Night Beat: Long Live the Clown (Encore) (EP4749)

Summary

Summary of "Night Beat: Long Live the Clown (Encore)" (EP4749) Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

In the enlightening episode titled "Night Beat: Long Live the Clown (Encore)", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping detective narrative set against the backdrop of a bustling Chicago circus. Hosted by Adam Graham, this installment weaves a tale of espionage, deceit, and tragedy, highlighting the complexities of uncovering the truth within a web of lies.

Plot Summary

Randy Stone, a dedicated reporter for the Chicago Star (00:00 - 06:00), encounters Jane Greesh, a distressed woman claiming her husband is a communist spy seeking monetary compensation for his revelations. Skeptical yet intrigued, Stone agrees to investigate, leading him to the enigmatic world of the circus where Rudy Greesh, the alleged spy and beloved high-wire clown, performs (03:53 - 05:24).

As Stone delves deeper, he confronts Louie Martel, a menacing figure associated with organized crime, who warns him against pursuing the story (05:49 - 07:35). Despite Martel's threats, Stone remains resolute, determined to uncover the truth behind Jane's claims.

The turning point occurs during Rudy's high-wire act. What appears to be a daring stunt turns tragic when Rudy plummets to the ground, resulting in a severe injury (08:25 - 14:18). Stone's investigation reveals discrepancies in Jane's account, particularly the mysterious absence of Rudy's wife during the incident.

Determined to seek answers, Stone faces escalating dangers as he uncovers the sinister intentions of Kovacs and Mavlick, operatives intent on silencing Jane and eliminating Rudy to protect their clandestine operations (16:33 - 27:41). The culmination of the episode sees Stone grappling with the aftermath of Rudy's death, recognizing the perilous intersection of journalism and espionage.

Notable Quotes

• Randy Stone (03:53): "In my trade, you can't ever afford to overlook a lead because the most implausible thing turns out to be true."

• Jane Greesh (09:22): "You can't know what it's like, Mr. Stone, to know you're being spied on, to wonder who's going to kill you and when."

• Rudy Greesh (17:16): "My shoe. My shoe." (Hinting at foul play behind his fall.)

• Adam Graham (30:19): "The Soviets and communist spies are simply more of the same in terms of the thugs that have been involved in organized crime."

Host's Insights

Adam Graham offers a thoughtful analysis post-story, emphasizing the episode's exploration of Cold War-era fears and the conflation of communist spies with traditional organized crime. He notes:

"This episode does a good job of driving home the idea that the Soviets and communist spies are simply more of the same in terms of the thugs that have been involved in organized crime. They're simply whatever the language they're using, simply seeking to gain and expand their territory."

Graham appreciates the narrative's ability to blend suspense with socio-political commentary, showcasing how espionage themes were intertwined with everyday crime in radio dramas of the time.

Listener Feedback

The episode garnered positive feedback from listeners, particularly highlighting the stellar performances and the effective portrayal of a seemingly straightforward yet deeply engaging story. Notable comments include:

• Francis on Facebook: "The story itself is really simple, but what makes this episode special is the acting talent and their interaction."

• Bill: "Another standout performance from Bill Conrad."

Such testimonials underscore the enduring appeal of classic radio storytelling and the exceptional talent that brings these detective tales to life.

Conclusion

"Night Beat: Long Live the Clown (Encore)" stands out as a compelling episode that marries classic detective noir with historical espionage themes. Through adept storytelling and profound character development, the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio continues to captivate audiences, offering both nostalgia and intricate mysteries to solve.

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For more episodes and engaging old-time radio dramas, subscribe to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your preferred podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia Made to Travel hello, this is your host Adam Graham reminding you to listen on July 13th as we bring you the premiere of the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio and also reminding you that today's program comes from our archives and so any offers and information contained therein may not be valid unless currently reflected on our Great Detectives of Old Time radio [e-mail] but now on with Circus Week. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com RadioDetectives 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 but also by mailing in a donation to AdamGraham, P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. That's P.O. box 15913 or Boise, ID 83715. You can also become a monthly ongoing contributor at patreon.greatdetectives.net support the program for anywhere between two and thirty dollars a month. That's at patreon.greatdetectiveS.net but now it's time for today's episode of Not Beat. The original air date is May 8th of 1952 and this one is Long Live the Clown.

[Frank Lovejoy]

C Presents Transcribed Frank Lovejoy in.

[Randy Stone]

Night Be hi, this is Randy Stone. I cover the Night Beat for the Chicago Star. Statistically speaking, someone once said a story is born every 15 seconds. It could be that you've got to go out in the night and dig for it. Dig behind the love and the hate and the fear and probe for that story that fills up tomorrow's paper. I had a couple of tired items that I've been keeping for just I wrote them, I rewrote them, and then I threw them in the wastebasket. Because Nightbeat is a matter of legwork. There's only one way to do it. Mohammed has to go to the mountain. So I put on my coat, got my hat and started out. I was just walking out of the city room, opened the door to the hall and I looked right into a pair of inquiring blue eyes.

[Jane Greesh]

Pardon me.

[Randy Stone]

Why, sure.

[Jane Greesh]

I wonder if you could help me. I'm looking for a newspaper man.

[Randy Stone]

Well, maybe. What's his name?

[Jane Greesh]

Oh, I don't want anyone in particular. I just want to talk to a newspaper man.

[Randy Stone]

Well, if you're not too particular, I'm a reporter. My name is Randy Stone.

[Jane Greesh]

Oh. Would you be interested in a story, Mr. Stone?

[Randy Stone]

I saw the Mountain Comes to Muhammad.

[Jane Greesh]

What? I don't understand.

[Randy Stone]

No, it's just a figure of speech. Come on in. We can sit down and.

[Jane Greesh]

Oh, no, no. I'd rather stay out here in the hall.

[Randy Stone]

Okay. Well, let's hear it.

[Jane Greesh]

Wait. Is it true that newspapers will pay money to get a big story? A really big story?

[Randy Stone]

Well, they've been known to if it's important enough.

[Cassidy]

And if it's an exclusive, how much would they pay?

[Randy Stone]

Look, I can't set a price. That's up to the publisher. And besides, it depends. What do you have to sell?

[Jane Greesh]

I'm married to a communist spy.

[Randy Stone]

Oh. Well, why tell me? Why don't you go to the FBI?

[Jane Greesh]

Well, they won't pay anything. I've got to have money. And you've got to promise me you won't tell them till after you've paid me.

[Randy Stone]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Hold on here. If you've got a story, my boss will be happy to buy an exclusive. But not behind the government's back.

[Jane Greesh]

Oh, you can tell the FBI. I didn't mean you couldn't give them the facts. But we've got to be safe first. Don't you see? We've got to be safe.

[Randy Stone]

Wait a minute now, before everybody gets in an uproar, let's find out if you have got a story. Where is your husband?

[Jane Greesh]

I'll take you to him.

[Randy Stone]

In my trade, you can't ever afford to overlook a lead because the most implausible thing turns out to be true. And the most plausible phony. I went down the elevator with a girl and it stopped on the ground floor and we walked across the lobby and out onto the sidewalk. And as usual, the There was no cab in front. Mind walking around the corner of the cab stand, Mrs. You didn't tell me your name.

[Jane Greesh]

It's Jane. Mrs. Jane Greesh. No, I don't mind walking.

[Randy Stone]

How long have you known about your husband?

[Jane Greesh]

There's somebody following us.

[Randy Stone]

No, no, there's nobody.

[Jane Greesh]

Yes, there is. Back there. He just stepped in the shadows of that doorway.

[Randy Stone]

Oh, yes, there is someone you wait for me at the cab stand. She went on ahead. I stopped and went through my pockets like I'd forgotten something. And then I started back walking close to the buildings. When I came to the doorway where the man had melted into the shadows, I stopped. Something I can do for you, bud? Hello, Stone. What a Louis Marteau. Aren't you in the wrong neighborhood? I want to talk to you. I'm busy. See me tomorrow. You'll see me now. Or am I pointed enough? Louie, when are you gonna quit sticking a gun in people's ribs? Don't you know that smart thugs don't do that anymore? Maybe I'm not smart, but I'm effective. You know what I mean? And I got my eye on you, Stone. So play ball. Well, what is that supposed to mean? That column you wrote yesterday. The boys didn't like it. They told me to tell you they didn't like it. That's the highest praise I've ever had. Now, if you don't mind, I'm in a hurry. When I'm ready. You said in the paper we was in for a surprise. You said somebody was gonna push us out of business. Where'd you get that idea? Professional secrets. I never divulge the source of my information. What kind of stuff is that? I'm like a doctor or a lawyer. How would you like it if I knew something about you and I spilled? Wouldn't be very nice of me, would it? No, it wouldn't be healthy, either.

[Rudy Greesh]

I.

[Randy Stone]

Get out of my way, Louie. Go play hood someplace else.

[Rudy Greesh]

Okay.

[Randy Stone]

I'll keep something in mind. Stone. Don't hold out on us. You know, even cops get hurt sometimes. Yeah, I'll keep it in mind. I walked away from the gunsel. By the time I got around the corner, the adrenaline in my body had subsided to something like normal. Because I'm no different than anybody else. You stick a gun in my ribs and I turn cold inside. By the time I got to the cab stand, Mrs. Grace wasn't there. But I wasn't especially surprised. If she had been telling the truth, she'd run out of fear. And if she hadn't, well, you run into it all the time. Somebody promises you a great story and it blows up in your face. I walked along the street wondering if she'd been on the level or if it was all a lot of hogwash. Either way, I still had a story to dig up. The night was over. I'd walked about two blocks and was crossing the street when a Cab pulled up.

[Jane Greesh]

Mr. Jones. Mrs. Grace, get in.

[Randy Stone]

I thought you'd taken a powder on me.

[Jane Greesh]

Who was that man who was following me?

[Randy Stone]

Wasn't following you. He was following me.

[Jane Greesh]

Why? Why should he follow you?

[Randy Stone]

Oh, it's nothing. Forget it. Just a cheap fuggles soar over some publicity I gave him.

[Jane Greesh]

I think we've shaken him. I don't see him anywhere.

[Randy Stone]

You know, I'm beginning to believe you're serious about this cloak and dagger stuff.

[Jane Greesh]

Yes, Mr. Stone, I'm dead serious.

[Randy Stone]

And you'd sell your husband down the river for a few pieces of gold. Must be a great love.

[Jane Greesh]

You don't understand. Rudy wants to quit. He wants the American people to know. He must make them realize the danger before it's too late. He wants to help them.

[Randy Stone]

He does?

[Jane Greesh]

Oh, he realizes he's done a lot of harm to America, but he couldn't help himself.

[Randy Stone]

Oh, they twisted his arm.

[Jane Greesh]

They sent him here from Czechoslovakia. They told him all kinds of lies.

[Randy Stone]

I see. And now he's seen the light.

[Jane Greesh]

I'm afraid you don't believe me.

[Randy Stone]

Well, if what you say is true and he's so anxious to square the books, why didn't he come himself?

[Jane Greesh]

He's afraid. He's in constant fear.

[Randy Stone]

Of what?

[Jane Greesh]

The secret police.

[Randy Stone]

But in Chicago.

[Jane Greesh]

I know what you're thinking. When I lived in Kansas, I wouldn't have believed it either. But Rudy's country. Well, things are different. You can't know what it's like, Mr. Stone, to know you're being spied on, to wonder who's going to kill you and when.

[Randy Stone]

It seems to me what you need is protection, not money.

[Jane Greesh]

If you're not interested, Mr. Stone, maybe I ought to go to another paper.

[Randy Stone]

No, I didn't say that I wasn't interested. But one thing I don't quite get, and it makes me skeptical when we splash the story on the front page. What good is the money gonna do you?

[Jane Greesh]

With money we can lose ourselves. I know where we can get a little farm way off the beaten track in Kansas. Please don't ask me. I can't tell you.

[Randy Stone]

Incidentally, where is this cloak and dagger operation going on at the circus. The circus?

[Jane Greesh]

Yes. Rudy's the clown. The high wire clown.

[Randy Stone]

She didn't talk the rest of the way to the circus lot. She just sat and stared moodily out of the window. The circus was in progress when we got there. Had about half an hour to go before it broke. Mrs. Grease took me in through the back way, zigzagging between performance trailers to addressing room 10. The well known clown Ally. She pulled me back into the shadows as four or five clowns passed on the way to the big tub.

[Jane Greesh]

Now, Rudy will be alone that you go in.

[Randy Stone]

We walked into the tent, past the long rows of dressing tables and mirrors, to the end, where a man wearing the most incredibly melancholy clown makeup sat staring into a mirror.

[Jane Greesh]

Rudy, I brought someone to talk to you.

[Rudy Greesh]

Oh, go talk to me. What about?

[Jane Greesh]

You know, Rudy, you know what about.

[Randy Stone]

My name is Stone, Mr. Grease. Randy Stone. I'm with the Chicago Star. Your wife has told me that.

[Jane Greesh]

Rudy, I was right. They pay for stories. They sometimes pay quite a lot if they can have a story exclusively.

[Rudy Greesh]

What an incredible country this is. Imagine paying money for news.

[Randy Stone]

Well, of course, we'll have to have proof.

[Rudy Greesh]

Rudy, my friend, is it not time for. Oh, did not know you have company. That's all right, Kovacs. You are on in a few minutes. Rudy. Yes, I know. Every day I'm on at the same time. I'm not likely to forget. That is good. I only come to remind you of your duty. Excuse me.

[Jane Greesh]

Who is that man?

[Rudy Greesh]

Rudy, that is Kovacs. You know Kovacs, Rudy.

[Jane Greesh]

I've never seen him before in my life.

[Rudy Greesh]

Jane, why do you not go to your tendon? Rest, relax, like the doctor told you?

[Jane Greesh]

Doctor? Rudy, what are you trying to do.

[Randy Stone]

To me about the story? We'll have to have documentation of every fact you give us.

[Rudy Greesh]

What is this documentation that I give you? No, I don't understand.

[Randy Stone]

Well, we just can't print that you're a spy. We'll have to substantiate it. Spy?

[Rudy Greesh]

Jane, is that. What did you tell this man? That I was a spy?

[Randy Stone]

Rudy.

[Jane Greesh]

Rudy, please. He can help us.

[Rudy Greesh]

Jane, you go to your quarters.

[Jane Greesh]

Put.

[Rudy Greesh]

Rudy, Jane, you do as I tell you. Don't worry. Mr. Stone should be all right. He's not been well, you know. It's very serious for damage to the brain. Oh, poor Jane. Has it in your mind that I need money to disappear because I'm afraid of the Communist secret police? I suppose she told you this.

[Randy Stone]

Yeah.

[Rudy Greesh]

Did she tell you I was chosen as a master spy because of the freedom with which I travel with the circus? That I'm used as a clearinghouse for all espionage in your country? That I'm in contact with the head of the underground in every major city? And that I am indeed the most important, important spy in America?

[Randy Stone]

Well, no, no, she wasn't quite that explicit.

[Rudy Greesh]

Here, according to Jane, my life is not worth what you Americans call a plugged nickel.

[Randy Stone]

There Must have been some fall she took.

[Rudy Greesh]

It was unfortunate. Any minute she expects none other than Maverick to appear and eliminate me.

[Randy Stone]

Maverick? The big Iron Curtain hatchet man.

[Rudy Greesh]

Fantastic. No, in poor gain. She worries more about foreign intrigue than the State Department. No, Mr. Stone. I'm afraid I'm just a clown. I'm just a simple clown who knows how to stay on a high wire without falling off and breaking his neck. I'm sorry I've been caused so much trouble. I have to go now. I'm on in a few minutes.

[Randy Stone]

Oh, yeah, sure. Why.

[Rudy Greesh]

Why do you look at me like that? So certainly.

[Randy Stone]

I was just wondering what you look like under the makeup.

[Rudy Greesh]

I'm just an ordinary fellow, Mr. Stone, like anybody. No, there's no story in me, Mrs. Dunn.

[Randy Stone]

He walked out of Clown Alley and I stood there a while, feeling like a left tackle had been taken out of the play. Big international story and it ends up to be a mental mirage. I heard a big laugh go up. Somebody was having fun. And since I'd gone to all the trouble to come to the circus, the least I could do was to get catch Rudy's act. I slipped into the big top, feeling like a kid who'd sneaked in for free. From the performer's entrance, I watched Rudy the clown with a sad face high on the top of the tent, killing the crowd with his crazy antics. On the high wire he'd take a couple of clumsy, uncertain steps. He'd start the fall with no net beneath him. The crowd shrieked. He grabbed the wire, regained his footing, scratched his ribs with one hand and his head with the other. And they roared with laughter. Then they shrieked again. But this time they didn't laugh. Because there wasn't anything to laugh about. Because Rudy wasn't on the high wire anymore. Rudy had plummeted to the ground. I pushed my way through the tan bark to the ring. I was in the inner circle of the circus Beat, who stood looking down at Rudy with the awesome realization that it might have happened to any one of them. He wasn't dead, but his back was broken. They carried him on a stretcher to the medical tent. I waited outside. A worried looking, red faced man came up. How is he?

[Cassidy]

Bad. Doc says it's just a matter of minutes. Say, I don't know you, Dwayne.

[Randy Stone]

I'm Randy Stone, a newspaper man.

[Cassidy]

Jumping Djibouti. I need you like I need a.

[Randy Stone]

Hole in the head.

[Cassidy]

Soft pedal this, Mac. Will you go easy. Puts a jinx on the show when there's been an accident.

[Randy Stone]

Who are you?

[Cassidy]

Me? I'm Cassidy. I own this outfit. With the season we've had and a thing like this happening, I. What'd you say your name was?

[Randy Stone]

Stone. Randy Stone.

[Cassidy]

Oh, then you must be the guy he's asking for.

[Randy Stone]

Who?

[Cassidy]

Rudy, you better go in there.

[Randy Stone]

Wait a minute, Cassidy. Where's his wife? She ought to be in here. Wife?

[Cassidy]

He hasn't got a wife.

[Randy Stone]

Are you sure?

[Cassidy]

Look, I know who's with his show and who isn't.

[Randy Stone]

But he told me.

[Cassidy]

Look, if you want to talk to him, you better go in there.

[Rudy Greesh]

Son. St.

[Randy Stone]

This is. Son. I'm here. I'm right here.

[Rudy Greesh]

Are you alone? Yeah. Have much time? Listen carefully. Don't let anything happen to Jane. They mustn't do anything to Jane.

[Randy Stone]

Oh, Rudy. What would hurt Jane?

[Rudy Greesh]

Kovacs? Mavlic. It's all through what I.

[Randy Stone]

What I said.

[Rudy Greesh]

Jane imagined. It's all true. She thought we could get a farm. It would have been nice. Farm. Lose ourselves. But you don't. You can't. There's no hiding.

[Randy Stone]

Easy.

[Cassidy]

Easy now.

[Randy Stone]

Take it easy.

[Rudy Greesh]

Forget her, Mr. Stone. And you must protect her.

[Randy Stone]

I'll do what I can.

[Rudy Greesh]

Kept it secret, our marriage. To protect her. But it was wrong. Wrong to dream. There are no secrets from Maverick.

[Randy Stone]

Rudy. What happened up there on the high wire? How did you fall?

[Rudy Greesh]

My shoe. My shoe.

[Randy Stone]

Rudy. Rudy. He was all through talking. His eyes, the only real part of his grotesque chalk white face, closed as I stood looking at down at it. The whole thing seemed like a fantasy. It was weird and unreal. I felt like the ball in the pinball machine has been bounced off every post without scoring. As I stepped back away from him, I saw the only thing that made sense. His shoe. The sole of it, had been cut and stitched back but off center. This was no accident. This was murder. The clown is dead. Long live the clown.

[Frank Lovejoy]

NBC is bringing you Nightbeat, starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. As a civilian at home, what is your obligation to a soldier in a foxhole in Korea? Maybe you haven't considered that question. If you haven't, it's understandable. The foxhole in Korea is a pretty remote, after all, from your everyday life. And it wouldn't help if you were constantly worrying. But if you've stopped to consider it, the least we can do here at home in the States is to help keep America financially strong. That's the best way to back up the men in the Army, Navy and Air Force. One of the best ways to help keep America financially strong is to buy United States Defense Bonds regularly. If you think you can't afford it, look into the payroll savings plan where you work and you'll probably change your mind. You can have any amount you specify saved from each paycheck. When there's enough for a defense bond, it's purchased and turned over to you. And remember, today, defense bonds offer you more interest, a quicker return on your money. They're now even better. Invest more in defense bonds. And now back to Nightbeat and Randy Stone.

[Randy Stone]

A clown falls off a high wire and dies. This is a story, but not the story that pulled me to the circus. I was interested now in his wife. What had happened to the wife of Rudy Greesh, the girl who had been so mortally afraid for him? Why hadn't she been there when he died? These were some of the things I tried to find out from.

[Cassidy]

So Rudy had a shoe repair. That doesn't prove anything. He was a tightwad. He never spent money on anything.

[Randy Stone]

I have a feeling even a tightwad would spend money on his shoes if his life depended on them.

[Cassidy]

What are you reaching for, Stone? You think somebody in my show killed him?

[Randy Stone]

Now, that's for the cops to figure out. What do you know about Rudy Greesh? Not much.

[Cassidy]

He was a good performer.

[Randy Stone]

How'd he happen to come with you?

[Cassidy]

He was in this country on a visa. He was anxious to work, so I hired him.

[Randy Stone]

I got him cheap when he was on the road. You ever notice anything suspicious about him? Did he meet people on the outside? Did he leave the circus a lot?

[Cassidy]

Now, look, I've got my hands full pushing this pile of canvas around the country without worrying where my performers go.

[Randy Stone]

His wife claims that he was a communist spy.

[Cassidy]

That's crazy. That's absolutely nuts. He didn't have a wife.

[Randy Stone]

Well, he said different. How about a tall blonde girl named Jane? Used to be an Ariel.

[Cassidy]

Jenny. Yeah, well, she's not married. Oh, Rudy was nice to her, but we all were. She took a bad fall last year, hit her head. Has never been the same since. We keep her around here because we're sorry for her.

[Randy Stone]

Well, where is she now? Where can I find her?

[Cassidy]

You might try the wardrobe tent. That's where she works.

[Randy Stone]

But she wasn't at the wardrobe tent. I checked all over the lot. I couldn't find her anywhere. The circus grounds were almost deserted. The crowds were gone. The performers had disappeared into that world of tents and trailers that belongs exclusively to them. Everything was battened down except the shooting gallery. As I passed by it, one man was putting out the lights and racking up guns. The man who had reminded Rudy of his entrance queue. Kovacs.

[Rudy Greesh]

Do not move. Stand where you are.

[Randy Stone]

I could barely see him in the dim light, but what I saw made me do exactly as he ordered. He had a rifle trained on me.

[Rudy Greesh]

Come over here.

[Randy Stone]

Closer.

[Rudy Greesh]

No, don't. Put your hands in your pockets. Put them on the counter. That's fine.

[Randy Stone]

What do you want?

[Rudy Greesh]

I understand you're looking for Mrs. Greece.

[Randy Stone]

Yeah.

[Rudy Greesh]

I will take you to her.

[Randy Stone]

Never mind that. Just tell me where she is. You seem to misunderstand, Mr. Stone.

[Rudy Greesh]

I said I will take you to her.

[Randy Stone]

He backed away from me. He racked the rifle. But as quickly as he put it away, another gun appeared in his hand.

[Rudy Greesh]

A Luger. If you make any attempt to run, to get away, to scream, I will kill you. Now walk straight ahead of me. Down midway to that car, apart from the corner.

[Randy Stone]

He came out of the booth with his top coat draped over the hand.

[Rudy Greesh]

That held the gun.

[Randy Stone]

There was something European about the cut of his suit, but other than that and his accent, it was like any other hood. Frightening. With a gun in his hand.

[Rudy Greesh]

No, no. You drive.

[Randy Stone]

Well, why don't you drive? Don't you know how to handle an American car?

[Rudy Greesh]

There is no need to be insolent. Get in. Drive. I will tell you where to go.

[Randy Stone]

I thought I knew Chicago, but so did my friend with the Luger. He gave the directions and I followed them. North on Lakeshore Drive, left and Randolph, down Michigan, over to State street and back to Michigan. We didn't cover much territory, actually. We kept circling around the same area. Pretty soon he got tired of it, or else he felt safe. We drove back the way we'd come, past Grant Park Shed Aquarium, Soldiers Field. And there at the far end of the circus encampment, out of hearing of any other trailers, we stopped at a luxury house trailer parked on the lakefront. He got out of the car, held the door open for me, and we walked to the trailer steps.

[Rudy Greesh]

Go on. Open the door. Now. Step inside.

[Jane Greesh]

Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone.

[Randy Stone]

It was Mrs. Jane Greesh. I recognized her from the. The clothes she wore. Would have been hard to recognize it from her face. It had been beaten almost beyond recognition. She was huddled in the corner, sobbing, and seated comfortably on the couch, smoking a cigarette, was an overly handsome blonde young man.

[Cassidy]

Come in. Come in. Close the door, Kovacs. Well, Mr. Stone, it was nice of you to come with Kovacs. But then, Kovacs has always been inordinately.

[Randy Stone]

Persuasive from the looks of Mrs. Grisha's face, I'd say that you were pretty persuasive yourself.

[Cassidy]

I have that reputation.

[Randy Stone]

You wouldn't be Mavlick, would you? Oh, you have heard of me.

[Cassidy]

This I do not like Mavlick.

[Rudy Greesh]

He knows about the shoe. Your.

[Cassidy]

Your situation becomes more and more unfortunate, Mr. Stone. But you are just in time for what you Americans call the second show. Mrs. Grish, where is the information that your husband has collected for us?

[Jane Greesh]

I don't know. I told you, I don't know.

[Cassidy]

You're lying, Mrs. Greesh.

[Jane Greesh]

I don't know. I don't know anything.

[Randy Stone]

You do know.

[Jane Greesh]

I don't even know what you're talking about.

[Cassidy]

Then let me refresh your memory. Rudy Greece was sent here for a very definite purpose. To correlate information from our scattered agents all over the country and to pass this information on to us. And he did his job well. Until he married you. That was his mistake.

[Jane Greesh]

No, you made the mistake. It wasn't me. I didn't change his mind. He was being able to go from state to state without showing papers to do what he wanted without asking permission for the first time in his life, Think for himself.

[Randy Stone]

All right.

[Cassidy]

If you won't cooperate, we go back to the first way.

[Randy Stone]

Leave her alone, Kovacs.

[Jane Greesh]

Hold him.

[Randy Stone]

You stupid. Let go.

[Cassidy]

Don't be so impatient, Mr. Stone. Your tone is next.

[Jane Greesh]

Scream.

[Randy Stone]

Scream all you want. No one will hear.

[Jane Greesh]

Oh, please, please. I'll tell you anything if you promise leave Rudy alone.

[Cassidy]

Of course we will, my dear. Where is the information?

[Randy Stone]

Don't sell out, Mrs. Grish. It's too late. Rudy's dead.

[Jane Greesh]

Dead?

[Randy Stone]

Shut up.

[Jane Greesh]

You shouldn't have killed him. Now you'll never find out because I don't know. No one knew but Rudy. Rudy?

[Rudy Greesh]

He was with Rudy when he died. Maybe he told him.

[Jane Greesh]

Excellent.

[Cassidy]

Coex. Well, Mr. Stone, aren't you frightened?

[Randy Stone]

Of what? Thugs like you. Don't get me wrong, I'm no hero, but I cut my teeth on your caliber. This is Chicago, remember? Yeah.

[Cassidy]

Yes, I've seen your gangster movies. Effective but blunt. Very blunt indeed. You will see. We are going to give you a night you won't forget.

[Randy Stone]

I'm sure I can depend on it.

[Cassidy]

Oh, yes, yes, you can depend on it. Like you can depend on our one day liberating your people too, from your antiquated ideals.

[Randy Stone]

It weren't so ironic. It'd be funny.

[Cassidy]

It amuses you.

[Randy Stone]

No, no, not that. I just thinking about a guy I know, name of Louis Martel. Whose biggest worry in life is that some other gang might take over one little neighborhood in Chicago.

[Cassidy]

When we take over, it will be definite, conclusive. It will be everything.

[Randy Stone]

Well, this you'll have to prove. Don't worry, Stone. They'll never make it. The marines had landed. It was the right entrance with the wrong character. Louis Martel standing in the doorway with an automatic in his hand. Why, you're the guys that are gonna take over.

[Frank Lovejoy]

Huh?

[Randy Stone]

Who? Heck, no, you don't, sweetheart. That's what happens to guys who try to muscle in. Now you, Stone, you're quite a cute character. Thought you'd shake me, huh? Trying to lose me at the circus while you made contact with these out of town punks. You got it all wrong, Louie. Yeah, sure. Now, the point is, what am I going to do about you and the dame? Louie, behind you. Look out. Won't work, Stone. Kovac's going to shoot. That's as old as you. Dirty. Right in the back. A great international story. I believed it. I bought it. But I couldn't print it because I couldn't prove it. The cops, they pegged it for a gang killing and you couldn't blame them. That's how it looked. Three dead hoodlums. I told them the blonde man was Mavlick. They thought it was plausible and interesting. But his identification read Herman Kennedy, Pittsburgh. They almost believed me when Mrs. Greesh backed me up. That is, until they checked and found out that she'd had a bad fall and hadn't been the same since. Oh, they were nice about it. They told me to come back if I ever got any proof. Fat chance. But there is one interesting slant to the whole case. Louis Martel, gangster, killer. Yet, although he never got to know it, in life's crazy way, he was the right guy in the right place at the right time and for a brief moment became a hero copy boy.

[Frank Lovejoy]

Night Beat, starring Frank Lovejoy is produced and directed by Warren Lewis. Tonight's transcribed story was written by John and Gwen Bagney with music by Robert Armbruster. Featured in tonight's cast were George Ellis, Bill Conrad, Ben Wright, Sidney Miller and Lou Merrill. Don Rickles, spe Listen next week at this time and every week as Randy Stone searches through the city for the strange stories waiting for him in the darkness. Nightbeat came to you from Hollywood. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Every Friday evening on most NBC stations, you'll hear a trio of stellar shows for your listening enjoyment. For top satire and lots of laughs, it's inside Bob and Ray, the two boys from Boston who won this year's Peabody Award for top radio achievement in their field for music tune for the Mario Lanza show with his guest Margaret Whiting. And.

[Randy Stone]

Hi, this is andrew from otrwesterns.com.

[Adam Graham]

I wanted to invite you to come take a look at our site where we put out podcasts of Old Time Radio westerns.

[Randy Stone]

Check us [e-mail] you're listening to the.

[Adam Graham]

Great detectives of Old Time Radio with Adam Graham. Now let's get back into the show. Welcome back. Certainly the type of story that Lovejoy, who played Matt Civetic on the silver screen, the man who wrote I was a communist for the FBI, could really sink his teeth into. The story also does have this theme that works throughout it, that the Soviets and communist spies are simply more of the same in terms of the thugs that have been involved in organized crime. They're simply whatever the language they're using, simply seeking to gain and expand their territory. And this episode does a good job of driving that idea home and also suggesting that the end of both criminal and spy would be pretty much the same. Alright, well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have some good comments regarding the expectant father episode. Francis writes over on Facebook. The story itself is really simple, but what makes this episode special is the acting talent and their interaction. William Conrad and Frank Lovejoy are simply brilliant as the expectant father and workmate, respectively, showing that two really good actors can do with a simple, well written story. And Bill adds in another standout performance from Bill Conrad. Thanks so much for your comments. Definitely appreciated. And that will actually do it for today. Join us back here tomorrow for Rocky Fortune. And next Monday we'll be back with another episode of Not Beat. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter @RadioDetectives and check out our YouTube archive, YouTube Great Detectives.net you can also reach us by mail, P.O. box 15913 Boise, ID 83715. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.