The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

The Big Story: "The Case of the Cornered Cat" (EP4867)

Host: Adam Graham
Original Broadcast: September 17, 1947 (dramatized episode)
Podcast Release Date: December 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" features an installment of the vintage series The Big Story — "The Case of the Cornered Cat." Host Adam Graham offers background and post-episode analysis, situating the story within real historical events and classic radio drama methods. The main drama, dramatized from true newspaper experiences, recounts how famed columnist Walter Winchell became embroiled in the tense surrender of a notorious racketeer known as "the Cat," with the assistance of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Historical Context (03:00–04:50; 32:40–36:00)

• Adam Graham outlines upcoming holiday-themed programming and discusses the significance of The Big Story.
  • Noteworthy insight: The lack of Christmas episodes for The Big Story is noted due to missing archives.
• Graham provides context behind tonight’s case:
  • The episode fictionalizes the dramatic events surrounding the real-life capture of Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, a key figure in Murder, Inc., with Walter Winchell playing a pivotal intermediary role.
  • The prominence of Winchell, compared to other journalists featured on the show, is discussed.
    • "[Winchell] was much bigger than nearly everyone in broadcasting or journalism. His broadcasts at this time were top-rated. At some points, he was even higher rated than Jack Benny." (32:45)
  • The real involvement of J. Edgar Hoover is highlighted as plausible only for a criminal of this significance.

2. The Old Time Radio Drama: Plot Summary

(Main Content, 04:50–32:20)

A. Exposition: The Hunt for "The Cat" (04:41–09:00)

• The story opens with atmospheric narration placing the listener as Walter Winchell.
• The notorious racketeer, "the Cat," has evaded the law for years, with a $50,000 reward fueling false leads.
• Winchell receives a mysterious proposition: "My friend is very anxious to meet your friend." (07:50)
  • Notable exchange:
    • Stranger: "If you could get your friend to guarantee that he wouldn't 'heat' my friend, well, we might arrange a formal introduction."
    • Winchell: "In other words, you want me to act as go-between, is that it?" (08:10)

B. Escalation: Negotiating the Surrender (09:00–20:00)

• Winchell bargains directly with J. Edgar Hoover, who agrees to guarantee safe passage if "the Cat" gives himself up "unarmed and peacefully."
• Hoover: "All right. You can tell 'the Cat' on the air tonight that if he comes in unarmed and quietly, FBI will guarantee him a safe reception." (10:11)
• A tense game ensues: Winchell is approached by various intermediaries relaying that "the Cat" is "still thinking about it."
  • Memorable moment: The numerous messengers and calls portray paranoia and high stakes.
• Pressure mounts from law enforcement—if "the Cat" doesn't surrender soon, the offer is off, and all bets are off.

C. Climax: The Risky Rendezvous (20:00–28:00)

• Winchell is given cryptic instructions for a secret meet-up at a Yonkers theater.

  • Heightened suspense as Winchell acknowledges: "I could end up looking like a human sieve in some gutter or at the bottom of the East River wearing concrete shoes." (21:00)

• The night of the handover, Winchell is forced to drive to multiple locations under gangster escort, with explicit threats to remain silent and not "double cross" them.

• Tense standoff with "the Cat" himself, disguised and armed.

  • Notable dialogue:
    • The Cat: "I see you have a few friends here, Walter...You're in a very bad position, Walter. Very bad." (27:43)

D. Resolution: Handing Over "the Cat" (28:00–30:00)

• The dramatic transfer is made—"the Cat" is delivered to Hoover at a designated intersection with instructions that even the FBI must arrive alone and unarmed.
• Hoover cleverly returns the favor to Winchell by ensuring he gets his exclusive before other reporters realize what's happened.
  • Hoover: "Figure it out, Walter. The news hawks around headquarters see me coming in with you and the cat here. They'll beat you to your own story. And then goodbye, exclusive." (30:15)
• Despite rushing to phone in his scoop, Winchell learns a world-shaking event (the Hitler-Stalin pact) pushes his "big story" off the front page, underlining the ephemeral nature of news.

E. Epilogue: Outcome and Reflection (31:00–32:15)

• The fate of "the Cat" is recounted in a telegram: after serving a federal sentence, he is tried for murder and executed.
• Narrator underscores that, despite lacking headlines, Winchell’s actions made a lasting impact.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Narrator (on danger): "You could very well end up looking like a human sieve in some gutter or at the bottom of the east river wearing concrete shoes." (21:00)
• J. Edgar Hoover: "Let me put it this way, Walter. We want the Cat. We want him badly. But you're a private citizen with certain constitutional rights. You don't have to go." (22:40)
• Gangster (to Winchell): "Now, you go to Madison Square park and stop at 24th Street. Then wait there. Got it?...Here, take this. What is it? A rabbit's foot. Give it to the Cat. Maybe he'll need it. Or maybe you will." (26:00)
• "The Cat" (to Winchell): "You're at the wheel between those cops and me. If they take an interest—yeah? Nothing. Wait a minute. The light's changing." (27:45)
• Hoover (on exclusives): "Figure it out, Walter. The news hawks around headquarters see me coming in with you and the Cat here. They'll beat you to your own story." (30:15)

Host Commentary & Listener Feedback (32:20–39:10)

Analysis of the Episode

• Dramatic Portrayal of Winchell:
  • Ward Wilson, cast as Winchell, has the challenging task of embodying a real, world-famous journalist rather than a generic stand-in.
    • "It feels like [Wilson] is trying to do an impersonation, or at least evoke this very well known personality..." (32:55)
• Second Person Narration:
  • Listener Mechanic66 notes the episode’s use of second-person narrative ("you did this, you are the reporter").
  • Graham comments: "It’s kind of an interesting approach...In the theater of the mind, you can imagine yourself in the situation or imagine yourself to a degree as the hero." (36:45)
  • He adds that this narrative device was tried in other media (e.g., the film "Lady in the Lake").
• Rotating Cast & Repertory Feel:
  • Listener "Dr. Whodunit" notes how frequently actors, like John Gibson, rotated between lead and background roles.
    • Graham agrees: "These have a bit of a rep company feel. You can play the reporter hero one week and a minor role the next." (38:05)

Important Timestamps

• 03:00–04:50: Host's intro, holiday programming, and transition to drama
• 04:41–32:19: The Big Story – The Case of the Cornered Cat audio drama
  • 07:50: First contact with gangster intermediary
  • 10:11: Hoover guarantees safe surrender on FBI's behalf
  • 21:00: Winchell debates danger of meeting "the Cat"
  • 27:45: Tense moment with police presence during handoff drive
  • 30:15: Hoover assures Winchell keeps his exclusive
  • 31:50: Aftermath, "the Cat" is executed after serving sentences
• 32:20–39:10: Adam Graham's commentary, analysis, listener feedback
• 39:09–40:01: Segue to next detective show, closing

Episode Tone

• The episode is suspenseful and atmospheric, with intense drama underscored by classic radio narration devices (second person, immersive sound, and repeated threats).
• Host Adam Graham is knowledgeable, humorous, and appreciative of both radio history and the quirks of old-time storytelling.
• Listener feedback is treated playfully and thoughtfully, adding to the show's accessible, conversational vibe.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio delivers both a gripping piece of mid-20th-century crime drama and an insightful discussion about its historical context, style, and relevance. Whether you're a mystery buff, a radio history fan, or new to the world of old time audio dramas, "The Case of the Cornered Cat" is a vibrant mix of real events, dramatized tension, and radio nostalgia.