Counterspy: The Case of the Poison Peddler (A0088)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Counterspy - The Case of the Poison Peddler

Host: Adam Graham
Air Date (Original Drama): February 24, 1949
Podcast Release: May 16, 2026
Main Actors (Original OTR): Don McLaughlin, Mandel Kramer

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Brief Episode Overview

This episode features a classic installment of Counterspy, tackling the story "The Case of the Poison Peddler." The drama follows David Harding as he works to dismantle a hateful and criminal scheme spreading racial intolerance across America post-WWII. Host Adam Graham bookends the vintage episode with context, analysis, and listener feedback, tying the themes to both the history of radio and modern reflections on prejudice.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. The "Young Defenders" Racket — Scheme for Hate and Profit

[02:33-07:40]

• The drama opens with an inventive device: an announcer "interviews" members of the criminal underworld (notably Bugs Gonia), providing insight into their methods and motivations.
• Bug Gonia and his associates, Lily Bell and Diamond, run a "Young Defenders Club," stoking racial hatred among youth, selling them uniforms and badges, then extorting local businesses for "protection."
• The racket is brutally effective and lucrative, manipulating kids into violence and reaping profits from both their families and terrorized shopkeepers.

Notable Quote

"It's big money in selling hate."
— Bug Gonia ([06:19])

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2. The Catastrophe: Hate Fosters Violence

[07:40-13:00]

• Two boys, spurred on by "Young Defenders" rhetoric, vandalize a minority-owned store. In the chaos, an elderly shopkeeper, Mr. Green, is critically injured.
• The police apprehend Billy Clinton, a participant, sparking heartbreak for his father and drawing federal attention.

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3. Counterspy Investigation — Harding Steps In

[13:00-16:00]

• David Harding and assistant Peters of Counterspy HQ prioritize the case, framing it as an urgent national threat.
• Their focus: Is the Young Defenders a group of ideological zealots, or is it a con run for profit?

Notable Quote

"These hate organizations break down into two types: led by mentally upset neurotics or crackpots—and the ones that are just crooked rackets. Indications are it's a crooked racket, and I want you to help us break it."
— David Harding ([16:00])

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4. Manipulation — Turning Tragedy Into Cash

[17:43-20:55]

• Billy’s father confronts the Young Defenders, demanding they support his son. Bugs sees opportunity: they launch a fraudulent "defense fund," soliciting donations from sympathizers nationwide.
• The criminals plan to exploit both the legal system and public for a "hundred thousand bucks," exposing their utter cynicism.

Notable Quote

"A defense fund! We'll raise money from every sucker...The kid's being persecuted because he's a Young Defender—we must rally to his defense."
— Bug Gonia ([20:08])

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5. Internal Collapse — Betrayal and Murder Among Thieves

[21:46-24:10]

• Friction erupts between Bugs and Diamond, with Lily Bell caught in the middle.
• In a struggle, Diamond is accidentally killed—his body is concealed, and Bugs plots how even this murder can be used to further their hateful campaign by blaming "undesirables."

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6. Counterspy’s Sting — Evidence, Confession, and Justice

[27:03-29:10]

• Harding and Peters confront Bugs and Lily, tying together a web of mail fraud, hate-mongering, and murder.
• Under pressure, Lily cracks and confesses to the entire enterprise, including Diamond’s death and details of the hate racket.

Notable Quote

"The crime of intolerance is the worst of all. We'll do everything in our power to help wipe it out."
— David Harding ([29:10])

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7. Timely Message & Real-World Resonance

[31:52-36:30]

• Adam Graham (host) returns to reflect:
  • He comments on the cleverness of Harding’s approach—encouraging criminals to expose themselves via greed and rely on federal mail laws to secure conviction.
  • Graham highlights the episode’s unique structure, where the announcer "interviews" villains, explicitly condemning their actions.
  • Contextualizes the episode’s release during (historic) National Brotherhood Week, connecting it to then-recent efforts to counter bigotry.
  • Graham notes the era’s nuanced, sometimes performative, engagement with themes of tolerance, citing cultural references from Jack Webb and Tom Lehrer.
  • He responds to listener feedback on script recycling and thanks Patreon supporters.

Notable Quote

"Recognizing that if given a chance, grifters are going to grift, [Harding] set events in motion that would lead to their undoing as they cross the line into a federal crime through mail fraud."
— Adam Graham ([32:51])

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Bugs Gonia on his criminal origin:

  "How'd you get so powerful, Bugs?"
  "Mostly brains. Little double cross here, a little double cross there, maybe having a guy being took for a ride."
  ([05:42])

• Diamond describes the hate racket:

  "We've organized the Young Defenders Club...get them excited against other races so they'll smash store windows, throw rocks, and so forth."
  ([05:52])

• Harding’s condemnation:

  "The crime of intolerance is the worst of all. We'll do everything in our power to help wipe it out."
  ([29:10])

• Host Adam Graham on the episode structure:

  "That the idea—the announcer interviewing the bad guys and letting him know exactly what he thinks—is such an unusual approach."
  ([32:51])

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Analysis: Thematic Resonance & Social Commentary

• National Brotherhood Week Connection:
  The episode’s anti-hate message parallels the real 1940s National Brotherhood Week, aiming to combat bigotry—religious, ethnic, and racial—through popular media.

• Cunning Use of Law:
  Harding’s plan exploits a common thread in American justice: mail fraud. By engineering the criminals’ scheme to cross state (and federal) lines, he ensures their downfall.

• Layered, Self-Aware Storytelling:
  The episode’s early "interview" segment allows radio to break the fourth wall, making clear to listeners that not only is the show opposed to intolerance, but so are its storytellers.

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Listen-Worthy Segments (Timestamps)

• Bugs Gonia’s Underworld “Interview” – [02:33-06:19]
• The store vandalism and tragedy – [09:40-10:13]
• David Harding’s formative chat with Billy and his father – [13:00-16:00]
• The defense fund fraud is hatched – [20:05-20:55]
• Harding and Peters confront the gang – [27:03-29:10]
• Adam Graham’s insightful host commentary – [32:51-36:30]

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Conclusion

"The Case of the Poison Peddler" stands as a vintage but still-relevant drama about manufactured hate as a criminal business, the vulnerability of youth to propaganda, the duplicity of “respectable” con artists, and the power of coordinated justice. With Adam Graham’s framing, the episode bridges entertainment and social lesson, and highlights the efforts of Golden Age radio to confront America’s social ills.

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For more classic mystery episodes and insightful commentary, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio or visit greatdetectives.net.

Transcript

[David Harding]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[David Harding]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[David Harding]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[David Harding]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great adventurers 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 Counterspot. But first, I want to encourage you. If you're enjoying this podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. You can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now from February 24, 1949, here is the case of the Poison Peddler.

[David Harding]

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[Diamond]

Yeah?

[David Harding]

Come here. These ex Follies.

[Diamond]

I was as good as the Follies ever had. I was the host of Broadway.

[David Harding]

You're about 38?

[Diamond]

26.

[David Harding]

Isn't your caught. I taught her everything she knows. This guy diamond, he works for me too. Hey, diamond, who's the big shots? You are, Bugs, tell them what I learned. We've organized the Young Defenders Club. The idea is race hatred Kids join the Young Defenders. And we sell them uniforms and thousands of badges for five dollars each. We make four bucks a badge. I make speeches at the meetings, get them excited against other races. So they'll smash store windows, throw rocks and so forth. Now tell them how I use you, Lily.

[Diamond]

Well, I go to stores run by the races. We work up, paid against and sell him protection from the kid.

[David Harding]

Nobody but Bugs Gonia could have sunk up a double racket like that. It's big money in selling hate. You'll have to pardon me. Now, you three. I gotta return to the broadcasting studio. But I too hate hate you three and the things you stand for. Now after that, make Believe we're back in the radio studio ready to start our counter spy case for tonight. It starts three weeks ago in the overly furnished expensive apartment of Bugs junior in New York. Bugs was talking to his henchman, Diamond. Lily Bell was discordantly playing the piano. Lily Bell plays the piano. Good joke, huh, bud? Tonight I'm gonna begin speaking to the Young Defenders on Long island. We should get 500 new members. That's 5,000 bucks. Lil, lay off the piano.

[Diamond]

I got new interesting in the Follies.

[David Harding]

When I heard you come here next week. The kids out on Long island will be all worked up mashing window. Lily Bell, you work Long island next week too. If diamond can bring in 5000 bucks for dues, you should get 5000 for selling protection to the source. The form is for me. I'll get it.

[Diamond]

Diamond, keep still. We gotta tell Bugs sooner or later.

[David Harding]

Not now. But if Bug finds out, curtains for both of us. Give me a week on Long island and I'll bring him back a bag of dough. You'll feel good. Then maybe we'll tell him the big secret. Next corner. Police. Which side? What? The left. What's the matter, Billy? You scared? I just want to make sure nobody's around. Get the paint. Come on, Billy. We ain't got all night. Maybe we shouldn't paint it to us. Bud, you are here. Suppose the color, Philly. We join the Young Defenders to show guys like Old man Green. We don't want them in this part of town, right? Yeah, I guess. Well, then, come on. We'll smear his whole store window with paint. And then we'll pour the rest of it in the doorway. Show this all. Uncle. He can't mess around with the Young Defenders. Then let the stops paint me. Quick, Give me the small brush. Gonna make a picture of it here. Yeah.

[Diamond]

Boy.

[David Harding]

Boy. Circumventing my. Oh, man. Green. I've got you.

[Diamond]

Yes.

[David Harding]

Please don't. Big heroes. You come in the night to spoil an old man's store. Stop him, Billy. He hit his head. Come on, Billy.

[Diamond]

Help me.

[David Harding]

But keep holding onto me. Come on, Billy. We gotta get out of here. Listen, boy, I. Comb my jacket, Mr. Green.

[Diamond]

Come on, Billy, let's go. My dad. Let go.

[David Harding]

Let go. In the name of the Lord. Or this that Just me, Pop. Oh, Billy. Well, it's about time he got home. Didn't know it was so late. Pop. I was just going to turn out the lights and then you. What's happened to your jacket? My jacket? Oh, I. I caught the pocket on the handle. Of a guy's car. Ripped it. Don't worry, Papa, I'll sew it. Even your mother, when she was alive, couldn't have sewed up a rip in your coat. That bad, this place. Don't answer it, Pop. Don't answer it. No, Pop. Please let him knock down the door. If I don't. Don't open that door. Don't. Yes, policeman. Sorry, Mr. Roy's gotta come in. What's the idea of walking in here with a gun? That's your boy? Yes. Come here, boy. Come here. Well, now look what's happened. What? What's he done? Torn jacket. Now, bit this piece of cloth will fit that torn jacket. Look, my boy is a good boy. Now, why do you do this? Please. What's he done? Killed a man. Killed a man? My boy killed a man. To counter spy headquarters, Washington, D.C. complying with your request to local police officials that information pertaining to Young Defenders of America be forwarded to you. Two members of that organization have just been arrested in New York for manslaughter. This is Harding speaking. This Young Defenders organization which is spreading racial hatred is top priority. Mr. Peters and I will arrive in New York in three hours. This is Billy Clinton. Billy, sit down. This is Billy's father, Mr. Clinton. I'm terribly sorry about all this, Mr. Smith. My boy killed a man. I'll be outside if you want me, Mr. Harding. Well, Billy, you're in quite a mess. I know it, sir. How'd you get mixed up with these Young Defenders? Well, I. All the guys were joining us. Just seemed like the thing to do, to defend something. I see you read the newspaper which is published for the Young Defenders. Yes, sir. Agree with it. Well, I didn't think too much about it, sir. I just read it. Did you ever hear a man named Vincent diamond speak? Yes. He's a national leader. I know. He speaks to all our branches and members. He. Tell me, Billy, didn't it ever occur to you to question this bigotry this hate of minorities and races that he was preaching? I don't know, Mr. Holly. You get so excited, you just join in. I see you. Pardon me. Yes, chief? The first report that Mr. Green died is not correct. He responded to treatment on the way to the hospital. Green has been in the operating room four hours. A delicate brain operation. There's a chance he might live. Oh, I hope so. This gives me an idea. Peter, keep that information secret. Yes, sir. I want to talk to Mr. Clinton. Billy, I want you to leave us for a few minutes. Yes, sir. Can I Kiss my father first. Certainly. Sorry, Pop. Go out now, Billy. Like Mr. Harding said, Mr. Clinton, these boys committed this crime themselves. But the poison propaganda peddled by diamonds stirred them up. However, that isn't going to convict him. But why should the counterspies be called in on a thing like this? Mr. Harding? Ms. Clinton, we keep an open file on all crackpot and subversive organizations. You see, these hate organizations break down into two types. The ones led by mentally upset neurotics or crackpots. And the ones that are just crooked rackets. What class are the young defenders? Indications are it's a crooked racket and I want you to help us break it. It's too late now to save my boy. It's never too late to try anything, Mr. Clinton. Besides, there are other dads and other boys. All right, Mr. Harding. I'll do anything. Back to counterspy in a moment. Pepsi Cola hits a spot. Two full glasses, that's a lot, lot more value. Lots more death. Why take less when Pepsi says more and more among fellows and girls, among mothers and dads. You hear that sane and sensible question? Why take less when Pepsi's best? No budget, no allowance. Ever had a better friend than tangy's sparkling Pepsi Cola? Because one big 12 ounce Pepsi bottle gives you two delicious drinks. That's twice as much tangy taste. Twice as much delicious Pepsi to go just twice as far. That's why more and more families say why take less when Pepsi's best? Yes, families like yours and mine, families all over America, they're all saying, why take less when Pepsi's best? Pepsi Cola so delicious and each bottle makes two drinks. It is certainly the cola for the purchaser who thinks everybody's drinking Pepsi dip. Compare it with the rest. So much more and so much finer. Why take less when Pepsi's best? Today, tomorrow always get America's biggest cola value. Take home a carton of six big big Pepsi bottles. Insist on Pepsi at the store and say Pepsi at the fountain, say Pepsi. At the stand, say Pepsi. Whenever you reach for refreshments, remember, why take less when Pepsi's best? Now back to counterspy and the office of the young defenders. Is this the office of the Young defenders?

[Diamond]

Ever hear of nothing before you come in?

[David Harding]

You heard my question.

[Diamond]

Listen, you windbag, when I was in the chorus, no man in the world.

[David Harding]

Is this the office of the young defenders?

[Diamond]

Yes.

[David Harding]

Where's this diamond man who goes around making the speeches?

[Diamond]

None of your business.

[David Harding]

It is my business. You know who I am?

[Diamond]

Must I?

[David Harding]

I'm Mr. Clinton, the father of Billy Clinton they've arrested for killing that storekeeper.

[Diamond]

Oh.

[David Harding]

Now I want to see that man Diamond.

[Diamond]

He isn't here.

[David Harding]

Where does that door lead?

[Diamond]

It's just to another office.

[David Harding]

I'll take a look.

[Diamond]

I told you Mr. Diamond isn't here.

[David Harding]

Well, Diamond's been going around talking to the boys at these Young Defenders meetings. He's in this just as deep as my son.

[Diamond]

But Mr. Diamond wasn't with you, sir.

[David Harding]

Well, he allows Billy, so he did it. And I want to see him. I demand to see him. Who demands to see who? Who are you? I'm acquaintance to Mr. Diamond. I'll keep your shirt on, Father. I don't like that laugh. I didn't ask you if you did. Now get out and go away. I'm not going anywhere till I see that man Diamond.

[Diamond]

This is Billy Clinton's father. Billy was the boy who was painting him Mr. G.R. green store and killed the old man. Yeah, he's been banging all around the office.

[David Harding]

And I demand to see diamond or there's going to be plenty of trouble. Now, we've all got to protect each other, huh? The same kind of undesirable diamond is preaching about. They're going to persecute my boy in court. Wait a minute. I'm getting this wrong. What do you want? I want some money to hire defense in court for my boy. I'm a poor man. I haven't got any money for his defense. No, he's a member of the Young Defenders. The organization should defend him. Sure, sure. The Young Defenders will defend your boy.

[Diamond]

But we can't defend him if he quiet a little.

[David Harding]

We'll hire the best lawyers money can buy. Mr. Clinton, the young Defenders will not allow your boy to be crucified. Oh, well, thank you, sir. Thank you. Sure, sure. You come back to the office here in a week. You'll see. Oh, that's wonderful now. Wonderful. We'll all hang together. Yeah, let's not use that word. We'll stick together. Right out that way. Ms. Quinn, we've got to defend my boy. Well, be seeing you. Goodbye,

[Diamond]

Bugs. I ain't very bright.

[David Harding]

Don't you get it, stupid? A defense fund. We'll raise money from every sucker on Simon's list. We'll scream the kid's being persecuted because he's a young defender. We must rally to his defense. Who'd ever think of that but me, Bug Gonia. You think if Simon was in town he'd think of it? We'll raise the bill by letter.

[Diamond]

Simon will be Awful sore taking over here's end of the racket.

[David Harding]

It's a good time to show diamond who's got the brains. We'll collect a hundred thousand bucks by next week. The Young Defenders Organization has sent out about 200,000 letters, Mr. Hunting, asking for money to defend Billy Clinton. Yes. Oh, and Mr. Green is better. Good. But don't let that news get out. Right. Peter, who does this diamond live with? He has a room by himself some way. He's hooked up with a gangster called Bugsgonia. Anything on Bugs? A long past record, but no reason to pick him up now. There's also an ex Follies girl mixed up somehow. We'll do some more checking on them. And just as soon as the money starts coming in for that defense fund, we'll have some legal reason for moving in on Diamond. That big fool Bugs didn't have any right to mix in on my end of the racket while I was gone. Lily.

[Diamond]

Take it easy, Diamond. He's right in the next room. He'll hear you.

[David Harding]

I have a good mind to tell him about us anyhow.

[Diamond]

Oh, cut it out, Diamond.

[David Harding]

Come on. I'm going in to see him.

[Diamond]

Promise me you won't tell him the secret. You're too upset right now.

[David Harding]

Okay, okay. Come on.

[Diamond]

How I hate that man.

[David Harding]

Now you're back, Simon. Why so solid? Eat a lemon. Cut that phony laugh. I don't like that, Simon. Well, I don't like you messing with my end of the racket. Listen to him, Lily. Sore Cause in one week I rig it up to make more than he's made in three months. Everything I've done is inside the law. They couldn't touch it. The what? The law could get us now. The what? You don't use the mail. We can get a couple of years in a pen through your stupidity yourself. Diamond, please.

[Diamond]

Please. Diamond didn't mean it.

[David Harding]

Oh, yes, I did.

[Diamond]

Stop it. Stop it, both of you.

[David Harding]

Well, forget it. Go on back to your room. Diamond. You go get dressed. Lily, you and me are stepping out tonight. Wait a minute, Spark.

[Diamond]

Diamond. Diamond, you promised.

[David Harding]

He promised what? What did he promise? How much will you spell me the Young Defenders for? Folks? I'm spelling nothing. Stop laughing that way. Don't give me order. Why, you. Get that bookend, Lily? The bookend. You tried to hit me, Lily.

[Diamond]

Oh, no, no, no, Bug.

[David Harding]

You tried to hit me on the head. You missed and hit Simon.

[Diamond]

No, I didn't. Honest. You two were moving so fast, if

[David Harding]

I thought you're dead, why would I

[Diamond]

Want to hit you.

[David Harding]

Look at me.

[Diamond]

Don't, Bug.

[David Harding]

Look at me. Right in your eye. Come on. Okay.

[Diamond]

Oh, Diamond. He's. I'm dead.

[David Harding]

Y. You really hit him. Oh.

[Diamond]

What are we going to do? It's a murder.

[David Harding]

You hadn't have done it, I would.

[Diamond]

Oh.

[David Harding]

Now we just got to get him out of here.

[Diamond]

How?

[David Harding]

All right, Doc. Cars in front. We'll pretend he's had too much to drink. We'll walk him out between us.

[Diamond]

Oh, I'm scared, Bugs. Awful scared.

[David Harding]

Hey, I got me another big idea.

[Diamond]

Another like this.

[David Harding]

I suppose we leave him alone in the woods. In a couple of weeks he's found. And who killed him? The undesirables that the Young Defenders have been working against. He'll get us a lot of new members. Come on. We gotta get rid of them. Peters, you out there? Yes, Mr. Harding. We're checking the money that's coming in on that defense fund. How much? About 3,000 a day. And we're going into action. Come into my office. Yes, sir. I've renewed the court order, Mr. Harding, giving us permission to check on the money being sent into the Young Defenders by mail. A vicious racket, Peter. I haven't been able to dig up anything more on that Bugs Gonia. That diamond is some way connected with Peter. Before we take diamond, let's go up and pay Bugs a little social call. I've checked, and the girl is there with him now. Cut it out, Lily. I'm sick of it. I said cut it out.

[Diamond]

And I'm sick of sitting around here doing nothing, going crazy.

[David Harding]

Maybe you miss Diamond.

[Diamond]

Maybe I do.

[David Harding]

Maybe you're sore I won't let you go no place.

[Diamond]

You suffocating to death. You sitting there looking at me.

[David Harding]

Looking at me and maybe hating you.

[Diamond]

You do hate me, don't you?

[David Harding]

I hate everybody.

[Diamond]

And you hate yourself. It's all over your face. And stop that freak laugh.

[David Harding]

Shut up. One word to the cops and you'd get the chair.

[Diamond]

One sick and fed up with it all. This last racket is a rottenness.

[David Harding]

Yet who answer the door? This Bugs Gonia's apartment.

[Diamond]

Who wants to know?

[David Harding]

What's the idea of coming here this time of night? I think we'll walk in.

[Diamond]

You got your nerve.

[David Harding]

I'm Harding of the United States Counter spies. This is Mr. Peters, my assistant. You Bugs Donia? Sure. Have a seat. Two of you have two seats. Where's Diamond? I don't know. Maybe he's gone on a honeymoon.

[Diamond]

Bug, huh? Nothing.

[David Harding]

Does diamond work for you? Nah. Where's his passing acquaintances. What do you know about this hate racket? Bugs stirring up racial hatred among ignorant people. Diamond does that. You're Lily Bell, aren't you? Yeah, that was the name in the folly. You know diamond pretty well?

[Diamond]

No, not very well. I know him by sight.

[David Harding]

Come from Wisconsin, don't you?

[Diamond]

Yes.

[David Harding]

Falls Junction, Wisconsin.

[Diamond]

Yeah.

[David Harding]

You recently got a copy of your birth certificate, didn't you? Where is it now?

[Diamond]

I. I don't know.

[David Harding]

Did you want to show it to someone at the little town of Wellington over in Jersey?

[Diamond]

Stop it. Stop it.

[David Harding]

Well, I thought. Shall I go on? Now? What's the idea of all this? Your birth certificate wouldn't still be at the marriage bureau in New Jersey, would it, Lily?

[Diamond]

I don't know.

[David Harding]

Where is your husband, Lily? Oh.

[Diamond]

Oh, what's the use? I'll tell everything. Lily, I did marry Diamond. He's dead. He was killed in a fight right here in this apartment.

[David Harding]

Stop him, Peter.

[Diamond]

Easy, Bug. I flattened his bugs over the head and I hit diamond by mistake.

[David Harding]

I have nothing to do with it. You know all about this hate racket, Lily?

[Diamond]

Yes. Yes, every bit of it. I was in on it too. I've had everything.

[David Harding]

Everything. All right, Peters. Get the cops on Bug Sciar. Murder and accomplice. A murder and a whole list of federal offenses inciting race prejudice and hatred. The crime of intolerance is the worst of all. We'll do everything in our power to help wipe it out. When your friends drop in, be generous, but be thrifty too. Serve plenty of delicious Pepsi Cola. Pepsi's big 12 ounce bottle gives you not just one sparkling glass full, but two. Get a carton of six and serve 12 delicious drinks. Yes, Pepsi is America's biggest store of value. You get twice the tangy taste, twice the refreshment, twice the Pepsi. So why take less when Pepsi's best? Whenever you reach for refreshment, remember Pepsi Cola Spittle toothle glasses. That's a lot more value. Lots more death. Why take less when Pepsi's death. Now here again is David Harding. It so happens that tonight's case is very timely. This is Brotherhood week, so let's all spread the word. Don't listen to or spread gossip about any group of people. Instead, stand up and talk against that kind of talk when you hear it. Not only this week, but all year round. That's being a real American. Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday, same time, same station to counterspy. Listen next Tuesday for the exciting Counterspy case of A School for Spies. The beauty parlor cover up for a sinister operation, the bad penny Black Egypt, who turned up at the wrong time, and the murdered passenger standing at the rail of the Staten Island Ferry. The case of the School for Spies shows how an innocent word can be fitted like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle into a larger picture, which means trouble to our nation. The exciting way your counterspies get on the trail of a menacing spy syndicate who prey on Uncle Sam's boys in blue will be exposed next Tuesday. Be sure to listen to the bass of a School for Spies on Counter Spy. Tonight's Counter Spy program, originated in New York, was directed by William M. Sweets and featured Don McLaughlin and Mandel Kramer, with music by Jesse Crawford. Counter Spy is a Philip H. Lord production for Pepsi Cola. Enjoy some Pepsi. Ice cold tonight.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, a really fascinating episode. I continue to appreciate how Harding manages to play the criminals by coming up with clever ways to manipulate them. In this case, recognizing that if given a chance, grifters are going to grift, he set events in motion that would lead to their undoing as they cross the line into a federal crime through mail fraud. I do have to admit the beginning to this episode was certainly unique. That the idea the announcer interviewing the bad guys and letting him know exactly what he thinks is such an unusual approach of essentially interviewing characters and say, let's just get this clear. You know, I know my job is just to set up the commercials and provide exposition, but I just want to say for the record, I don't like these people. I don't like them. No, not at all. No. Just want to be clear on that. And the idea that okay, this was make, that was make believe, but this is real. It's all make believe. But I think some of that is being done in the service of the whole idea of National Brotherhood Week. And this is something you'll hear referenced quite a bit during the golden age of radio. It was designed to deal with initially just religious intolerance and some of the really hateful rumors that were spread about other religions and to get people to listen and to understand each other. And there were efforts to expand towards other categories like ethnicity and race, although those could be a bit more tentative. Now, of course, there were people who didn't like National Brotherhood Week, and it wasn't just everyone who had a problem with the concept. There is episode of Jack Webb's commentary series that he did as a young man in San Francisco called 1 out of 7, where he highlighted various acts of intolerance being done against racial and religious minorities during National Brotherhood Week. And Tom Lehrer actually wrote a song in the 60s called National Brotherhood Week where he essentially lamponed it as a performative week where Americans pretended not to hate everybody that they actually despised. And it slowly faded away over time, going away completely in the 2000s. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a comment here regarding the Counterspy episode recruited nurse with B.A. baracus riding on Spotify. Nurses and doctors were flying flight attendants. Surely you can't be serious. I am serious. Don't call me Shirley. Well, if nothing else, that particular point of information gave you the opportunity to make that joke. And then we go over to YouTube where we have a comment regarding the camera happy crook from Alan who writes a similar idea a different script on Mr. District Attorney. Well, I appreciate the comment and it's not gonna surprise me a whole lot when it comes to recycled scripts. If you have cross pollination between counterspy and Mr. District Attorney and even gangbusters, they were all Phillips Lord productions. And when you are doing as many episodes as he was, particularly with two Counterspy episodes per week, you do need a lot of ideas. And if you've already got scripts and ideas from another series you can use that's pretty close in tone, then it makes sense to do that. I would be interested in the exact case and being able to compare in between the two shows, but I do appreciate the information, Alan. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Chris, patreon Supporter since June 2015, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Chris. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us in using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Saturday with another episode of counterspy, but join us back here. The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast on Monday for the Saint and on the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio on Tuesday for Tarzan. In the meantime, do send your comments to box13greatdetives.net from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.

[David Harding]

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[David Harding]

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[David Harding]

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