
Today's Mystery: Danny investigates the beating and murder of a bakery truck driver. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 16, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino...
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Danny Clover
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Adam Graham
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Broadway's My Beat. But first, I want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I'd also like to let you know about FultonFishMarket.com have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the freshest, highest quality seafood delivered straight to your kitchen? Look no further than FultonFishMarket.com a legendary name in seafood trusted for over 300 years. This isn't just a market. It's where expert fishmongers meticulously select seafood that top chefs and home cooks alike rave about. Whether you're craving wild caught salmon, tender scallops or juicy shrimp, fultonfish Market guarantees peak freshness with every order. Now here's the best part. You can enjoy 17% off your entire order just by using the exclusive code box 13 at checkout. That's not just a discount, it's the highest one they offer. And yes, when you use my code, I do earn a commission, which helps support the podcast while you get to enjoy amazing seafood.
Danny Clover
So.
Adam Graham
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Danny Clover
Broadway's my beat. From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world.
Larry Thor
Broadway is my beat. With Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover.
Danny Clover
There's a time on Broadway when the fury dies, the revelers give up, and the street is an empty corner of a faraway world. It's four o' clock in the morning, the time of yesterday's newspaper drifting with the night wind, the time of the tired shadow and furtive sounds dimly heard. And you walk it because you're a policeman and your day's just over. You turn a corner because it's the way home and some of the shadows melt into a man and you're glad because it's a man you know. Hi, Danny. John. How are you? Fine. You? Good. You got your transfer, huh? Yep. And I like it. I guess I'll always be pounding a beat and shaking doors, but I like doing it better here. What's new, Danny? I don't know, John. The same, I guess. Hey. From down the street, probably. Just help me.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Help.
Danny Clover
Come on. Right over there. Someone's in a hurry to leave that car. No light. Here's what they left. This man's been badly beaten up. Call box down the street. I'll get an ambulance. Wait. No need. Dead. Yeah, Go over him, John. See who he is. Okay. Did you notice that truck in the alley, Danny? Yeah. I'll take a look. Did I find anything? No wallet. Looks like he was beaten for it. You the truck's a bakery truck. The Felder Bakery. It's not far from here on First Avenue. Near 39th. On the beat. Yeah. This man in white shirt and white pants. Could be a delivery uniform. Sure. They're open 24 hours a day. Call it in, John. Then stick with it. I'll get over to the bakery. Maybe those people can tell me something.
Louis Felder
Yeah. They told me a man wanted to see me. You the man?
Danny Clover
Yes. Mr. Felder?
Louis Felder
Uh huh. Louis Felder. Look, friend, I'm sorry. I can't help you. I got all the men I need to handle what I got. I suggest you try the baker's union. They try the union.
Danny Clover
I'm from the police, Mr. Felder.
Louis Felder
Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. No disrespect intended. Just that so many men come in asking me for work. If there's been a complaint. Our product, One of my employees.
Danny Clover
Truck 12. Who drives it?
Louis Felder
12? You mean tonight?
Danny Clover
Tonight.
Louis Felder
I'll find out.
Danny Clover
Hey.
Louis Felder
Who was on 12th tonight?
Gabe Kirby
What do you want?
Louis Felder
Who drove 12 tonight?
Gabe Kirby
Well, just a minute. Morris had it tonight.
Louis Felder
Of course. Morris Bernstein. Good man. Certainly Morris has.
Danny Clover
He's dead.
Louis Felder
He's killed Morris in an accident.
Danny Clover
His truck was torn apart. He was big.
Louis Felder
Oh, I've been afraid.
Danny Clover
Afraid of what, Mr. Felder?
Louis Felder
Something like this would happen. One night, they would beat a man until he died.
Danny Clover
Who?
Louis Felder
Hoodlum's rat pack? We don't know. Happened to another one of my boys last week. They turned over his truck, threw the bread into the gutter, attacked him.
Danny Clover
I'd like to talk to him.
Louis Felder
Naturally. Sid. Sid Norman. Still here?
Danny Clover
Yeah. Yes.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Okay. Okay.
Danny Clover
Want me, Mr. Bowder? Yeah.
Sergeant Tartaglia
A little bit late. I should be out in the route.
Louis Felder
This man is from the police. Sid Morris. Was killed tonight.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Beaten up.
Danny Clover
Why did you say that, Sid?
Sergeant Tartaglia
Well, because it follows. It happened to me last week. But I was lucky. I ran away from him. Morris probably stopped to reason with him. He was that kind of a man.
Danny Clover
Did you recognize any of them, Sid?
Sergeant Tartaglia
No. They jumped me when my back was turned. I was gathering up loaves of bread, sweet rolls, things like that. And something hit me in the back of the head. I didn't stop to say hello. I just ran.
Danny Clover
How many were there? Could you tell me that?
Sergeant Tartaglia
Four or five maybe. Punks.
Danny Clover
Just kids.
Sergeant Tartaglia
I could tell by their voices. Gee, the kids nowadays, they gather in rat packs and kill.
Danny Clover
Mr. Felder, any reason this should happen to your trucks? Your men?
Louis Felder
I don't know. Maybe it's because my men are out alone at 4 o' clock in the morning. But I. I don't remember ever doing anything wrong. Excuse me, please.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Stop. The machines. Stop.
Louis Felder
The ovens don't work anymore today. Go home.
Danny Clover
The damn men didn't look happy. They looked worried. It was as if suddenly the scene were taking place in slow motion. The tentative movements, the glances. One man detaching himself from the rest, walking over to Louis Felder. Then the rest forming a questioning circle around him. But Mr. Felder just shook his head and walked through the door. It was 4:30 and I went home. At 10 o' clock I was back at headquarters. There was a man waiting for me in my office, just as I knew he would be. The fates of fashioned it that way. They'd grinned and put their heads together and conspired that Sergeant Ataglia should always be waiting in my office when I closed the door behind me.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Here we are, Danny.
Danny Clover
We are indeed.
Sergeant Tartaglia
I understand you had a pretty rough night of it.
Danny Clover
You're going to brighten up what otherwise might be a drab day. Is that it?
Sergeant Tartaglia
My utter best, Danny.
Danny Clover
Thanks. What do you got?
Sergeant Tartaglia
His baseball cap. Found some 50ft from the scene of the beating. Up in the gutter.
Danny Clover
Yeah.
Sergeant Tartaglia
It might or might not have something to do with what happened. The last is my own comment upon matters.
Danny Clover
Let's see. Yeah.
Gabe Kirby
Danny.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Here. If you will notice on the inside there's a sweatband. And on the sweatband is printed in ink a name and address. My middle boy, Ruffio Tartaglia did the same to his three prop beanie.
Danny Clover
Gabe Kirby. It says 1412 West 18th.
Sergeant Tartaglia
That's pretty far from where Morris Bernstein was killed, Danny. So like I said, this cap might or might not have something to do.
Danny Clover
Let me find out. Hutter Daglia. The Address. Printed neatly in the baseball cap was a cold water tenement. A scar, an open wound fashioned of peeling brownstone of litter. Something that scurried under your feet, then darted into a hole. It watched you with bloodshot eyes as you walked up the stairs. Then at the landing, you heard it come out again. You knocked at a door and a woman, haggard, resigned, told you her son Gabe was at School. The 16th Street Vocational School. And at the school a man sighed, shrugged, walked away from you, came back with Gabe Kirby. Said you could use his office. He was used to it. Then he left you alone with Gabe?
Gabe Kirby
The principal pulled me away from something very interesting. The secret life of a drainpipe. Plumbing two way. Why did he do that?
Danny Clover
Sit down. Game.
Gabe Kirby
The courteous approach. I've been making a catalog how you guys approach us guys. Yours is a courtesy type. Glad to add it to my collection.
Danny Clover
You've been in trouble before? Game. Lots of times.
Gabe Kirby
I wouldn't say lots. I'm only 18 years old. My shadow. Yeah. I had my share.
Danny Clover
Yeah. This baseball cap belong to you?
Gabe Kirby
Hey, you're a Blue Ribbon Retriever. I. I've been missing that cap for a month now. How about that? I never dreamed I'd see that cap again.
Danny Clover
Gabe.
Gabe Kirby
I'm sorry, pal, I can't offer you a reward. But I'll even it up for you someday when conditions are better. Gabe, I thank you from the bottom of me heart for bringing back me cap. It's a good luck charm. My bat and ab.
Danny Clover
Sit down, Gabe. I said sit down. Okay, okay.
Gabe Kirby
The approach changes, huh, Mr. Policeman.
Danny Clover
What were you last night, Gabe?
Gabe Kirby
Somebody broke into a grocery store last night.
Danny Clover
What were you?
Gabe Kirby
I slept on an iron cot all night.
Danny Clover
Not at home, Gabe. Your mother told me you weren't home last night.
Gabe Kirby
The old lady told you that? Thank her for me.
Danny Clover
Where were you?
Gabe Kirby
In a room over a garage. We call it a club room. I belong to a club. The Titans. Last night I slept there. We take time sleeping there, we boys. To watch over a lot of things we wish we had.
Danny Clover
You were there all night?
Gabe Kirby
All night. From 8 o' clock on. You can check with Reggie.
Danny Clover
Richie. Who's he?
Gabe Kirby
You don't know Richie? Mr. Richard Peel. An important man. He's the athletic director of the Titans. Volunteered for the job. He sets us boys a good example.
Danny Clover
The other Titans, where were they?
Gabe Kirby
Who knows? I was sleepy, so I went to sleep. Check with Mr. Peel.
Danny Clover
Gabe, your cap was found 50ft from where a man was killed. Beaten up and killed by a gang. A man named Morris Bernstein.
Gabe Kirby
Morris Bernstein. And my cap was there, huh? Well, how about that? Check with Mr. Peel, Mr. Policeman, over the Conway garage on 20th. And now I hear plumbing two way calling me. You'll excuse me.
Mr. Peel
Hey. Hey, you. You looking for someone?
Danny Clover
Yeah, I am.
Mr. Peel
Who you looking for?
Danny Clover
Mr. Richard Peel.
Mr. Peel
You found him. You from the employment agency? No, I thought you were from the agency.
Danny Clover
Police.
Mr. Peel
I thought you were from the agency. There's no phone here. They said they'd send a man over if anything turned up for me.
Danny Clover
What do you do here, Mr. Peel?
Mr. Peel
What do you mean?
Danny Clover
This place over a garage. Empty?
Mr. Peel
Not empty, Mr. Clover. Not empty, Mr. Clover. Look around. We've got some equipment. Barbells, wall exercises. Enough for now.
Danny Clover
This is where the titans meet, huh?
Mr. Peel
That's right. We'll get it fixed up.
Danny Clover
I still don't understand. What do you do here?
Mr. Peel
I thought you'd know by now. The boys need a direction. I try to give them that. Get them off the street, organize teams, you know.
Danny Clover
You like doing that.
Mr. Peel
A man has an obligation to kids. Haven't you ever told yourself that, Mr. Clover? Especially about kids who come up here without roots, broken homes, drunken fathers and working mothers, or worse. It's my obligation.
Danny Clover
Yeah. Suppose more people should feel the way you do.
Mr. Peel
Somebody has to. What am I telling you for? You'd know. Ever read any statistics on juvenile delinquency? Then you'd be the one to know. These kids need something to let them know their heritage rights, things like that. Give them direction. They don't find that on the street.
Danny Clover
There's a reason I came up here, Mr. Peel.
Mr. Peel
I know. Not many adults come up here. They're just not interested.
Danny Clover
It's about Gabe Kirby.
Mr. Peel
Something's bothering you, I can tell. Just what about Gabe?
Danny Clover
He said he was here last night. All night.
Mr. Peel
I know why he said that. Because he was. Seems to me I know just what you're going to say. And it seems to you, a boy 18 years shouldn't stay out all night. All right, suppose Gabe went home. What'd be there for him? The drunken father I told you about?
Danny Clover
You'd swear he was here all night.
Mr. Peel
On that cot over there. And I slept on the other one. I assure you, Mr. Clover, if some young man got into trouble last night, it wasn't Gabe Kirby. You have my 100% word on that.
Danny Clover
Mr. Peale found my hand, shook it, looked me straight in the eye, 100% and invited me to address a meeting of the Titans. The boys would appreciate friendly advice from a friendly policeman. He assured Me, I mumbled something and got out. At headquarters, the routine of tracing down the murderers of Morris Bernstein gnawed at the day until there was nothing left but the nighttime. I gave it up and went home to see. That didn't work either. So I went back to headquarters. The files on rat packs from a social point of view, from a criminal point of view, from a statistical point of view. Educational. But no help in the murder of Morris Bernstein. So I thought I'd try to sleep again. At two in the morning? It should come. It didn't. On the street. Back to it. A friend stopped me. Officer Rucker. Hiya, Danny. Long day, huh? Yeah. How's it been for you? Quiet, Danny. Not a peep. Nothing. Nobody. I've been keeping a close eye on every person, every car. They don't look right, I question them. So far, nothing. You'll keep on it, huh, John? You told me to do that. It won't change. Good night, John. Get some sleep, Danny. It'll do you good.
Louis Felder
Danny.
Danny Clover
Danny, watch out. Stop. Stop. Fight me, Danny. Danny, you all right? Yeah. Just knocked me down. License? No light. No license, Danny. I was blind. Didn't they see me? They saw you, all right. You're lucky, Danny. Because whoever it was, they tried to kill you.
Larry Thor
You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Every Saturday evening, two top music makers bring CBS listeners an hour of great entertainment. Vaughn Monroe is on hand with his famous band playing the five top tunes of the week as chosen by Variety. Gene Autry then comes along with a half hour of ranch ballads and roundup comedy. The Vaughn Monroe Caravan and the Gene Autry show are Are regular Saturday evening features on most of these same CBS stations. Hear them both. This Saturday.
Danny Clover
Night slips out of Broadway's fingers. Broadway is left alone, empty handed, bewildered. The long, long day, 100% pure, 100% unadulterated. Now walks the street and invites. Joe. What's to do, kid? Well, there's the guy at the newsstand. To the comic books and the hot tips. No. There's the pinball machines and the flea circus. There's the trash baskets with the morning papers. Try that day old murder of a bakery driver warmed over for this morning's commuters. Nothing. A policeman run down by an unidentified car. Better. And at police headquarters you try to readjust the adhesive on your ribs when the door bursts open.
Louis Felder
Danny, what do you think you're doing?
Danny Clover
Leave the bandage alone. Don't get upset, Dr. Sinski I was just trying to ease it a little.
Louis Felder
Take your hands away from it. Here, let me look.
Danny Clover
It's all right, isn't it?
Louis Felder
Who did this job on you boys.
Danny Clover
In the police emergency hospital?
Louis Felder
Medical students. Amateurs. College boys.
Danny Clover
That bad?
Louis Felder
As a matter of fact, it excites a certain envy in me. Danny. This is a very progressive way to apply a bandage to a cracked rib.
Danny Clover
What are you doing?
Louis Felder
Hurts, huh? That's good. Serves you right, you couldn't call your old friend Dr. Sinski. No matter what time of night. You don't approve of Sinski's medicine?
Danny Clover
It's not that. I will.
Louis Felder
Next time someone tries to kill you, Danny, please call on me. Do that for an old friend.
Danny Clover
Please. You made a deal.
Louis Felder
Contusions, abrasions. This will leave a small scar to make you interesting. Otherwise, you'll live.
Danny Clover
Thank you, Doctor. I can button up my shirt now. What's the matter?
Louis Felder
I called on you for another reason, too. Danny.
Mr. Peel
Yeah.
Louis Felder
Here, let me help you with the buttoning. Yeah. Danny. We completed the examination of the body of Morris Bernstein. And I won't bore you with medical terminology. But the man was beaten in such a way. A new way for hoodlums. Methodically, systematically beaten. Even after he sank into unconsciousness. Whoever attacked him, Danny, made sure Morris Bernstein would die.
Danny Clover
Doctor, that slip of paper on my desk. That's otaglia just brought in.
Louis Felder
Oh, of course.
Danny Clover
There's an address.
Louis Felder
2650 Riverside Drive. Who's Danny?
Danny Clover
Morris Bernstein's. I'm gonna find out why somebody wanted him dead. I beg your pardon. Are you.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Whatever you want me to be. That's what I am in this place. Pardon me. Russell speaking again. Look, Mrs. Braverman. Just tell Mr. Braverman to pull down the blinds. That's my only advice to. How do you like that? Somebody wanted to look at Mr. Braverman. Now, what is your complaint?
Danny Clover
My name's Clover, from the police.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Here are my wrists. Slip the handcuffs on them, take me far away. Arraign Solitaire.
Danny Clover
You don't look like a criminal, Mr. Russell. You been working here long?
Sergeant Tartaglia
I'm a new boy. I'm just breaking in one month.
Danny Clover
Did you know Morris Bernstein?
Sergeant Tartaglia
I read about him in the papers. About hoodlums beating him up.
Danny Clover
I'm trying to find out something about it.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Well, I can tell you this. He lived in apartment 6. A four room apartment shared by four other gentlemen who had exclusive rights to use kitchen number 2A. Otherwise, it was just. It's a nice day. Yes, isn't it? Between Mr. Bernstein and me.
Danny Clover
Anyone up there in his apartment now? Any of the four gentlemen?
Sergeant Tartaglia
I curtsied them all out on their way to work this morning.
Danny Clover
I'll want to talk to them later.
Sergeant Tartaglia
About seven o' clock. I think that's when they'll all be home from the world. Another pardon, please. Russell speaking. Yes, Mr. Scar on the mail is in. How do I know whether you've got anything? I haven't put it up yet. Well, all right then. We'll wait for Monster. It's a rebel, Mr. Clover. He wants me to see if he has in the mail before I put it in his box.
Danny Clover
I'll wait.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Thank you. Let me see here. Jordana Westfall Valentine. Look, Mr. Clover.
Danny Clover
What?
Sergeant Tartaglia
A letter for Morris Bernstein.
Danny Clover
Let me have her, shall I?
Sergeant Tartaglia
I can tell you who it's from. The girl whose name and address is on the upper left hand corner.
Danny Clover
I can see that.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Yes, but this girl, she's Morris's girlfriend. They write letters to each other even though they could phone. This has been going on since the girl moved away from here.
Danny Clover
Oh, when did that happen?
Sergeant Tartaglia
Just before I came to work here. Someone told me. Let me. Maybe Morris. Mr. Scarn, were you clicking? No mail, Mr. Scar.
Danny Clover
There was no more mail for Mr. Scar. I'm sorry. No more information about Morris Bernstein. Very sorry. Try the girl Leah golden on the return address. Maybe she could help. Maybe Leah could. I tried it in a rooming house on West 76. The woman shook a mop out a window and told me Leah golden had moved to another rooming house on West 90th. 2346 West 90th. It took 10 minutes. No, Leah golden moved to a furnished room in a flat on 116th Street. A kid told me Ms. Golden was a nice lady, gave him bubble gum, but was gone now. Moved. Don't ask nobody where, mister, because nobody knows. At headquarters I put out an all points bulletin on Leah Golden. Find her, I said. What does she look like? They asked me. I added it up for them. All the scraps of description I'd salvaged in darkened hallways on the screaming street. Find her, I said. And at 1 in the morning.
Louis Felder
Danny? Danny, you're asleep.
Danny Clover
No, Dr. Sinski, there's no time.
Louis Felder
Danny, they found Leah Golden.
Danny Clover
What?
Louis Felder
The call came to my office. Routine. No, Danny just hurt. How bad?
Danny Clover
I don't know where.
Louis Felder
In a vacant lot on Amsterdam Avenue. The man who found her said she was beaten up. The ambulance is waiting. I thought.
Danny Clover
Let's go. From somewhere out of the alleys detaching themselves from the shadowed Streets from the unlit doorways, breaking away from the night, whispering they'd come, the seekers after someone else's pain. They stood in a circle, silent, hungry for the spectacle. Stood on tiptoe, strained for a look at the girl lying broken in a patch of weeds. The policeman held them back, and they murmured their seething protest. And in the building, standing at the edge of the loft, windows had been fogged, flung open. Heads poked out of them. The gallery seats were filled. Dr. Sinski pushed away, open for us. And they retreated from his fury. Then he kneeled at the girl's side.
Louis Felder
My case. Danny, a bottle. Give it to me.
Danny Clover
This one?
Louis Felder
Yeah, yeah.
Sergeant Tartaglia
Quickly.
Louis Felder
So much blood.
Danny Clover
Ms. Golden.
Louis Felder
Not now, Danny. Not now.
Danny Clover
I'm sorry.
Louis Felder
In the morning, you can question her. In the morning, maybe.
Gabe Kirby
What's all the excitement? A garbage man will move her.
Danny Clover
Who was that? You up there in that building. Who was that?
Louis Felder
Danny, I need help with the group. Gently, very gently.
Danny Clover
I nodded. Another officer of the building to look out for who had yelled down to us to bring him to me. I'd be at headquarters. Then I helped Dr. Sinski. Back at headquarters. I waited. The officer came in, reported no one in the building knew who it was. It yelled. Then later, a couple hours later, word came down from Dr. Sinski that I could talk to the girl. Ms. Golden.
Leah Golden
You are Mr. Clover. The nurse told me. Before you sit down.
Danny Clover
Yes?
Leah Golden
Will you crank up this bed so I can sit up so we can talk better?
Danny Clover
Sure. All right.
Leah Golden
Oh, pull it down. Oh, my back. I didn't realize. That's better.
Danny Clover
I can come back later. Ms. Galton.
Leah Golden
No.
Danny Clover
All right. But if it's too much to talk now. Who beat you up?
Leah Golden
I don't know. Boys. Young men. I'd never seen them before.
Danny Clover
No faces you'd recognize?
Leah Golden
No faces. But the names they call me. I've heard them before in Europe.
Danny Clover
There's something else.
Leah Golden
You want to know why I was running away?
Danny Clover
We need to know it.
Leah Golden
I was running away from a man.
Danny Clover
Morris Bernstein?
Sergeant Tartaglia
No.
Danny Clover
Then who? I don't understand it.
Leah Golden
Or 8. I lived at the same apartment house that Maurice did.
Danny Clover
I know. That's why we were.
Leah Golden
I met him there. Maurice? We. I don't know. We went to the movies together. Did things like walking and looking at each other's face. Something was happening between us. Something. Morris hated the word love. He said it wasn't enough.
Danny Clover
And why were you running?
Leah Golden
A man worked there. At the apartment house.
Danny Clover
What man?
Leah Golden
He wanted me to. He said that a nice girl like me shouldn't be spending all that money for rent, he said.
Danny Clover
What man?
Leah Golden
Listen to me. One night he walked into my room. I tried to reason with him, but he wasn't hearing me, so I screamed. He ran away out of the room.
Danny Clover
Didn't you tell someone about it?
Leah Golden
Maurice Morris had him discharged. He went to the owner of the building and had him discharged.
Danny Clover
The man's name, Ms. Golden. I don't know what you.
Leah Golden
The name they called him by, that's all. Richie. They called him that. And after that, I ran. But he followed me. Wherever I ran, he followed.
Danny Clover
You'll be all right, Ms. Golden. I'll try to make it that way. Hey.
Mr. Peel
Hey there, Mr. Clover. Come back to the clubhouse to look for me?
Danny Clover
Yeah, I am. How are you feeling, Mr. Peel?
Sergeant Tartaglia
I'll feel better after this.
Mr. Peel
Nothing like a workout on the barbells to make a man feel good.
Danny Clover
Uh huh.
Mr. Peel
You caught me in the middle of some repetition. Presses, Mr. Clover.
Danny Clover
Press away. I'll wait.
Louis Felder
Thanks.
Danny Clover
Now.
Mr. Peel
Well, I relax between exercise, Mr. Clover. What's on your mind?
Danny Clover
You are, Mr. Beale. That's why I'm here.
Mr. Peel
Oh, you want to hand me that sweatshirt?
Danny Clover
We got a girl down at the doctor's hospital. She says you were bothering her.
Mr. Peel
Oh, what's her name?
Danny Clover
Leah Golden. She only knew you as Richie. The Titans. Your. Your club calls you that, too.
Mr. Peel
Yeah, I know Leah Golden. She got hurt, huh?
Danny Clover
On a cut of you, Richie.
Mr. Peel
Oh, come now.
Danny Clover
I'll tell you about it. You were after her while you were superintendent in her apartment. She got you fired, did she?
Mr. Peel
I quit that job. The people there.
Danny Clover
Well, you know, Leah told Morris Bernstein about you walking in on her one day. So, Maurice. Out of which you get fired.
Mr. Peel
People like that think they run the world, don't they?
Danny Clover
People like you, Richie.
Mr. Peel
No, not me. Look at me. An out of work guy. Somebody waves a finger and I'm out of a job.
Danny Clover
You figured a way to get back on them, didn't you? Volunteering your services to these kids.
Mr. Peel
Look, I'm cooling off. Time for my bicep building exercises. You want to watch out for a minute?
Danny Clover
Uh. Leave him alone. I said leave him alone.
Mr. Peel
Hey, Clover, don't push me around.
Danny Clover
Stand there and listen. The kids, Richie. You heated them up, fed them your poison. Pointed out Morris Bernstein and Leah golden and said, sic em.
Mr. Peel
I did that, huh? Good for me.
Danny Clover
With Bernstein. You were there, huh? You finished it up when the kids were through. Your boys, Peel. The juvenile authorities will want them.
Mr. Peel
You got a long way to go, Clover.
Danny Clover
Just uptown.
Mr. Peel
Get your shirt on that easy, huh? Oh, you're so wrong. You're soft, Clover. You look big, but you're soft.
Danny Clover
Like I said, peel. Uptown in the time of June, Broadway shimmers like an enchanted island. Night falls and the wave of neon floods the streets, showers it with its light and color. The million sounds and it ebbs. The pavements strike glints where dreams were caught in the mud. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway. My bad beat.
Larry Thor
Broadway's My Beat stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover with Charles Calvert as Tartaglia. The program was produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. The musical score was composed and conducted by Alexander Courage. Included in tonight's cast were Harry Bartel, Maria Palmer, Barney Phillips, Jack Crucian, Billy halop and Howard McNear, Jack Benny, Amos and Andy, Charlie and Edgar. They're off on summer vacation. But Sunday night on CBS still offers one of radio's top bargains in entertainment. Red Skelton, Lucille Ball and Corliss Archer are still here with their unbelievable, repeatable brands of comedy, plus the bright new comedy star, Steve Allen. There's superb music with Dick Haymes and Joe Stafford on the contented hour with Guy Lombardo and his sweetest music, this side of Heaven with Percy Faith, his orchestra and his guest stars. Horace Hyde is on hand with the original youth Opportunity program. And hit the jackpot. Can hit home to you with fine prizes if you get a call and can solve the secret saying they're all here. Premiere this Sunday on most of these same CBS stations. So be listening, won't you? Joe Walter speaking. This is cbs, where the Goldbergs are every Saturday night, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Danny Clover
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Adam Graham
Welcome back. Showrunner Elliot Lewis, from time to time works through themes about race and ethnicity into episodes of Broadway's My Beat. And of course, because of the era, he had to be quite subtle about it. But this is another case of it. The implication here is when Leah Goldman rejected the killer's advance and Morris Bernstein got him fired for continuing to harass her. The murderer started this boys club but indoctrinated them with anti Semitic beliefs so that he could use them to get his revenge on these two people. In some ways, the episode was a warning. We've talked about the Juvenile Delinquency program and concerns about it after World War II, which left a lot of boys fatherless. And of course there were other boys already who had problematic or otherwise absent from fathers in that environment. There was really a strong need for direction and boys organizations here. The writers seemed to contemplate the thought that while some might see a need to be served, others might see an opportunity to use directionless boys to their own end. On another note, Dr. Sensky is a fun character. He he adds a nice flavor and personality as well as a touch of humanity. Like Tartaglia, but a bit different. It's curious that he's generally not listed as one of the recurring characters on the series in articles about it. Danny and Tartaglia are in every episode and Jack Krushen is highlighted for playing Sergeant Mugavin. I wonder if Krushan also plays Dr. Sinski because I don't think know that any of the other actors listed would have had a voice that could play the part. Listener comments and feedback now and we go to YouTube where Reinzer comments regarding Acme and writes Acme was a supermarket chain in New Jersey a long time ago when I was growing up. It was still in operation when Wiley and the Roadrunner first hit the air. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate the comment. And from what I can gather, Acme used to be like the Smith of business names because I've read older books or seen comic books where like the generic company is named Acme. Though often this was before or in the early days of the Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons. And there are still companies out there named Acme. In my own area there's an Acme Bake shop, hopefully doesn't sell like Magic Birdseed or anything like that. An Acme Construction Supply and an Acme Pharmacy. I do think the names probably become a little less common just because those cartoons are so iconic and if you grew up watching them, you can't see the name Acme without thinking of it. Every time I see, you know, Acme Lock and Key, I just, I can't help it. I think of those cartoons and I guess these days it's a two edged sword as a business name because on one hand people think of those cartoons when they hear the company's name Acme. On the other hand, you know, it's a challenge to be remembered or to stand out from the crowd. And if you've got people who think oh Acme, like the Roadrunner cartoons Then maybe you have a better chance of people actually thinking of you. Thanks so much for the comment, Reinzer. And then Earl writes, thank you for providing wonderful recording. I also appreciate the support, superb audio quality. And Barb says, thank you for all your hard work. And then on Spotify, Dave comments regarding the episode the Ann Cornell murder case, regarding the Butterfield 8 exchange. It was used by author John O' Hara in his 1935 novel Butterfield 8. Thanks so much. I also found that was a film in the 60s starring Elizabeth Taylor Taylor that was based on the novel. And then a comment on our listener survey from Pat in Fayetteville, Any old mystery. Well, thanks so much, Pat. Appreciate you listening and taking the time to fill out our listener survey. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Marla, patreon Supporter since January 2018, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Marla. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back in two weeks with another episode of Broadway's My Beat, but join us back here tomorrow for Mr. And Mrs. North. Where.
Danny Clover
Hey, what is this?
Sergeant Tartaglia
Sit down.
Danny Clover
You too, beautiful. Yes, sir. What do you want, Connors? Why the gun? It's not chocolate, Jerry. Now, where is it? Where's what? Don't get cute.
Mr. Peel
It's gone.
Gabe Kirby
What'd you do with it?
Danny Clover
I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about.
Gabe Kirby
Now look, you two. It was under your hubcap when you crossed the border. It's not there now.
Danny Clover
I'm warning you. It's important enough to kill for.
Gabe Kirby
Let's have it now.
Danny Clover
We haven't got it.
Gabe Kirby
Then get it.
Danny Clover
But. Now, Mr. Connors, we wouldn't keep a thing like that around the house.
Gabe Kirby
It might go.
Sergeant Tartaglia
What are you.
Gabe Kirby
Okay, so you got it stashed away. I'll give you one hour to unstash it.
Danny Clover
At this time of night? Well, everything is closed. Mr. Connor's weekend. All right, I'll give you till noon tomorrow. Oh, we'll need more time.
Gabe Kirby
Noon tomorrow. And I warn you, no funny stuff. You'll be watched, you'll be tailed.
Danny Clover
You'll really, Mr. Connors known tomorrow.
Gabe Kirby
And like I said, it's important enough.
Adam Graham
To kill I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast Series: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Podcast Host: Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcasts
In Episode 4703 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," titled "Broadway's My Beat: The Morris Bernstein Murder Case," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Adam Graham, this episode delves into a gripping mystery set against the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of Broadway in the early 20th century. The story follows Detective Danny Clover as he unravels the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the murder of Morris Bernstein, a bakery truck driver.
The episode opens on June 16, 1915, with Detective Danny Clover (voiced by Larry Thor) responding to a distress call near a bakery truck. Upon arrival, Danny and his colleague, Sergeant Tartaglia (played by Charles Calvert), discover the brutally beaten body of Morris Bernstein. The investigation begins with Danny noting the absence of a wallet, suggesting a robbery gone wrong.
As Danny canvases the area, he interacts with Louis Felder, the owner of Felder Bakery, who provides initial insights but proves evasive about his employees’ activities.
The detectives uncover a crucial piece of evidence—a baseball cap found 50 feet from the crime scene, linking it to Gabe Kirby, a member of a local boys' club, the Titans.
Gabe Kirby reveals that the cap has sentimental value, hinting at a deeper connection to the case.
Investigating further, Danny meets Mr. Richard Peel, the athletic director of the Titans, who appears cooperative but hesitant to divulge information about his role in Gabe's life and the organization.
Danny’s pursuit leads him to suspect Mr. Peel's involvement with the juvenile delinquency issues plaguing the community.
In a confrontational exchange, Danny accuses Peel of manipulating the boys for personal vendettas, suggesting that Peel may have orchestrated Bernstein's murder to gain control over the youth.
The narrative crescendos with Leah Golden, Morris Bernstein’s girlfriend, providing pivotal testimony about her harassment and the true motive behind Bernstein's murder. It is revealed that the antagonist, Richie—a nickname for Richard Peel—had a personal vendetta against both Leah and Bernstein, driving him to involve the young Titans in his scheme.
In a climactic confrontation, Danny Clover confronts Peel, leading to Peel's downfall and the dissolution of his corrupt influence over the Titans.
After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, highlighting the subtle incorporation of themes like race and ethnicity into the narrative—a reflection of the era's societal issues. He discusses how the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the potential misuse of youth organizations for nefarious purposes.
Graham also notes the character development of Dr. Sinski, whose role adds depth and humanity to the story, contrasting with the more rigid characters like Sergeant Tartaglia.
The episode concludes with Adam Graham addressing listener comments, such as Reinzer’s reflection on the iconic "Acme" brand and its cultural significance, and Earl’s appreciation for the audio quality. Feedback from Barb and Dave is also acknowledged, fostering a sense of community among the podcast’s audience.
"Broadway's My Beat: The Morris Bernstein Murder Case" is a masterful blend of suspense, character development, and social commentary. Through Detective Danny Clover's relentless pursuit of truth, the episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to reflect on the complexities of youth empowerment and the darker aspects of societal influences. Adam Graham’s thoughtful analysis and engagement with listener feedback further enrich the experience, making this episode a standout in the series.
Danny Clover (00:03:01):
"There's a time on Broadway when the fury dies... someone’s been badly beaten up."
Louis Felder (00:05:30):
"I suggest you try the baker's union. They try the union."
Gabe Kirby (00:10:26):
"I've been missing that cap for a month now... it's a good luck charm."
Mr. Peel (00:13:05):
"A man has an obligation to kids... these boys need something to let them know their heritage rights."
Danny Clover (00:28:38):
"You heated them up, fed them your poison. Pointed out Morris Bernstein and Leah Golden and said, sic em."
Leah Golden (00:25:56):
"I was running away from a man. Richie. They called him that."
Adam Graham (00:32:46):
"The implication here is... the murderer started this boys club but indoctrinated them with anti-Semitic beliefs so that he could use them to get his revenge."
This episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of old-time radio dramas, seamlessly weaving thrilling detective work with poignant social issues. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, "Broadway's My Beat: The Morris Bernstein Murder Case" offers a captivating journey through mystery and morality, anchored by compelling performances and thoughtful narration.
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Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and podcast information. For the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode.