The Big Story: The Bobby-Sox Kid from Bayonne (EP4847)

Summary

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"The Big Story: The Bobby-Sox Kid from Bayonne" (EP4847)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Date: November 18, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: October 15, 1947 (Original program)
Featured Journalist: Dorothy Kilgallen
Episode Theme:
A dramatization based on true newspaper reporting, "The Bobby-Sox Kid from Bayonne" tells the unsettling story of a troubled teenage girl, Janet Graham, accused of murdering her mother in a moment of adolescent passion, and the New York reporter who gets her to open up and confess.

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Episode Overview

This episode features a radio drama adaptation of a real-life case involving a teenage girl implicated in her mother's brutal murder. The narrative centers on the journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, who, with empathy and determination, breaks through the suspect’s stubborn silence to reveal the truth behind a headline-grabbing tragedy. Following the drama, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary comparing the dramatized account to historical records and offering background on the actual case, the cast, and the broader context of postwar juvenile crime.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Kilgallen’s Relentless Dedication

[05:22-06:35]

• Dorothy Kilgallen, exhausted from covering a major trial, is immediately dispatched to New Jersey to report on a sensational murder case.
• The episode highlights the relentless demands on newspaper reporters—Kilgallen’s fatigue is palpable, but her commitment to getting the story overrides her exhaustion.

2. The Police Interrogation: Walls of Silence

[04:01-09:04]

• Janet Graham, the teenage suspect, is questioned by Lieutenant Morgan and others but offers only silence and repeated denials.
  • “I don’t know. I don’t know.” – Janet Graham [04:10]
  • “I never did meet a stubborn kid like you before.” – Lt. Morgan [04:16]
• The impasse demonstrates both the limitations of confrontational policing and the vulnerability of young suspects.

3. The Reporter’s Approach: Empathy as a Tool

[09:05-11:09]

• Unlike the police, Kilgallen takes a humanizing approach: offering her compact to Janet, making small talk, and finding common ground (“You use the same kind of powder I do, Janet.” [10:19]).
• This warmth paves the way for Janet’s emotional opening.

4. Confession through Connection

[11:09-21:39]

• The crucial breakthrough occurs during a heartfelt conversation where Janet recounts her love for Charlie, her mother’s opposition, and the events leading up to the murder.
  • “It’s different when you tell everything to a woman. A woman sort of understands.” – Dorothy Kilgallen [10:46]
• Janet describes her emotional turmoil, the oppressiveness of the summer heat, and the escalating conflict with her mother.

5. The Fatal Confrontation

[18:48-21:39]

• Janet details the argument with her mother and the moment she lashed out with a hatchet, set against the backdrop of adolescent confusion and longing for autonomy:
  • “You’re not going to stand between Charlie and me. You’re not going… is she, Charlie?” – Janet Graham [21:02]
• The moment is depicted as both shocking and infused with the tragic naiveté of youth.

6. Aftermath and Arrest

[21:49-25:33]

• Janet and Charlie attempt escape, making sandwiches and planning to run for Canada, only to be soon apprehended at a tavern.
  • “Do you mind if we wait ‘til the music’s over?” – Janet Graham (on being arrested, wanting to finish hearing “Temptation,” their song) [25:33]
• The depiction suggests a surreal innocence, emphasizing the youth and confusion of the suspects in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

7. The Reporter’s Reflection

[27:32-27:45]

• After eliciting the confession, Kilgallen herself feels conflicted—her journalistic accomplishment tainted by sadness for what’s transpired:
  • “Yes, it’s a big story, Lieutenant. But do you want to know something? …I wish I’d never heard of it. I wish I never had to write it. I wish it had never happened.” – Dorothy Kilgallen [27:39]

8. Historical Note: The Case’s Real Outcome

[28:15-28:34]

• A telegram from the real Dorothy Kilgallen outlines the fate of the real teens: both were found guilty of murder but received light sentences due to their youth. The boy was paroled to the armed forces; the girl was released after six and a half years.

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Host Commentary & Historical Context

1. Real Case vs. Dramatization

[30:21-32:48]

• Adam Graham notes that the real case (Gladys McKnight) was more unsympathetic in press accounts; the dramatization’s Janet is more relatable, perhaps reshaped to fit 1940s cultural attitudes about understanding youth.
• “The whole thing started because she was upset with her mother for not having dinner on time.” – Adam Graham (on the real case) [31:04]
• Two theories: the radio softened the harsh realities for postwar audiences, and sponsors also pushed for changes to avoid legal trouble.

2. Eleanor Audley’s Dual Role

[32:48-33:45]

• Graham critiques the casting of Eleanor Audley as both Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Wallace, noting her dialect as the neighbor was indistinguishable from her main role, causing confusion.

3. Dorothy Kilgallen’s Distinction

[34:00-34:45]

• Graham gives background on Kilgallen’s storied career—from crime reporter to Broadway columnist to a television celebrity on “What’s My Line?”—emphasizing her professional skill and relatability as factors in her success with sources.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Janet’s stonewalling:
  “I don’t know.” — Janet Graham [Recurring, e.g., 04:10]
• Empathy breakthrough:
  “It’s different when you tell everything to a woman. A woman sort of understands.” — Dorothy Kilgallen [10:46]
• The moment of confession:
  “I hit mother. Then Ms. Gilgallan, she screamed and fell down. That’s all.” — Janet Graham [21:39]
• Kilgallen’s regret:
  “Yes, it’s a big story, Lieutenant...I wish I’d never heard of it. I wish I never had to write it. I wish it had never happened.” — Dorothy Kilgallen [27:39]

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Important Timestamps

• Police Interrogation Stalemate: [04:01-09:04]
• Reporter’s Approach – The Empathetic Talk: [09:05-11:09]
• Janet’s Full Confession: [11:09-21:39]
• Murder Reenactment Scene: [18:48-21:39]
• Arrest and Surreal Innocence: [25:03-25:47]
• Killgallen’s Reflective Closing: [27:32-27:45]
• Telegram from Kilgallen – Real Case Outcome: [28:15-28:34]
• Host Adam Graham’s Commentary: [30:21-34:45]

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Summary Tone and Style

The episode blends crime reporting grit with Golden Age radio’s melodrama. While the dialogue is often earnest and sentimental—typical of the period—the core emotional currents of adolescent frustration, generational conflict, and the tragedy of misunderstood youth are strikingly universal. Host Adam Graham’s commentary is conversational, informed, and gently skeptical of the radio drama’s more romantic elements, always anchoring the episode in fact and media history.

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For New Listeners

This episode stands out as a moving, classic example of how crime reporting and radio drama interwove to shape mid-century American perceptions of juvenile crime and family conflict. Adam Graham’s knowledgeable commentary offers deeper layers for fans of both true crime and media history. The performances (notably by Janet Fox as Dorothy Kilgallen and Eleanor Audley) bring period authenticity and drama to a sobering, real-life story.

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Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Dude, this new bacon, egg and chicken.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Chicken breakfast? Come on. I think you mean chicken dinner, bro. Nah, brother. Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, juicy chicken and a buttery biscuit. That's the perfect breakfast. All right, let me try it. Mmm.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Yeah, totally.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Winner, winner, chicken breakfast. I'm gonna have to keep this right here.

[Commercial Announcer]

Make sure every breakfast is a winner with the delicious new bacon, egg and chicken biscuit from AM pm am pm Too much good stuff.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

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[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Sam.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, I'm going to bring you this week's episode of the Big Story. But first, I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I want to go ahead and highlight one of our other podcasts. And today I'm highlighting the great adventurers of Old Time Radio. Now, of course, we are Currently sharing Cloak and Dagger, but we are also hosting Adventure Ahead, which is a fantastic series that brings to life some great adventure stories that were popular back in the 1950s, 40s. And of course, on the Great Adventurers feed, you can access all of the episodes of our recent Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers podcast. And there's even more great adventure to come, so be sure to follow the podcast@great adventure.info or wherever you get your podcasts from. Now, from October 15, 1947, here is the Bobby Sox Kid from Bayonne.

[Program Announcer]

The Big Story.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Look, for the last time, Janet, did you murder your mother?

[Janet Graham]

No, Lieutenant Morgan, I didn't.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Then who did?

[Janet Graham]

I don't know.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I don't know.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Is that all you can say?

[Janet Graham]

I don't know.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Oh, beats me. I never did meet a stubborn kid like you before. Oh, well, I might as well send in the police matron.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, Lieutenant Morgan.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah?

[Janet Graham]

Will you ask the matron to bring in some needle and thread?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Needle and thread?

[Janet Graham]

Yeah. I've got a hole in one of my bobby socks. And it looks like the Dickens.

[Program Announcer]

The Big Story. Another in a thrilling series based on true experiences of newspaper reporters. Tonight, to Dorothy Kilgallen of the New York Journal American. Goes the Palmel Award for the Big Story. Now the strange and authentic story of the Bobby Socks Kid from Bayonne.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

You are Dorothy Kilgallen, covering the police beat for the New York Evening Journal. Before he became the Journal American. And before you became a big byline with a Broadway column. It's one of those sticky, sultry July evenings. Just about midnight when you finally get back to the office from Jersey. You're so tired, you see spots before your eyes. And so hot your clothes stick damply to your skin. You make a beeline for the water cooler. And there you run into the night editor. Hey, Dorothy, go easy on that ice water. Want to get a chill?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I'll take that chill, Al. Just as long as it's good. Good and cold. What a session I just had in Jersey City.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

You sure look all in.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I am. Two days and two nights without sleep. Waiting in a sizzling hot room for a jury to make up its mind. Elle, it was awful.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I bet it was.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Look, Dorothy, now I've just got one big ambition in life. I'm going home and stand under a cold shower for about an hour. And then fall into bed.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Dorothy, I hate to be a killjoy, But I've got to send you out on another assignment.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You mean now?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Right away to Bayonne, New Jersey. Just got a flash that a woman was murdered out there. And the cops think the woman's daughter and a boyfriend did the job. They're grilling the kids at headquarters now. I'll go out there and see what you can pick up. It's all yours.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

How was this Mrs. Graham murdered Sergeant.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Gillis with a hatchet, Miss Kilgallan.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, but that sounds like the work of a maniac. You mean you suspect a couple of kids?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Where's Mrs. Graham's daughter now?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Where'd you pick up the kids, Sergeant?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

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

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

She won't say anything.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

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

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Just like that.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

I don't know.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Lieutenant Morgan?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

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

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Now, what good'll that do?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

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

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Now, look, Miss Kilgallan, all the other reporters are gone home. Why don't you go too?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

She won't crack.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Believe me, I know all the tricks and I've used them all. She just won't crack.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Would you let me talk to her?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Oh, it's too hot to argue. Go ahead, go ahead. But believe me, you're wasting your time. We've had our best men working on that kid, and she just won't talk.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Hi, Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Who are you?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

My name's Dorothy Kilgallen. I'm a reporter.

[Janet Graham]

Reporter. Honest?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Honest. I thought I'd just drop in for a Chat?

[Janet Graham]

Oh, well, you're not going to find anything out from me. I don't know anything.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Well, maybe you don't, but I do.

[Janet Graham]

You do? What?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You look like a sight. Your hair's every which way, and your nose is shiny.

[Janet Graham]

Well, gosh, Ms. Gilgallan, what can I do? I left my compact in Charlie's jalopy when they picked us up.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Well, he wouldn't like you the way you look now.

[Janet Graham]

Gee, is it that bad?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Here, take my compact.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, thanks, Ms. Gilgallan. Gee, this is just super. Is it real gold? Yes. I've got one in silver, shaped like a heart. And it's got initials on it.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

CM CM who's that?

[Janet Graham]

Charlie Mason. He gave it to me for my birthday. He's my boyfriend. We've been going steady for a year.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Is he nice?

[Janet Graham]

Oh, he's just super, Ms. Gilgallan.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Tell me about him.

[Janet Graham]

Gee, you really want me to? Of course. Well, he's star athlete at Bayonne High. And he's a wizard. Candice Beats me six love every time. And I'm supposed to be pretty good for a girl. Here's your compact pack.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, thanks.

[Janet Graham]

Feel better? Oh, yes. Lots. You use the same kind of powder I do, Janet.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I suppose you and Charlie, you know that you're in a mess of trouble.

[Janet Graham]

Yeah, I guess we are.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Why don't you tell them what they want to know?

[Janet Graham]

I won't. I won't tell them a thing. I hate them.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Then maybe you tell me.

[Janet Graham]

You?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yes.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You know, it's different when you tell everything to a woman. A woman sort of understands.

[Janet Graham]

Gee, you're nice, Ms. Kilgallen, but.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

But what, Janet? You love Charlie, don't you?

[Janet Graham]

You know that.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Of course.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Why shouldn't you?

[Janet Graham]

Golly, you do understand, don't you?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes, I think so.

[Janet Graham]

It's the trouble with them. The police, I mean. They don't know how it was with Charlie and me. Mother didn't either. She.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

She what, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Nothing.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

All right. If you don't want to tell me anything, Janet, I guess I'll have to go.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, no, I. Please stay.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Then what about your mother?

[Janet Graham]

She hated Charlie. She wouldn't even let him come into the house.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Did she know you loved him?

[Janet Graham]

I kept telling her that. Honest, Ms. Kilgall and I kept telling her. That's why we argued.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Argued? About what?

[Janet Graham]

It was this afternoon. Mother wanted me to do some work around the house. But I skipped out to meet Charlie.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Where'd you meet him, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

The church. He's in the choir, you know. And they Were having choir practice. The door was open and I went in. Charlie was singing a solo, and I listened. It was wonderful. Ms. Kilgallen, listening to Charlie was. Well, it was like going to heaven. I was just thrilled. I wanted to reach up and touch him, but I didn't. I just sat there and listened to all thy faithful mercies cross. After that, well, I guess I kind of walked on air. I met Charlie outside the church. We had a tennis date at 6 o'. Clock. But before that, I had to go to the delicatessen and buy some cold cuts for supper. On the way to the delicatessen, I kind of took Charlie's hand and held it. Just holding his hand like that thrilled me. But, oh, Charlie, you know how boys are. Ms. Kilgallen. He was kind of bashful.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Jan.

[Janet Graham]

Yes, Charlie?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Quit holding my hand. Everybody on the street's looking at us.

[Janet Graham]

Don't you?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Well, sure I do, Cookie.

[Janet Graham]

You know that. But how about coming to my house for supper tonight?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Gee, I can't do that, Janet. What would your mother say?

[Janet Graham]

I don't care what Mother says. She's not going to boss me around anymore. We'll just tell her we're in love and that we're going to get married. Just as soon as you can get a job singing on the radio.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Well, I don't know.

[Janet Graham]

Don't you love me, Charlie?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Sure, Cookie. I told you I did.

[Janet Graham]

Well, then we don't have to be afraid of Mother or anyone else. Oh, here's the delicatessen.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Well, good afternoon, Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Hello, Mr. Schmidt.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

And what'll it be today?

[Janet Graham]

I'll have a quarter of a pound of ham.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Ham.

[Janet Graham]

Quarter pound of liverwurst.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Liverwurst.

[Janet Graham]

20 cents worth of potato salad.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Potato salad.

[Janet Graham]

And. Oh, Mr. Schmidt.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah?

[Janet Graham]

Mother will kill me for this, but I don't care. I want a jar of mayonnaise.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Mayonnaise?

[Janet Graham]

Yeah. I'm just wacky about mayonnaise. And this time I don't give a darn what my mother says.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

So you left the delicatessen store and went right home.

[Janet Graham]

Is that it, Janet? Well, no, not exactly, Ms. Kilgallen. You know how hot it was today. Well, anyway, Charlie and I stopped in the tavern and we had two glasses of beer each and some pretzels. Beer was super, it being so hot outside and all. After that, we went to my house. Funny how I felt then.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

How did you feel?

[Janet Graham]

Well, gee, I don't know why I'm telling you all this.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

How did you feel, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Well, it was so hot, and I was kind of dizzy and thrilled because Charlie was going with me, and we were going to stand up to mother. You know, Ms. Kilgallan, how it is when you're all thrilled and excited?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, sure. I know. Well, what happened when you got home?

[Janet Graham]

Well, Mother was out.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I see. What did you and Charlie do then?

[Janet Graham]

Oh, Charlie read a magazine, and I. I kind of did a little housework.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Yes, Ms. Gilgallan?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You're not telling me the truth. What's the use of talking to me if you don't tell me the truth? Now, what really happened when you and Charlie came home and found that your mother was out? Don't be afraid, Janet. I'll understand. But you've got to tell me the truth.

[Janet Graham]

All right. All right. I will. We were both a little dizzy, I guess. You know, we kept saying things to each other. Then all of a sudden, I felt like dancing. So I put on a record of our song.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Your song?

[Janet Graham]

Yes. Temptation. It's my favorite. And Charlie's, too. We.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Well, we.

[Janet Graham]

We call it our song. Anyway, I felt like dancing, so I put the record on the Victrola. And then. Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah?

[Janet Graham]

Let's dance.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Dance?

[Janet Graham]

Yes. Take me in your arms, Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

But what if your mother comes in and sees us?

[Janet Graham]

I don't care. Do you?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

No. No, I guess not.

[Janet Graham]

Charlie. Charlie, let's stop dancing now. Let's sit down.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Sit down?

[Janet Graham]

Yes. Kiss me, Charlie. Please.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Janet.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Janet.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

G. Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Charlie again. Janice graham. Mother.

[Program Announcer]

We'll be back in just a moment with tonight's big story. Now we return you to our narrator, Barry Kroger.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

And tonight's big story. The bobby Socks Kid from Bayonne keeps talking. There in that sweltering, dingy police room. The words spill from her faster and faster. You can see that she wants to talk now. She's glad to get it off her chest. It's been simmering and boiling inside. Finally, she stops to catch her breath. You ask her.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Now, when your mother walked into the parlor and found you and Charlie there. What did she say, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Mother just stood there, Miss Kilgallen. She stood there looking as though she'd like to kill the both of us. And the Victrola kept on playing campaign patient. I. I don't remember who spoke first. I think it was Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Mrs. Graham, I.

[Janet Graham]

Turn off the Victrola, Janice. Mother, we were just. I said turn off the Victrola. Yes, Mother.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Now, Janet, go into the kitchen. I want to talk to you alone.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

But, Mrs. Graham, she didn't do anything.

[Janet Graham]

I thank you to keep still.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You just sit right there. I'll have something to say to you later, Janet, you march right into the kitchen. And what happened after you got into the kitchen? Janet? Janet, what happened?

[Janet Graham]

Well, Ms. Kilgallen, Mother didn't say anything for a long time. She just started to get the dishes out for supper. I was nervous and scared. Well, it was the heat, too. It was so hot. It did funny things to me. I thought maybe if I did something. Something with my hands. Instead of just standing there waiting for Mother to say something, it'd be better. I could think better. Then I saw the hatchet on the window sill.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

What was the hatchet doing there?

[Janet Graham]

I brought it up from the cellar.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Why did you bring it up?

[Janet Graham]

Because Mother had asked me to nail down some lusinoleum on the kitchen floor. So I got some tacks and started to hammer it down. Then Mother started to talk.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I don't know. I just don't know. What did I ever do to deserve.

[Janet Graham]

A daughter like you? A common, cheap little flirt. Mother, don't say things like that. All Charlie did was kiss me.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I don't want to hear another word from you, Janet Graham. Not another single, solitary word. When your father comes home, I'll see.

[Janet Graham]

That he takes the strap to you. You little good for nothing. Mother, please. I. 17 years old. A baby. And sitting on the couch, hugging and kissing a nasty boy like Charlie Mason. I'm no baby, do you hear, mother, I'm sitting 17. I'm grown up. And I love Charlie Mason.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Ha. You.

[Janet Graham]

What do you know about love?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You're just boy crazy, that's all.

[Janet Graham]

Boy crazy. Mother, don't. Don't say things like that. Boy crazy.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Boy crazy.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Boy crazy.

[Janet Graham]

Please, Mother, don't.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I forbid you to ever see him again.

[Janet Graham]

I positively forbid you to see him again. Do you hear me, Janice? You're not to see him again. You can't stop me. You can't stop me. I'll see Charlie all I please. I love him. I love him.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

I love him.

[Janet Graham]

Don't you dare talk back to me. Don't you dare. Mother, please, let's not quarrel anymore. So hot. And I've got such a terrible headache. And I'm so mixed up.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I warn you, Janice. If I ever catch that awful boy around here again, I'll have your father horse with you.

[Janet Graham]

Mother, don't say things like that. Please stop.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I don't like him, and I never did.

[Janet Graham]

He's so good, and he'll never be any good.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Mother, stop.

[Janet Graham]

Don't you yell at me. You young, good for nothing.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

No, stop.

[Janet Graham]

How dare you talk back to your own mother like that. How dare you?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

I.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes.

[Janet Graham]

I asked you to stop. I asked you to stop nagging.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Janet.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

I.

[Janet Graham]

Put down that hatchet. Put down that. Charlie. You're not going to stand between Charlie and me. You're not going. Is she, Charlie?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Janet, don't.

[Janet Graham]

Charlie. No. Get away from me.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Please.

[Janet Graham]

No, Janet.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

No. You listen in horror as Janet Graham tells you what happened. Then you listen and there's an all gone feeling in the pit of your stomach as you watch this sweet faced kid in the bobby socks dangling her tanned legs under the bench and calmly.

[Janet Graham]

Telling you I hit mother. Then Ms. Gilgallan, she screamed and fell down. That's all. I see.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

What did you do then, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Well, then we thought we better talk things over.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

You and Charlie?

[Janet Graham]

Yes. Charlie's jalopy was outside and we decided we better drive to Canada because they'd be looking for us pretty soon. We didn't have much money, so we started to make up sandwiches in the kitchen for our trip. And then all of a sudden the doorbell rang.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Janet. Janet. Someone's at the front door.

[Janet Graham]

You keep making up those chicken and ham sandwiches here in the kitchen, Charlie. I'll see who it is, all right.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Gee, I hope it isn't the police or someone.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, Johnet. Janet's. Anything wrong?

[Janet Graham]

Wrong? I know, Mrs. Wallace. What makes you think so?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Well, I was sitting on my front porch next door and I thought I heard your mother scream.

[Janet Graham]

Oh. Oh, that. Well, mother just cut her finger, that's all, Mrs. Wallace.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, for a moment I thought that. Nothing serious, is it, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Oh, no, Mrs. Wallace. Just a nick. Nothing to worry about.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Oh, thank heaven for that. That scream certainly gave me a fright. Well, I'll be getting back, Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Thanks for looking in, Mrs. Wallace.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Who? Who was it, Janet?

[Janet Graham]

Nobody. Just a neighbor. Oh, Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

What? What's the matter?

[Janet Graham]

You forgot something.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Forgot something?

[Janet Graham]

Yes, on those chicken sandwiches you're making the mayonnaise. You know I just love mayonnaise. Is that all, Janet? Well, Ms. Kilgallan, I guess so. Except that we started out for Canada.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

And you got as far as the Somerville circle?

[Janet Graham]

Yes, it was awful hot driving this evening. Well, we stopped at a tavern for a couple of glasses of beer and by that time Charlie was pretty worried.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Gosh, Janet, we're in an awful jam now.

[Janet Graham]

I don't care. I don't care about anything. I love you, Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

We. We'll never be able to make Canada. Why, all I've got is a dollar and forty cents.

[Janet Graham]

You're awful cute, Charlie. Awful cute.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Janet, maybe we ought to give ourselves up.

[Janet Graham]

I love your hair, Charlie. It's so thick and nice. I always feel like running my fingers through it.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Janet, we gotta decide what to do.

[Janet Graham]

Charlie.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah?

[Janet Graham]

Play number seven on the jukebox box.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

But love cookie.

[Janet Graham]

Play number seven. It's our song, Charlie. Temptation.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Okay.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, Charlie, our song. Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it just so.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Cooper.

[Janet Graham]

Yeah?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Listen, Janet. About your mother. About what we did.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, don't talk about that now. Don't let's talk about anything now. Let's just sit here and listen and dream.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Janet. Janet, the cop. He just came in. He's seen us, Janet. He's coming over to our booth. Is that your tan coop outside, son? Yes, sir. Your name Charlie Mason?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

And your Janet Graham?

[Janet Graham]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Okay, you kids. You better come along with me.

[Janet Graham]

All right, Officer. We'll go with you. Oni.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Yeah.

[Janet Graham]

Do you mind if we wait till the music's over?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

And that's the whole story, Janet.

[Janet Graham]

Yes, Ms. Gilgallan. That's all there is. Now you know everything. Funny, I didn't mind telling you. I knew you'd understand. You do, don't you?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes, I understand, Janet, but. Now will you tell the others what you told me?

[Janet Graham]

I don't want to.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I know, but I think you'd better.

[Janet Graham]

All right, Miss Gilgallan, if you say so. I'll tell them.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Well, I have to go now.

[Janet Graham]

You can't stay with me any longer.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

No. No, I can't.

[Janet Graham]

Oh, well. Goodbye, Miss Gilgallan.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Goodbye, Janet.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

A full house beats two pair. Any. Oh, hello, Miss Kilgallen. How'd you make out? Didn't get anything out of the kid, I'll bet.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes, I did.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

You did? Hey, that really puts me in my place. All of us trying and not getting a glimmer. What's the lead?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

She told me everything.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Everything? Are you serious? You mean you got that kid to come?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

She told me everything.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Who did it? She or the boy? Did she kill the lady?

[Janet Graham]

Yes, she did it.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

But it didn't have to happen. It shouldn't have happened. If her mother had only shown a little more understanding.

[Janet Graham]

Just a little more sympathy and love. Oh, what's the use? What difference does it make now?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

I know. I know. Now, take it easy, Ms. Kilgallan. You're pretty well used up. You did a big job in there, and it kind of gets you down.

[Janet Graham]

I guess so.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Look at the exclusive you got. It's a big story if there ever was one. And all due to you.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Yes, it's a big story, Lieutenant. But do you want to know something?

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

What?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I wish I'd never heard of it. I wish I never had to write it. I wish it had never happened.

[Program Announcer]

In just a moment, we'll read you a telegram from Dorothy Kilgallen. With the final outcome of tonight's Big Story. Now we read you that telegram from Dorothy Kilgallen of the New York Journal.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

American Boy and girl in tonight's Big Story. Were found guilty of murder. But received relatively light sentences on account of their youth. Boy was later paroled from state prison. On condition that he joined some branch of armed forces. Girl was paroled from reformatory after serving six and a half years. Many thanks for tonight's Pell Mell Award.

[Program Announcer]

Thank you, Miss Kilgallen. The makers of Pall Mall Famous Cigarettes. Are proud to have named you. The winner of the Pall Mall $500 award. For notable service in the field of journalism. Listen again next week, same time, same station. When Pall Mall Famous Cigarettes.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Will present another big story. A big story from the pages of the Buffalo Evening News byline, Eddie de Castro. A big story that began when a woman was told. That her husband had been murdered and left.

[Program Announcer]

The Big Story is produced by Bernard J. Proctor. And directed by Harry Ingram. With music by Vladimir Zielinski. Tonight's program was written by Max Ehrlich. Your narrator was Barry Kroger. And Janet Fox play the part of Dorothy Kilgallen. All names in tonight's story. Except that of Ms. Kilgallan, were fictitious. But the dramatization was based on a true and authentic case. This is Ernest Chapels. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Dude, this new bacon, egg and chicken.

[Commercial Announcer]

Biscuit from AM PM Total winner. Winner, chicken breakfast.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Chicken breakfast. Come on. I think you mean chicken dinner, bro. Nah, brother. Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs. Juicy chicken and a buttery biscuit. That's the perfect breakfast. All right. Let me try it. Mmm.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Yeah, totally.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Winner, winner, chicken breakfast. I'm gonna have to keep this right here.

[Commercial Announcer]

Make sure every breakfast is a winner. With the delicious new bacon, egg and chicken biscuit. From AM PM ampm. Too much good stuff.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome back. Now, I do want to go ahead and first of all, let you know about the cast. Which for this one, Dorothy Kilgallen was played by Janet Fox. And the rest of the cast was Francis DeSales. Jerry Lewis. Not the one you're thinking of. Mitzi Gould, Bert Brayscher and Eleanor Audley. Now, I will say that the real life case is somewhat less sympathetic to the killer. And it was based on the case of Gladys McKnight, who committed the hatchet murder while her sweetheart cheered, hit her again. News reports at the time emphasized both McKnight's casual attitude, which I think the episode captured rather well. But they also said that McKnight's ungovernable temper was the cause of frequent arguments between them. And the whole thing started in this case that led to the murder because she was upset with her mother for not having dinner on time. And this story was big News back in 1936. It was covered by newspapers as far away as Australia. Now, in terms of the big difference between the way the story was told on the radio and how it happened in real life, there are two big possibilities. The first is that there was more to the story than made it into most popular press accounts, and the way the story is told reflects that. The second is that the story might have been reframed to fit the cultural narratives of 1947. In the era immediately after World War II, juvenile crime became a huge concern. And one thought was that crime happened because society and parents didn't try to understand kids, and that if we made more of an effort to understand kids, it would prevent juvenile crime. In addition to this, the sponsors were really big on not being sued. So sometimes details were changed for that purpose. Now, last week I highlighted an example of doubling up that actually worked. Let's go ahead and talk about one that didn't. Eleanor Audley appeared as Mrs. Graham. She is probably best remembered for her work in animation as the voice of Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty and Lady Tremaine in Cinderella. And she's also remembered for her TV work in Hollywood, constantly playing snooty rich ladies and mothers. And mother in laws was Mother Douglas on Green Acres. So a very talented actress. And of course, I've heard her in a lot of radio programs, mostly after she moved to Hollywood. Very different from any other performance I've heard her in because she also plays their neighbor, Mrs. Wallace. I have never heard Eleanor Audley being asked to play a dialect role until now. And I know why that is kind of a weak spot for her. And in fact, she sounded really the same as her mother character. And when the daughter was acting confused, I was confused as well, because I was like, well, wait, didn't she just kill her? Like, what is she doing at the door? Now, a little bit about Dorothy Kilgallen, because most of the reporters we're going to hear from in this series are very, very, very obscure. She certainly was not. Not only did she have her Broadway newspaper column, but she co hosted a very popular morning radio talk show, her husband, Dick Comer, AKA Boston Blackie, and would go on to be a huge presence on television as one of the panelists on what's my line? In 1936, Kilgallen would have been 23 years old. However, she had been working since she was 18, so she was a young woman who had proved herself and established herself in the field, which probably helped with the killer opening up to her. Kilgallen was experienced and accomplished, so she could look up to her. But Kegallen was still young enough that they could relate and she could understand her experience. A listener on Instagram sends a note. Hey there. Big fan of yours and a daily listener. Appreciate what you do. Well, thank you so much and appreciate you taking the time to send that note along over on Instagram. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Doc. Patreon supporter quarter since February 2016. Currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Doc. 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'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of the Baked Story, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, Where.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

How long have you been working here tonight?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Came on at 7 last night. I'm off at 7 this morning.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Pretty long hours, huh?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Yeah, on account of the convention at the hotel. Oh, Cana Nail Club, something like that. Boys with a cane's been coming in here like flies. That's why I'm working overtime.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Did you know a waitress named Francesca Brown?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Lucky her. She got off a little over an hour ago. Refused to work overtime. I should have done that.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

She's dead. What? Dead. Strangled. Knifed.

[Rose (Waitress)]

Hey, now, wait a minute. I. I got something.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Take it easy.

[Janet Graham]

Where do you mean it?

[Rose (Waitress)]

She's dead.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Bert. Bert? What do you mean?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Bert Finley.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

What about him?

[Rose (Waitress)]

You said she was strangled, didn't you? You guy who hung around her, asked for dates, got nasty, you know, winks with a blue plate. He wasn't kidding.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Was he here tonight?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Sure he was. He waited for Francesco and she got off. He's a caner, too.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

A what?

[Rose (Waitress)]

Caner. I call him Caner. The boys in the Canaan Ale Club this week, they got a penalty if they don't carry a cane this week. They come from all over with canes.

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

Grown men.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Where do I find Bird?

[Dorothy Kilgallen]

I don't know.

[Rose (Waitress)]

He lives close. That's all I know.

[Narrator / Lieutenant Morgan]

Thanks, Rose. Thanks a lot.

[Janet Graham]

Wait a minute.

[Rose (Waitress)]

She's really dead? Stabbed.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail] 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.

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