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Danger with Grainger: The Triangle Affair (EP4901) - The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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Danger with Grainger: The Triangle Affair (EP4901)

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Mon Feb 02 2026

Today's Mystery: A released convict asked Grainger to prove he was innocent of the robbery that landed him in jail. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957 Originating from Australia Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger Support the show...

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Danger with Grainger: The Triangle Affair (EP4901)
Aired: February 2, 2026 | Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode features the classic radio detective show "Danger with Grainger," in the case dubbed "The Triangle Affair." The mystery revolves around Skip Lantry, an ex-con who hires detective Steve Granger to clear his name after a wrongful conviction. As Granger investigates, he finds himself unraveling a complex triangle of deceit involving old grievances, romance, financial fraud, and murder.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Ex-Con’s Dilemma (02:39 – 05:00)

Skip Lantry is released from prison after three years on a questionable robbery conviction.
Lantry expresses skepticism towards reentering society, fearing judgment and vowing to find out who framed him:
- "I'm gonna get the guy who framed me into this joint." – Skip Lantry (03:25)
Steve Granger is hired by Lantry to look into the matter, which is motivated by Lantry’s desire to clear his name.

2. Reinvestigating the Case (05:01 – 09:00)

Granger revisits Lantry’s trial details, highlighting an anonymous police tip and a janitor's testimony as critical evidence against Lantry.
Granger suspects the janitor, Alvin Friede, may have been bribed:
- "If somebody really tried to frame you, they could have... then fed the janitor a few bucks to say he sort of recognized you." – Steve Granger (08:00)
Granger connects with Phyllis Preston, a woman detective acquaintance of Skip's, to watch the janitor.

3. Complicated Alliances & The Money Trail (09:33 – 13:00)

Skip’s girlfriend, Lucille Danane, visits to give him a substantial sum of money from his own bank account.
Granger also involves Phyllis:
- "I do a little investigating." – Phyllis Preston (12:25)
Phyllis is previously threatened and briefly held by George Slater, owner of the Green Lantern bar.

4. The Shocking Turn: Suicide or Murder? (14:00 – 18:30)

Skip Lantry is found dead in his apartment, an apparent suicide—but Granger and Phyllis are both skeptical.
- "He must have thought you could never prove anything. So he shot himself." – Lt. Kramer (16:20)
Granger finds evidence of Skip’s large, untouched bank balance, suggesting foul play.

5. Following the Leads: The Green Lantern Connection (19:58 – 23:31)

Phyllis tails the janitor and observes key characters meeting at the Green Lantern.
Granger discovers the janitor is a bookmaker—the bar serves as a headquarters for illegal gambling.

6. Confrontation & The True Villains Unmasked (23:32 – 24:31)

Granger and Lt. Kramer eavesdrop as Lucille and Kirk Masters (Skip’s lawyer) discuss eliminating loose ends, revealing the conspiracy.
- "You'll have to get rid of that Preston girl… And you'll have to get rid of Granger too." – Lucille Danane (23:04)
Granger confronts them with bank records and bookie logs:
- "From where I stand, it looks like you were using Skip's account to hide the profits of a bookmaking." – Steve Granger (23:40)
A struggle ensues; George tries to shoot his way out but is apprehended.

7. Resolution & Motive (24:32 – 26:37)

Lt. Kramer arrests Lucille, Masters, and George, with the janitor charged as an accessory.
The motive is revealed: Lucille and Masters framed Skip to remove him and launder their bookie profits through his account. Lucille betrayed Skip for Masters; the "triangle" is both romantic and financial.
- "Skip Lantry was in love with Lucille Danane. She was in love with Kirk Masters. Now, Skip had marriage in mind, so Masters and the Danang girl framed him to get him out of the way." – Lt. Kramer (25:40)

8. Aftershow Commentary by Adam Graham (26:37 – 30:30)

Adam Graham reflects on the all-too-common real-world occurrences of convicts being exploited financially by those they trust.
He notes the radio trope of criminals nearly confessing their entire plot just as the detective enters:
- "...our detective comes in on the criminals laying out their complicity and guilt in really strong details." – Adam Graham (27:10)
Graham humorously discusses Skip’s insistence on calling solitaire “patience,” diving into the historical terminology.
He delivers a brief aside connecting the “Green Lantern” name to comic book characters, adding playful depth to his analysis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"Don't hand me that. I'm a con. Remember, every place I go, they'll be saying, this Skip Lantry, he just got out of the pen." – Skip Lantry (03:16)
"You sound like you didn't want to get out, Skip." – Steve Granger (03:23)
"If you got me up here just to watch you play card games, I'll scram." – Steve Granger (05:04)
"That's for nothing. Try something and see what really happens." – George Slater (11:45)
"You act like you're lying, mister. Let go. Where? In there." – Steve Granger confronting George (11:46)
"He must have thought you could never prove anything. So he shot himself." – Lt. Kramer (16:20)
"From where I stand, it looks like you were using Skip's account to hide the profits of a bookmaking." – Steve Granger (23:40)
"Too bad your pal George is such a blabber mouth. We heard him. You are not arresting me? You said it, man." – Steve Granger & Kramer (24:00)
"Very simple, Granger. Skip Lantry was in love with Lucille Danane. She was in love with Kirk Masters..." – Lt. Kramer (25:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Skip’s release and motivation: 02:39 – 05:00
Granger starts investigation: 05:01 – 09:00
Phyllis Preston introduced: 12:15 – 13:10
Skip found dead: 14:00 – 18:30
Surveillance at the Green Lantern: 19:58 – 23:31
Villains confronted—case solved: 23:32 – 24:31
Motive explained: 25:40
Adam Graham’s aftershow commentary: 26:37 – 30:30

Tone & Style

The episode balances hard-boiled detective fiction with touches of humor, especially in character interactions and Adam Graham’s post-show analysis. Dialogue is often direct and witty, with a strong 1940s/50s noir flair. Adam’s commentary brings a contemporary—and slightly tongue-in-cheek—perspective to the old-time radio narrative.

Conclusion

"The Triangle Affair" is a classic detective tale combining post-prison resentment, crooked romance, and money laundering all hidden under the guise of friendship and legal trust. Steve Granger’s persistence exposes not only a murder but a deeper web of exploitation, with justice ultimately served. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the episode for modern listeners, connecting the dots between past and present in crime and culture.

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Transcript

Narrator/Announcer (0:00)

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Skip Lantry (1:00)

Foreign.

Adam Graham (1:13)

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 let you know that today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis at support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net and I want to thank Larry for upgrading his Patreon support from the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Larry. But now here is today's episode the Triangle Affair.

Steve Granger (2:29)

Danger with Granger.

Skip Lantry (2:39)

So are you getting out today, huh, Skip?

Steve Granger (2:41)

Yeah. I wonder what it'd be like if I got out.

Skip Lantry (2:44)

Maybe I could go fishing. I could even find myself a girl. You know, Skip, I haven't seen a.

Steve Granger (2:48)

Girl in 11 years. Dames can be trouble.

Skip Lantry (2:50)

But you've got a girl.

Steve Granger (2:51)

I seen a picture in color. Even black, curly hair and big brown eyes. Shut up. Have a smoke. Thanks.

Skip Lantry (2:59)

You playing that solitaire game again, Skip?

Steve Granger (3:01)

I told you, it's not solitaire. It's called patience. Yeah, I know.

Steve Granger (3:42)

I'm not dying in any cell. No, you'll be back, Skip, unless you change the way you're thinking. This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a guy who came out of the penitentiary and walked straight into trouble with me as his frontman. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. It had been a pretty dull morning where clients were concerned. And I was getting tired of the view from my office window when my phone sang a very cute melody. It was Skip Landry who wanted to see me at his midtown apartment as soon as it was convenient. The price he mentioned for my services made it convenient immediately. Come in. Hiya, Granger. Hello, Skip. Come over and sit down. What'd you want to see me about, Skip? I just got out of the pen. Three years on a phony rap. Go on. I want you to get the people who framed me details, Skip. A lot of them. Yeah. Wait till I finish this. What are you doing? Playing a solitaire game called Patience. If you got me up here just to watch you play card games, I'll scram. Skip. You know why I got you up here? I want to be cleared. If I remember, you were convicted of robbery. Open and shut case. Yeah, they opened the cell door and shut me in for three years. You understand, Granger, I'm not quarreling with the court. The evidence was presented. The court had no other choice. That was three years ago. Won't be easy. How can you give me along the way of a lead? Nothing. I had no alibi. What'll you do now that you're out? Lay low until you find out things? I've got money in the bank now. How about it now? Drop down to Center Street. Maybe I can get a look at the transcript of your trial. If I feel you're on the level, I'll go along with you. Okay by me. That's probably my lawyer. Come in. Well, well, Skip. Nice to see you out in the open again. Thanks, Kirk, for everything you did. Don't mention it. My boy. You're fortunate you didn't get a longer term because of your gambling activities. I know. This is my attorney, Kirk Masters. Steve Granger, the private eye. I didn't know you two were friends. I knew him before. He's working for me. You don't need a detective. You need a job. I know what I'm doing. You get out of line, one step, they'll lock you up again. You're on parole, remember? Skip Landry nodded me on my way with a tight look around his eyes and mouth. I'd known him before his brush with the law. Known him as a gambler, but an honest one and a nice character. When I got to police headquarters, Lt. Hal Kramer looked at me in disgust. Granger, sometimes I think you're plain nuts. I'm trying hard to keep our personal feelings out of this, Hal. I'm working to Skip Landry. But I told you, I know all about his trial. Department had him dead to rights. They found part of the loot in his apartment. I know that, but how did the boys find out? A phone tip. Anonymous, of course. Naturally. Now, Lieutenant, wouldn't that make it look like a frame? We get lots of anonymous tips from people who want to. Want to stay anonymous. I know. Look, Lieutenant, how about helping me get a transcript of the trial? It'll take you two hours to read it, for which I'm grateful. Because it'll be interesting. Because it'll keep you out of my hair that long. Kramer got me a transcript of Skip Lantry's trial, and this time I felt like a man at a very dead, dead end. The testimony was all there. As iron clad as a matron's girdle. Lantry had even been tentatively identified by the janitor of the apartment building where the robbery had occurred. I jotted down his name and went out there. What do you want? My name is Granger. You're Alvin Friede, the janitor. Yeah. Three years ago you testified at the trial of Skip Lantry. What about it? You. You testified that you saw him or somebody who looked a lot like him come into the building here and go upstairs. Suppose he did. How positive are you that the man you saw was actually Skip Lantry? You expect me to remember something like that? That was three years ago. I'll go a step farther with you. If I brought Lantry out here, could you still identify him? I don't know. Okay, Freddie, hang around. I'll bring him out. We'll see how good your memory is. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. There was something about the face of that janitor, Alvin Friedy. That I didn't like much. But that didn't actually prove he was lying. I made for a drugstore and called Lieutenant Kramer. I asked him to check on the janitor for me. And then I grabbed some transportation and went back to Skip Lantry's apartment. Why did you find out, Granger? I checked the testimony of your trial boy. They had you dead to rights, I know. Say, about that janitor at the building. You looked a little suspicious to me. Meaning what? If somebody really tried to frame you, they could have pulled the robbery, then fed the janitor a few bucks to say he sort of recognized you. It could be. I think I'll get an investigator friend of mine to Tailem. Hey, I've got somebody who'll help you. A little dame named Phyllis Preston. Oh, no, not a lady detective. Yeah, we used to live in the same block when we were kids. Look her up. She's in the book. I better get out of here. Hang around a second. I know who it is.

Steve Granger (13:10)

It might not be that funny. I told Phyllis Preston to be careful when she was checking the janitor for me. I dropped her off at her place. Wondered if I should have George Slater booked on attempted kidnapping but decided to let him alone for the time being. I stopped off a few minutes later at Cal Hendricks Place. The newspaper man seemed pleased to see me. Steve, my boy, you're very popular around these parts. Well, am I? You've had more telephone calls than a chorus girl turned practical nurse. Skip Lantry, for one. Who else? Lieutenant Kramer of Homicide, is it? Plaza 89449. Well, that's no precinct station. The good lieutenant sounded like someone had ruffled his feathers. It's only his art form. I think his ancestors were all ostriches. Hello, Lieutenant, this is Granger. You can stop trying to prove Skip Lantry's innocence. What are you talking about? I'm up at his apartment. Lantry sitting at his desk. Also, he's carrying a bullet in him. Murder? Uh huh. Suicide. This was something that didn't add up. Skip Lantry dead. Well, it was tough. But suicide? That didn't figure out. But with a guy who played a game he called patience. And his last words to me, whether he was the patient type. In just a minute, I'll bring you the climax of the case. Lieutenant Kramer's voice announcing the death of Skip Landry was cut off sharp as I slammed down the phone. Tossed a goodbye over my shoulder to Cal Hendricks, the maid for my client's apartment. My dead client. There you are, Granger. The whole layout just as we found it. Doesn't make sense. Kramer. I don't care what you say. He must have thought you could never prove anything. So he shot himself. Where was the gun? On the floor next to his body. Did you go throw in? Naturally. He had $2,000 in his pants pocket. Man might be dead, but he's still my client. Leave everything untouched in this apartment for a couple of days, Granger. This is an out and out case of suicide. It's as obvious as that 40 cent necktie you're wearing. Which is better than that two bit shoestring you've got holding up your Adam's apple. When the police photographer and the print men had finished their respective chores, I was left alone in Skip Lantry's apartment. I moved around, examined the dresser, the closet, et cetera. He was as neat as a pin. One second. Well, Mr. Masters, I was on my way back here. I met that police lieutenant. Is it true, Granger? I'm afraid so. That's terrible. Yep. Did you discover anything that might have helped? Skip proves innocence. No. No, not exactly. I didn't think you would. I tried my best at the trial. I couldn't get him off. You know his girlfriend, Lucille Danaine? Of course. Know where she lives? Yes, at the Towers on the east side. Seen her today? I chatted with Lucille on the phone. She said she was coming over to see Skip. She did? By the way, did you handle all of Skip's legal transactions for five years? Yes. How much money did he have? A couple of thousand. He spent nothing during his stay upstate. Okay, Mr. Masters. Think I lock up this place. Could I see you to the door? Just why did you remain after the police left, Mr. Granger? Well, I have a theory. You don't think Skip was murdered? It's entirely possible. Kirk Masters was a typical barrister. Middle aged with a convex front instead of a concave one. Bright blue eyes and a pleasant manner. I said good evening to him, hung around five minutes and beat it over to see Lucille Danane.

Steve Granger (20:19)

Stay there. I should be down inside a half hour. I slipped on my coat and hat, got a cab and pulled up in front of the apartment house where the janitor held sway. Fortunately, he was the only basement tenant. I got some light on the subject and went through his place. When I came up with the records, I was amused at the fact that I could tell Lt. Kramer that the janitor was a bookmaker. I left and went over to another apartment, this one on the third floor. The door was locked, but a thin sheet of plastic handled the right way. Let me in. I flicked on the lights and went on a prowl. I knew that Lucille Danane must have Skip Lantry's bank books around someplace. In a set of drawer of Lucille Danane's desk, I found Skip Lantry's deposit book, which handed me a surprise. Then I found another record, big as life and twice as potent as an H bomb. What I saw sent me to the phone stabbing the private number of Lieutenant Kramer. Lieutenant Kramer speaking. This is Granger. Can you get into the hall of records? At this time of night? If it's an emergency, don't tell me your proof that Skip Landry was murdered. Can you get in? Sure. I'm playing a long hunch. Kramer, check up on the ownership of a joint called the Green Lantern. Oh, for my love. Then meet me there right away. Over here, Kramer. Well, what kind of fairy tale is this, Granger? I checked up for you. Kirk Masters own owns a piece of the Green Lantern with George Slater. That's what I thought. Now listen, the Green Lantern must be a bookmaking headquarters. Slater's got a record, you know. He was a fence at one time. That's all we need. Let's go inside. His office is over there. Now what? Just go in and bluff your way. You haven't got a shred of evidence, you know. Here we are. Listen for a second. Maybe we can hear something. George, you'll have to get rid of that Preston girl. Briggy saw her watching his face from across the street. She follow him here? He doesn't think so, but we can't take any chances. Okay. And you'll have to get rid of Granger too. He must have talked to the girl. He's been skipped apartment earlier. Snooping around. I'll take care of both of them. Don't worry. You make sure you didn't leave a clue at the apartment. I wore gloves. Nobody heard the shot. Hear that, Lieutenant? Lucille, go back to your place and burn those records. Tomorrow at 10, close Skip's account at the banker's in case Granger gets away from George and snoop. Don't worry about Grazier. Need any more, Kramer? Let's meet these charming people in person. Listen, didn't I put him up? George, get out of here or we'll call the police. In a minute, Mr. Nain. How much money did Skip Lantry have in his account?

Adam Graham (26:37)

Welcome back. Well, actually, a really intriguing case, and the solution is quite reasonable in one way, because it is actually quite common for convicts to be the victims of financial fraud, and certainly someone who a convict trust is in a good position to take advantage of them. Now, today, the more common ways that convicts get taken advantage of is through having assets stolen and for their identities being used for identity theft. But in this case, they had an entire money laundering scheme working out of his bank account. Now, I did get a little bit of a sense of deja vu from the Whiteward diamond matter as our detective comes in on the criminals laying out their complicity and guilt in really strong details. But I give credit to Granger that it did not go on as long as it did on Johnny Dollar. Now, the big distinction that Skip makes between patience and solitaire is a bit baffling, maybe reflecting more of a philosophical preference than anything else. At the root, patience and solitaire are essentially the same thing, with patience being the older term for a group of games that you play by yourself arranging cards. Now, what we tend to think of as solitaire, like a player. Solitaire on my computer is Klondike solitaire, although there are many other games. So Skip's use of patience doesn't actually tell us what he was playing. The big argument for calling the games like that patience is that solitaire can refer to other types of games that you play by yourself. So for all we know, Skip could have been playing Klondike solitaire, but just really insisting on calling it Patience. Also kind of surprised that Alan Scott's name wasn't on the deed of the Green Lantern. Now, I know some of you might be thinking Hal Jordan, but that version of the Green Lantern wasn't created until 1959. But the Green Lantern had been a character before Hal Jordan. The Golden Age version. Alan Scott, who was also at one time a member of the Justice Society of America. But whatever the case, the character did not make impact. That was so big that an Australian radio show wouldn't think of naming a watering hole after the Green Lantern. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Chris, patreon Supporter since August 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level. $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Chris. 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 mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We will be back next Monday with another episode of Danger with Granger. But join us back here tomorrow for the big story where.