Danger with Grainger: The Larry Simmons Case (EP4921)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Danger with Granger – The Larry Simons Case (EP4921)

Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features a full broadcast of the classic “Danger with Granger” mystery drama, specifically “The Larry Simons Case,” followed by Adam Graham’s thoughtful commentary and listener feedback. The unfolding story is a classic noir setup involving blackmail, murder, and morally complex characters, all told through the dry, simile-laden narration of private detective Steve Granger. Graham uses the episode to celebrate the show’s charm, critique some plot oddities, and highlight the allure of old time radio detective fiction.

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Story Breakdown & Key Discussion Points

1. The Setup: Blackmail and Misdirection

[02:26 – 04:18]

• Steve Granger, our tough PI, is hired (in a very roundabout fashion) by the disreputable Larry Simons to act as a go-between for some hush money.
• Granger brusquely turns Larry down, recognizing a blackmailer and wanting none of it.
  • “One of my little quirks is that I hate to repeat myself. Now beat it, worm, before I throw you out.” — Granger ([03:12])
• Edgar Balfour visits Granger with a philosophical question:
  What if someone knows a murder will happen—are they obligated to report it?
  • “Suppose you knew that a certain person was going to kill someone else. Would it be against the law not to report it?” — Edgar Balfour ([04:23])
• Granger, half-confused, answers: reporting is not required, legally speaking.
• Balfour leaves, his intentions unclear. Granger’s day quickly grows more complicated.

2. The Web Tightens: A Mysterious Woman & Growing Tension

[05:07 – 09:52]

• At a bar, “baby with brown hair” (Alice Balfour) approaches Granger to complete Larry’s intended transaction.
• Granger, still refusing to be a go-between, casts aspersions on her judgment and Larry’s character.
  • “A young woman as attractive as you could have hundreds of boyfriends. None of them even remotely resembling Larry Simons.” — Granger ([07:01])
• Alice claims to hate Larry, intensifying the enigma.
• Outside, Larry confronts Granger again, angrily demanding the money.
• A police officer interrupts their escalating argument, diffusing the situation and warning both men.
• Notable moment: Granger openly threatens Larry in front of the officer:
  • “The next time I have to take a gun away from you, I'll put a slug right between your eyes.” — Granger ([09:28])

3. More Visitors, More Motives

[10:12 – 13:26]

• Back home, Granger is tracked down by Alan Gilbert, Alice’s boyfriend, who warns Granger not to hurt Alice.
• Soon afterward, Balfour calls, now wanting to hire Granger for $50.
• Granger visits Balfour’s home, learning that Alice’s inheritance is contingent on her avoiding even misdemeanors. Balfour suspects Alice is being blackmailed and fears for her well-being but doesn’t want her implicated in murder.

4. The Investigation: Twists & False Leads

[13:26 – 18:53]

• Granger consults Cal Hendricks, a newspaper friend, for background research.
• He confronts Alice, who insists she is innocent and discourages Granger from further involvement.
• Granger proceeds to Larry’s apartment, only to find Larry murdered—shot and with $1,000 in cash.
• The police arrive, finding Granger at the scene and temporarily holding him under suspicion of murder.
• Great simile: “Feeling certain that my next bedroom would have vertical Venetian blinds.” — Granger ([20:06])

5. The Denouement: Truth Unfolds

[23:07 – 27:32]

• Granger presses Alan and Alice, discovering that Alice was lying about her whereabouts and had recently retrieved a revolver with two shells fired.
• A letter from Edgar Balfour reveals he has killed Larry Simons to end years of blackmail, especially after learning Simons had targeted Alice as well.
  • “My dear Alice, I killed Larry Simons. He’s been blackmailing me for years…When I found out he was taking money from you, too, I decided to do away with it.” — Edgar’s note ([27:09])
• Edgar has committed suicide. Alice confesses she tried to protect her uncle once she realized the full extent of his actions.

6. Wrap-Up & Reflection

[27:49 – 28:10]

• Granger delivers the noir moral:
  • “Murder never pays, does it?” ([27:49])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simile Highlight: “That was one young hoodlum who left the kind of taste in my mouth that chlorophyll couldn’t cure.” — Granger ([03:51])
• Classic Noir Wit: “If I were you, I should use all my powers of conviction.” — Edgar Balfour ([15:39])
• Tense Confrontation: The police officer witness, combined with Granger’s one-liner threat, later becomes a key point of suspicion.
• Granger’s Philosophy: “You lied twice, Alice... Well, you’re not even a clever liar.” — Granger ([24:11])

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Adam Graham’s Commentary

[28:39 – 32:00]

Theme Analysis & Critique

• Graham enjoys the “what-the-heck-is-even-happening” aspect, with Granger being the least informed person for half the case.
• He notes the oddity of Balfour seeking legal advice about murder from a detective, and that it doesn’t neatly connect, suggesting narrative sloppiness.
• Odd law enforcement continuity: The officer’s quotes don’t quite match Granger’s, adding to the script’s slightly rough edges.
  • “It does make me a bit curious about the writing process…some things that didn’t get picked up.” — Adam Graham ([29:22])

Series Assessment

• While not top-tier Golden Age detective drama, “Danger with Granger” offers pace, solid hooks, and great simile-driven wit.
  • “This Granger has great simile schemes…There are just some hilarious ones in this series and I’ve enjoyed listening to them.” — Adam Graham ([31:30])

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Additional Segments

• [33:00+] Listener Support & Appreciation Campaign
  Graham thanks supporters, discusses the importance of Patreon, and shouts out long-time supporter Debbie.
• [35:15+] Listener Feedback
  Highlights comments praising “Danger with Granger’s” growing appeal.
• [38:47+] Preview of Next Episode
  A brief teaser for the next day’s “Big Story” episode.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------|--------------| | Episode Start | [00:58] | | Granger and Larry—Initial Clash | [02:26] | | Edgar Balfour’s Legal Question | [04:18] | | Alice Balfour’s Entrance | [05:35] | | Police Intervene w/ Larry & Gun | [08:14] | | Alan Gilbert Confronts Granger | [10:12] | | Balfour Reveals Blackmail | [13:31] | | Alice Confronted/Larry’s Death | [17:12]/[18:56] | | Police Suspicion—Granger Held | [19:01] | | The Truth—Balfour’s Confession | [27:09] | | Granger’s Moral | [27:49] | | Host Commentary Begins | [28:39] |

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Style and Tone

Stays true to the original’s gritty, wisecracking noir style. Granger narrates with dry humor and sharp metaphor; Adam Graham’s commentary is warm, analytical, and a touch self-deprecating.

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Summary

“Danger with Granger: The Larry Simons Case” is a brisk, convoluted noir mystery about overlapping blackmails, inheritance threats, and murder. The storytelling revels in old-school detective tropes—snappy dialogue, similes galore, unpredictable plot turns, and ambiguous morality. Steve Granger, the put-upon gumshoe, unravels the mystery despite being intentionally left in the dark by everyone he meets. Adam Graham closes with his signature podcast commentary, highlighting the episode’s quirks, its appeal, and the enduring fun of sleuthing along with radio’s great detectives.

Transcript

[VRBoCare Announcer]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, I'm going to bring you the last circulating episode of Danger with Granger. But first, I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software and our listener support and appreciation campaign begins. You can support the show on a one time basis either support.greatdetectives.net by using the Zelle app to box [e-mail] and by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, PO Box 15913. That's PO Box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. But our focus during this period is on our Patreon Campaign, patreon.greatdetectives.net and I'll talk more about that after the podcast. But now, here is the Larry Simons case.

[Steve Granger]

Danger with Granger. You're Steve Granger, aren't you? That's what it says on the door of this office. It also says, please knock, Ranger. I got a little job for you. All you have to do is sit behind that desk for a little while. That sounds like picking up a few dollars the easy way. A woman is coming to see us. She'll hand you some dough. Then I'll come back and you'll hand the dough to me. Okay, I see. First of all, I like to know who my clients are. Give out with a name, friend. I'm Larry Simons. Yeah, I've heard of you. You're one of those boys who haunt the cocktail joints uptown, pick up some doll as romance minded. Only when you're finished with her, she's out money and in the set of hurt feelings. Oh, never mind that. You want this jump or not, Larry? I want you to get out of here fast. Look, There's a fast 50 in this for you, gumshoe. You know something? One of my little quirks is that I hate to repeat myself. Now beat it, worm, before I throw you out. Nobody ever threw Larry Simons out of any place. I'm gonna break the record. Now blow, will you? You're spoiling my day. I'm gonna spoil something else. For you, too. Remember that. So long, snoop. This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a bland and a black male and a brown AT baby who was right in the middle of it. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. I was sitting in my office after having shown Mr. Larry Simons the door. Not too politely. I wasn't feeling any heartburn over that because that was one young hoodlum who left the kind of taste in my mouth that chlorophyll couldn't cure. Then I had another visitor.

[Edgar Balfour]

Mr. Granger, I've come here for some advice.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, most people do. What can I do for you?

[Edgar Balfour]

Suppose you knew that a certain person was going to kill someone else. Would it be against the law not to report it?

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Edgar Balfour]

You're not deaf, are you, Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Listen, mister, how long have you been out of the booby hatch?

[Edgar Balfour]

I am asking for your professional opinion on a serious matter, Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Take it to the police, pal. They love to interfere in incomplete killing.

[Edgar Balfour]

I thought of that, too. But you see, I don't particularly like the victim to be. I'd appreciate your opinion.

[Steve Granger]

Well, if you know a murder is to be committed, there's no law in the world that can make you tell about it. Because you're the only one who knows that you know. Or am I being too confusing?

[Edgar Balfour]

Not at all. Thank you, Mr. Granger, and good day.

[Steve Granger]

It wasn't starting out to be one of my best days. First a cheap hoodlum, then an elderly nut. I decided I needed a drink to put things right. There was a spot just down the street. I walked in, gave the bartender the knot and sat down at a table to await my usual. It arrived simultaneously with something else. A girl. She had brown hair, swing and sway, walk and clothes that spelled, what are you doing later, baby?

[Alice Balfour]

Mr. Granger, why aren't you in your office?

[Steve Granger]

Because, little lady, I wanted to come in here, so I did.

[Alice Balfour]

Larry told me you'd be upstairs. I saw you come out and come in here. Larry didn't tell me you were going to do that.

[Steve Granger]

Larry is not my master. I go where I please.

[Alice Balfour]

I don't understand all this. Larry was very explicit.

[Steve Granger]

Larry should crawl into a hole, let someone fill it with water.

[Alice Balfour]

Well, I didn't think you felt that way. Oh, we might as well get on with our business. Well, here's the money.

[Steve Granger]

That green stuff makes it seem like St. Patrick. But you're a few months late.

[Alice Balfour]

Did Larry give you the paper, Baby?

[Steve Granger]

Take this money and put it back in your handbag. Makes me nervous.

[Alice Balfour]

What are you talking about? Larry told me you'd have a paper for me.

[Steve Granger]

I've got nothing.

[Alice Balfour]

But he promised to sign a relief. You were going to hand it to me.

[Steve Granger]

You're on the right track, but you got the wrong train. Your pal Larry came to me with such a proposition that I threw both him and proposition out the door. Ergo, no paper.

[Alice Balfour]

You threw Larry out of your office? But. But he said everything would be all right. He even promise you put all of

[Steve Granger]

Larry Simon's promises end to end. It would end all promises.

[Alice Balfour]

I think you're lying.

[Steve Granger]

I'm not lying. Also, I'm not in business with any cheap little blackmailer to latte a greasy little friend.

[Alice Balfour]

Friend?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. Let me tell you something else. A young woman as attractive as you could have hundreds of boyfriends. None of them even remotely resembling Larry Simons. Do I make myself clear?

[Alice Balfour]

You think Larry is my boyfriend?

[Steve Granger]

Sure. He's not your cous, Mr. Granger.

[Alice Balfour]

I hate Larry Simons.

[Steve Granger]

That adds another name to a growing list.

[Alice Balfour]

So do I. I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Granger. Sorry I bothered you. Goodbye.

[Steve Granger]

Wait. Watch your hurry. And who are you?

[Alice Balfour]

I am the person who's going to give Larry Simons a bad time.

[Steve Granger]

The girl moved out the door of the cocktail lounge wearing an expression in her eyes that spelled trouble with a large T for one Larry Simons. I waited a split second and moved after her. Granger, wait. Hey, you're deaf. I said wait. Larry, Take your hand off my arm. Don't go tough on me, Granger. I want that dough. I've got no dough. Now let go. I'm in a hurry. I'm not letting go until you handle that money. I saw the dame go over to your table in that joint. I watched her give you the money. And you also saw me refuse it. Now get away from me. People might think we're friends. Now, look. Look, Granger, you don't know what you're doing. I gotta have that money.

[Edgar Balfour]

If I don't get it, it means my skin.

[Steve Granger]

And that's my wish. See you, Larry. Don't grab me again, you hear? Hand over that dough, Granger. Moving up in your profession. Turning into a gunboy, I hear. In the middle of the street too. I'm not kidding, Granger. This is serious with me. I'll say it's serious. Now, I'll take that gun. Thanks. Here, here. What's going on? And give me that gun. Who do you think you are waving a revolver around in public. Come on, come on, hand it. There you are, officer. Now then, march, both of you. Guns in the middle of the day on Broadway. Just a minute, Officer. Here's my license. Steve Granger. So you're the private eye, are you? What's all this about? The gun belongs to this man, Larry Simons. Officer. Sir, you have a permit to carry this thing, mister? I sure have, Officer. Yeah, here it is, Simons. 2365 East 69th Street, New York. Okay, take your gun and put it away. Officer, I want to say. Granger, you keep quiet. Now get up the street, Simons, and don't let me catch you waving a gun around again. Thanks, Officer. Hey, which way you going, Granger? Any direction you're not taking, Larry. Just stay away from me. Now listen to me for a second, because the next time I have to take a gun away from you, I'll put a slug right between your eyes. That'll be enough of that kind of talk, Granger. Simons, get out of here. Go on.

[Alice Balfour]

Go on.

[Steve Granger]

Ranger, you stay with me. The police officer held me by the arm until Larry Simons disappeared in the crowd. Then he handed me one more admonition to behave myself and turn me loose. I went home, hoping to spend a quiet evening. If I'd known what was in store for me, I would have left town.

[Alan Gilbert]

Instead.

[Steve Granger]

Now what? Who are you and what do you want? My name is Alan Gilbert. I want to have a little talk with you. Okay, chum. My hours are 10 to 5. You can catch me any day at my office downtown. I want to talk to you right now. That's what I was afraid of. My girlfriend came to see you today. She's in trouble. Most interesting. She wanted to give you some money. You refused it. More people seem to have seen that transaction. Also, she's been seen around New York with Larry Simons. He's a crook. This is as interesting as the latest novel, little man. But still none of my business. I think she's in trouble, Granger. And I came here to tell you that if you're the cause of. I've heard enough of this. Take your foot out of my door, pal, or I'll part your toes for you. Just remember, if you play tricks with Alice Balfour, you'll wind up on the morgue. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. This was Newsom's number three. This white faced young man who threatened me about his girlfriend and then moved away down the hall. I closed the door and slipped the Lock. Hoping for a little peace, unspoiled by cheap grifters and young heroes. But this was obviously the day I should have gone to the country. Hello? Mr. Granger, this is the man who came to see you earlier today. Pardon my being so abstract, but which one are you? I spoke to you about a possible murder. Not you again. I have an errand for you, Mr. Granger. I'll pay $50. I'm never murder minded after 6 o'.

[Alan Gilbert]

Clock.

[Steve Granger]

Sorry, mister, this has nothing to do with murder. I want you to come to my place as quickly as possible. What for? A very important but highly confidential matter. My home is at 3456 West 37th Street. I jotted down the address and got on my way, wondering just what this was all about. But I decided to stop off at Cal Hendricks Place. This whole business had an odor about it and I figured my newspaper friend might be useful. Hiya, Steve. How's business? Crazy man, Crazy. I had a visitor this morning. Larry Simons. Now that creep. Yeah, I told him to creep right out of my door. Then I had another caller. Oh, here, hang on to this.

[Mrs. Wagner]

Yeah.

[Steve Granger]

What's this address for? Concerns my second caller. An elderly gent with questions about what the law would say about people who know a murder is going to be committed and won't say anything about it. Your choice of clients leaves a lot to be desired, chum. I know. Thought I lost him, but he just phoned, asked me to come up and see him.

[Edgar Balfour]

This is his address.

[Steve Granger]

You want me to keep it? Yeah. Thanks so much. Don't mention it. I won't. Unless I don't happen to come back. I left Cal, flagged down a hack and a few minutes later we pulled up at 3456 W. 37th St. I was admitted by the elderly gent himself and taken into a large library.

[Edgar Balfour]

This room should do. Chair, Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

I suppose we start at the beginning, huh? What's your name?

[Edgar Balfour]

I am Edgar Balfour. I have a niece named Alice. She's being blackmailed.

[Steve Granger]

I think I've heard this before.

[Edgar Balfour]

I am in a very unfortunate position, Mr. Granger. Her father's will made me the trustee of her estate and there are conditions.

[Steve Granger]

And what kind of conditions, Mr. Balfour?

[Edgar Balfour]

First, Alice is a very strong minded person. However, her judgment is not always good. Her father was aware of this when he made out his will.

[Steve Granger]

Go on.

[Edgar Balfour]

For instance, the estate goes to charity. Should she be a judge guilty of even a misdemeanor.

[Steve Granger]

Misdemeanor? That includes minor things. Traffic tags and whatnot?

[Edgar Balfour]

Mr. Granger, I'm not a man with a whip in his hand. I could overlook something as slight as that. However, something more serious has taken place.

[Steve Granger]

The blackmail.

[Edgar Balfour]

This morning?

[Steve Granger]

Yes.

[Edgar Balfour]

She got $1,000 from me. It's the second time in two weeks I've granted her wish for a large sum of money.

[Steve Granger]

Second time?

[Alan Gilbert]

Yes.

[Steve Granger]

She's paying off, Mr. Balfour. Don't ask me how I know, but I do.

[Edgar Balfour]

Perhaps you'll also know the man's name then, huh?

[Steve Granger]

I could guess. Would Larry Simons be close?

[Edgar Balfour]

Too close for comfort.

[Steve Granger]

What do you want me to do, Mr. Granger?

[Edgar Balfour]

I want to protect Alice. She's a remarkably nice girl. I want her to be released from whatever hold this man has over her.

[Steve Granger]

I see you.

[Edgar Balfour]

You know this Simon's person, don't you?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah.

[Edgar Balfour]

Just what else do you know?

[Steve Granger]

One thing I know your niece. I spoke with her just an hour or two ago.

[Mrs. Wagner]

What else?

[Steve Granger]

This is a guess, but I wonder how close I am. Isn't it true that the man you would like to see dead is this same Larry Simons? With a great deal of pleasure. But what you wouldn't like to see is your niece in a police lineup, accused of killing him.

[Edgar Balfour]

Mr. Granger, we are seeing eye to eye.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks, Mr. Bowser. Well, suppose I drift over and talk to Simons. Perhaps I could convince him that he's not doing the right thing. Yeah, well, if I were you, I

[Edgar Balfour]

should use all my powers of conviction.

[Steve Granger]

So long as those powers aren't lethal. Is that it?

[Edgar Balfour]

On the contrary.

[Steve Granger]

The more lethal the better I'd like it. Edgar Balfour's eyes tossed a glance at me, cold enough to deep freeze a sirloin steak. They also blinked goodbye, so I got out of there. And as I left the house, I was thinking with envy of those guys who live a nice, quiet life in nice, quiet offices, wearing white collars and adding up figures for me in this setup. Everything I figured kept adding up to murder. In just a moment, I'll bring you the climax of the case. After my interview with Edgar Balfour, I made tracks for Larry Simons. I was going to enjoy tangling with him again, but I made one phone call first. Henrik speaking. Cal, this is Granger. Do something for me, will you? Yeah, sure. What's on your mind? Make a phone call or two and get me a lead on a man named Edgar Balfer. He's got a niece named Alice. There's management of an estate involved, and Larry Simons is mixed up in it.

[Alan Gilbert]

Right.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, pal. I'll get Onto it pronto. This was the block where Larry Simon sung his overcoat. As I moved towards the building where he lived, I saw something interesting. Ms. Belfry.

[Alice Balfour]

Why it's. It's Granger.

[Steve Granger]

What are you doing in this neighborhood?

[Alan Gilbert]

Alice?

[Steve Granger]

They're not talking to Larry Simons.

[Alice Balfour]

No, I. There's a girlfriend of mine who lives here. I dropped in to see her.

[Steve Granger]

Uh huh.

[Alice Balfour]

Don't you believe me?

[Steve Granger]

What's wrong? You self conscious? How was your uncle? Hired me to get you out of trouble with Larry Simons.

[Alice Balfour]

Uncle Edgar. Yeah, Granger, there's really nothing you can do. Why don't you just forget the whole thing? I'll explain to Uncle Edgar that I spoke to, uh.

[Steve Granger]

I've got a better idea. Let's go up and have a little chat with Larry Simons first.

[Alice Balfour]

No, I won't go.

[Steve Granger]

Come on.

[Alice Balfour]

You'll let go of me, you snooper.

[Steve Granger]

Edgar Balfour was right about his niece being high spirited. She gave one muscular tug and freed her arm and flounced off down the street like a righteously insulted dowager. I watched her for a minute, then went on my way. Alice or no Alice, I wanted a piece of Larry Simon, A red faced doorman with a penchant for stray buck gave me his apartment number. The elevator boy deposited me at the right floor. I moved towards Simon's apartment with a feeling that all was not good. His door swung open to my touch and I stood there face to face with a sleek little blackmailer. He was sitting in an easy chair, all set for his last long rest. I went through him and came up with a grand prize. 10 $100 bills. Then I reached for the phone, calling somebody.

[Alan Gilbert]

Granger. But.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, Sergeant Ray, I was just calling you.

[Edgar Balfour]

You were, Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

What does it look like I was gonna do?

[Edgar Balfour]

You might have been calling Grand Central for transportation out of town.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, stop that. You see, I was told to wait

[Edgar Balfour]

for you to come back. We figured that you'd forgotten something, sir.

[Steve Granger]

Me? Oh, what did I forget?

[Edgar Balfour]

The ten $100 bills in your hand. Perhaps we should continue this downtown.

[Steve Granger]

Downtown?

[Alice Balfour]

What for?

[Edgar Balfour]

I'm sorry sir, but it's suspicion of murder. That's your story, Mr. Granger. Can you substantiate it?

[Steve Granger]

Of course I can. Edgar Balfour hired me to have a little talk with Larry Sinus.

[Edgar Balfour]

And that's why you knew what he had in his coat pocket, sir?

[Steve Granger]

Well, sure. Yes, Sergeant. Eric, do you know this man? He's Steve Granger. Where'd you see him last? Uptown, earlier today.

[Edgar Balfour]

Under what circumstances?

[Steve Granger]

Well, he was having an argument with another fellow named Larry Simons. He says to this other guy, the next time I see you, I'll put a slug right between your eyes.

[Edgar Balfour]

Did you make that statement, Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Now, Sergeant, I can tell you. Just tell me if you said it or not. Sergeant Ray. Usually one of my friends just leaned back and waited for me to admit making the statement I did, feeling certain that my next bedroom would have vertical venetian blinds. The sergeant could, in view of the patrolman's evidence, hold me under suspicion. But after 15 minutes of explanation, I was released on my own recognizance. Alert police headquarters, checked an address from telephone directory and went uptown. Little fragments of thought were beginning to gel into certainty. This was the apartment house where Alice Balfour's boyfriend, Alan Gilbert, lived. Granger, my inside friend. How dare you. Well, but I haven't got time to waste right now. You telephone the police and told them that Larry Simons is dead, didn't you? Well, who you covering up for? I'm covering for no one. That's for laughs, mister. Don't you hit me again. Earlier you were up in my office making like Rocky Marciano. Now put up those hands of yours and we'll find out how much you were on the level. You'll stay away from me. Getting a little nervous, are you? Why'd you tip the cops that I was in Simon's apartment? You were working for Simons. I wouldn't walk down the same street with that creep. Tell me what I want to hear. Who's behind this move? When you called the law, you implied that I could have killed him, didn't you? You also mentioned the ten one hundred dollar bills, the money you stuffed in his breast pocket. I didn't Gray J was Alice. I. I saw her come out of Simon's place. I went up after she'd left. I saw him sitting in that chair. This becomes really interesting. What else? Nothing. You're lying. And I think we'll prove that at Alice Balfour's house. Suppose I refuse to go? You can go with me now or with a police officer later. How is your telephone there? Granger? You don't know what you're doing. Quiet. Henri speaking. Cal, this is Steve. What about that information I asked you to get? Got it right here. Edgar Bell, third ministers in a state for his knees, Alice. His administration has been strictly the level. Nothing wrong? Not with the estate. But the rumor boys have drifted around a remark that Belfor has been under the influence of a blackmailer. That makes two of them. Thanks Cal, don't mention it. So long. So long.

[VRBoCare Announcer]

Now.

[Steve Granger]

Come on, you. I shoved Alan Gilbert along ahead of me like a case of soft drink bottles. I got a hack and headed for the Balfour residence. A few minutes later, Alice answered the door.

[Alice Balfour]

Alan and Mr. Granger. Well, what's wrong?

[Steve Granger]

Ms. Balfour, do you know that Larry Simons is dead? Somebody shot and killed him.

[Alice Balfour]

What? I can't believe it.

[Steve Granger]

Why can't you? Because he was still alive when he left his apartment earlier today.

[Alice Balfour]

I wasn't in his apartment. I was visiting a dressmaker.

[Steve Granger]

Gilbert, tell your girlfriend what you saw. Honey, I'm sorry.

[Alice Balfour]

Alan, you didn't.

[Steve Granger]

He did.

[Alice Balfour]

Ranger, what are you looking for in that drawer?

[Steve Granger]

Just this nice little revolver, Ms. Balfour. That's been fired, too. Two shells gone out of the magazine. Police will enjoy a gander at this plaything.

[Alice Balfour]

Granger, you don't understand.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, But I do, Ms. Balfour. You killed Larry, didn't you?

[Alice Balfour]

I didn't.

[Steve Granger]

I think Simons was afraid to face you, baby. He knew you were gunning for him. That's why he came to me. I was to be the collector. Only the stubborn streak in my nature prompted me to turn him down. So you shot him. That's not true, baby. Don't bother lying anymore.

[Alice Balfour]

I am not a liar.

[Steve Granger]

You lied twice, Alice. On the street when you told me you were visiting a girlfriend in the same building where Larry Simons lived. Now it's a dressmaker you went to see. Well, you're not even a clever liar. I think I'll have a little chat with your uncle. But I don't think he'll like what I've got to say.

[Alice Balfour]

My uncle isn't home.

[Steve Granger]

Two will get you five. That's a third lie, baby. Where is he?

[Alice Balfour]

I don't know.

[Steve Granger]

Darling. Please tell Granger the truth.

[Alice Balfour]

Very well. Uncle Edgar is here. But I. I wish you wouldn't excite him. He has a very bad heart. Any little shock might prove fatal just the same.

[Steve Granger]

I've got to talk to him. I've heard something that throws an entirely different light on this little picture.

[Adam Graham]

Different light?

[Steve Granger]

Ms. Balfour, your uncle was being blackmailed, too.

[Alan Gilbert]

What?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. I just got this information. I'm gonna talk to your uncle about it. Now, where's his room?

[Alice Balfour]

Come with me. I'll show. This is his room.

[Steve Granger]

Here, knock on the door. Don't tell him I'm here.

[Alice Balfour]

Uncle Edgar, it's me, Alice. Uncle, it's me. Open the door. Uncle. That sounded like a ghost.

[Steve Granger]

Out of the way.

[Alice Balfour]

Uncle. Escalate, Uncle.

[Steve Granger]

He's dead, Alice. He shot himself.

[Alice Balfour]

In that case, I can tell you I didn't shoot Larry Simons. Uncle Edgar killed him.

[Steve Granger]

Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. When Alice Balfour made the statement that her uncle had killed Larry Simons, Alan Gilbert's face took on that look of disbelief that crosses an expectant father's face when he realizes it's two instead of one. I looked at the girl, too.

[Alice Balfour]

I realized that my uncle murdered Larry. But I had to protect him.

[Steve Granger]

You were protecting him before, weren't you? That's why you were paying off to Larry Simons.

[Alan Gilbert]

Yes.

[Alice Balfour]

Larry kept promising a release. When I ran into you, I knew he'd never keep his promise.

[Steve Granger]

How long have you known your uncle was the murderer?

[Alice Balfour]

Just after Larry was killed, I went to his apartment. I saw his body. I knew. Then when I got back here, I started to tell Uncle Edgar. He evaded me. Later, he handed me this letter. Here, Granger. You read it.

[Steve Granger]

My dear Alice, I killed Larry Simons. You've been blackmailing me for years for a minor offense. I paid because I wanted to remain a custodian of your estate, which you will find in perfect order. When I found out he was taking money from you, too, I decided to do away with it. Was the only thing I could do. Your affectionate Uncle Edgar.

[Alice Balfour]

You see, he was trying to help me.

[Steve Granger]

He missed badly. I found you in the neighborhood. Be done away with the murder gun instead of sticking it on that desk. You would have been in a jam.

[Alice Balfour]

Yes, I know.

[Steve Granger]

Murder never pays, does it? 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.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. An interesting case, and I like that it kind of did a thing where the mystery is on the level of what is even going on here. Because of Granger's refusal to come in to the case on Simon's behalf, he knows far less about what's going on than anybody else he talks to for about the first half of the episode, I was kind of curious about the uncle going to Granger with that question about knowing about a murder in advance. It's weird because Granger's not an attorney. I would never just go into a privatized office to ask a question like that. But Granger, I guess, has no problem with the unauthorized practice of law, so he answers it as best he can. The weirder thing though, is that it doesn't really seem to connect to anything because his niece was never planning to commit murder, at least not as far as he knew. And it does make me a bit curious about the writing process for this series because there are some little gaps that when you just take a quick close look, seem kind of like a little bit of sloppy error without any particular explanation. Another example in this episode is the police sergeant who broke up the fight between Granger and Simons. Now, Granger said that if I have to take another gun from you, I'm going to blow your head off. The police sergeant said, yeah, I heard him. And Granger said that next time he saw that guy, he would blow his head off. Like that materially changes things in a dramatic way. I mean, we got exposited Grangers explaining things, and I hope part of his explanation was I don't know what he was listening to, but that ain't what I said. And it makes me wonder whether the scripts written like under a time deadline, so writers, you know, wrote things but didn't finish them, or were there say, multiple writers, like somebody wrote a rough draft and somebody else came through again on a deadline and there were just some things that didn't get picked up. But still, despite its little flaws, I thought this was a good episode. And I'd say that for the series as a whole. While by no means in the same class as the greatest detective programs to air during the golden age of radio, this was still solid. You generally had some really fun and pacey episodes with good premises, good hooks, and I even enjoyed the music for how evocative it was of the era. And let's just say this Granger has great simile schemes. You know, I think that the use of similes on American detective radio programs at the level of say, Pat Novak for Hire or even the Frank Graham Jeff Regan had gone out of style. But there are just some hilarious ones in this series and I've enjoyed listening to them. Alright, well, now let's go ahead and talk a little bit about our listener support and appreciation campaign. First of all, I want to go ahead and thank everyone who has supported the podcast in one way or another, as well as all of our current Patreon supporters. It makes such a big difference. When we started on patreon back in 2015 and started to really build that up, it was really the start of us having any sort of reliable income for the show and also being able to invest more in the show and deal with the rosin expenses that happen. And it's still a very critical part of this program, both from a financial standpoint because it is very helpful to have that sort of stable monthly income that varies minimally from month to month because we have so many other areas where it just really varies and depends on the month on the way the advertising market is working month to month. And our Patreon supporters are vital to that success. But even more than that, I really appreciate the guidance, the feedback and the sort of community information that I get from our Patreon supporters because there have been a few ideas where before I actually bring them forward, I'll bring them to our Patreon community and say, what do you think of this? That was the case with Danger with Granger as I listened to their feedback. Also on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon on the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio. The feedback I got from Patreon supporters really helped influence the direction that we took with that project. Patreon supporters also pick our summer series for the Amazing World of Radio. So series like the Batman Villains of Old Time Radio and the Summer of Robert Louis Stevenson wouldn't have happened without their input and support. Now, as a Patreon supporter, you also receive a monthly update from me and if you are supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month, an hour and a half of bonus Old Time Radio podcasts that you get to listen to each month that are outside the detective, mystery and adventure genres. Recently we had Dawn McLaughlin in an episode of Suspense and we have even more great specials coming up. Just go to patreon.greatdetectives.net and if you sign up by the end of March you will be able to help pick this year's summer series. So again go to patreon.greatdetectives.net I do want to add that I appreciate that not everyone's financial situation will allow this or others might prefer just to contribute in a one time way. Either way that's fine. I understand everyone's situation and priorities are different. If you do want to join our Patreon supporters, I would definitely encourage you to do so. Patreon.greatdetactives.net and this will be the last somewhat lengthy conversation we'll have, and I think I've actually done a better job at getting it down from the early Patreon conversations we've had in past years. But we will be announcing Patreon supporters and briefly mentioning at the start of each episode for the next few weeks. Now to listener comments and feedback over on YouTube, double tapping hillbilly writes thank you. And then over on the site called X Matisse Falcon wrote, danger with Granger is really growing on me. Well, thanks so much. And this was regarding Polycranus threatened. So we come to an end at that point. I would love for us to revisit it. I don't know how many episodes for sure were released. It gets confusing with this particular series because there were issues where some episodes that were produced weren't played and all kinds of production drama with it getting shown overseas or which from Australia, which I guess would be here. But whether some might come forward, I'd hope so. But again, thanks so much. Appreciate your remarks. Now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to thank Debbie, patreon Supporter since September 2015. Really close to the beginning there. Thank you so much. Currently supporting the podcast at the level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Debbie. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Monday with our second Journey through the Saint, which tying into our listener support appreciation campaign was a decision made by our Patreon supporters. But join us back here tomorrow for the Big Story where what more can

[Mrs. Wagner]

I tell you, Mr. McInau?

[Alan Gilbert]

Your husband's actions, Mrs. Wagner. They identified his car with a license plate, but the way it exploded, the police can't figure it out.

[Mrs. Wagner]

Dr. Wagner was a chemist.

[Alan Gilbert]

I know.

[Mrs. Wagner]

He was on his way to Philadelphia to demonstrate a new process for purifying water. There are chemicals in his car in some way. They must have caught fire.

[Alan Gilbert]

Bump in the road, broken bottle in his luggage. Any one of a dozen things could have done it.

[Mrs. Wagner]

He was good. He was kind. I love him so much. He said if he's still with him, I'm very sorry. He's always promising the children that we all go away on a long vacation. He had so little time to spend.

[Alan Gilbert]

I should mind my own business. But why don't you go away with the children? There's the insurance.

[Mrs. Wagner]

No, there isn't.

[Alan Gilbert]

You mean the doctor didn't carry a policy?

[Mrs. Wagner]

He carried one. All for $50,000.

[Alan Gilbert]

But you just said.

[Mrs. Wagner]

It's this way, Mr. McInally. The insurance company claims it has no proof of death. Our broker, Mr. Murray, has been arguing with him, but it's no use.

[Alan Gilbert]

I don't get it.

[Mrs. Wagner]

They found the car, but they didn't find my husband.

[Alan Gilbert]

But under company rules, you have to wait seven years before being paid.

[Mrs. Wagner]

My husband's just.

[Alan Gilbert]

It's a rotten deal. A man works to make sure that his wife and kids will be taken care of. It's not. It's not right to let it all go for nothing.

[Mrs. Wagner]

Excuse me.

[Alan Gilbert]

Of course. Company rules. Forget about people.

[Steve Granger]

Remember the rules.

[Mrs. Wagner]

Hello.

[Alan Gilbert]

Is Ike MC there, please? This is his office.

[Mrs. Wagner]

Just a moment, please. It's for you.

[Alan Gilbert]

Thank you. Guy Sense of his. Delighted. Hello? What's the matter with you, huh? Oh, grab an Aspen. Just pick something off the AP wire. Seems a guy went into a Philadelphia bank and cashed five grand worth of traverse checks. So tell that dame you're interviewing that she may not be a widow after all. The guy who cashed the checks identified himself as Dr. David Wecker.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13, greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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