Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Baldero Matter (EP4950)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Baldero Matter (EP4950)
Host: Adam Graham
Air Date: April 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic installment of “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar,” insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called to look into a bizarre claim—piracy in the modern era! A prestigious yacht, the Baldero, has been robbed of nearly $400,000 in jewelry and valuables off the coast of Mexico, supposedly by masked pirates. As Johnny investigates, he uncovers a web of secrets, grudges, and a possible inside job. The whodunnit unfolds among privileged high society, and Johnny’s cynicism—and fists—are tested before the case is solved.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Case Introduction & Set-Up

[02:11]

• Johnny Dollar is contacted by his superior Pat McCracken from Universal Adjustment Bureau in Hartford.
• Pat: “Can you grab a plane out to the West Coast?...Your contact will be Arthur at Western Maritime and Property office in Beverly Hills.”
• Main issue: A claim of modern-day piracy. Dollar is skeptical about “piracy” still occurring, but is urged to investigate.

2. The Yacht and the Victims

[04:28]

• The client is Harry Balderston, a wealthy Beverly Hills stockbroker — owner of the luxury yacht Baldero.
• The yacht was reportedly robbed by two armed men, described as pirates wearing raincoats and nylon stockings over their faces.
• Guests included Harry and his wife, the Hoopers, young Richard Spidel, and Lee Wilway.
• The valuables: $394,000 in jewelry and other goods primarily belonging to the ladies.

Memorable quote — Arthur (Insurance Man):
"It's over 100ft from stem to stern..." [06:31]

3. Interviews and Suspicion

[08:16]

• Johnny interviews Mr. and Mrs. Balderston at their grand Beverly Hills estate.
  • Both provide limited, vague details about the “piracy” ("We were just killing time until it was time to head north to San Francisco..." [11:14]).
  • The timeline of events and route taken appears unclear.
• Only guest Lee Wilway claims to have seen the getaway boat: describes a "long, black speedboat." [12:02]

4. The Investigation Deepens

[12:46]

• Johnny finds discrepancies and holes in the story—timing, who saw what, why the radio failed only after Lee Wilway had been using it.
• Mrs. Hooper: Doesn’t think it really took 12 hours to get back to port, as Harry claimed.

Quote — Johnny Dollar (narration): “There was something very funny about this whole thing, but I wasn’t quite sure just what.” [12:46]

5. Lee Wilway’s Perspective

[13:19]

• Lee is evasive but charming. She affirms not recognizing the pirates but reiterates the “solid black speedboat.” Her description and demeanor make Johnny suspicious that she and Larry Balderston (Harry’s son) might be covering something up.
• Lee tries to seduce Johnny into staying longer:
  “I’m not used to being turned down, Johnny.” [15:38]

6. A Suspicious Attack & Bribe

[17:44]

• Johnny is ambushed in a parking lot. When he comes to, he finds $500 and a note urging him to leave town as the stolen items have been returned.

7. The Truth Emerges

[18:36]

• Richard Spidel (one of the guests) suggests that the robbery was an inside job—staged by Larry Balderston and likely Lee Wilway. Motive: family intrigue and social manipulation to undermine Lee’s relationship with Larry.
  • “Mrs. Balderston...hoped it would break off this rather sordid romance.” [19:22]
  • The “pirates” used Larry’s mahogany speedboat, not a black one as Lee said.

8. Confession and Resolution

[21:15]

• Johnny confronts Larry, who is cornered and confesses to the staged piracy.
• Family tensions and spoiled-rich-kid drama come to the surface.
• All stolen goods have been mysteriously returned to the yacht.

Key moment — Johnny confronts Larry: "Okay, okay, I did it...I rigged the whole thing, Jimmy Driscoll and I. Because I was fed up with the way Mother was trying to run my life." [21:47]

9. Case Closed

[22:59]

• Johnny Dollar wraps up the case with characteristic dry humor, handing over the bribe money and passing on further fees.
• Family acknowledges mutual faults but chooses not to pursue charges.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On disbelief in modern piracy:
  “In this day and age? A bunch of bearded gorillas stripped to the waist, bandanas wrapped around their heads, waving cutlasses.”
  — Johnny Dollar [05:04]

• Skepticism and early suspicion:
  “There was something very funny about this whole thing, but I wasn’t quite sure just what.”
  — Johnny Dollar [12:46]

• Evasive charm:
  “I’m not used to being turned down, Johnny.”
  — Lee Wilway [15:38]

• Richard Spidel’s snobbery:
  “She is a rather common person, rather cheap...Mrs. Balderston hoped it would break off this rather sordid romance.”
  — Richard Spidel [18:59, 19:22]

• The confession:
  “Okay, okay, I did it. I rigged the whole thing, Jimmy Driscoll and I. Because I was fed up with the way Mother was trying to run my life.”
  — Larry Balderston [21:47]

• Family resignation:
  “I’ve spoiled him, too. It’s been my fault as much as his mother’s.”
  — Harry Balderston [22:28]

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Host Commentary (Adam Graham)

[25:34]

• Adam notes the credibility stretch of Johnny Dollar not understanding modern piracy.
  "That just doesn't make sense for someone who works in the insurance industry, particularly to the degree that Johnny does."
• Praises the episode for its energy and large cast, reflecting changes in radio advertising and industry structure.
• Appreciates the multiple sponsors’ format reminiscent of modern TV.
• Extra enjoyment: Johnny “got to not only solve the case, but punch out an entitled rich kid and get paid handsomely for it.”

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Listener Feedback Highlights

[25:34–29:50]

• Facebook: Listeners enjoyed recurring characters and the interplay in ongoing stories.
• Instagram: Positive remarks on original old-time radio commercials being left in.
• YouTube: Comments on the growing subscriber count and the show’s loyal audience.

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• [02:11] Case is assigned to Johnny Dollar
• [06:08] Arthur’s background on victims and yacht
• [08:16] Interview with Harry Balderston
• [12:46] Johnny’s suspicions deepen
• [13:19] Lee Wilway: seduction and statement
• [17:44] Johnny attacked and bribed
• [18:36] Richard Spidel reveals inside info
• [21:15] Balderston family confrontation and confession
• [25:34] Adam Graham’s analysis and audience letters

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Summary and Tone

The story is a tightly-woven social mystery with an undercurrent of family dysfunction and upper-crust pettiness, true to the wry, skeptical tone of Johnny Dollar. The host’s commentary is good-humored and reflective, enhancing the nostalgia for old-time radio while providing modern context and listener engagement. This episode features snappy dialogue, memorable character voices, and an insider’s look at affluence, motive, and fraud.

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Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar continues to deliver witty, engaging mysteries — and this episode’s high-society “piracy” is both a fun period piece and a clever human drama.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Garnier Representative]

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[Harry Balderston]

Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your Facebook favorite podcast software. And remember, when you're making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com johnnydoller air.com is a Priceline affiliate link. So part of the purchase price supports the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember johnnydoller air.com but now, from March 15, 1959, here is the Boldero matter.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Fire him now, whore.

[Lee Wilway]

Johnny Dollar, I have your call to Universal Adjustment Bureau in Hartford.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thank you, operator. Hello? Pat McCracken. Johnny Dollar. Pat? Oh, Johnny, I've been trying to reach you. Yeah, I'm in Sarasota, Florida.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Huh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Been down here the better part of a week and just thought I'd check to see Johnny. I'm glad you called. Can you grab a plane out to the West Coast? Don't see why not. Good.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Your contact will be Arthur Arthur at

[Johnny Dollar]

Western Maritime and Property office in Beverly Hills.

[Commercial Announcer]

Got it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's it all about, Pat? Piracy, according to him. What was that? You heard me. Now for a second there, I thought you said piracy. Maybe you'd better go out there and see him, huh? Yeah, but I still don't believe it.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Welcome, William Bendick.

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

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[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

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[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

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[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

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[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Western Maritime and Property Insurance Company, Beverly Hills office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Baldero matter. Expense Account, Item 1, 146, 85. Plane Ticket to Los Angeles. Earl Foreman, with whom I just finished working on a case, drove me from Sarasota to the international airport in Tampa. I don't know. Why not? Johnny, Are you kidding? In this day and age? A bunch of bearded gorillas stripped to the waist, bandanas wrapped around their heads, waving cutlasses.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

I didn't say that.

[Johnny Dollar]

John and.

[Andy]

And.

[Johnny Dollar]

And Long John Silver, I suppose, leading the boarding party. Oh, Earl, that kind of stuff went on a couple of hundred years ago. Sure, sure. But do you remember that palatial yacht that was boarded and taken over just off San Salvador about a year ago? Convicts from a prison colony on the island of Isabella. They had control of that yacht for three days, Johnny. And when they left, they took along everything of value they could get their hands on. Yeah, I remember. You don't call that piracy? Well, maybe. So you think that's what happened in this case? There's only one way to find out. The flight to Los Angeles was uneventful, thanks to the time zone differential. It was only 4:30pm when I arrived. Item 2. $6 even for a cab to the Beverly Hilton, where I park my bags. Item 3. 10 cents for a phone call to Arthur. Arthur, who, if I remember correctly, was quite a character. Good insurance man, but, well, a character. Item 4. 75 cents for a cab to his office on Wilshire Boulevard.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Yes, it all happened somewhere off the coast of Mexico. Mr. Baldestan and his party were just cruising around. They were just taking life easy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Baldeston is the owner of the yacht HB Boston.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Oh, he's a big stockbroker. He lives here in Beverly Hills. It's 3144 North Roxbury Drive.

[Johnny Dollar]

And what's the name of his yacht?

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

The Valdero. Oh, it is a tremendous engine.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

It's from.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

It's over 100ft from stem to stand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow, 100ft long. Arthur, where does he keep it now? Oh, at his dock.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

He's down there in Balboa.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know where?

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Balboa?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, yes.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Oh, one of the nicest places by the ocean in all of California.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Johnny, if I ever wanted to retire, who were the guests on board?

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Well, let me see. His wife, of course, and Mr. And Mrs. Gerald Hooper and young Richard Spidel and Lee Woolway.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just cruising around, huh?

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Yes, but they'd planned to sail on up to San Francisco for that big charity ball up there on the 30th. That's why they all had their finest clothes and most expensive jewelry with them. Oh, yes, sir. $394,000 worth of jewelry. Stolen? Oh, yes, plus a few other things, too. Mostly silverware, things like that. Actually, it was reported to me by one of the guests on the yacht. These.

[Johnny Dollar]

These pirates simply pulled alongside in the middle of the night, held them at gunpoint, took the stuff and left.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

That's right, Jeffrey. There were two of them. Oh, my, they must have been horrid fellas.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just where off the coast of Mexico did this happen?

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Well, I'm not quite sure. Mr. Balderston was there. Well, he was kind of vague about where it happened. You know, he's kind of vague.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I better talk to him.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Yes, by all means, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Art, I'll see you later. Item 5, 50 bucks deposited on a rental car. I drove to the Balderstones home on North Roxbury. It was a tremendous place in one of the most wealthy parts of Beverly Hills. A snazzy looking sports car was parked in the broad driveway. And as I walked up to the front door, another car, a big sedan, pulled in the drive. A heavy set, well dressed, rather nice looking man of about 50, got out of it and came over to me.

[Harry Balderston]

Are you looking for someone, young man?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I believe this is the Baldiston residence.

[Harry Balderston]

That's right. And I'm Harry Balderston.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, my name is Dollar, Mr. Balderston.

[Harry Balderston]

Johnny Dollar. The insurance investigator that Mr. Arthur sent for.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right, sir.

[Harry Balderston]

Well, come in. Come in we'll have a cocktail or two. I understand it's that time of day. And I'm sure you won't object.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not of that.

[Harry Balderston]

Good. And I'll tell you all about the unfortunate affair aboard the Boldero. Happened just night before last, you know.

[Johnny Dollar]

So I understand. But I'm not quite clear as to just exactly where you were when it happened.

[Harry Balderston]

Down off the Mexican coast.

[Johnny Dollar]

$.

[Harry Balderston]

Sit down, sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Harry Balderston]

Yes, it took us nearly 12 hours to get back to Balboa. And at 11 knots, well, you can figure it out for yourself. Mary Lee.

[Lee Wilway]

Yes, Harry?

[Harry Balderston]

Come on down, dear. I want you to meet Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Lee Wilway]

Oh, all right, dear.

[Harry Balderston]

Now I'll pour us a drink and tell you all about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

So he poured, his wife joined us and we talked. But I'm afraid I didn't learn much more than I already knew. They'd both been asleep when it happened. The so called pirates had come aboard very quietly. Both they and their guests had been held in their respective cabins by one of the men while the other gathered the loot. The men had worn long oilskin raincoats, had nylon stockings pulled over their faces, conceal their identity. Only one of the guests, Lee Wilway, had even seen the boat they'd used. Balderson never did tell me definitely where it happened. And the more I listened, the more suspicious I got. Yeah, suspicious of him.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

And now, Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the.

[Harry Balderston]

Well Dollar. It was hard to tell just where we were. I keep an engineer on board and he'd been at the wheel most of the day.

[Johnny Dollar]

But you were anchored for the night.

[Harry Balderston]

Yeah, that's right. You see, we were just killing time until it was time to head north to San Francisco. And that charity ball the ladies wanted to go to.

[Lee Wilway]

Yes, the charity ball. And after waiting two months, now I suppose we'll just have to forget it with all our jewelry gone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Didn't you check your position to find your way back to Balboa?

[Harry Balderston]

Just headed east, then follow the shoreline.

[Johnny Dollar]

You say that one of your guests. Incidentally, I want to check with them.

[Harry Balderston]

Oh, by all means.

[Lee Wilway]

I'll give you their addresses.

[Harry Balderston]

Yes, there may have been details that we've forgotten, overlooked. After all, we were a bit upset over what had happened and probably more than a little confused.

[Lee Wilway]

Well, I know I was.

[Johnny Dollar]

You said that one of your friends got a look at the boat these men use.

[Harry Balderston]

Yes, yes, Lee Wilway ran up on deck. Of course it was dark and there was some fog, but Lee said it was a black boat.

[Lee Wilway]

Well, now you.

[Harry Balderston]

A long, black speedboat.

[Lee Wilway]

Maybe. By the time the rest of us got up there, it had completely disappeared.

[Harry Balderston]

Then I had the beacon start the diesels and we made the run back to Balboa.

[Johnny Dollar]

You notified the Coast Guard? Of course.

[Harry Balderston]

Not until he got in.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Harry Balderston]

Well, Lee had been fooling with the radio earlier. The rest of us were in the main cabin playing cards and, well, when we tried to send out a call,

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

the transmitter wouldn't work.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I find this Lee Wilway here.

[Lee Wilway]

I've written down the address for you and our other guests too. Mr. And Mrs. Hooper and Richard Spidel.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Harry Balderston]

Now, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Balderston.

[Harry Balderston]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll see you later.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

There was something very funny about this whole thing, but I wasn't quite sure just what. I checked with Mr. And Mrs. Hooper. Elderly, very quiet and dignified. Their story was the same as the Baldiston's, except in one thing. They weren't at all sure it had taken them any 12 hours to get back to port. I drove to the address of Lee Willway. It was a small apartment below Wilshire. After all of Lee was the only one awake and alert enough to have taken a good look at the pirates in their boats. Yeah, and what about the yachts radio? That wouldn't work after Lee had spent the evening fooling with it.

[Lee Wilway]

Yes?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I beg. Well, that is. I'm looking for Lee Willway.

[Lee Wilway]

I'm Lee. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Believe me, Charles of the Ritz would have been proud of this one. A living doll 23 or 4. She was tall, slim, and a pretty face top with red hair that looked oh, so carefully disarranged. Yeah, she was a beauty. And yet, as we talked, I couldn't quite picture this gal on a yachting trip with a Baldiston.

[Lee Wilway]

Gee, no. I haven't the least idea where we were when it happened, Johnny. It could have been a million miles out to sea. But if Baldi. I mean, Mr. Baldiston says it took us 12 hours to get back. It must have taken us 12 hours.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're sure you didn't recognize either of the men who boarded the yachtley, huh?

[Lee Wilway]

I certainly didn't. But I saw the boat they had with a long black one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Solid black.

[Lee Wilway]

Solid black.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did anyone else on board see that boat?

[Lee Wilway]

No. At least I don't think so.

[Johnny Dollar]

What did you do after they left?

[Lee Wilway]

Went up to the bridge to the radio. Didn't they tell you to call the Coast Guard? Yeah, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

They said you were at the radio earlier.

[Lee Wilway]

Yes, just listening. But after it was over and I tried to call the Coast Guard, well, it just wouldn't work. Like another drink, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

The Baldistons and Hoopers were playing bridge earlier.

[Lee Wilway]

Yes. Look, Johnny, have you had dinner yet?

[Johnny Dollar]

Where were the other guests?

[Lee Wilway]

Dicky boy?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, Dick Spital.

[Lee Wilway]

No, I didn't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

And what did he do after you were bored and robbed?

[Lee Wilway]

Probably down in his cabin with his head under the COVID scared to death he had any nerve. He could have stopped them, too.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Lee Wilway]

Well, his was the one cabin they didn't go into. They didn't bother him. And he knew there was a rifle they used for shooting sharks. He knew it was on the rack just outside his door. And if he'd come up shooting with it while those pirates would have jumped overboard and run for home. I just bet they would.

[Johnny Dollar]

Apparently, you don't think much of this Dick Spital, would you?

[Lee Wilway]

I mean, acting like that. I mean, doing nothing when he could have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Incidentally, when I stopped at the Baldeston's, I saw a sports car outside.

[Lee Wilway]

Oh, yeah? Isn't that a dream boat? It's Larry's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's Larry?

[Lee Wilway]

Larry Balderston. He's my. Oh, gee, Johnny, I'm getting hungry. Why don't we have another drink and then have some dinner?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't.

[Lee Wilway]

I'm not used to being turned down, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'm sorry, but there are a couple of people I've got to see.

[Lee Wilway]

Oh, like who?

[Johnny Dollar]

Your friend Dick Spidel, among Others.

[Lee Wilway]

Oh.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll see you later, Lee.

[Lee Wilway]

I'll be here, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I guess I'm not as familiar with the streets of Los Angeles as I thought. It took me over half an hour to find Spidel's apartment. It was one of those ultra swank affairs just off Sweetser Avenue, below the famous Sunset Strip. I parked under a big palm tree. Then as I backed out of my car, another one roared up and stopped behind me where the headlights partly blinded me.

[Commercial Announcer]

Just a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

You.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, Johnny Dollar, huh? That's right. Who are you? Here.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

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[Johnny Dollar]

The headlights of my attacker's car had partly blinded me, but I'd seen enough of it to know it was the same one I'd seen at the home of Mr. Baldiston. Yeah, his son Larry's. But I came to find myself parked behind the wheel of my own car, and lying on the seat beside me were five crisp hundred dollar bills and a note. Take this money and get out of town, it said. You have no case anyway because the things that were stolen off the yacht have been returned. So you may as well leave while you have your health. No signature. There was only one person in the world I wanted to see at that moment. Larry Balderson. But I felt a bit rocky since I was at the front door of Dick Spidel's apartment, since I'd really come to see him. And if I was lucky, he might have a good Stiff drink, Andy?

[Richard Spidel]

Feeling better now, Mr. Darlow?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I am. Thanks, Dick.

[Richard Spidel]

It's Richard, if you don't mind.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, sure, but go on with what you were saying.

[Richard Spidel]

Well, the whole thing was absurd, of course, but the only reason Mrs. Balderson insisted on taking Lee on that yachting trip into the charity affair, and, of course, I was supposed to be her escort, was to shame her, to show her up.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you mean?

[Richard Spidel]

Well, after all, in spite of her beauty, she is a rather common person, rather cheap. So Mrs. Balderston hopes that facing her with the ladies and gentlemen who attend the ball would embarrass her.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I see.

[Richard Spidel]

That she'd realize she has no place among people like ourselves.

[Johnny Dollar]

People like you are just too good for her. Well, to put it bluntly, yes.

[Richard Spidel]

In any event, Mrs. Balderston hoped it would break off this rather sordid romance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Romance?

[Richard Spidel]

She and Lawrence Balderstone. Larry, she calls him. And Lee is only after his money.

[Johnny Dollar]

But I take it Larry got wind of this little plan.

[Richard Spidel]

Lawrence said that he would prevent its being carried out if it was the last thing he ever did.

[Johnny Dollar]

So he staged the piracy bet.

[Richard Spidel]

Oh, I'm sure it was.

[Johnny Dollar]

He.

[Richard Spidel]

He's always done silly things like that, Mr. Dollar. Rich, headstrong, spoiled as he is. So when I heard the noise up on deck, I simply locked myself in my cabin and refused to budge when he and whoever he had helping him boarded the yacht.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Or because you were scared.

[Johnny Dollar]

I beg your pardon. Thanks a lot, Dick.

[Richard Spidel]

It's Rich.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, and incidentally.

[Richard Spidel]

Yes?

[Johnny Dollar]

You think Lee Wilway was in on it too? That. That's why she spent so much time on the ship's radio earlier in the evening.

[Richard Spidel]

Indubitably. So that she could guide him to the yacht in his speedboat. His speedboat, of course, has all sorts of radio equipment aboard.

[Johnny Dollar]

What color is that speedboat?

[Richard Spidel]

Mahogany. Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

We said the pirates were using a solid black boat.

[Lee Wilway]

Which simply proves she was onto his plan.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean? Well, the stupid.

[Richard Spidel]

The wench was lying, that's all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, maybe you're right. Thanks, Dick.

[Richard Spidel]

It's Richard, if you don't know.

[Lee Wilway]

Oh, Mr. Dollar, do come in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you, Mrs. Wollaston.

[Lee Wilway]

My husband's on the telephone talking to the engineer of our yacht down in Balboa. And what do you think has happened?

[Johnny Dollar]

I think I can guess.

[Harry Balderston]

Fine. Just stay on watch and I'll be back down there to pick those things up in the morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Goodbye.

[Harry Balderston]

It's true, Mary B. Whoever took them from us returned everything to the boat. Everything is. Oh, Mr. Dollar, did you hear that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I heard. Where's your son, Larry, or Lawrence or

[Commercial Announcer]

whatever you call him?

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Larry?

[Harry Balderston]

Well, as a matter of fact, the

[Lee Wilway]

dear boy came in just a little while ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where is he?

[Lee Wilway]

In the study, I believe. He said he had a call to make on the other phone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Lee Wilway]

Why, what's wrong? Mr. Dollar? Mr. Dollar.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Yes, I saw you through the window, Lee, trying to make up to that guy Dollar. And let me tell you this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let me give you this.

[Lee Wilway]

Larry.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Larry.

[Lee Wilway]

What is it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Want some more, Larry? Now, listen, $.

[Lee Wilway]

Well, if that's the way you feel about it, you and that family of yours can. Well, I'm set up.

[Johnny Dollar]

I said, do you want some more or do you want to start talking? Okay, okay, I did it.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

I rigged the whole thing, Jimmy Driscoll and I. Because I was fed up with the way Mother was trying to run my life. Yeah, but maybe she was right about Lee after all.

[Harry Balderston]

Of course she was, son.

[Lee Wilway]

Why, of course, dear.

[Johnny Dollar]

But.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Now, look, darling, if you think you

[Johnny Dollar]

can get away with barging in here and slugging me. Oh, you.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Yes. Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Enough, Larry.

[Lee Wilway]

Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

You had enough?

[Richard Spidel]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay. Sorry, Mr. Balderston, but I kind of owed it to him. $.

[Harry Balderston]

I've been hoping somebody do that for a long time.

[Lee Wilway]

What?

[Harry Balderston]

Sure, I. I've spoiled him, too. It's been my fault as much as his mother's.

[Lee Wilway]

My fault.

[Harry Balderston]

But I never had any idea he'd

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

carry things as far as he did.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course, if you like, sir, I could prefer assault charges for his attack on me earlier.

[Harry Balderston]

No, no, no, I don't think it'll be necessary. And I'm much obliged to you, but my poor boy. Just leave him alone. Mary Lee, suppose you leave us alone while I settle things with Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Fee on this case. Forget it. The 500 that Larry mistakenly tried to bribe me with, plus a nice fat check from Mr. Baldiston. Well, much as the thought of it hurts me, let's forget the expense account, too, okay? Okay. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Our star will return in just a moment. Now, here's our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week. Oh, wait a minute. Related Congratulations to station WGLS in Beckley, West Virginia, on its 20th anniversary. Next week, I really go fishing. Yeah, for a body in the middle of Lake Mead. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator/Announcer (Commercials and Transitions)]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Eleanor Audley, Vic Perrin, Howard McNear, Larry Dobkin, will Wright, Carlton G. Young and Jack Edwards. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberly speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is the story of the 1. As a maintenance tech at a university, he knows ordering from multiple suppliers takes time away from keeping their arena up and running. That's why he counts on Grainger to get everything he needs, from lighting and H vac parts to plumbing supplies all in one place. And with fast, dependable delivery, he's stocked and ready for the next tip off. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I think the one thing that I struggled to buy on this episode is Johnny not understanding how modern day pirates work. That just doesn't make sense for someone who works in the insurance industry, particularly to the degree that Johnny does. I think it may have been to give a point of information to the audience, but this feels like this would have worked better as narration. Other than that, I found this a pretty enjoyable story. Other than getting knocked down, this was a pretty good case for Johnny. He got to not only solve the case, but punch out an entitled rich kid and get paid handsomely for it. Also, this did seem like a much bigger cast than we've been getting in recent weeks. It does make me wonder if there might have been some increase in budget tied to the sponsor ads that appeared in this episode. And this really reflected a broader industry shift as we moved away from shows having single sponsors or maybe two sponsors, which NBC did a couple of times with a few shows in the early 50s. Here you've got multiple sponsors each buying a spot and this was becoming the norm on television as well. And so this reminds me a lot of the structure of programming when I was watching television when I was a kid. Although I do think one thing that Johnny Dollar would do is it would often have too frequent commercial breaks, but only a single break each time. I personally prefer fewer breaks but a little bit longer. I will also say the fram oil filter commercial was really interesting and I would be checking my oil filter if the Contest hadn't ended 20 plus years before I was born. But anyway, we turn now to listener comments and feedback and we start over on Facebook where regarding the episode the Blue Madonna Matter, Joey writes great to hear from the Gray Cat again and looking forward to more episodes with him. Well, he's not in a lot of episodes, but he comes by every now and Again. And we'll definitely have some interesting times ahead. And then over on Instagram, we have a comment. Janine, who writes on Instagram, I'm 100% old time radio commercials. Please keep leaving them in. Appreciate the feedback and I hope you enjoyed this week's episode. And then listener writes over on YouTube. Haven't even paid attention. You are knocking on 20,000 subscribers. Way to go. And as of this recording, we're getting close. We're at 19,391 subscribers on YouTube, which isn't a huge YouTube channel by any means, but given that we spent so many years under 10,000, it's great to see where it is. And I appreciate all the folks who are listening and subscribing over on YouTube for all of their support. And now it's time to go ahead and thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank Larry, patreon supporter since July 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Larry. 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 us from. We'll be back in two weeks with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow as we give way to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and counterspy, where

[Andy]

I know some of us here paid a little more for our houses than the rest of us. A larger house or more land. But whatever you paid, I think we're all agreed that it was too much for what we got.

[Johnny Dollar]

No question about that.

[Andy]

Now, our individual complaints are pretty similar. Green wood, flooded cellars, crumbling foundations, poor flashings, bad drainage. Well, you know them as well as I do.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Perhaps better, Andy.

[Andy]

Perhaps. But the point is, the majority of them can be repaired.

[Johnny Dollar]

At whose expense?

[Andy]

Yeah, I don't want to sink any.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Any more money into my house.

[Andy]

You won't have to, Tommy. At least I hope not.

[Johnny Dollar]

And who will, Mr. Gora?

[Andy]

If we all stick together, Mr. Bradley, I think we can make the Oak Nub Real estate company bear the expense.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

What? You've been drinking, Andy.

[Andy]

No, I'm serious.

[Johnny Dollar]

But I stream.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

Yeah, but that's all it is.

[Andy]

Mr. Hobbs of the real estate company

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

has only one interest in these houses now.

[Andy]

It's not repairing them, it's collecting on the mortgages. Right, Tommy? And that's our weapon. We refuse to pay those mortgages.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Andy]

Until steps are taken to remedy our complaints.

[Arthur (Insurance Man)]

What about foreclosure?

[Andy]

Well, that is a possibility, Mr. Bradley, and we should face it. But if we all stick together, I doubt that Mr. Hobbs will foreclose on 45 houses at once. It would certainly be bad publicity if he did. Whether or not that will bother him, I don't know. But not getting his money will.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13 at Great Detectives. Follow us on Twitter @RadioDetectives, and follow us on Instagram. Instagram.

[Johnny Dollar]

Com.

[Adam Graham]

Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.