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.