Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: Bodyguard to Anne Connelly (Encore) (EP4682)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: Bodyguard to Anne Connelly (Encore)" (EP4682)

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Introduction

In this encore presentation of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: Bodyguard to Anne Connelly," host Adam Graham revisits a classic episode from Charles Russell's portrayal of the iconic freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar. Originally recorded in December 1949, this episode delves into a suspenseful case where Johnny is assigned to protect Anne Connelly from her volatile ex-lover, Neil Grafter. Graham provides insightful commentary, enhancing listeners' understanding and appreciation of the Golden Age of Radio detective dramas.

Plot Summary

Assignment and Arrival in Milwaukee

Johnny Dollar (Charles Russell) receives an assignment from Franklin Haley, the general manager of Ambassador Life and Casualty Insurance Company. His task is to act as a bodyguard for Anne Connelly, who is understandably anxious about her impending reunion with her ex-fiancé, Neil Grafter, who is being released on parole. Despite Anne's modest means, the insurance company holds a substantial policy on her life, necessitating Johnny's protection.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar reflects on his dedication:
"At Insurance Investigation, Johnny Dollar is only an expert at making out his expense account. He's an absolute genius."
(00:31)

First Encounter and Suspicious Circumstances

Upon arriving at Anne's residence, Johnny meets Cora, Anne's personal maid, who provides him with cryptic and somewhat contradictory information about Anne's financial status and the nature of her relationship with Grafter. This discrepancy raises Johnny's suspicions about the true circumstances surrounding Anne's fears.

Notable Quote:
Cora reveals her perspective:
"Mr. Dollar, if you are casting aspersions... it's decidedly crummy for anyone to take advantage of their fellow man."
(16:45)

Confrontation with Neil Grafter

As the evening progresses, Neil Grafter makes his appearance, displaying erratic and aggressive behavior. Johnny attempts to engage Grafter in conversation, trying to de-escalate the tension. However, Grafter's instability becomes evident as he lashes out, leading to a physical confrontation where Johnny narrowly escapes harm.

Notable Quote:
Grafter's confusion and anger are palpable:
"What's the matter with you? Yeah, sure. I let go."
(20:27)

Unraveling the Mystery

Through diligent investigation and strategic questioning, Johnny uncovers that Grafter was not in prison but was instead undergoing treatment at a mental health facility for paranoid schizophrenia. This revelation shifts the narrative, indicating that Grafter poses a significant and unpredictable threat. Johnny's resourcefulness shines as he manages his expense account meticulously, reflecting both his professionalism and the personal risks involved in his work.

Notable Quote:
Johnny contemplates the dangers:
"While I was sent to guard a body, the body is there to guard... something will happen."
(07:02)

Climactic Resolution

The tension culminates when Grafter attempts to confront Johnny and Anne, resulting in a tense standoff. Johnny's quick thinking and unwavering composure ultimately neutralize the threat, ensuring Anne's safety. The episode concludes with Johnny submitting his detailed expense account, showcasing his unique blend of humor and seriousness.

Notable Quote:
Johnny humorously sums up his expenses:
"Expense account total $845.30. Signed yours truly, Johnny Dollar."
(30:44)

Character Analysis

• Johnny Dollar (Charles Russell): Portrayed as a competent and resourceful insurance investigator, Johnny balances professionalism with a touch of humor. His dedication to his job is evident in his meticulous expense accounts and his proactive approach to solving cases.

• Anne Connelly: A woman caught between fear and financial vulnerability, Anne represents the everyman seeking protection from unpredictable threats. Her interactions with Johnny reveal her reliance on external assistance due to her limited means.

• Cora: As Anne's personal maid, Cora provides critical insights and raises questions about the true nature of Anne's financial situation. Her initial reluctance and subsequent cooperation highlight the complexities of trust and deception in the narrative.

• Neil Grafter: The antagonist with a troubled past, Grafter embodies the unpredictability and danger that Johnny must navigate. His erratic behavior underscores the fragile line between order and chaos.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Johnny Dollar on His Expertise:
   "At Insurance Investigation, Johnny Dollar is only an expert at making out his expense account. He's an absolute genius."
   (00:31)

2. Cora on Moral Integrity:
   "Mr. Dollar, if you are casting aspersions... it's decidedly crummy for anyone to take advantage of their fellow man."
   (16:45)

3. Grafter's Frustration:
   "What's the matter with you? Yeah, sure. I let go."
   (20:27)

4. Johnny on His Role:
   "While I was sent to guard a body, the body is there to guard... something will happen."
   (07:02)

5. Johnny's Expense Submission:
   "Expense account total $845.30. Signed yours truly, Johnny Dollar."
   (30:44)

Insights and Conclusions

This episode of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" exemplifies the intricate storytelling and character development characteristic of old-time radio detective dramas. Johnny Dollar's methodical approach, combined with his sardonic wit, provides a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged. The interplay between Johnny, Anne, and Cora adds depth to the plot, highlighting themes of trust, deception, and resilience.

Adam Graham's commentary enhances the listening experience by providing context and highlighting Johnny's strengths and oversights. For instance, Graham notes Johnny's missed opportunity in identifying the decoy, adding a layer of critical analysis that invites listeners to engage more deeply with the narrative.

Notable Commentary:
Adam Graham reflects on Johnny's character:
"I think he's got a very, you know, there's a bit of lightness and humor to him, but he's also serious about his business and really makes some good observations."
(32:13)

Overall, "Bodyguard to Anne Connelly" serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio mysteries, blending suspense, character-driven storytelling, and the unique charm of Johnny Dollar.

Host’s Additional Remarks

Post-episode, Adam Graham shares his thoughts on the episode, praises Johnny Dollar's character, and interacts with listener comments. He also addresses an unrelated issue regarding suspicious mail, ensuring listeners are aware of potential security risks.

Notable Host Comment:
Graham expresses enjoyment of the episode:
"I thought this was a really enjoyable episode. And I think we've got quite a bit to look forward to when we get to the Charles Russell episodes as we go back through the series later on this year."
(19:28)

Listener Feedback

Listeners commend the portrayal of Johnny Dollar and share their own experiences with identifying character voices. Contributions from listeners like Lawrence and Bishop Andrew enrich the community feel of the podcast, fostering engagement and shared enthusiasm for old-time radio dramas.

Notable Listener Comment:
Lawrence praises the actor:
"One of my favorite actors portraying my favorite fictional character, Tony, says that the Adventure of the Devil's Foot is one of his favorite stories."
(32:13)

Conclusion

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: Bodyguard to Anne Connelly (Encore)" offers a captivating glimpse into the world of radio detective fiction. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thoughtful host commentary, the episode stands as a shining example of why old-time radio continues to enchant audiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, this episode promises intrigue, suspense, and timeless storytelling.

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To explore more episodes and join the community of mystery enthusiasts, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net. Engage with host Adam Graham and fellow listeners on Twitter @radiodetectives and Facebook RadioDetectives.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. As I'm taking a recording break, please enjoy this special encore presentation. Please note this episode was recorded in 2019, so any offers or information in the episode may not be valid unless they're reflected on the Great detectives [e-mail] now on with our podcast. 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 Thirteenreatetectives.net 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 BAS at support.greatdetectives.net Also you can go through the Zell app to box 13 at greatdetectives.net or you can mail in a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And I want to thank an anonymous donor from Great Falls, Montana for doing that. Thanks so much for your support. You can also become one of our ongoing monthly patreon [e-mail] now we're going to go ahead and continue our Listeners Choice countdown and usually we're playing a different series every day, Monday through Saturday. But right now after finishing Mr. Keen, we are playing a countdown of listeners favorite programs that we have played over the past 10 years of doing the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio listeners voted back in February. And so we have been counting down the top 20 in our standard division as well as the top five in the short division for series where there were 10 or less episodes. So in the standard division we're going to bring you number 17 today. And this is the most surprising winner on the list. This is yours truly, Johnny Dollar with Charles Russell, the very first Johnny Dollar in 1949. Without giving away the full result, not every Johnny Dollar actor made it and there wasn't a ton of great feedback for Charles Russell's run at the time that we played him on the series. And for the record, this was before our Johnny Dollar Week in celebration of the 70th anniversary. We actually ended the poll the day before we started into these programs just to be fair to everyone. But apparently there's some good love for this presentation and I think there is definitely something to that because we are going back to the beginning of Johnny Dollar as soon as we Finish up later on in May, trip through the series. I went ahead and I chose an episode from later in the Charles Russell run just so that we wouldn't have something that we would listen to right away again. And I hope this turns out to be a good one. The Original Air Date this is December 3, 1949. And this one is bodyguard to Ann Connolly.

[Johnny Dollar]

This case looked refreshing at first. It took me to Milwaukee, the brewing capital of the usa. But it occurred to me later, for a guy who appreciates a good head on a glass of beer, I take lousy care of my own.

[Charles Russell]

This is another in the adventures of America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar, starring Charles Russell. At Insurance Investigation, Johnny Dollar is only an expert at making out his expense account. He's an absolute genius.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny $2. Home Office Ambassador Life and Casualty Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. Attention, Franklin Haley, general manager. The following is an accounting of my expenditures during my assignment as bodyguard to your policyholder, Ann Connelly. Or it may have been love at first sight, but the last sight was down the barrel of a.45 automatic expense account. Item 1 295. One copy of the Case of the Playful Siamese. A novel of detection and suspense. It was a story about a private eye named Dexter Payne. But before I could learn whether poor Dexter was dead or alive, at the end of chapter one, the phone rang. And there you were, Mr. Haley, telling me I had to leave for Milwaukee on the next plane. So I returned the book to the lending library, bought a copy of my own, and came to your office to find out what my assignment was all about. Oh.

[Franklin Haley]

Oh, come in, Dollar. Come in, come in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you. How are you, Mr. Haley?

[Franklin Haley]

Fine, my boy, fine. Glad to see you again. Sit down, sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Franklin Haley]

Ah, adding to your store of knowledge, I see. What are you reading?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, the Case of the Playful Siamese. Bah.

[Franklin Haley]

Crime fiction. Trash. When there's good literature available, why waste your time on such mediocre dribble?

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you think you're playing, old coward?

[Franklin Haley]

Millions of dollars taken in on it every year.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's the difference so long as you're not taken in?

[Franklin Haley]

Oh, you bet. They'll not get a penny from me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yes, they will.

[Franklin Haley]

What's that?

[Johnny Dollar]

I said will. Will Shakespeare.

[Adam Graham]

You know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello. Crime fiction.

[Franklin Haley]

No comparison. That's different. Anybody knows that. Well, I guess we'd better get down to business. Your plane leaves in an hour and a half. 6:30.

[Johnny Dollar]

This girl needs a bodyguard. Who is she? And what's she afraid of?

[Franklin Haley]

It's a sad, tragic case. The result of a misdirected, surely not faultless life, but nevertheless a situation that demands outside help.

[Johnny Dollar]

There, there, now, don't go to pieces. All I asked was what's her name and what she afraid of?

[Franklin Haley]

Her name is Anne Connolly. Six years ago, she had the misfortune to fall in love with a man named Neil Grafter. A man of violent passions, jealousy and so on. He misrepresented himself to her. He plied her with luxuries. Then, practically on the eve of the wedding, he was arrested for grand theft.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I think I can ad lib the rest. While he was in prison, she didn't get tired of the luxuries he'd given her, but she did get tired of waiting for him.

[Franklin Haley]

Well, he had lied to her, and five years is a long time.

[Johnny Dollar]

True.

[Franklin Haley]

The point is, Grafter is coming out on parole today, and Ms. Connolly is terrified at the prospects of her first meeting with him. His violence. You know, he once threatened to kill her if she so much as looked at another man. We want you with her when Grafter arrives.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, why me? Aren't there bodyguards for hire in Milwaukee?

[Franklin Haley]

We hold a large paid up policy on her life and we want her protected. Besides, she's practically penniless. She couldn't even afford to hire a private detective. It's a tragic case, Ben. On the other hand, possibly all her fears are imaginary. Perhaps nothing will happen at all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, Mr. Haley, you can count on one thing. If I'm mixed up in it, something will happen. Expense Account, Item 2, $55.10 Airfare, Hartford To Milwaukee. I switched on my reading light, settled back in my reclining seat, and once more buried my nose. In the case of the Playful Siamese, I should have buried the book. It turned out that Dexter Payne had lived through chapter one, and he really started to live. In chapters two and three, a beautiful blonde in a slinky negligee had just made herself comfortable on Dexter's lap. And guess what happened? A fuse on the plane blew. My reading light went out and I spent the rest of the flight in a dark cabin, in a black mood. Expense Account, Item 3. 250, Cab 50, Airport to the address of Ann Conley, which, for a girl who couldn't afford a detective, was quite a hunk of address. Unless she was living on friends.

[Cora]

Good evening.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good evening.

[Cora]

In case you are looking for Ms. Connolly, she is not here. In fact, she has went out for the entire evening.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Well, I think she's expecting me. At least she sent for me.

[Cora]

She sent for you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. I'm Johnny Dollar from the insurance company.

[Cora]

Oh, how dense of me. She did mention in passing that a detective would show up. Step inside, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Cora]

Just hang up your coat and things. She wishes you to remain until she comes home, which could be anytime after the joints close up.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure.

[Cora]

And in the meantime, I have been instructed to to see that you are comfortable. So, what would you care for a straight slug or a high ball?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, a high ball would be fun.

[Cora]

Step this way, please. Oh, the floor's wet, so watch that throw rug if you don't wish to land on your ear.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. Thanks. It's a nice place. Do you own it?

[Cora]

Most decidedly not. To me it is a sweatshop. I am Cora. I am Miss Connolly's personal maid.

[Johnny Dollar]

Personal maid?

[Cora]

I agree that I do not look the type. I only accepted the position because I was on my uppes. My regular racket is specialty dancing. Please be seated.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks, Cora. If I may call you Cora.

[Cora]

Oh, please do, Cora.

[Johnny Dollar]

As I understand it, Ms. Connolly needed a bodyguard, but she couldn't afford to hire one. So she asked the insurance company that holds a policy in her life to supply one. Well, that's me. And now I find out she lives in a house on the right side of the tracks and has a personal maid. I'm confused.

[Cora]

Listen, Mr. Dollar, it is my opinion that preventive measures should start at home, if you know what I mean.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, I don't.

[Cora]

In other words, she needs a bodyguard like I need a foster mother.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean by that?

[Cora]

From what I have seen, she has more men hanging around to protect her than Princess Margaret. You know, if they were divided into a line in a backfield, they could walk over Notre Dame. Especially a handsome specimen named Ray Merrick, whom she is dating tonight.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what about this guy who's coming out on parole?

[Cora]

Pardon me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Neil Grafter. While he was cooling his heels in prison, she was cooling her love for him. And she's afraid of what will happen when she tells him.

[Cora]

This is news to me. Of course, I have been in Ms. Connolly's employ only a few days, but I have not heard mentioned any kind of a grifter or a stir bum in her past. Now, as regards to your highball, would you care for scotch, bourbon, brandy, soda or plain water?

[Johnny Dollar]

Make it scotch, soda and no ice. Hey, Cora, if you don't mind a compliment, that outfit you're wearing, naked sandals, quilted skirt and that sweater make you look less like a Personal maid. And more like a personal friend of Errol Flynn's.

[Cora]

I should live so long. But I thank you, Peter. Appreciation. It's part of my condition here that I am allowed access to Ms. Connolly's wardrobe. Except for here. We're the same size. Here's your scotch. And thanks. And if there's anything else that would add to your comfort while you wait, name it.

[Johnny Dollar]

All I need now is an easy chair and a lamp. I'll get back to the case of the Playful Siamese.

[Cora]

Pardon me.

[Johnny Dollar]

So there I was, Johnny Dollar with Johnny Walker in one hand, Dexter Payne in the other. And a few questions simmering in my mind. They really boil down to one. Namely, what was I doing there? Oh, well, in chapter five, Dexter finally found a clue. I wish things would work out as easily for me sometime. I was just turning to chapter six, and guess what happened. Ann Connelly came home. Morning, darling.

[Cora]

Have a nice chapter?

[Ray Merrick]

I'm in.

[Johnny Dollar]

The first thing I noticed about Ms. Connolly, after the size of her escort, was that there was more similarity between her and Cora than just body measurements. Their hair was the same shade of brown, and at first glance, at least, even their features were the same. Then she saw me.

[Ann Connolly]

Oh. Oh, you startle me. But you must be Mr. Dollar from the insurance company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Check this.

[Ann Connolly]

Mr. Merrick, my lawyer and my friend.

[Franklin Haley]

How are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you do?

[Ann Connolly]

I hope you've been comfortable.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks, I have. Too comfortable. Usually when I'm sent to guard a body, the body is there to guard, not out on the town until 2:30 in the morning.

[Ann Connolly]

Well, of all the.

[Ray Merrick]

Oh, wait, wait, wait a minute, honey. We thought it was a smart move, Dollar, to get Ann out of the house and keep her out of it until you got here.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Mr. Merrick. While you're in the mood to answer questions, maybe you'll tell me why, with a layout like this and a personal maid, did Ms. Connolly turn herself into a charity case? Why didn't she hire a local muscle man?

[Ann Connolly]

That is none of your business. And if you don't like your work.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go back to Arthur Now.

[Cora]

Go back tonight.

[Ray Merrick]

And, darling, hold your temper. Now, you'll have to forgive Ms. Conley, $. Her nerves are on edge. You can understand that, $. The fact is that she couldn't afford the higher protection. A, because her funds are low at the moment. B, because there's. Well, there's no telling how long she'll need protection. There's no way of knowing when Grafter will show up. Does that answer your question?

[Johnny Dollar]

I had planned a winter In Bermuda. I hope Grafton makes up his mind before the thaw sets in.

[Ann Connolly]

I only hope you're as sure of yourself as you sound, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

I try to be.

[Ray Merrick]

Well, I think I'll skip that drink, Anne. Now that you're in safe hands, I think I'll go home, get some sleep.

[Ann Connolly]

Of course, Ray, if you think it's all right. I'll see you tomorrow.

[Ray Merrick]

Yes, I'll call you in the morning, $.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah?

[Ray Merrick]

If there's trouble tonight, Ann has my phone number.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thanks very much, but I'd rather have a baseball bat. I learned early in my career that an excellent way to court disaster is to wait for trouble because it usually sneaks up behind you. But it was too late then to go looking for it. So I made the rounds of the house, checking the locks on doors and windows. Then I turned off the lights and hunched myself up on a that would have tested the stoicism of a bed of nails type Indian faker and try to stay awake. I wondered about Dexter Payne. I wondered if the playful Siamese was a cat or somebody from cyan. And I just about made up my mind to duck into the closet with my trusty Ronson and read until the fluid ran out. And guess what happened? A door closed cross quietly, and a white robed figure floated toward me.

[Cora]

Mr. Dollar, pardon the intrusion of your privacy, but there are certain things I'd like to hash over with in secret.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait till I see if I can straighten my back, Cora, and I'll make room for you on the couch.

[Cora]

Many thanks.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right.

[Cora]

I hope you don't mind my state of attire, but I didn't bother with the robe in case the noise of the closet door might waken Ms. Conway, that double talking nail.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, here, I'll put my jacket on your shoulders.

[Cora]

Thanks, but I can only stay a minute. Listen, Johnny, you may think me meddlesome since it's none of my affair, but I couldn't help but overhear. And them two were feeding you a line of downright untruths earlier in the.

[Johnny Dollar]

PM well, this is the best news I've had since I got here. Give me more.

[Cora]

It was in regard to Ms. Connelly's financial standards. I happen to know that dame is as solvent as the state of Wisconsin.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, on that I haven't read up.

[Cora]

She's fat. And I'm not casting aspersions on my own figure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, please don't. How'd you find this out, Cora?

[Cora]

It is not that I make a habit of putting my nose where it does not belong. But when I see a book lying open, I can't keep my eyes away.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know just how you feel.

[Cora]

Well, in this case it happened to be our bank book. And with that balance, she could afford J. Edgar Hoover.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Why are you telling me all this? Have you got something against her?

[Cora]

Mr. Dollar, if you are casting aspersions.

[Johnny Dollar]

Upon my honesty, it's only a faint suspicion. But you could be trying to talk me into leaving the case and leaving Ms. Connolly unprotected.

[Cora]

Well, I am thoroughly disappointed. A fine lot of thanks after I brave possible pneumonia or. Cora, it's so happens that I told you because I am a strong believer that it is decidedly crummy for anyone to take advantage of their fellow man.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now look.

[Neil Grafter]

Cor.

[Cora]

But from now on you can take a flying leap. If you were dying of thirst, I would. What's that?

[Johnny Dollar]

As I stumbled across the room and into the pitch black hallway leading to the bedrooms in the rear of the house, I wondered what Dexter Payne would do in a similar situation. To both Dexter and me, life was just a bowl of uncracked nuts, unopened Chinese fortune cakes and unanswered questions headed up by who shot whom.

[Charles Russell]

In just a moment we will return to the second act of Johnny Dollar. But first, the Case of the Paper Stars. A thrilling true story from the Police file starts a three week serialization on CBS's Gangbusters. Tonight. Don't miss the first episode of this story of police on the trail of a gang that terrorized three states. Also on CBS tonight, you'll hear the latest adventures of that famous private eye, Philip Marlow. The adventures of Philip Marlowe and Gangbusters are regular Saturday night features on most of these same CBS stations. Tune in, tune in this fall for.

[Johnny Dollar]

The shows that you you up at the.

[Charles Russell]

Listen carefully.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here's the address. It's cmcbs.

[Charles Russell]

Now with our star Charles Russell, we return to the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Adam Graham]

Help me.

[Ann Connolly]

Somebody help me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ann Connelly's hysterical screams told me the way to a room. But before I got there, a stream of cold night air blowing into the hall through an open door to another bedroom stopped me. The draft was coming from a smashed out window and the smell of cordite that came with it meant that this room had been the shooting gallery. The corner of my eye picked up the corner of a white garage just as a king sized shadow of a man crossed it and I went out after him. I made the garage in a dozen heartbeats. Believe me, the way my heart was Going. That was record time. And as I skidded around the corner, an arm about the size of a fire hose came out of the darkness crooked around my neck. And face that loomed up above and in front of mine was ugly, bearded and wild eyed.

[Neil Grafter]

So you're working against me, too?

[Johnny Dollar]

Let go.

[Ann Connolly]

What the.

[Neil Grafter]

What's the matter with you? Yeah, sure. I let go.

[Johnny Dollar]

You must be Neil Grafter.

[Neil Grafter]

I didn't kill her, did I? Because she wasn't in her bed. Where was she? With you?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, she wasn't with me. What's the matter with you anyway? So she went sour on you. Happens every day. They even write songs like Don't Cry Joe about it. Look, you spend enough time in prison to learn not to like it. Why set yourself up to go back for the rest of your life? He was smart enough to get on a parole. Why don't you get smart enough to pull yourself together?

[Neil Grafter]

Prison? I don't remember any prison. I forget things sometimes. Oh, but I could ask the doctor. No, no, not anymore. Who are you? Another one of her men like Neil?

[Johnny Dollar]

Why don't we go someplace where it's more comfortable? Someplace nice and warm and we'll talk.

[Neil Grafter]

Oh, no. Oh, no. Everybody tries to play tricks on me. Nice and warm with bars on the windows. People making noise all over the place. Well, you're not gonna stop me. Nobody is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why don't you let me help you? There. Come on.

[Neil Grafter]

That's what the doctor kept saying. You're a doctor? Well, I don't need any help. I can do it myself.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, calm down, Grafter.

[Neil Grafter]

With my own hand. Here, I'll show you. No. No. Why should I kill you? Don't help me. Just stay away from me.

[Johnny Dollar]

He went. And what's more, I watched him go. 1. I didn't have enough strength to get off the ground. 2. If I'd had the strength, my extreme dislike of being choked to death would have argued me out of going after him.

[Charles Russell]

3.

[Johnny Dollar]

The guy was obviously nuts. When I finally could make it, I staggered back to the house. You can turn on the lights, Ms. Connelly. He's gone. No, wait a minute. On second thought, maybe we better make sure all the shades are down. He might come back.

[Ann Connolly]

Daddy.

[Cora]

Your throat. What did the love do to you?

[Johnny Dollar]

You might say he saved my life. At least when he got halfway through the job, he changed his mind about killing me.

[Ann Connolly]

You talked to Neil?

[Johnny Dollar]

I tried to, but he didn't understand anything I said. And Ms. Connolly? He didn't talk about wardens and paroles, as in prisons. He talked about doctors and barred windows and noisy people. As in mental hospitals.

[Cora]

Do I translate that to mean that he's off his ruckus?

[Johnny Dollar]

Cora, please go over there and sit down. Woody, I'll get to you later.

[Cora]

Well, pardon me. Just pretend I'm elsewhere someplace. After all, it was only my bed that he blasted.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you hear that, Miss Connolly?

[Ann Connolly]

Yes, yes, I know. It was a horrible thing to do having Cora sleep in my room. I was half crazy with fear. Why doesn't Ray get here? He promised to hurry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe we can air some of the linen before he arrives. Instead of being in prison, which was a story I got, Grafter was in a hospital for the criminally insane, nursing a big yen to ventilate your head. Is. Is that right?

[Cora]

Please.

[Ann Connolly]

Yes, yes, that's true. He escaped a month ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

A month ago?

[Ann Connolly]

Yes. The doctors notified the police here that I was in danger and they supplied a 24 hour guard for the house. But after a month, they decided Neil had gone someplace else, so they withdrew the guard.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, great. So the only people left who cared more about your fate than they did about mine was your insurance company.

[Ann Connolly]

Well, we had to do something, but I didn't have any insurance. What? So Ray bought a policy for me and then we contacted the company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Aha. Legal blackmail, huh? Which brings to mind a meaty little question. Did you lie to the general manager, Franklin Haley, about where and what Grafter really was? Or did that misplaced con man hoodwink me into this mess?

[Ann Connolly]

We told him the truth.

[Johnny Dollar]

I swear we did. I hope he lives through my expense account, because that little trick is gonna cost him. Expense account item 4. $43 breakfast. The next morning, over which I managed to steal a few moments alone with Dexter and his dilemma. In chapter seven, Dexter finally came upon the corpus delicta. The only sign of life in the place was a Siamese cat playing with a ball of string. But before I could find out how the cat figured into things, the phone rang. Hello, Mr. Dollar, please. Yeah, this is Dollar.

[Ann Connolly]

Your call to Mel William State Hospital is ready.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, fine.

[Dr. Downer]

Go ahead, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hello, Dr. Downer here.

[Dr. Downer]

Who is that, please? I. I am so busy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, this is Johnny Dollar, Doctor. I'm an insurance investigator.

[Dr. Downer]

But I don't want any. I am so busy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, Doctor. Investigator. I want to talk to you about a patient of yours, Neil Grafter.

[Cora]

Grafter?

[Dr. Downer]

Oh, yeah, yeah, the paranoid schizophrenic. Oh, a very interesting case. A complete fragmentation of the mind, total loss of synthesis. But he is no longer here. For a while.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I know he was here last night, but was what?

[Dr. Downer]

Oh, what was his condition? Perhaps a state of passive negativism.

[Johnny Dollar]

All I know about his condition is that it's dangerous. He tried to kill his ex girlfriend.

[Dr. Downer]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember. Extremely strong obsession.

[Johnny Dollar]

An extremely strong man. Look, I've been hired to protect this woman. Now what I want to know is will he try again?

[Dr. Downer]

There is no doubt.

[Johnny Dollar]

When? Tonight.

[Dr. Downer]

I would say tonight. The degree of hallucinatory enmity towards this woman and everybody about her. The depths of his.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute, Doctor. Wait a minute. You're way over my head. But you do think he'll be back tonight?

[Dr. Downer]

I am positive.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you, Dr. Kildare. And all Dexter has to worry about is a playful Siamese. Waiting for a paranoia killer can be depressing all by itself. But to make it more so. In Milwaukee the sun went into hiding behind a layer of dark gray clouds about 4pm and it started to snow. It had the mood of Wuthering Heights with icicles. At 5:30, daylight shut down. The night shift took over. And at 8, after a dinner that nobody dined on. I didn't brush my teeth, I lied in them.

[Ray Merrick]

And what kind of protective measures do you propose to make tonight? $oh, none.

[Johnny Dollar]

As far as I'm concerned, this is a night off. Dr. Downer out at the hospital who knows Grafter better than anyone else, says he won't be back tonight.

[Ann Connolly]

Oh, I wish we could be sure of that.

[Ray Merrick]

Yeah, so do I. How can he make such a positive statement?

[Johnny Dollar]

Probably because he spent his life with people like Grafter. No, I'd tell you there's nothing to worry about. Ms. Connolly, I want you and Ray to go out just like you did last night. Cora and I will stay here.

[Ann Connolly]

All right, if you think it's the thing to do.

[Ray Merrick]

I'm worried about Cora. After what happened to her bed last night, how can we protect her?

[Johnny Dollar]

It's a little late to worry about that after you set her up. But forget it. Just to make it safe. She won't be in that room. I will. Expense account item 5, $50 refreshments. I needed something to bolster my courage so I ordered it. At 2:30am things were looking good for Neil Grafter. Ray Merrick and Ann Connelly had returned from their date. Merrick had left. Ms. Ann Connelly was trying to sleep in her room. Cora was on the couch in the living room. And there was a rolled up blanket in her bed to make it look like that's where she was. And me I was out in the snow, huddled near the incinerator with an iron poker freezing to my hand, with a good view of the house and a poor outlook on life. Nothing happened till about 4 o'clock. That's when I spotted a familiar looking big shadow of a man moving across the garage toward the house. I got up, but a flurry of wind driven snow swept in front of me. And when it had passed, I could still see the window to Cora's room, but I couldn't see the man. Then I heard him at Ann Connolly's window. He started away from the house and I started toward him. I met him under the clothesline on a flying tackle.

[Franklin Haley]

No.

[Neil Grafter]

No. Let go of me, Merrick. Let me go. Get away from me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh, Merrick. But I'll put you away. Well, how do you like that? When an insurance policy enters a picture, you can't even depend on a maniac.

[Cora]

Well, just one more then, to pacify my nerves. They're jumping.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now take it easy, Cora. This is a fine time to start falling to pieces.

[Cora]

Oh, why doesn't the doctor get here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't worry, he's coming. I've called for an ambulance.

[Cora]

If Ms. Connolly kicks off, I will hold him personally responsible.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, Cora, I appreciate your feeling toward your fellow man, but Miss Connolly made a pigeon out of you. She hired you because you looked like her. She had you parade around in front of those windows wearing her clothes.

[Cora]

I am aware of all those double dealings.

[Johnny Dollar]

She even had you sleeping in her room where Grafter almost blasted you. Now what I want to know is why are you so anxious about her recovery?

[Cora]

Because she owes me a week's pay. If this sawbones doesn't pull her through, I'll sue the City of Milwaukee for my arrears.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense Accounts, Item 6. $150 for services rendered while I was on the giving end of a blood transfusion which Ann Connelly needed before she could be moved. One item at least that you shouldn't balk at. Since she is your policyholder, the doctors give her a 5050 chance to live. But even if the scales tip the other way, I think your money is safe. Because her beneficiary, Ray Merrick, is guilty, among other things, of attempted fraud. Since he planned on having Neil Grafter blamed for the shooting. He did. Expense account im 7 $0.05 newspaper which reported that the police had returned Grafter to the hospital from which he had escaped. He did come back, as Dr. Kildare said he would, but he was a little late and missed the party. Item 8$55 Airfare, Milwaukee to Hartford. Expense account total. Oh, yeah, Dexter Payne. You know, I never did finish that book after those cats I'd been jiving with. I couldn't care less about a playful Siamese. Expense account total $845.30. Signed yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Charles Russell]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes and stars Charles Russell. Script by Paul Dudley and Gil Dove. Featured in the cast were Betty Lou Gerson, Sandra Gould, Bill Johnstone, John D. Bill Conrad. The special music is written and conducted by Leith Stevens. Your announcer is Bob Stevenson. Be sure to be with us at the same time next week when another unusual expense account is handed in by.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Charles Russell]

A whale of a Christmas present for a few moments. Brain scratching could be. There's $54,000 in the Sing It Again jackpot now. 25,000 of it in cold hard cash and the rest in wonderful prizes. By just listening in to Sing It Again tonight, you get a fine free Christmas present. Lots of amusing riddles, plenty of good music, and maybe you'll get that $54,000 call from Danny Seymour. Singin Again is heard for a full hour every Saturday night on most of these same CBS stations. Stay tuned now for the Vaughn Monroe Caravan, which follows immediately over most of these same stations. This is CBS where yours truly, Johnny Dollar meets adventure every Saturday night. The Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I enjoyed that. I loved how he got just so aggressive with the expense account once he found out that he was being. But I do like Johnny in here. I think he's got a very, you know, there's a bit of lightness and humor to him, but he's also serious about his business and really makes some good observations. The one thing I think that he missed was not immediately catching that the look alike woman was a decoy because that seemed kind of obvious. But other than that, I thought this was a really enjoyable episode. And I think we've got quite a bit to look forward to when we get to the Charles Russell episodes as we go back through the series later on this year. Now, before we get into listener comments, there was one thing I did need to mention, and that is, and you may have seen the video on Twitter or Facebook, but I have actually been receiving some mail to my PO Box addressed to James Bond and they both been a couple of CDs. Now my presumption, you know, on this entire issue is because essentially they were sent, they were addressed to James Bond, there was no return address and there was way too much postage for a CD on it, which is all signs of suspicious mail. And I've essentially refused delivery of those. And my suspicion is that it is a malicious software of some sort that was sent to the P.O. box, and that's why I'm refusing it. Now. If I have made a mistake in judgment and somebody out there is sending stuff to the PO Box anonymously, you know, and it's, you know, and on the CD there are lost great radio programs or something like that, you need to get in touch with me before sending that so that I can evaluate it. I'm not going to stick a CD that somebody I've never heard from sends me in the mail because those sorts of things can have, you know, malware on them, you know, Trojan horses, ransomware, all that kind of nasty stuff, and, you know, even more nasty stuff. So if somebody is setting it out there and there isn't a malicious attempt, you need to get in touch with me because essentially anything that's sent that way is just going to be refused. All right, well, listener comments now. And we have a couple regarding the Sherlock Holmes with Tom Conway. In our Listener's Choice Countdown, Lawrence writes in approvingly, One of my favorite actors portraying my favorite fictional character, Tony, says that the Adventure of the Devil's Foot is one of his favorite stories. And then Bishop Andrew emails in Dear Adam, oh, I think you can be sure that the wicked brother was J. Novello. His voice is unique and really impossible to miss. Hope you have a great Easter. Well, thank you so much, Bishop Andrew. And I'm fairly, yeah, I'm pretty confident about it. The more I think I'm hesitant in voice statements or questions, questions that I make listening to programs just because I remember some times where I've made some errors in identification. I misidentified Alan Reed's voice. And I don't know how you do that, but I did that was way back during season one. So hopefully I've gotten better. Well, I do want to thank our Patreon of the Day. Thanks so much to Richard, who has been one of our Patreon supporters since April of 2018, and he's currently supporting us at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. And that will actually do it for today. Join us back here tomorrow for Dr. Tim Detective. And then a week from tomorrow, we will be back with a previously uncirculated episode of Richard Diamond. And we'll be back next Monday with number 16 in our listener's Choice Countdown. In the meantime, send your comments to box [e-mail]. follow us over on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook comradetactives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.