Proudly We Hail: Follow that Man (EP4950s)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode 4950: Proudly We Hail – "Follow That Man" (April 12, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, host Adam Graham presents a rare detective drama from the series Proudly We Hail, entitled “Follow That Man,” originally aired on October 29, 1950. Featuring Broadway and film veteran Lee Tracy as the tongue-in-cheek private eye Clint Flint, the episode blends noir parody with classic detective tropes. Adam offers context and analysis, making this an enjoyable sample of how vintage radio winked at its own stereotypes.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

Introduction & Context (03:11)

• Adam Graham contextualizes Proudly We Hail as an eclectic, historically shifting program, often used for Army and Air Force recruitment, with Lee Tracy starring during its New York-based era.
• Emphasizes this episode’s blend of detective fiction and comic satire.

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Act I: The Case Begins (04:46–17:45)

Clint Flint's World

• Flint narrates with dry, self-deprecating humor, setting the scene: “My office is in the cellar of the Parker Building. Looks out on a panoramic view of the furnace. I never get tired of that view. It means something to me. Only I’ve never been able to figure out what.” (05:01, Flint/Lee Tracy)
• Sidekick Myrtle Lush is introduced with playful banter.

Client’s Plea

• A distraught woman, Flam McGee, hires Flint to find her missing brother, Ram.
  • Ram has a checkered past: “He had a run-in with the law a few years back with throwing an old lady down a flight of stairs. He was just at that age, you know.” (07:43, Flam)
  • He’s now in debt to nightclub boss Big Nick Splotch, who “plays for keeps.”

Classic Detective Moves

• Flint visits the nightclub “La Rookery.” Exchanges are laced with parody:
  • “Well, what do you know? Little Clint Flint himself.” – Strega (11:46, Strega)
• There’s a tense interview with Big Nick and his henchmen, Fats and Killer. Flint is unceremoniously tossed out—twice—landing in an ash can each time.

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Act II: Twists and Turns (19:00–25:51)

Misdirection and Confusion

• Flint interrupts a night watchman, mistakenly thinking him to be Ram.
• The real Ram isn't found, and everyone seems to be hiding something or bluffing.

Return to La Rookery

• Flint confronts Big Nick again, leading to more physical comedy as he’s once more ejected via the ash can route:
  • “There was a taste of ashes in my mouth, but after I’d spit them out, I felt better.” (25:07, Flint)

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Resolution & Revelations (26:52–29:02)

The (Non) Climax

• Flint calls Flam with promising news, only to learn her brother, Ram, has resurfaced after a trip to Atlantic City.
  • “He showed up bright and early this morning…Went down to Atlantic City for a few days. Said he had a nice time, too.” (27:24, Flam)
• The final twist: Flam reveals she’s marrying Big Nick Splotch that day.
  • “I’m gonna be Mrs. Big Nick. Do you know him? He’s an awful nice guy.” (27:57, Flam)

Flint’s Heartbreak

• “I sat there for a long, long time after that, seeing nothing, not even the furnace. I felt like I’d been hit in the teeth with a load of cement. Nothing made any sense anymore.” (28:04, Flint)
• But the cycle begins anew—a new woman to see Flint arrives.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lee Tracy’s Parody of Noir:

  • “My office…looks out on a panoramic view of the furnace. I never get tired of that view…”
  • “You make it hard for a girl to breathe, Clint.”

• Mock-Hardboiled Dialogue:

  • “You may look like a dumb lug, but you sure got a good heart.” (09:59, Flam)

• Comic Repetition:

  • “After awhile, I pulled myself out of an ash can. My head hurt...When I got to melon rind out, I felt much better.” (13:01, Flint)

• Meta-Humor and Anti-Climax:

  • “If he’d stayed there another day, I’d have found him. Sure.” (27:29, Flint)

• Surprise Ending:

  • Flint’s would-be love interest marries the villain, leaving him despondent.

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Adam Graham’s Commentary (32:37–35:48)

Analysis and Perspective

• Observations on Tone: Adam notes the episode is a “parody both of the radio program as well as the film,” with funny moments such as the bridge game interrupting the gangster showdown (24:43).
• Critique of Content: Finds the material stretched thin for a full half hour—“could have been a sketch or a 15-minute program,” but still charming.
• Historical Context: Details Lee Tracy’s career, from Broadway and pre-Code Hollywood, to his nomination for The Best Man (1965), and his rare stints as a radio/TV detective.

Notable Adam Quote:

“It felt like it could have been a sketch from a radio comedy series or even a 15 minute program...But still, I thought it was a show that had its moments.” (33:00, Adam Graham)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Introduction/Context (Adam Graham) – 03:11
• Play Begins (Proudly We Hail theme) – 04:31
• Client interview: The McGee Caper – 06:08–10:04
• Nightclub investigation – 11:35–13:41
• Flint ejected to the ash cans – 13:41; again at 25:03
• Second Act / False Solution – 19:00–24:47
• Resolution (Ram found, Flam’s twist) – 26:52–29:02
• Adam’s Commentary & Lee Tracy bio – 32:37–35:48

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Summary

“Follow That Man” is a tongue-in-cheek ode to detective radio, starring Lee Tracy as an exaggerated, put-upon private eye in a city full of oddballs. The case is played for laughs—full of red herrings, tough-guy banter, and comical futility. Adam Graham’s post-episode commentary places the piece in radio history, recognizing its cleverness if not its narrative depth. For fans of vintage radio and detective fiction satire, this is a breezy, entertaining listen.

Transcript

[A]

This is Chelsea Handler from Dear Chelsea after the Big Game. Like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials and there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate and it wasn't loud or flashy. It showed a Jewish kid being targeted at school and another student who chose not to ignore it. As someone who is Jewish, that moment felt very real to me. Not dramatic, just familiar. And what struck me was how clearly it showed that hate doesn't always announce itself, but the impact is still huge. If you saw the Blue Square spot during the Big Game, it's worth thinking about. And if you want to show support, sharing the Blue Square is one small way to do that.

[B]

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[C]

Foreign

[D]

welcome to our 4950th episode special from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. Before we get started, I want to encourage you if you are enjoying the program, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. What We're Doing Turning to a series that we visited a few times, though only once on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. It is also featured on the Amazing World of Radio and even on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. The series Proudly We Hailed had a very long and twisting history during which it had multiple hosts. It had a period where it was 15 minutes long and it had a period where it was half an hour long. It was produced sometimes in New York, sometimes in Hollywood. Today we're turning to an era of the program that we've not visited. The program began with CP McGregor, the prolific radio producer, as the host of the program. But in late 1950, the series shifted to New York with Lee Tracy serving as host of the series and also star of most episodes, including today's. The original air date on this one is October 29, 1950 and the title is Follow that Man.

[E]

Proudly we hail. And now for another Proudly We Hail, one of radio's outstanding dramatic half hours starring Lee Tracy and presented, transcribed by your army and your Air Force. From Radio City, New York, here is your host and star on Proudly We Hail, the distinguished Broadway, stage, screen and radio star Lee Tracy.

[F]

Thank you, Kenneth Banghart and hello everyone. Welcome again to proudly we hail. You're really going to enjoy this program. It's all about a private eye, you know. I'm anxious to begin the play, so I'll be back in just a moment after a few words from Ken Banght.

[E]

Highly important words too, Lee. Your army and your air force need men and women right now. And if you volunteer, you'll have your own choice of a number of fields. So why don't you visit your nearest army and air force recruiting station today? And now, Lee, our audience is eager to hear what a private eye does, how he operates.

[F]

Believe me, Ken, this particular investigator certainly gets into some mighty tight spots. But, well, you know us private eyes. Never a dull moment in our lives.

[E]

With our star, Lee Tracy in the role of Clint Flint. Your army and your air force present the Proudly We Hailed production of Follow that Man.

[F]

Clint Flint's the name. Occupation, Private eye. Midland City is my beat. The city as peaceful and quiet and dull as a rainy Monday afternoon. My office is in the cellar of the Parker Building. Looks out on a pomeranic view of the furnace. I never get tired of that view. It means something to me. Only I've never been able to figure out what my girl Friday is. Myrtle Lush. You just heard her sweet, spirited laughter a couple seconds ago. Myrtle's a cute kid, plenty smart. I wouldn't be in business without her. Like I said, cute kid. The case I'm gonna tell you about, I call the Blue Goose caper. It all started the day she showed up. I remember I was sitting in my office looking out at the furnace, thinking things over, when Myrtle gently intruded upon my thoughts. Myrtle, how many times have I told you not to to use the coal chute?

[G]

Oh, but Mr. Flint is so much fun.

[F]

There wouldn't be someone out there to see me, would there?

[G]

Yes, it's a woman. And she said she had to see you right away.

[F]

Well, what does she look like? All right, send her in. After Myrtle went out, I sat there alone for a moment thinking about things. My eyes on the furnace. That's how it was when she walked into my life. In my business, you meet a lot of people. All kinds. I was used to that sort of thing. But when our eyes found each other and locked, everything changed for me. Skin like curdled yogurt. Tawny hair with the faint smell of burnt ashes. Eyes pink and searching. It's difficult to describe those first impressions. They seared their way deep into me. Time stood there and waited for us to catch up. Strange, maddening creature that she was. She was the first to break the silence.

[G]

Hey, are you one of them Seeing Eyes?

[F]

I'm Clint Flint, private operator at your service. Won't you sit down, Ms. Flamrad?

[G]

McGee is the name. You got quite a layout here. It serves nice view too.

[F]

I can see that we understand each other.

[G]

That's the way I am. Understanding.

[F]

How can I help you, Ms. McGee?

[G]

Call me Flam, Clint.

[F]

Alright, Flam. Now what's the caper?

[G]

You make it hard for a girl to breathe, Clint. My brother Ram is missing. I'm scared. I'm scared. Way down deep inside I have a feeling.

[F]

Suppose you just gimme the whole thing right for the the beginning.

[G]

Well, it's kind of hard to know where to start. Ram is not a bad boy. High strung, I guess you'd call him. He had a run in with the law a few years back with throwing an old lady down a flight of stairs. He was just at that age, you know.

[F]

Sure, you can't help boyish enthusiasm.

[G]

Well, Ram learned his lesson. And when he got off for good behavior, you never saw such a sweet guy. He didn't try to throw anybody downstairs for a long time. But then. Then he got mixed up with the crowd.

[F]

The crowd, Flan?

[G]

Yeah, the big boys at that classy nightclub. La Rookery. Charmant.

[F]

The place out on Grove and Vine?

[G]

Yeah, that's the joint. Anyhow, Big Nick Splotch took a liking to Ram. Nick runs the place. Well, to make it short, it wasn't long before Ram was a part of the crowd. Overnight he changed. He threw another old lady downstairs and went out to live at the race. I heard he was doing a lot of gambling and losing heavy. One of the boys told me he owed big Nick 10 GS and Nick was kind of sore. Well, that crowd at the Rookery plays for keeps. And something Ram said that night made me feel like they were going out to get him.

[F]

What was that, Flam?

[G]

He said Big Nick's going to ventilate me if I don't pay up the dough I owe him.

[F]

Flam, have you gone to the police? No.

[G]

What could they do?

[F]

So smart girl. I don't like it. I don't like any of it. Now think hard. What time was it Tuesday night that you saw him?

[G]

Eight o'. Clock. On the button.

[F]

Are you sure?

[G]

Yeah, sure.

[F]

Don't lie to me, Flam. I can't do anything for you if you try to hide things. Now, what time was it?

[G]

Well, all right. It was 10. Ef Durate.

[F]

That's better. If you want me to find your brother, don't try to cover up for him.

[G]

I know, but it's not easy to say these things.

[F]

Listen, Flam, I want you to go home and get a good night's sleep. You'll feel a whole lot better tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll do a little nosing around.

[G]

You mean you'll take the case?

[F]

Yep, that's just what I mean.

[G]

But I'm broke.

[F]

Never mind about that now. Just leave your address and phone number with Myrtle. I'll get in touch with you as soon as I can track down a couple of leaves.

[G]

Gee, you may look like a dumb lug, but you sure got a good heart.

[F]

After she'd gone, I sat there alone in the growing darkness, looking out at the furnace. After a while, I got out a fifth of milk and poured myself four straight fingers. I took it neat. Well, I'd made my decision. I knew a lot of heads might fall before I was through. It might even mean curtains for Clint Flint. But this was my kind of case. I left my car at the corner of Congreve and walked slowly west toward Dickinson. It was a dark, muddy night with a smell of rain. With my snap brim hat pulled low over my eyes, I took the wrong turn. Suddenly found myself back at my car again. I shrugged my wide shoulders and figured if it was gonna be like that, all right, I can play it on the cuff, too. Five minutes later I walked into La Rookery, Shermat. Charmas. A barn like place full of glass blocks with chronium plated cigarette girls. A dilotic class caters to the distaff side. I ambled up to the padded bar and quickly sized up the situation. There were only a couple there. But seated at the far end of the bar all by herself, was Big Nick's girl, Strega. We'd known each other in the fourth grade. I walked over and sat down on the stool beside her.

[E]

What'll it be, Mac?

[F]

Double milk on the rocks. Well, what do you know? Little Clint Flint himself. Hi, Stregger. How's Trick?

[G]

I haven't seen him in months. And let's not get Percival.

[H]

Hi, honey. This luck bothering you?

[F]

Hi, Nicky.

[G]

Nah, he's just buzzing through his ears.

[H]

You got something on your mind, Flint, or is this a purely social visit?

[F]

A little of both, Nick.

[H]

If there was something on your mind, that would have to be little.

[F]

Play it for laughs, Nick. That's what I like.

[G]

Plenty of laughs all around.

[H]

Shut up, stugger. All right, what do you want? And make it Fast.

[F]

It'd be quieter in your office, wouldn't it?

[H]

So now we gotta have quiet, eh? You know, as a matter of fact, it would be quieter. Much quieter. Right this way, Mr. Flint.

[F]

This was beginning to get interesting. There was tension in the air. I could see it flickering through Strega's long green hair. I could see it rippling in big Nick's bulging shoulders as I followed him, cat footing down a dimly lit hallway. We came to a big, heavy door on the left hand side. It was marked Private. Go carefully, Flint, a small voice warned. Go carefully.

[H]

Go right in.

[G]

Fats.

[H]

Killer, come in here.

[F]

Fats and Killer were two of the largest, ugliest torpedoes I'd ever set eyes on. They looked mean, too. I realized I'd have to soft pedal my approach if I wanted to get out of this place in one piece. It wouldn't pay to be too direct. Now the best attack would be a subtle flanking movement.

[H]

You were saying, Mr. Flint?

[F]

I wasn't saying, Nick. I was asking. What do you know about the disappearance of Ram McGee? Nothing.

[H]

Who's Ram McGee?

[F]

You're lying and I know it.

[H]

That's Killer. Would you be so good as to take care of Mr. Flint for me?

[F]

They led me down a narrow, dimly lit hallway toward a door at the far end. I knew I'd have to play this one close to the chest. These babies were rough. They meant business. He came to the door. Fats opened it and pushed me out. Ahead of him, I saw her on a back porch. Before me, there was a long wooden stairway leading down into a courtyard filled with ash cans. This was no time to await developments. This was a time for action. I moved fast, tore my arm away from Fats and grabbed Free's neck. After a while, I pulled myself out of an ash can. My head hurt. There was a taste of melon rind in my mouth. When I got to melon rind out, I felt much better. I brushed myself off, picked up my hat and pulled it low over my eyes. Then I went out to the street and limped slowly north on Gavin Road. No one had to tell me I was onto something big. The pieces were all there. True, some of them didn't quite fit, but the outline of the pattern was becoming clearer. It was big. Big and dirty. I tooled along on Sebastian, heading east. I kept working the whole thing over in my mind. I knew, despite everything, I was making progress. I knew, too. I had to be awfully careful from here on in, setting it up like a chessboard problem. I could see Certain ramifications. When I came to Gramercy, I turned left onto the racetrack road. Few minutes later, dimmed my lights, pulled up. A hundred feet away from the racetrack station. The stadium stood huge and silent and empty against the night sky. I got out of the car, sticking close to the shadows, made my way toward the main entrance. All around the stadium there ran a wire fence about 10ft high. I realized there could be only one way to get in. I backed off. About 20ft from the fence, I got set and spurted forward. At the right instant, I leaped. After I'd gotten up, brushed myself off. I knew there had to be another way in. I limped on. In a few seconds, I came to the main entrance. Once inside, I stop, let my eyes become accustomed to the darkness. Suddenly, the hair went up on the back of my neck. I knew I wasn't alone. Someone was in the passageway with me. I stood motionless, frozen, not moving a muscle. The chips were down. I steeled myself to wait, to keep calm. There was a big, big something moving ahead of me. I sprang forward in a dive. I got up and brushed myself off again. Already in my mind, there was a faint glimmer of light. Intangible, yes, but it was growing. Five minutes later, I found what I had known must be there by the bedding windows. Enough light came in so I could see him sitting in a chair tilted against the wall, his head dropped forward on his chest. Soundlessly, I edged closer to him. My reasoning had been right. Everything fitted into place. It was now or never. I got set and plunged forward. When it was over, I got to my feet. Slowly. We put up a terrific fight. Now he lay motionless. I reached down, I grabbed him by the shoulders and I hauled him upright, got him onto my back and headed for the main entrance. I knew this wasn't a healthy place to stay, that I'd better get out and get out quick. There wasn't much time left.

[E]

Lee, we're really getting a bang out of your portrayal of Clint Flint. The glint in all American private eyes. We'll be looking forward to the second act of Follow that Man in just a moment. Right now, however, I'd like all of our audience to join me for a brief but very serious message. It's to the men and women of the medical profession. As you've doubtless heard over the air before, your United States army and your United States Air Force need physicians, dentists, nurses and other medical personnel. And as we all know, both services always go all out to provide the very highest standards of care. So you doctors, dentists, nurses, dietitians, therapists, veterinarians. Who volunteer now will not only receive extra benefits, but at the same time will also be serving your country when needed most. Write or wire the surgeon General of the United States army or the Surgeon General of the United States Air force in Washington, D.C. today. You are listening to Proudly We Hail. And now for the second act with your star, Lee Tracy as Clint Flint. In the Proudly We Hail production of Follow that Man.

[G]

Miss McGee is here, Mr. Flint.

[F]

All right, send her in.

[G]

Doesn't that thing ever go home, Myrtle?

[F]

No, she lives here. Sit down, Flam.

[G]

What's it all about?

[F]

It's about Ram.

[G]

Ram? Ram who?

[F]

Your brother, Ram.

[G]

Oh, that Luz.

[F]

Look here, Flam. You did want me to find him, didn't you? Brace yourself, Flam. I've found your brother.

[G]

Holy cow, is he in one piece?

[F]

More or less. He put up a terrific fight. Didn't want to come with me because he was scared. But I brought him along anyway.

[G]

Where you got him?

[F]

In that closet.

[G]

Well, get him out. Let's have a look at him.

[F]

Sit right where you are and don't be afraid.

[G]

Afraid of what?

[F]

Of anything that frightens you. Oh, I'll see that no harm comes to you.

[G]

Are you gonna take Ram out of that closet?

[F]

Patience, my dear. Tie him up and gag him. Now, listen, Ram. Your sister's here, so you can just relax. Nobody's gonna hurt you. Hold still while I cut these cords. Gag. Okay, fella, come on out and say hello to Flam. Where?

[G]

Who's that?

[F]

Why, it's your brother Ram. Of course.

[G]

That ain't my brother Ram. That ain't anybody's brother Ram. I'm getting out of here. Waking a girl up.

[F]

Cut that out. I'm gonna have you thrown in jail. I want a cop. What's your name? You'll find out. Let me out of here. Sit still. Now, what's your name? My name is Matt Weaver. Now, you let me go. Quiet down. What were you doing out at that racetrack? What was I doing? What was I do? Well, that's where I work. I'm the night watchman. You're lying. You're crazy.

[G]

Help. Help.

[F]

Don't you ever learn? I don't want to make this tough for you, but you're gonna talk if I have to choke the life out of you. You understand? All right, now, let's have it from the beginning. What? What do you want? Where's Ramagee? Ramagee? Where is he?

[G]

How should I know?

[F]

I never heard of him. You Let me out of here. Not till you talk. I ain't done nothing wrong. I. I don't know no Ramagee. And when I get out of here, I'm gonna go to a cop and have you thrown in jail. Okay. If that's the way you want to play ball, scram. But just remember, I won't be responsible. You're hiding what you know. And when it catches up to you, I won't be there to give you a hand. It's too big for you to play alone. I could have made it worth your while. Now scram. Get out of here. If I ever see you around again, I'll forget I'm a gentleman. I sat there alone in the office, going over the whole thing from the very beginning. True elements of confusion still remain. But I knew with absolute certainty that only one major piece was missing from the puzzle. When I had that, I had everything I knew now where I would find it, the risk was doubled. But once committed, I could not retreat. La Rookery Charmant was my destination. Once again, I sat in a padded bar room, Streger next to me. Haven't I seen you around someplace? Yeah, Streger, I guess you have.

[G]

I knew I couldn't forget a face like that.

[F]

Taunts won't get you anywhere, Streger. You're a pretty sharp tomato, but you can play it a little bit too close to the backboard. I can? Streg, I want you to answer me one question. Where's Ram McGee? I don't know.

[G]

Where is he?

[F]

Look, what do you got to gain by clamming up? You play straight with me, and I'll see that you get a break. Oh, that's wonderful, lover boy.

[G]

Why don't you go home to bed?

[F]

I'm trying to be nice about this.

[G]

I'm sure you are.

[F]

Just because you're one of these. I get around, Nick.

[H]

Maybe you'd like to go where it's quiet again.

[F]

That might not be a bad idea this time. I think Strega had better come along.

[H]

Striker, you come, too. We're all going where we can be real nice and quiet.

[F]

I followed them down the narrow, dimly lit hallway to the door. Mark. Private. There was something very familiar about the whole scene, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. This, I realized, would be for high stakes, winner take all. It was now or never.

[H]

Come right in.

[G]

I'm going to be quiet in the corner.

[F]

Is that all right? N. Sure.

[H]

You can be quiet any place you want. Can't she, Clint?

[F]

That'll Depend on a lot of things. Excuse me a second.

[H]

Fats and Killer, come on in here.

[F]

Okay, boss.

[H]

Now, you were saying, Clint?

[F]

Just this I want you to come around with.

[H]

I think you've met Fats and Killer.

[F]

Yeah, I've seen him around. Hi. Sure.

[H]

Sit down, boys. Okay, Clint, we're listening.

[F]

I don't want to take up too much of your time. I. I just want the answer to one question.

[H]

Well, it doesn't seem too hard to take. What's the question?

[F]

Don't make it difficult for all of us. Where's Ram McGee?

[H]

You know, I swear you sat in that chair and asked me that before.

[F]

Don't hedge. I want it straight. That's the way I like it, too. Well, where is he?

[H]

He ain't here.

[F]

That's more like it. Go on.

[H]

You know where he is. Fetch you, killer.

[E]

Hey.

[H]

Piss.

[G]

Three hearts.

[H]

Four no trump.

[F]

Double.

[H]

Great.

[F]

Double.

[H]

When you boys show Mr. Flynn out. The game's over.

[F]

Daylight it a pleasure I'll be seeing you, Nick.

[H]

Anytime, boy. Anytime at all. Everything on the house.

[F]

They led me down a narrow, dimly lit hallway toward a door I knew I'd seen before. They pushed me out on the back porch. A long flight of wooden stairs dropped away before me to a courtyard filled with ash cans. I knew this scene, if only I could place it. This was no time for thought. However, this was a time to act, and fast. I pulled back away from him. Tore my arm free from Killer's grasp. Swung sharply on the balls of my feet. Lashed out with my right with everything I had behind it. After a while, I pride myself loose from the ash can I had somehow become tangled with. There was a taste of ashes in my mouth, but after I'd spit them out, I felt better. I picked up my snap brim hat, pulled it low over my eyes. After brushing myself off, I limped slowly out to the street. Dawn was just beginning to color the sky. A lot had happened this night. A lot I'd never forget. It had been a long night and a rough one. But everything fitted together. Everything was in its place. I had the answer at last. It was the next morning. I sat in my office looking out at the furnace, waiting for the hands of the clock to reach 10. I'd made up my mind I wouldn't call her before that. She needed her sleep and I needed to do some thinking. The whole thing was, in one sense, fantastically simple. In another, most complex. I worked it over in my mind, looking at it from all angles. Then it was 10 o'. Clock. I Picked up the phone, dialed her number.

[G]

Vanilly's Bowling Alley.

[F]

Flam.

[G]

Hi, Joe.

[F]

This is Clint. Flam.

[G]

Oh, Clint. Good morning, Clint. How are you feeling today?

[F]

I'll do Flamingo. I got some news for you. I don't want you to get excited, but I'm on to something big.

[G]

Gee, that's swell, Clint. I always knew you'd make good. What's it all about?

[F]

I don't think it'll be long before I know exactly where your brother is.

[G]

You want to speak to him?

[F]

Speak to who?

[G]

My brother, Ram. He's right here. Showed up bright and early this morning.

[F]

Where was he?

[G]

Went down to Atlantic City for a few days. Said he had a nice time, too.

[F]

I knew that was it. If he'd stayed there another day, I'd have found him. Sure.

[G]

What do you want to find him for, Clint, when he's right here?

[F]

Let's put all that behind us, Flam. We can forget if we try hard.

[G]

We can what?

[F]

How about lunch? We'll talk it over.

[G]

Gee, I'm sorry, Clint. I can't. I'm getting married today. How about tomorrow?

[F]

Getting married? Who. Who's a lucky guy?

[G]

Big Nick Splotch. I'm gonna be Mrs. Big Nick. Do you know him? He's an awful nice guy.

[F]

I sat there for a long, long time after that, seeing nothing, not even the furnace. I felt like I'd been hitting the teeth with a load of cement. Nothing made any sense anymore. She'd meant everything. And now she was gone, out of my life forever. Well, a guy in my business should know better than to fall for a dame. I always did learn the hard way. But I knew deep down things would never be quite the same. What is it, Myrtle?

[G]

There's a woman to see you, Mr. Flint.

[F]

A woman? What does she look like? Send her in. Send her in.

[E]

Lee, many thanks for making all of us laugh. And congratulations on being a real private eye. You know, that Clint Flint was quite a boy.

[F]

Well, Ken, it was a lot of fun. But I'm sure that all of us realize that the real life private eyes do a wonderful job in service. And speaking of service, you have a message of real importance.

[E]

Well, we've had our laugh with Clint Flint, ladies and gentlemen. But right now I'd like to get in a few serious words. Let's face it, building up the defense of our nation isn't an easy job. You can do your part by joining the United States Army. For instance. You young men can have a choice of several branches. If you volunteer immediately, engineers Armor, infantry, artillery, take your choice. Ask your nearest U.S. army and U.S. air Force recruiting station for full details.

[H]

Today.

[E]

This has been another program on Proudly We Hail, presented in cooperation with this station by your army and your Air Force. Proudly We Hail stars Lee Tracy. Supporting Mr. Tracy in the cast were Miriam Wolf, Patricia Husley, Helen Christian, Joe DeSantis, Jack Jason and Bill Lipton. Follow that man was written by DeWitt Cupp. The music was composed and conducted by John Guarneri. Proudly We Hail is directed by Charles Wilkes. This is Kenneth Banghart speaking and here again is your host and star, Lee Tracy.

[F]

We hope you'll be with us next week for another Proudly We Hail presentation. It's entitled Concerto and it's a touching romantic story together with some wonderful music. Goodbye, Sam.

[G]

Ram.

[B]

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[F]

Another pina colada?

[B]

Yes, please. Open a new retail location with 36% more square feet.

[F]

Fantastic.

[B]

Hire 36% more help.

[F]

You're hired and you're hired.

[B]

Shopify has the world's best converting checkout up to 36% better than other e commerce platforms. What you do with those extra sales is up to you. Switch to Shopify [e-mail] setup and get a $1 trial. Shopify.com setup

[D]

welcome back. Well, Lee Tracy was doing his best at parodying Sam Spade and I think that there are elements of parody both of the radio program as well as the film, particularly when he went into that whole tell me the truth thing and she admitted it was a 10 rather than 8 o' clock and this was an episode that had some funny moments. I thought it was kind of cute when they had the bridge game breakout. I do think there's a sense in which there really was not enough comedic or plot material to keep this at a high quality for a whole half hour. It felt like it could have been a sketch from a radio comedy series or even a 15 minute program held up a bit better. But still, I thought it was show that had its moments. Now we'll talk a little bit about Lee Tracy here. Tracy had a fascinating career beginning on Broadway and then coming into film during the pre code era. Probably the greatest recognition of his career would come in 1965 when he was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in the Best Man. He also would become a radio private eye, although we don't have much record of it, as he was actually the last actor to play Martin Cain on the radio. He also did play him on television, of course, in the fourth season of that series and you can find a few episodes with Lee Tracy available. But sadly, as is the case with the rest of the Martin Cain radio canon, none of the radio episodes survive. Now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. I want to go ahead and thank Bruce Patreon supporter since March of 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Bruce, 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 are going on hiatus for the next week. Join us for a special week of encore programs, including a series of programs looking at Barton Yarborough, and then we will return on Monday, April 20 with an episode of the Saint. In the meantime, do send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[C]

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