail.

[Charlie Morgan]

A crook? Hooped. And you believe that yarn? Why not? Look at me. That's why not. Would a small dime crook have an organization so Slick. I can't move down the street without being tailed by a walking arsenal.

[Potter]

Take it easy, Charlie. Here she comes.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I. I'm going now, Mr. Potter.

[Potter]

Well, thank you for coming in to see us. Oh, this is Mr. Morgan. He was the man who found your fiance's body, Ms. Friar Talon.

[Charlie Morgan]

Charlie.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

It must have been terrible. I warned him, begged him to change his ways. He wouldn't listen to me. Then when he tried to tell you where Rivera was hiding out, he was murdered. Found his body in the woods. What side of the city.

[Charlie Morgan]

Who was Rivera?

[Potter]

The khan who escaped. They got an alarm out for him.

[Charlie Morgan]

You're an American, Ms. Talon?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I was educated in Chicago. Why do you ask?

[Charlie Morgan]

Gonzalez was Spanish, of course, as a. Just wondering where he met him here.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I knew him for the past two years. He wasn't a criminal. He was a well educated man. Met the wrong companions. I loved him very much. Goodbye, Mr. Poth. You've been very kind.

[Potter]

Goodbye, Miss Tallon.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Mr. Morgan. Goodbye, sir.

[Charlie Morgan]

So long.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I wish I could help you both. Please.

[Charlie Morgan]

He's lying, Father.

[Potter]

What?

[Charlie Morgan]

They set this up to put us off the scent. They'll probably knock off this escape con themselves so he can take the rap for killing Gonzalez. But I'm not gonna let it go at that.

[Potter]

What are you going to do?

[Charlie Morgan]

They've been on my tail for the past eight hours. Now it's my turn. I'm going to chase Ms. Friar. Tal. I saw her enter a cab as I hit the street, and I climbed into another one and followed. We drove up the main drag to the center of town, and her taxi stopped in front of one of the plushier joints, a big whitestone affair that looked like an embassy. She walked inside and I went around to the back and let myself in through the service entrance. I passed through a butler's pantry, then a hall and found her in a reception room just taking off her hat. Hello again.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You.

[Charlie Morgan]

Mm me?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You followed me?

[Charlie Morgan]

Sure.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Why?

[Charlie Morgan]

Because you lied before. Gonzalez wasn't mixed up with a small time gangster. This rhubarb is bigger.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You're very rash, my good looking friend.

[Charlie Morgan]

The word is stubborn.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

As long as you're here, sit down, relax. I'll get you a drink.

[Charlie Morgan]

No, don't bother. And stay away from that desk drawer.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

What are you looking for? The gun.

[Charlie Morgan]

I'm becoming a very cautious guy.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Lady, don't be silly.

[Charlie Morgan]

You've changed a little in the last half hour, baby.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Have I?

[Charlie Morgan]

Potter's office. You gave a pretty good imitation of the bereft sweetheart.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Well, since you were Astute enough to see through my story. Why bother to play act anymore?

[Charlie Morgan]

Who's the man with the upturned coat collar?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Beg your pardon?

[Charlie Morgan]

I saw he's back in that hovel outside of town. He's the one who's supposed to be dead, isn't he?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I thought you already knew all the answers.

[Charlie Morgan]

What's his name?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Honey, I haven't the slightest idea. You sure you won't have a drink?

[Charlie Morgan]

And have you flavor it with cyanide? No, thanks.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You don't mind if I have one then?

[Charlie Morgan]

So you were educated in the States?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I was.

[Charlie Morgan]

Where were you born?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

In a hospital.

[Charlie Morgan]

Very funny. You got me in stitches.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You're such a nice looking boy. Why do you want to bring trouble on yourself?

[Charlie Morgan]

I like trouble. Agrees with my appetite.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Be careful of your choice of food. I wouldn't want you to upset your stomach.

[Charlie Morgan]

Soon as you finish that drink, sweetie, you can get your hat.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Oh. We going somewhere?

[Charlie Morgan]

Olistia? Senorita.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You're not serious?

[Charlie Morgan]

Do I look like I'm laughing?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

You couldn't possibly take me to the police, darling.

[Charlie Morgan]

No? Why not?

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Because that gun you were looking for is in someone else's hand. And he's standing right behind you.

[Kurt Steuben]

Good evening.

[Charlie Morgan]

Herr Steuben, I presume. Looks like we're back where we started. I was running, wasn't I? And one of your goons was on my tail.

[Kurt Steuben]

But the chase ends here.

[Charlie Morgan]

Rya.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Yes.

[Kurt Steuben]

Swing the car onto the back, then.

[Charlie Morgan]

Called Bauer.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

What shall I tell him?

[Kurt Steuben]

Say the fox is cornered. We will dispose of the pelt on the bridge.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Do you want me to drive you there?

[Kurt Steuben]

Yeah. Schneb.

[Charlie Morgan]

Are we taking a little ride?

[Kurt Steuben]

Exactly.

[Charlie Morgan]

Is this trip necessary?

[Kurt Steuben]

You are a warm one, man, Herr, but people cool you off. You will walk out of this house and into the car with both your hands in your pockets. You will be careful not to utter a sound. Make myself clear.

[Charlie Morgan]

Very good.

[Kurt Steuben]

And let me warn you, my friend. One false move and I shoot to kill.

[Charlie Morgan]

We drove in silence until we left the city limits. And any bright ideas I had about making a break were dampened slightly by the rod he was pressing against my ribs. I didn't know where we were going and I didn't bother to ask because I had a funny feeling I wasn't coming back.

[Kurt Steuben]

Stay on this horde fire.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

I know the way. Cor.

[Kurt Steuben]

Are you comfortable, my friend?

[Charlie Morgan]

Oh, extremely.

[Kurt Steuben]

Good.

[Charlie Morgan]

Look, as long as my future doesn't look very promising, you might. You might ease that gnawing sense of curiosity that's been burning me up for the past 12 hours.

[Kurt Steuben]

And for which you have paying a stiff price.

[Charlie Morgan]

Who is he? Who's this mystery guy who's so hot you've got to keep him under wraps by leaving a trail of stiffs from here to the Amazon?

[Kurt Steuben]

You will know who he is very shortly, my friend.

[Charlie Morgan]

You mean I'm going see him?

[Kurt Steuben]

Yes.

[Charlie Morgan]

When?

[Kurt Steuben]

As soon as we reach the bridge.

[Charlie Morgan]

And what happens after that?

[Kurt Steuben]

I prefer not to discuss that. It's a very distressing subject, especially for me. You see, it is very important that your body is not found. It would create a greater disturbance than Gonzales merely because you're a newspaper man.

[Charlie Morgan]

Oh, you flatter me.

[Kurt Steuben]

So we will leave it to the piranha fish to dispose of you. Have you seen them up a little once. They attack in schools. Give them 10 minutes and they can do away with anything alive that happens to drop into the water.

[Charlie Morgan]

I just can't wait.

[Kurt Steuben]

Yeah, I see. The car is there already. Stop here. Fire.

[Charlie Morgan]

The bridge was a wobbly affair made of wood suspended across the river below. A car was parked in the center. The Mercedes I saw before. And the guy behind the wheel must have been the gorilla who chased me in the arcade. But it was the second man I was interested in, the one with the upturned collar. And he was standing just outside the car in the center of the bridge, watching us.

[Kurt Steuben]

You asked to have your curiosity satisfied, my friend. Look for yourself.

[Potter]

Who is he?

[Kurt Steuben]

You cannot see?

[Charlie Morgan]

No. He's in the shadows. And his collar still turned up around his head.

[Kurt Steuben]

Friar.

[Ms. Friar Talon]

Yes?

[Kurt Steuben]

Drive on across the bridge. I will take care of this one here. You are honored, my friend. He has come down himself to see that we dispose of you properly.

[Charlie Morgan]

But who is he? I. I can't see him. What. What's his name?

[Kurt Steuben]

His name? My friend, the bridge is cracking.

[Charlie Morgan]

The bridge was weak, and it couldn't hold the weight of those two heavy cars. Just as it buckled, I'd leap free to the bank, but Steuben went down with the others. As the cars bubble underwater, I saw the service suddenly come alive with piranha fish. As they moved in for the kill, the next thing I knew, a head bobbed up in the water, gasping for air. It was the mystery man with the upturned coat collar. And just before the fish pulled him under, I caught a glimpse of a trick mustache and heard him scream. Well, Potter, you know what piranha fish can do. I searched the riverbank for an hour or two, but all I found was part of an overcoat. The coat, the trick mustache was wearing. Inside I found a billfold. Potter and in the billfold a water soaked coat card. It looked like some kind of a political party identification tag, only the ink had run and I could hardly read what it said. But I was able to make out two things on the card. Potter One was a crossed symbol in the form of a swastika on the upper right hand corner and the other was what was left of a name on the bottom, a first name. Potter Adoles.

[Lawrence Clee]

The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clee. Featured in tonight's cast was Vinton Hayworth. Others were Doris Dalton, Snefen Schnabel, Wendell Holmes and Louis Van Rutten. The Chase was directed and Transcribed by Walter McGraw. Next week, another exciting script involves a search for gold and sudden death when you follow the Chase.

[Charlie Morgan]

Next, it's First Nighter on NBC.

[Narrator]

That's our thriller for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. You can find more from the Chase Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com. our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, with even more old time Radio lots to listen to there, all for free. Thanks to your 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 helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.