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Danger with Grainger: Stolen Necklace (EP4831) - The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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Danger with Grainger: Stolen Necklace (EP4831)

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Mon Oct 27 2025

Today's Mystery: A woman is in a car accident and wakes up to find her necklace missing. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957 Originating from Australia Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger Support the show monthly...

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Danger with Grainger – "Stolen Necklace" (EP4831)

Original Airdate: October 27, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Drama featured: Danger with Grainger (1956 or 1957 original episode, "Missing Necklace")

Episode Overview

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features a suspenseful tale from "Danger with Grainger" titled "Missing Necklace." Private detective Steve Grainger is drawn into a web of deception and murder after a woman's $30,000 diamond necklace goes missing following a violent car crash that claimed her brother's life. As Grainger delves into the case, he uncovers a plot entwined with gambling debts, Broadway ambitions, and dangerous criminals. Host Adam Graham provides post-episode commentary, highlighting the clever handling of henchmen and the noir undercurrents of the story.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Incident & Initial Mystery

[02:21] Norma Hartnett and her brother Peter are driving when they are chased and run off the road by a dark green sedan. Peter is shot and killed. Norma awakens in the hospital, realizing her valuable diamond necklace is missing.
- Notable Quote:
  - Peter: "We're being followed." – [02:29]
  - Norma: "My necklace. What happened to it?" – [03:31]

2. Case Introduction to Steve Grainger

[03:48] Grainger, private detective, narrates his involvement. Norma Hartnett seeks his help to retrieve the necklace she used as collateral for her brother's gambling debt.
- The necklace was given by her husband, a Broadway producer, and is now in the hands of Ricky Temple, a notorious gambler linked to a criminal underworld.

3. The Search for Ricky Temple

[05:13]–[08:00] Grainger tries to track down Ricky Temple through West Side contacts, particularly newspaperman Cal Hendricks.
Discovering Temple is in hiding, Grainger finally confronts him, only for Ricky to be shot before revealing the full story.
- Notable Quote:
  - Ricky Temple (to Grainger): "How much do you want to keep your mouth zippered?" – [06:53]
  - Grainger: "I'm not up here looking for a quick buck. I'll spit it out then." – [06:57]

4. Crime Connections and Power Plots

[09:30]–[13:11]
- Lieutenant Harding investigates the two murders. Evidence ties a gun found at the crime scene to Nick Farrelli, a criminal working for Harold Dixon, who also happens to be a major backer in David Hartnett’s Broadway show.
- Norma reveals that Dixon now controls 50% of her husband's production, giving him significant influence.
- Notable Quote:
  - Grainger (on Dixon): "Harold Dixon was a smart operator. Shrewd, smooth and slippery as an eel dipped in olive oil." – [13:14]

5. The Ruby-Farelli Connection

[14:14]–[16:18]
- Grainger locates Ruby, a showgirl and Nick Farrelli's girlfriend, with help from the Mambo Club. Ruby uneasily leads Grainger to Nick’s apartment, where they find him murdered.
- Grainger calls Harding, deducing that Farrelli was the one who shot Ricky Temple before being killed himself.
- Notable Quote:
  - Ruby: "What do you want?"
    Grainger: "I’d like to meet him, if it’s possible. Where? You name it." – [14:37–14:42]

6. The Criminal Web Unravels

[17:45]–[21:15]
- Grainger links the murders and necklace theft back to Dixon, theorizing he orchestrated the killings to gain control of the show and keep his criminal activities hidden. Dixon kidnaps Norma and holds Grainger at gunpoint when he confronts him.
- Notable Exchange:
  - Grainger: "Harold Dixon has been an elusive figure in crime for years." – [12:37]
  - Dixon: "Since you’re not going to do anything about it, I may as well admit it. I have [the necklace]." – [20:25]

7. Showdown and Clever Turnabout

[21:15]–[23:30]
- Dixon orders his henchman Jigger to dispose of Grainger and Norma. Grainger sows distrust, convincing Jigger that Dixon would soon betray him, leading to an armed standoff.
- In the ensuing scuffle, Grainger grabs the gun, subdues Dixon, and the police arrive just in time.
- Notable Quote:
  - Grainger: "You, Dixon, wind up with a half-million dollar show plus a $30,000 necklace. But what's Mr. Hartnett gonna say when he finds out his wife has disappeared?" – [21:34]
  - Jigger: "He's got something there, boss." – [21:39]
  - Grainger: "Jigger, did you know that your boss, the great Dixon, had Nick Farelli kill Ricky Temple? …When you get through disposing of us for Mr. Dixon ... he'll dispose of you." – [22:13 & 22:17]

8. Denouement and Recovery

[23:43–24:35]
- With Dixon outsmarted and the police retrieving the necklace from a wall safe, Norma is safe but shaken.
- Granger reassures her and the case wraps up.

9. Host Commentary and Listener Engagement

[25:05] Adam Graham recaps the episode’s clever plotting and use of criminal psychology, noting how Dixon’s dependence on ruthlessly eliminating his own henchmen ultimately backfires.
- "Dixon overused the idea of using one henchman to rub out another, creating doubt in the last thug so that he hesitated before killing Granger... that's a good way to run out of henchmen." – Adam Graham [25:05]
Graham thanks a Patreon supporter and reads brief listener feedback (“Good one” from Mechanic 66).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Criminal Logic:
- Grainger: “Harold Dixon was a smart operator. Shrewd, smooth and slippery as an eel dipped in olive oil.” – [13:14]
On Stakes Raising:
- Grainger: "Suppose he can keep the show out of town long enough, he can probably fix it so your husband won’t be able to get any more backing. What happens?" – [12:47]
On Final Turnabout:
- Grainger to Jigger: “When you get through disposing of us for Mr. Dixon... he'll dispose of you.” – [22:17]
Host Reflection:
- Adam Graham: “Dixon overused the idea of using one henchman to rub out another... that’s a good way to run out of henchmen.” – [25:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:21] – Attack on Norma and Peter, necklace goes missing
[03:48] – Grainger takes the case
[06:53]–[08:00] – Grainger confronts Ricky Temple, who is then shot
[11:43]–[13:14] – Discovering Dixon’s control of the Broadway show
[14:14] – The lead on Nick Farelli via Ruby
[16:11] – Nick Farelli found murdered
[17:45] – Confronting Harold Dixon
[21:15–23:30] – Final showdown; Grainger turns the tables
[25:05] – Host commentary and wrap-up

Overall Tone and Style

The language throughout the radio drama is classic noir: brisk, clever, heavy on atmosphere, with Grainger’s dry wit and hard-boiled insights guiding the listener. Adam Graham’s wrap-up is enthusiastic and incisive, offering a fan’s appreciation for old-time radio craftsmanship and storytelling twists.

For Listeners

Whether you’re a mystery enthusiast, a fan of old radio, or new to detective audio dramas, this episode delivers tightly-wound suspense, colorful characters, and a satisfying payoff—all with the distinct crackle of vintage radio storytelling and Adam Graham’s signature knowledgeable commentary.

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Transcript

A (0:00)

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B (0:03)

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A (0:17)

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B (0:20)

Cut the camera. They see us.

A (0:22)

Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty Savings vary underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts. Sam.

C (0:58)

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we are going to bring you this week's episode of Danger with Granger. But first, I want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software.

A (1:22)

How.

C (1:23)

And I do want to go ahead and take this occasion to note that today marks the start of our 17th season. Great detectives of Old Time Radio started releasing episodes 16 years ago yesterday. So our 17th year is underway, and I hope that you enjoy it. And we've got some great stuff ahead for you. All right, well, here now from 1956 or 57 is the episode Missing Necklace.

A (2:10)

Danger with Granger.

D (2:21)

Peter, what in the world's the matter with you? One moment you're driving like a madman, the next you're literally crawling.

A (2:26)

I was making sure of something, Norma.

D (2:28)

Making sure of what?

A (2:29)

We're being followed.

D (2:30)

Followed by whom?

A (2:32)

It's a dark green sedan. Been following us for the past 15 minutes.

D (2:35)

It's so desolate out here. To drive faster.

A (2:38)

That's right.

D (2:41)

A (5:25)

Mrs. Hartnett, you got yourself a boy. Doma Hartnett gave me a New York address. One of the local hostelries went on a wait. I put out a few feelers for Ricky Temple and got nowhere. He dropped out of sight. I decided on an interview with Cal Hendricks. He was a newspaper man and if anybody could give me a lead, I felt he could. What in the world do you want with a shifty character like Ricky Temple? I'm hunting a diamond necklace for a client. I'm glad it's business, Steve, but I don't know if I can help you on hunt. When the gambling probe started a couple of months back, Ricky crawled down a sewer someplace for the other rats. I'm sure he's in New York. He used to hang around the west side up near Columbus Circle. Thanks, Kel. May go ask at some of the places up there. I'll leave you spare change here, will you? I can take care of myself. Don't worry. The last time you came back from a gambling joint, you were wearing a barrel Never mind. With a belt in the back. I went north towards Columbus Circle and started asking questions in different small hotels, as well as some of the big ones. It took that afternoon and the better part of the evening. Finally, I got the address of Ricky Temple's latest hideout. What do you want? Ricky Temple be around. Who? You, buster? I want to see Temple. He's an old friend. Temple ain't got no friends. And say, ain't you Steve Granger? Suppose I am. Blow. We don't want private snoops around smells up the joint. I'll teach you to mind your adverbs, mister. Now move aside. I don't think so. All right, Granger. What's the routine for? Came up to see you, Ricky. Your butler hasn't learned his manners yet. He was told to keep out the characters. You were a character, but I'm in. Okay, you're in. How much do you want to keep your mouth zippered? You got the wrong man, Ricky. I'm not up here looking for a quick buck. I'll spit it out then. I'm busy inside. I'll take $30,000 worth of diamond necklace that belongs to Mrs. David Hartnett. Don't be silly, Granger. You've got it. She wants it. Good night, snoop. The door is open. And I just ran out of time. There's a killing mixed up in this, Ricky. No, there isn't. You haven't read the papers. Mrs. Hartnett's brother was shot and killed. When the police find out about that necklace, they're gonna get inquisitive about you. You sure about this? Would I be here if I were kidding? Here's a paper I picked up. Take a look. Sammy. Beat it. Okay, inside. What's the game? Be sure I get my percentage right. Come inside and shut the door. I'm invited to stay a while, huh? I just want you to get something clear in your mind. I have not got the necklace. That puts you on a spot. Suppose I pull out 3500 clams and ask you to hand it over? Well, come on, Ricky. Tell me the rest of the story. What happened to the necklace? I. I don't think I'll say anymore. Let Mrs. Swartnet come over. I'll talk to her. You'll talk to me, or I'll get police headquarters on the phone. I'll tip them two ways. One, about the necklace, second, about this. You'd spill, huh? I would. When the study grand where the life's concerned, plots a killing. Maybe. Maybe I ought to call my mouthpiece. He'd Know what to do. Cut the chatter. Haven't got a lawyer, and you know it. Look, look, Granger, I don't know what the play is, see, But I. I got a couple details. Maybe they'll help you get back the necklace, huh? I'd better get it back, or you and I will tangle with a cop looking in. Okay, okay. I'll tell you what I know now, you see. Hey, yo. Hold it. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. As the door opened and the two shots reverberated through the room, Ricky Temple dropped to the floor. I snapped a fast shot at the figure in the doorway, saw him clutch at his shoulder and then beat it. I tried to head after him, but was stopped by Ricky's outsider, Sammy. By the time I persuaded him to let me go and to call the cops, the customers in the other room had vanished quicker than snowflakes in a heat wave. Then the Police arrived with Lt. Mike Harding in charge. Well, gumshoe mixed up in another shooting, huh? Yeah. Harding. Who is he? Ricky Temple. He'll never be missed. I suppose you start talking about now. I told Harding what I knew about the killing. One of his men found a gun which had been dropped in the hall. Well, that's something, I guess. I'll have ballistics go over the gun for Prince. Yeah, I'll check with you later in the day, Mike. Where'll you be? In my office or at Cal Hendricks place. Okay, Granger. You'll hear from me. Well, this is flattering, Steve. Two visits in one day. Not your hardened visage I'm interested in. You know David Hartnett, the theatrical producer? Is he the one who owned the missing diamond necklace? He bought it for his wife. I found Ricky Chappell, by the way. Find out anything? He just started to open up for me when somebody cooled him. Harding is taking his body down to the morgue. Seems to me that Temple was fronting for someone. He must have had a Boss name on. McHenricks. Harold Dixon. Dixon? Didn't occur to me he'd have a finger in this pie. More than one finger, I imagine. Hmm. Yeah, I just can't browse over to his spot and accuse him of being in with Ricky Temple. Oh, no. Excuse me. Hendrix speaking. This is Harding, Homicide. Is Steve Granger around there? Hendricks? Yeah. Yeah, Harding, down at headquarters. Thanks. Hello? Granger, the lab man checked that gun and came up with something. What? The gun was registered to a hood named Nick Farrelli. You know him? No. He works for Harold Dixon. We've Got out a pickup on Farelli. Thanks Harding. I'll check you later. So long. What goes, Steve? You were right about Harold Dixon. Uh huh. I'd give four to one it involves more than 3,500 bucks. I left California dug Mrs. David Hartnett's address out of a coat pocket, hailed a cab and went over. She greeted me at the door.

A (16:51)

Just a minute. Homicide, please. Hiding. Talking. This is Granger. I found Pirelli for you. Thanks. I want to talk to him. You're a little late. He was murdered in his apartment at 2215 East 9th Street. I'll be right over. Okay. And you stay there, you hear? Okay. Okay, I hear. I stayed and so did Ruby. When Harding showed up, I explained as much as I could for the girl. And the Homicide man was nice about it. He let her go on her own recognizance. Then he turned to me. Okay, grinjet, give me the rest of it. No rest of it. The girl told you what happened? Uh huh. I think you'll find that Nick Farrelli shot and killed Ricky Temple. Yeah, look at him. The man who shot Ricky got away, but only after I winged him. I distinctly remember seeing him clutch at his right shoulder. And Nick has a wound in that shoulder, correct? You do nice things for the police department, Granger. Thanks. Nick Farrelli shot and killed Mrs. Hartnett's brother. He shot and killed Ricky. You found him for us. But I found him dead. I knew you were gonna say that next. Harding and his crew went to work. I left the apartment and looked for a telephone. One in a booth where I wouldn't be disturbed. I let it ring the 10 times the phone company recommends and forgot it. Mrs. David Hartnett was not at home. I was almost sure that Harold Dixon was in back of the killings. But how to tie him in with the real problem? I decided to pay him a visit. He lived, but exclusively in a house on a quiet west side street. This was it. Yeah. You Mr. Dixon? Harold Dixon. You Steve Granger? Come on in. I didn't know I'd be that welcome. You are Mr. Granger. You've saved me the trouble of having someone look you up. Okay, that's enough. And this is a gun. Please don't move. I'll take this gun of yours, if you don't mind. At this point I have no choice. Thanks. I understand that you alone are pretty dangerous. With a gun in your pocket, you might become obnoxious. Walk, please, down the hall, if you will. If I won't try it and see the first door on the right. Go on in. Have a chair, Mr. Granger. You're so generous. Now what? Fast game of cribbage. I'd like you to meet one of your clients. Pardon me. I watched Harold Dixon back carefully to a closet door. He turned a key and when the door swung open, I knew why Mrs. David Hartnett hadn't answered my phone call. You two have met? Of course.

A (21:15)

And now, Mr. Dixon. We'll have to dispose of you, Mrs. Hartnett. And you, Mr. Granger. You want me, boy? Yes, Jigger. I want you to arrange for Mrs. Hartman and Mr. Granger. Okay, boss. You want I should dump him in the river? I never ask how you do things, Just do them. And you, Dixon, wind up with a half million dollar show plus a $30,000 necklace. But what's Mr. Hartnett gonna say, when he finds out his wife has disappeared. He's got something there, boss. Could we make it look accidental, like maybe a car accident? Excellent suggestion, Jigger. Oh, excuse me. Harold Dixon speaking. Yes? Oh, yes. Yes, of course, Harding. You may come up anytime. I've cooperated with the police for years. Get him out of here quick. Jigger, that was Harding. A fungicide. He's coming here to ask questions. I want to ask a question too. Take them out, Jigger. No. Jigger, did you know that your boss, the great Dixon, had Nick Pirelli kill Ricky Temple? Shut up, gringer. Then to close Nick's mouth, he had you shoot him. You see, Jigger? He knows too much. I can have you something else too, Jigger. When you get through disposing of us for Mr. Dixon. That's enough. He'll dispose of you. What are you trying to pull? Take a look at Mr. Dixon, Jigger. Take a good look, Jigger. Don't take me notice. He's just trying to stroll till Harding arrives. I don't know, boy. Come on. Get those people out of here right now. You fool. I'm Harold Dixon, remember? Yeah, Dixon. I remember. I remember some other guys who just dropped out of sight. Put down that gun. Uh, Dixon, I think we ought to talk first. Put it down a long suit. Try it. I watched the impasse between Harold Dixon and Jigger grow like an unhealthy thing, a thing of fear and hate. Then I got a sudden break. Jigger turned his back to me, facing Dixon completely. I made my move. That girl, that gun. Dixon. He's got his truck. Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. I was lucky. Jigger let go his gun in time for me to grab it and snap a shot at Harold Dixon, who fell to the floor, writhing in pain. Mrs. Norma Hartnett stood as still as a pillar of salt. All right, Jigger, back up against the wall. Shut up. Mrs. Hartness, snap out of it. You be all right?