Danger with Grainger: The Arnie Lesich Story (EP4846)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Danger with Granger — The Arnie Lesich Story (EP4846)

Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Series: Danger with Granger
Featured Cast: Steve Granger, Ruth Perry, Mary Welland, Lt. Jake Rankin, Peter Carling, Benji

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Overview

This episode of Danger with Granger, titled "The Arnie Lesich Story," plunges listeners into a classic post-prison revenge mystery. Six years after testifying against him, Ruth Perry fears that newly freed ex-con Arnie Lessig is out for payback. Private detective Steve Granger is hired to protect her, but when Arnie turns up murdered, Granger is drawn into a tangled web of false testimony, missing evidence, and the hunt for a mysterious package. As Granger navigates through misleading clues, double-crosses, and violent encounters, he peels back the layers of a complex frame job that led to false imprisonment, murder, and a counterfeiting ring.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background: The Conviction and the Threat

• The story opens with Arnie Lessig's sentencing for robbery, based on Ruth Perry's testimony. As he's led from court, Arnie threatens Ruth:
  Quote: "Baby, I'm gonna get you if it's the last thing I do." (02:25—02:32)
• Six years pass. Ruth, still fearful, seeks Steve Granger's help as Arnie is released.

2. Engaging a Bodyguard: Ruth’s Fears

• Ruth contacts Granger to hire him for protection:
  • Presents a threatening note she believes is from Arnie:
    Quote: "I'll be back in a couple of days. I want to see you bad, baby." (04:53)
  • Granger is skeptical, doubting Arnie would risk further trouble.

3. First Encounters: Surveillance and Skepticism

• Granger tracks Arnie from the train to a hotel, observing him with another woman (not Ruth).
• Arnie insists he's "playing it straight," refutes any vendetta, and demands Granger stop following him.
• Granger dismisses both Arnie and Ruth from his mind—until he’s drawn back in by a desperate call from Ruth.

4. Murder at the Manning Hotel

• Ruth brings Granger to Arnie’s hotel room, where they find Arnie dead, stabbed in the back (09:08).
• The room appears ransacked. Ruth insists she found it that way; Granger calls the police but is knocked unconscious before he can report fully.

5. Enter the Criminal Underworld and Police

• Granger is interrogated by Lt. Jake Rankin, who is frustrated with Granger’s involvement (10:23).
• Two goons, Peter Carling and Benji, abduct Granger, interrogate him about "something Arnie had," then threaten him to stay quiet (12:30—13:58).

6. Digging Deeper: The Search for the Truth

• Granger consults newspaperman Cal Hendricks and is urged to review the transcript of Arnie’s original trial (15:39).
• Ruth Perry goes missing; Granger and Rankin investigate her apartment, but she eludes them.

7. The Witness With a Secret: Mary Welland

• Granger tracks down Mary Welland, another key trial witness and Arnie’s girlfriend, and the woman seen with Arnie at the bar (18:40).
• Mary reveals Ruth framed Arnie with her false testimony:
  • Quote (Mary): "She lied because Arnie was with me. But I couldn't prove it, and they wouldn't believe me.” (19:41—19:54)
• Mary admits Arnie left her a sealed package before prison, which she has never opened (21:14).

8. The Package: The Real Motive

• Granger and Mary open the package, revealing a set of plates for forging postage stamps (21:52).
• Granger warns Mary to hide as the goons will be back. He summons Lt. Rankin.
• Carling and Benji arrive, try to retrieve the plates, and are arrested by the police after a brief confrontation (23:49).

9. Revelations and Finale

• Under pressure, Benji confesses Carling murdered Arnie for the plates.
• Granger confronts Ruth, who tries to strike a deal to split the counterfeiting profits and inadvertently confesses to lying on the stand and framing Arnie with Carling (25:07):
  • Quote (Granger): "I know you lied on the witness stand. You and Carling framed Arnie, thinking he'd turn over the plates if you take care of him. But he didn't. So he went to jail." (25:14)
• Lt. Rankin arrests Ruth, bringing the case full circle.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Arnie’s Threat in Court:
  “Baby, I'm gonna get you if it's the last thing I do.” — Arnie Lessig (02:25)

• Ruth Pleading with Granger:
  “Arnie is a two-time loser. I don't think he'll fuss with the law again for a while.” — Ruth Perry (05:20)

• Mary Welland Exposes the Frame:
  “She lied because Arnie was with me. But I couldn't prove it, and they wouldn't believe me.” — Mary Welland (19:41)

• Discovery of the Plates:
  “A set of plates, Mary. Plates to make fake postage stamps.” — Steve Granger (21:52)

• Ruth’s Offer and Confession:
  “I know I can get plenty of money for these plates. I'll give you half.” — Ruth Perry (25:21)

• Granger’s Moral Stand:
  “See you in 10 years, baby.” — Steve Granger, turning Ruth in (25:29)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:25 | Arnie’s sentencing and threat | | 04:25 | Ruth hires Granger for protection | | 07:48 | Ruth’s frantic call after receiving a second note | | 09:08 | Discovery of Arnie’s dead body | | 10:23 | Police (Lt. Rankin) question Granger | | 12:30 | Granger abducted by Carling and Benji | | 15:39 | Granger consults Cal Hendricks, reporter | | 18:40 | Granger meets Mary Welland; big confession | | 21:52 | Discovery and reveal of the counterfeiting plates | | 23:49 | Carling and Benji arrested during attempted burglary | | 25:07 | Ruth’s confession and arrest |

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Host Comments & Listener Engagement (Adam Graham Commentary)

• Adam appreciates episodes where detectives must do their own legwork and aren't spoon-fed answers by helpful contacts (26:31).
• Responds to listener Art, discussing stylistic differences between American and Australian radio detective series.
• Discusses audio-speed issues with Australian-origin shows, referencing listener Kathy’s observation.
• Answers listener Caleb’s observations about recurring "knocked unconscious and sent to sanitarium" tropes, contrasting approaches among classic detectives (30:33).
• Thanks Patreon supporter Gretchen.

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Tone and Storytelling Style

The episode carries a hardboiled, suspenseful noir tone, characteristic of mid-century radio mysteries. The dialogue is punchy and direct, with exchanges bristling with suspicion and sarcasm. The private eye’s narration is wry and seasoned with skepticism, providing both plot movement and a moral through-line as he uncovers layers of deception.

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For First-Time Listeners

This is a tightly woven, classic detective radio drama with all the trappings of the genre: a wrongly-accused felon, double-crossing dames, a mysterious package, a determined PI, and the interplay between cops, crooks, and innocents. The story is a self-contained mystery but rewards listeners who enjoy morally ambiguous characters and twisty plots reflective of the hardboiled tradition.

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Listen For

• The clever misdirection and multiple layers of deception—especially the reversal where the “innocent” star witness turns out to be the actual villain.
• The smooth interplay of period slang, atmosphere, and sharp retorts among detectives and suspects alike.
• Deep appreciation for radio noir structure—each red herring, plot twist, and punch to our protagonist serves the mystery and listener engagement.

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Summary prepared for “The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — Danger with Granger: The Arnie Lesich Story (EP4846),” November 17, 2025. For fans of classic audio drama and detective noir storytelling.

Transcript

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[Steve Granger]

Foreign.

[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 Danger with Granger. But first I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to 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 and you can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net or become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net but here now is the Annie Lessig story.

[Steve Granger]

Danger with Granger. As the jury reached the verdict. We have, your honor. The defendant, Arnold Lessik will rise and face the jury now. How do you find the defendant? Guilty or not guilty? Guilty, your honor. I've been framed. I never robbed the apartment. Arnold Lessik, face this bench for sentence. But your honor, I never. Arnold Lessig, this court sentences you to serve a term in the state penitentiary of not less than five, not more than 15 years. That was six years ago. Arnie Lessig had finally been caught and convicted of one of his numerous crimes. After Judge hall would pronounce sentence, the crook was led to the exit by two deputies. Among the witnesses was a girl. The girl had given a final testimony that sent Lessek to the pen. As he passed the girl, he bent over and muttered one single ominous sentence. Baby, I'm gonna get you if it's the last thing I do. This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story which began with a conviction and led to murder. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. The Lancet case was six years ago. This month had been forgotten. The day after the trial, I was at my office working over routine case reports, wiping a damp brow with a damper handkerchief when the girl walked in.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Mr. Granger, I'm Ruth Perry. I must engage your services immediately.

[Steve Granger]

Now, come in, Miss Perry. Sit down.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I need a bodyguard. I'll pay you out for services.

[Steve Granger]

What's your trouble?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Miss Perry, do you remember the Arnie Lassett case?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, and you were the star witness.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Arnie gets out today, Mr. Gringer. He'll be back in New York as fast as he can.

[Steve Granger]

He threatens you, did he?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes.

[Steve Granger]

Forget it, Ruth. He won't do a thing. No.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Look at this, huh?

[Steve Granger]

I'll be back in a couple of days. I want to see you bad, baby. Think this is from Arnie?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes.

[Steve Granger]

The note isn't signed, so how can he be sure?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I know it's Arnie. I know it. Mr. Granger, will you do something for me?

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Find out when he's arriving in town. Wait for him at the station. Follow him, see where he go.

[Steve Granger]

What good'll that do?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Please, Mr. Granger. Arnie, Alaska contends to kill me. If he can get away with it.

[Steve Granger]

Arnie is a two time loser. I don't think he'll fuss with the law again for a while.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Pay you anything.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, but I think you're wasting your money. The train was on time and so was Ernie Lessig. He walked towards me carrying a single piece of cheap luggage in one hand and a scowl on his face. Wow. Evident. Steve Grange's private eye. Hi, Arnie. Looking to somebody? Me, maybe. Not particularly. I think you're lying, Granger. Don't use too many words like lying, honey. I don't go for them. Grove perished and around New York. Why? Just wondering. Oh, I got no hard feelings at all, you understand. Even if she did hang a phony rap on me, I wouldn't lay a finger on her. And another thing, Granger, I'm playing it straight from now on. Arnie Lessig tossed me a friendly smile out of one corner of his mouth and walked towards the outer doors of the station, to the street. I stood unobtrusively in the doorway and watched the ex convict get into a cab. I followed him up to a midtown hotel. And another I found him in A bar. I hid my face in a tall glass of beer and watched Lessig as he sat down in the back booth. Five minutes later, he was joined by a most attractive girl. She was not Ruth Perry. He ordered a drink, excused himself and went to the lobby. On his way back, he saw me and moved over. Well, well, what's this? I didn't know this was a private eyes hangout. No law to say I can't drink what I like. Arnie, listen. What are you following me around for? I'm following you around. Cut the wide eyed stuff, Granger. The dame, Ruth Perry, she hired you to find out where I'm staying, huh? Suppose she didn't? You made a threat to her that day in court. Can you blame her for being scared? She doesn't have to be anymore. I told you that. So lay off me, Granger. Don't get rough with me, Ernie. I'm not getting rough with anybody, but I'm gonna be let alone by people. That includes. I dismissed Arnie Lesik and Ruth Perry from my mind. A few days later, they both came back in a big way. Hello?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Yep.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

This is Ruth Perry. I'm at the Manning Hotel. I think you better come over.

[Steve Granger]

What are you doing over there?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I can't tell you over the phone, but please come over as quickly as you can.

[Steve Granger]

All right, Ruth, what's the trouble now?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I think you better come upstairs with me.

[Steve Granger]

I'm not going anyplace until you tell me what this is all about.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Very well. I got another note from Arnie Lesik. This one.

[Steve Granger]

Must see you right away. Room 213, Manning Hotel. Signed, Arnie. All right, take it from there.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I came over here. I went upstairs. Mr. Granger, please, won't you come with me?

[Steve Granger]

Okay. Just once. I'll play with you.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

You can take the stairs. It's not so conspicuous.

[Steve Granger]

Which way is this? 213, down the Harlem. Mr. Hill. Arnie in there?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yeah.

[Steve Granger]

Got him unlocked, huh?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yeah, he's in there.

[Steve Granger]

So I see. And I don't need glasses to tell that's a knife sticking out of his back. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. I stood there in the hotel room, looking from the dead body of Arnie Lessig to the figure of Ruth Perry, whose face was taut but expressionless.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

It's Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Did you slip that knife into him?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

No, I didn't.

[Steve Granger]

I'll call the police. They'll be interested in why Arnie Lesk was knifed. You better have a good story.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

But I just came Over. Because he wrote me this nonsense.

[Steve Granger]

Why would Arnie Lessig want to see you?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I don't know.

[Steve Granger]

Dresser drawers pulled out, everything inside out. Somebody was looking for something.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

It was that way when I got here.

[Steve Granger]

Mm. How was that note delivered?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

It slipped onto my door.

[Steve Granger]

Well, that's a help. Well, might as well call the police. The first punch caught me as flat footed as a penguin. I tried fighting back, but succeeded only in catching more and more punches. There was a final one and the lights went out. All right, Grangers, wake up. Lieutenant Rankin. Huh? How sweet of you to come to my party. Yeah, isn't it? Who gave it to Arnie Lesik? I don't know, Lieutenant. I came up here. Door was unlocked. Arnie was in the same position he's in now. Room has been searched. Why? Don't ask me. You're the policeman around here. What was your connection with Arnie Meziko? He's as healthy to have around as a Cobra girl. Was afraid he'd harm her. Ruth Perry? Yeah, she's nuts with a capital Nah. We told her I'd let it alone. Oh. Was she up here with you? Uh huh. I suppose she beat it when the fight started, huh? Mm. You didn't see the man who attacked you? Uh, I thought so. Come on, get off the floor. You're in my way. I took Jake Rankin at his word and beat it back to my office. I never quite made it because in the street I suddenly found myself with company. Never mind walking inside. Granger, we want to see you. What for? Just around the corner, sonny. That car over there. Don't act like you're going to make a move. Yes. I'll unmove you. Glad you could make it, Granger. That I have a choice? Yeah. Drive us to the spot, Benji. Now, Granger, don't worry. Nothing is going to happen to you. No? Your words sound more comforting than that gun. Than your fist looks. What was your connection with Arnie, Leslie? No connection. Woman thought she needed protection. Arnie knew this? Yep. What were you doing in his room? Looking at his corpse. Granger, how many times did you actually see Arnie? Twice. Once at Grand Central, the second time in the Manning Hotel. Arnie didn't give you something to keep for it? Nope. Are you sure you're not lying? Yep. Benji, pull up now. Just to make certain. Mr. Granger, Benjy will cover you while I search you. No, no, it's not there. If you two operators would tell me what it is, I could help you. You covered him from the time he left the hotel, Benson. Yeah. I can't imagine where I could have gone to. Well, if you're finished with me, do you mind if I leave? The atmosphere in the Philippia is a little stifled go. By all means, Mr. Granger, but before you do, a word of warning. I knew that was coming. I'm trusting to your discretion. Not to mention our little visit to the police. I see. If you should, things would happen. Things so unpleasant you might not even survive them. Do I make myself clear? If you made yourself any clearer, I could almost call it a threat. The two friendly gents shoved me out of the car and left me parked on the sidewalk while they took off in the traffic. And I was left scratching my skull and trying to figure out just where they fitted into the setup and also what they were looking for. In just a minute, I'll bring you the climax of the case. After my encounter with the two guys who seemed so interested in something which the late Arnie Lessig had had in his possession, whatever that something was, I made my way over to Cal Hendricks's place. I thought the newspaper man might be some help in this situation. Stevie, me boy, what's new? One of your old pals just passed into the great Beyond. Arnie Lessig. Oh, what happened to her? Somebody slid a shiv into him over at the Manning Hotel. After I left the place, a gorilla shanghaied me into a car. But a most charming, gentle wanted something I didn't have. Losing your charm? I guess so. Cal, you know anything about the trial that sent Arnie to the pen? Well, I don't remember the details, but it was simple robbery. Some girl testified and that was that. Ruth Perry's the name. That's how I got mixed up in this. She came to me for protection from Arnie when he got out. You know, Stevie, you could do yourself some good. Go down and get a transcript of that trial. Why? Today's just the day for reading. I decided to follow Carol's suggestion and had just reached the front of his apartment when a policeman police car pulled into the curb right in front of me. There was my hot tempered homicide friend, Lieutenant Jake Rankin. All right, Granger, I was just coming after you. Which of the multifarious city bylaws have I contravened? Never mind the fancy language. What did you do with Ruth Perry? Me? Nothing. I don't believe you. Now look, Lieutenant, I told you what happened. She must have slipped it whilst I was taking that beating. Oh, yeah? What's this all about? I wish I knew. Some dimwit phoned Homicide said if they wanted the lowdown on Arnie's murder and the disappearance of Ruth Perry to ask you. Oh, great. Up until then we hadn't known she disappeared. Your news ticker is a little slow, Granger. Don't trifle with me today. I think you'd better come along with me. I'm checking the Petty girls apartment. I clutched at my nervous system as the Lieutenant's driver wheeled us up to an apartment on West End Avenue. Rankin was in no mood to be trifled with. After a few words with the building superintendent, we were let into Ruth Curry's apartment. Well, this is where she lived. Hers. Just what is it you're looking for, Lieutenant? I don't know. The occupant of this place had been reported as missing. Maybe something was left to indicate why she disappeared. We'd like to find her. She could describe the man who slugged you. Think he killed Arnie Lessig? Right now I'm not thinking, just looking. Dear me. Now cut that out. Well, that's that Granger. No indication what might have happened to him. That phone call might have been a fake. No, it wasn't. Whoever called knew Arnie had been killed. He didn't read it in the papers because the story hadn't been printed. Speaking of Ruth Terry, she's walking up here now. Where? Two blocks down. See the girl in the green dress? Come on. Hey, she must have spotted me. She's turning around. Ms. Terry. Hey, Ms. Harry. He's going to that apartment building. Lt. Rankin and I covered the building from roof to basement, but the fairy girl remained as invisible as Philly Mignon on a boarding house table. I'm going back to headquarters, Ranger. I'll put out a pickup on the girls. Okay, Jake. See you later. Later. Where are you up to? Neither. It's such a nice day, I thought I'd go for a walk in the park. Not very long afterwards, I was standing outside Lt. Jake Rankin's office and I had someone with me come in. What do you want? I. I brought you something, Jake. Well, whatever it is, I don't want it. I'm busy. This happens to be Ruth Perry. Where'd you find her? In her apartment, Granger. Are you saying she was there when we went through the place? She was there after she ducked through the back of that other apartment house. Come in, Ms. Perry. It's going to be a pleasure to talk to you. I hung around for 30 minutes while Lt. Rankin tossed questions with the agility of a grenade handler. But he Achieved nothing in the way of answers. Ruth Perry's story was straight. I remembered Cal Hendricks's advice about reading the transcript of Arnie Lessig's trial. I went over to the hall of Records and started reading. One name stuck out like two left feet. Mary Welland. Mary Welland, chief witness for Arnie Lessig. Lived down in the Village, short way from the hall of Records. I went there.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes? What is it?

[Steve Granger]

The girl facing me in the doorway was the same attractive girl who'd been with Auntie Lessig in the bar at the Manning Hotels.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Steve Granger]

You're Mary Welland.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes.

[Steve Granger]

I'd like to talk to you, Mary, about Arnie Lessig.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I don't know anyone by that name.

[Steve Granger]

Look, baby, I'm Steve Granger of Private Eye. Just so happens that I saw you with Arnie in the bar of the Manning Hotel.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

What do you want?

[Steve Granger]

I'd like to know what you two talked about.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Why?

[Steve Granger]

Also, I'd like to hear your story about Arnie's trial.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Why?

[Steve Granger]

Because Arnie was murdered not long ago.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Heard?

[Steve Granger]

I don't think he committed suicide.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Come inside. How did you find out about Arnie? It hasn't been in the papers.

[Steve Granger]

I got a call from a girl who claimed to have received a note from him. When she got there, Arnie was dead.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Who was this girl?

[Steve Granger]

Ruth Perry.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

She's a liar. Arnie would never have written her a note. He never wanted to see her again.

[Steve Granger]

She seemed to think he was gonna get her because her testimony sent him to the pen.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

She lied then, too.

[Steve Granger]

Oh?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

She testified her apartment had been broken into. She claimed to have seen Arnie leaving her.

[Steve Granger]

I know, I know. I read the test.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

She lied because Arnie was with me. But I couldn't prove it, and they wouldn't believe me.

[Steve Granger]

Why not? Where were you?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Arnie was here. He was frightened of something. He sneaked in, huh? When they put my landlady on the stand, she testified she hadn't seen Arnie because she hadn't.

[Steve Granger]

Mary, was Arnie connected in any way with a tall, dark man who has a pal, rather short, talks like a mug?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

He was once, but no more. Arnie was through.

[Steve Granger]

Who's that?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I don't know. Hide behind that screen over there.

[Steve Granger]

Okay. Good day, Mary.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

What do you want?

[Steve Granger]

I come with some bad news. Arnie is dead.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Go on.

[Steve Granger]

He was your boyfriend. Can't you show more emotion than that?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I'll take care of my own emotions. What else have you got to say?

[Steve Granger]

We trusted Arnie Benjy. And I. Arnie got away with something of ours. He wouldn't have left with you when he was sentenced to prison, would he?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

No.

[Steve Granger]

Would you mind if Benjy and I looked around?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Get out of here or I'll call the police.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, Mary, if that's the way you want to play it. Who was that guy?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Peter Carling.

[Steve Granger]

He the one who used to be connected with Arnie?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes, he and his pal Benji.

[Steve Granger]

Uh huh.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Mr. Grange, I have to trust somebody. I'll tell you. Arnie did leave something with me.

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I never opened the package. He told me to hide it.

[Steve Granger]

Is it here? Yes.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I've got it fastened to the back of that high. Boy, will you help me, please?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, sure. Yeah, yeah. Here.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I think it's got something to do with Peter Carling and that horrible Benji. Would you take it down to the police?

[Steve Granger]

Might be nothing at all. Better open it first. Wow.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

What is it?

[Steve Granger]

A set of plates, Mary. Plates to make fake postage stamps.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

If the police find out I had them, they'll put me in jail.

[Steve Granger]

I don't think so. Now listen, Carling and his pal are bound to come back. You better not be here when they do.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

But why?

[Steve Granger]

Is there a back way out of here?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Yes. But why should I sneak out?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, why?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

What do you mean by that?

[Steve Granger]

I gotta make a call to police headquarters, let a certain man come over. Then you walk out, big as life and three times as conspicuous. A puzzled Mary Welland agreed to do what I told her to. She left a moment after Lt. Jake Rankin showed up via the back door. The Lieutenant was still bad tempered. Now what kind of a silly setup is this? Jake, I'm positive that Peter Calling and his Benji are implicated in Arnie's murder. So we'll pull them in and have a chat with them. No, no, it goes further than that. With what I've got in this package, we can really hook them. What's in the package? These guys are a cinch to be in here in the next couple of minutes since they knew Mary. Well, it has gone out. What's in the packet? You'll see when I open it. Granger, I'm warning you. Somebody's coming down the hall behind that screen. Will that little thing hide both of us? It's better. Take it easy. Right. Uh oh. He's got a key. Come on, Benji. That's Carling and his pal. Ain't we taking a big chance, Peter? No, we'll be gone long enough. Now look for that package. It must be here.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Hey.

[Steve Granger]

Hey, boss. Is this it? Let me see. We've got them. Let's get out of here. Hey, that Arnie didn't have much sense, did he? Too bad he wouldn't listen to reason at the hotel. That does it. Hold it, you two. You're under arrest on suspicion of murder. Carling. How did you get in here? Also, the government wants you on possession of fake postage stamp plates. Now, gentlemen, just a moment. Jake, watch him.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

He's got a gun.

[Steve Granger]

Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. Peter, Carly fell to the floor with a bullet through his shoulder. He went to hospital and a guard while Benji went to headquarters where he testified that Carling had knifed Arnie Lesik. When the latter refused to divulge the hiding place of the place, Benji made another statement that sent Lt. Rankin and me on a little errand. Only I went in alone. Hi, Ruth.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Certainly didn't expect you. Hi.

[Steve Granger]

Thank you.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I. I guess I won't have any more trouble about Arnie.

[Steve Granger]

Did you know that Arnie left a package for you?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

A package?

[Steve Granger]

Here? Well, aren't you gonna open it up?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Well, not right now.

[Steve Granger]

Ruth. What? I know what's inside.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

You do?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. Go on, open it. The plates are there.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

All right. What do you want to split?

[Steve Granger]

I know you lied on the witness stand. You and Carling framed on him. Thinking he'd turn over the plates if you take care of him. But he didn't. So he went to jail.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

How did you find out about all this? Who?

[Steve Granger]

Carling. Carling's locked up.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Green. I know I can get plenty of money for these plates. I'll give you half.

[Steve Granger]

Only half?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Three quarters. What do you see? Gringer.

[Steve Granger]

I say. Come on in, Rankin. Thanks. Danger, you double crossing rat. Nothing like a compliment to start the day right. See you in 10 years, baby. Steve Granger again. You've just heard one of the most interesting cases in my files. I'll have another one for you, so be around next time.

[Grainger Announcer]

This is the story of the 1. As head of maintenance at a concert hall, he knows the show must always go on. That's why he works behind the scenes, ensuring every light is working, the H Vac is humming and his facility shines with Grainger's supplies and solutions for every challenge he faces. Plus 24. 7 customer support. His venue never misses a beat. Call quickgranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I do appreciate one of the sources who the detective goes to for information to tell the detective where to go and leave him to do his own research rather than the reporter going to work for the detective. As so often happens. And in this case it's totally understandable. The man's a reporter, has got work of his own to do and can't be digging into some six year old robbery case. We have a few comments on YouTube regarding the stolen necklace case. Art writes I was surprised to learn this series was from the mid-1950s as the style of the music, acting and script or reminiscent of detective shows from the late 1930s or 40s. Then I read it was produced in Australia. Since Australia was a bit of a pop culture backwater at the time, it makes sense that they were a bit behind the times. Well Art, I don't agree at least on the music. The show's got a very jazzy sort of soundtrack that wouldn't be out of place in a show that was competing with Peter Gunn. And I don't think the stories were that out of date. Certainly not the 30s. Although there is a sense in which what they were trying to do was to create programs that could be sold in the American market and satisfy the taste of existing radio fans. So maybe it wasn't entirely up to date, but I don't quite see it that way. I appreciate your comment though. Kathy wrote really like the series, but is it just me or does it seem like the audio is speeded up? Everyone sounds like their voice is artificially fast and higher pitch slightly reminiscent of how we used to play our 45 records on 78s when we were kids.

[Steve Granger]

Ha ha.

[Adam Graham]

Can't quite relate to that experience. Kathy. I suspect there would have been consequences and repercussions if I messed with the speed of my dad's record player back in the 90s, but I think that is something that is sadly not uncommon with a lot of the programs that originate from Australia. And I've noticed similar sounds on other series. I'm not certain the reason for it. It may be that there are more transfers from tape or later generation materials in terms of copies of copies in what's become available and then Comment from Dottie Dug this one a lot. It's always fun to find new shows I've never heard of. Hope you keep revealing new discoveries. A fun thing would be a week of those Australian Shadow episodes that are missing or four missing episodes. Yeah, I still don't do anything with the Shadow last I get smacked down by Conde Nast who last I heard are making copyright claims on the character and all the programs, so I'll leave that one alone, but appreciate the comments and the suggestion. Then we also have an email from Caleb who writes and Adam, hope all is well with you and your family. Until I really got into old time radio and hard boiled detective fiction, I never would have guessed that being knocked unconscious and trapped in a sanitarium was such an occupational hazard. You mentioned Philip Marlow and it just happened to Steve Granger, but. But it also happened to Dan Holliday as well. And I'm sure there were others.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Well, there were others.

[Adam Graham]

Personally, I guess I would put being put in a sanitarium into two separate categories. What happened to Granger and Marlow and some others was that they were put into a sanitarium to stop them from investigating or finding out the truth. The case that happened with box 13 and another similar episode with Rocky Fortune involved the hero being opportunistically kidnapped and put in the sanitarium to be passed off as someone else as part of some enterprise. So slightly different categories. There's two different ways you can be knocked out and put in a sanitarium. I guess it doesn't make a whole lot of difference to the person on the receiving end, but I guess keeps my category straight. He also writes a little bit about Cloak and Dagger. On another note, I'm really enjoying Cloak and Dagger. Thanks for playing it, although I have to get used to Ralph Bell being a good guy. Too many episodes of the Falcon and CBS Radio Mystery Theater where that has decidedly not been the case. Thanks for all you do and God bless. Well, Belle has had a few villainous parts in Cloak and Dagger, although they tended to be more minor villains. And he plays a surprising number of good guys. And I would be honest that that is odd for Bell and my radio experience in general. Bell tended to play a lot of crooks. He was kind of in that same category as William Conrad was for a lot of his radio career where he could play a crook or he could play a tough cop. His main good guy role that he's known for, or was known for to some extent, was as Barry Craig's friend on the police force, Trav Rogers, in some of the early seasons of Barry Craig. You always expect villainy when Ralph Bell is playing a character. I remember there was an episode of Proudly We Hail we played as one of our extras, and it was basically an educational episode about the development of jet flight. And Ralph Bell played one of the guys I think it was on the crew, and I kept waiting for his character to try to Double cross or sell stuff to the Soviets. And it never happened. And I was listening to one CBS Mystery Theater episode that had the commercials in it and Ralph Bell came on to sell a car and I was like, wait, should I trust that hat? But truth is, I think that folks then as well as now love that voice and appreciate Bell as a performer, even if we struggle a bit with his few times playing the good guy. Thanks again. Appreciate you reaching out, Caleb. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Gretchen. Patreon supporter since September 2017, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Gretchen. 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 and mark the notification. Bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Monday with another episode of Danger with Granger. But join us back here tomorrow for the big story where how was this?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Mrs. Graham murdered Sergeant Gillis with a hatchet, Miss Kilgallan. Oh, but that sounds like the work of a maniac. You mean you suspect a couple of kids?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, I know it doesn't seem possible, especially kids like these.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Where's Mrs. Graham's daughter now?

[Steve Granger]

She's with Lieutenant Morgan in that room over there. He's been grilling her for hours, but she won't talk. Neither will her boyfriend.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Where'd you pick up the kids, Sergeant?

[Steve Granger]

In a beer joint near the Summerville Circle. Oh, here comes Morgan now. Any luck, Lieutenant? Oh, no. The more questions I ask her, the tighter she clams up. You know, I've had some tough crooks on the grill, but this kid beats them all. Oh, hello, miss Kilgallan.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Hello, Lieutenant. Got anything I can use for a story?

[Steve Granger]

Oh, not a thing, Ms. Kilgallen, and that's the truth. Frankly, we're pretty well up against a stone wall. Now, what can you do when a cute looking 17 year old kid just sits there and swings her legs and looks at you with a sweet face and says, I don't know.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

She won't say anything.

[Steve Granger]

I've tried everything. Talk to her like a Dutch uncle, like a father, like a. Like a cop, like a mug even. But it's no go. I don't know, she says, just like that. I don't know.

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Lieutenant Morgan?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

Mind if I go into that room? And talk to Janet Graham alone.

[Steve Granger]

Now, what good will that do?

[Ruth Perry / Mary Welland / Miss Kilgallan]

I don't know that it'll do any good, but I just might come up with something. You know, just between us girls. How about it?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net or follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Grainger Announcer]

This is the story of the One as head of maintenance at a concert hall, he knows the show must always go on. That's why he works behind the scenes, ensuring every light is working, the H Vac is humming, and his his facility shines with Grainger's supplies and solutions for every challenge he faces. Plus 24. 7 customer support his venue never misses a beat. Call quickgranger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Steve Granger]

This is the story of the One As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority priority. That's why he chooses Grainger, because when a drive belt gets damaged, Grainger makes it easy to find the exact specs for the replacement product he needs, and next day delivery helps ensure he'll have everything in place and running like clockwork. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.