Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Boron 112 Matter (EP4675)

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Boron 112 Matter (EP4675)"

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Boron 112 Matter (EP4675)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Johnny Dollar, America's renowned freelance insurance investigator, receiving a call from his client, George Reed of Floyd's of England. Unlike Johnny's usual high-octane cases, George introduces a seemingly straightforward policy concern that piques Johnny's curiosity.

Johnny Dollar [00:28]: "Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham."

Unveiling the Boron 112 Matter

George explains that Floyd's of England has issued a $20,000 insurance policy to Joseph "Hentler" Handler, an inventor who has developed a device for producing a boron-based compound, known as Boron 112. This compound is of significant interest to the government for its applications in airplane and rocket fuels.

George Reed [01:44]: "His invention is what we've insured. It's a device, I guess you'd call it, for making some kind of boron-based compound."

Johnny expresses skepticism about the legitimacy of the apparatus, questioning George's assurance of its existence and functionality.

Johnny Dollar [04:38]: "Looks to me like you've insured a pig in a pulp."

Investigating the Inventor

Determined to uncover the truth, Johnny collaborates with Louise Larkin, George's secretary, who recalls encountering a Joseph Handler at a subversive group meeting. This connection raises red flags about Handler's intentions and the true nature of his invention.

Louise Larkin [06:07]: "All I know is that the name, Joseph Handler, was the same as one of the fellows we saw at that meeting."

Confrontation at the Laboratory

Johnny and Louise embark on a journey to Handler's secluded laboratory located near Salmon Branch. Upon arrival, they encounter Handler, who vehemently denies Johnny's requests to view the apparatus and warns them to leave immediately.

Dr. Joseph Handler [10:06]: "If I shoot you, I am within my rights. Now leave now, do you hear me?"

Despite the tension, Johnny decides to consult with his FBI contact, Lee Hauck, suspecting that Handler might be more dangerous than initially perceived.

The Explosion and Revelation

As Johnny attempts to surveil Handler's laboratory a second time, an explosion occurs, destroying the building. Amid the chaos, it's revealed that Handler orchestrated the explosion as a controlled test to demonstrate the viability of Boron 112 as a powerful fuel source.

Dr. Joseph Handler [18:33]: "This final test, it was proof... that Dr. Handler has finally come up with a controlled power source in his boron compound of inestimable value to the country's rocket program."

The explosion serves as proof that Handler's invention is not only functional but also of immense value to national defense, negating any suspicions of malicious intent.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

In the aftermath, Johnny and Louise reconcile the events, recognizing the complexity of Handler's character and the potential ramifications of the Boron 112 invention. George Reed decides to honor the insurance policy, acknowledging the broader significance of Handler's work despite the chaotic investigation.

Johnny Dollar [20:14]: "There you are, George. Full report. Payment on the policy is up to you. And if you do pay, at least it's in a good cause also."

The episode concludes with a reflection on the dangers of making assumptions and the importance of thorough investigations, even when cases appear straightforward.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Johnny Dollar [04:38]: "Looks to me like you've insured a pig in a pulp."

• Dr. Joseph Handler [10:06]: "If I shoot you, I am within my rights. Now leave now, do you hear me?"

• Dr. Joseph Handler [18:33]: "This final test, it was proof... that Dr. Handler has finally come up with a controlled power source in his boron compound of inestimable value to the country's rocket program."

• Johnny Dollar [20:14]: "There you are, George. Full report. Payment on the policy is up to you. And if you do pay, at least it's in a good cause also."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Assumptions vs. Reality: The episode highlights the danger of making quick judgments based on appearances or limited information. Despite initial suspicions, Handler's true intentions were aligned with national interests.

2. Complexity of Characters: Joseph Handler is portrayed as a complex character whose actions, though seemingly aggressive, are driven by a commitment to his invention's potential benefits.

3. Importance of Thorough Investigation: Johnny Dollar's persistence underscores the value of thoroughness in investigations, even when cases appear routine.

4. Ethical Dilemmas in Insurance: The decision to honor the policy despite the tumultuous investigation raises questions about the ethics of insurance practices and the responsibilities of insurers.

Conclusion

"The Boron 112 Matter" serves as a compelling narrative that blends suspense with moral contemplation. Johnny Dollar navigates through deception, technological intrigue, and ethical challenges, ultimately uncovering a truth that transcends initial appearances. This episode exemplifies the Golden Age of Radio's ability to weave intricate stories that engage listeners while prompting thoughtful reflection.

Transcript

[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 I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And remember, as you're booking travel to check out johnnydoller air.com johnnydoller air.com is our Priceline affiliate link, so if you purchase through there, part of the purchase price supports the Great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. Remember johnnydoller air.com now from January 12, 1958, here is the Boron 112 matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

And Johnny Duller George Reed.

[George Reed]

Johnny at Floyd's of England.

[Johnny Dollar]

George, every time I hear your voice on the phone, I shudder.

[George Reed]

Well, I guess I have asked you to handle some rather out of the.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ordinary matters for us, George. They have been so wild, crazy, impossible, I sometimes wonder if you ever issue a normal type policy.

[George Reed]

Well, it's a very normal type policy that I'm concerned about now, Johnny. It's the insured himself who has me worried.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, tell me all.

[George Reed]

His name is Joseph, spelled with an F. Joseph Hentler. He's an inventor, among other things. His invention is what we've insured. It's a device, I guess you'd call it, for making some kind of boron based compound.

[Johnny Dollar]

Boron based?

[George Reed]

The sort of thing the government is vitally interested in for its airplane and rocket fuels.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, no kidding.

[George Reed]

I. I think you'd better run over here and let me tell you about it. Can you right away?

[Johnny Dollar]

When you put it that way, George, yeah, I think I'd better. I'm on my 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. And now act one of yours truly, Johnny Dol. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to Floyd's of England American office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my Investigation of the Boron 112 matter expensive $1.10 cab from my apartment at George Reed's office. As I walked in, he motioned me to a chair, leaned over to the intercom on his desk and pushed.

[George Reed]

Sit down, Johnny. Ms. Larkin?

[Louise Larkin]

Yes?

[George Reed]

Mr. E. Mr. Dollar is here. Will you come in, please?

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, George, what's it about this time?

[George Reed]

Glad to see you, Johnny. I gave you most of the story over the phone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you only told me you issued a policy to this man. Handler, was it?

[George Reed]

That's right. Joseph Handler.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. And that you've insured some invention of his. For how much did you insure it for?

[George Reed]

$20,000. It's a piece of apparatus, Johnny, that he has spent over seven years developing. Sit down, Ms. Larkin.

[Louise Larkin]

Thank you.

[George Reed]

Apparently, it's a very complicated something or other. I never did know such things for making Borax. Or more specifically, a compound he calls Boron 112 for use in high powered fuel.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sounds important.

[George Reed]

It is. At least so far as I've been able to determine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Been all sorts of government tests and experiments with these super fuels, hasn't they?

[Lee Hauck]

Exactly.

[George Reed]

Many things formerly used purely as explosives. Remember this, Johnny. Many things formerly used as explosives are now being developed as fuels.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, the perfect example is atomic fission and hydrogen fission or fusion or whatever it is.

[George Reed]

Exactly.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, now let's get down to cases. You've insured some apparatus that's supposed to make Boron 112. What kind of apparatus?

[George Reed]

I've never seen it. It's all very secret.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, wait a minute. How do you know this machine, or whatever it is even exists? Looks to me like you've insured a pig in a pulp.

[George Reed]

No, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

For $20,000. Wowee.

[George Reed]

No, Johnny, I'm not that much of a fool. One man, a recognized physicist, has at my request. Mind you, this was before I'd agreed to issue the policy. Understand?

[Johnny Dollar]

Go on.

[George Reed]

His name is Dr. Hugo von Brauer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I've heard of him. Yes.

[George Reed]

While Handler permitted him to see enough to convince Von Brauer that he has something mighty important there, that he's on the right track to whatever it is he's out to accomplish.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay, I'll take your word that you were right in issuing him the policy on it. But now what's happened? The thing blow up in his face or something?

[George Reed]

No, as I told you over the phone, it's the man himself I'm worried about because of something I've just Learned.

[Johnny Dollar]

Like what?

[George Reed]

Ms. Larkin, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar. Now, will you please.

[Louise Larkin]

Yeah, I know. Gee, Mr. Dollar, this is a real thrill. I've heard so much about you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, Ms. Larkin.

[Louise Larkin]

Gee, won't you just call me Louise?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, Louise.

[George Reed]

Oh, gee, Ms. Larkin, will you just. Well, just tell Mr. Dollar what you told me this morning.

[Louise Larkin]

Yes, sir. Oh, gee. Well, it was like this, Mr. Dollar, a couple of years ago. Well, you know, when a kid. Not very mature. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, Go on.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, some of the kids I traveled around with, some of them Were awful immature. Compared to me, that is, Miss Larkin. Well, a couple of them had some pretty funny ideas about the government. Things like that. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm afraid I don't.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, like they used to think. They were very smart, attending a lot of secret meetings. The kind the FBI likes to keep tabs on. Now, you know what I mean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go on, Miss Larkin.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, anyhow, this one night, we didn't take all their talk very serious, mind you, and that's the truth. We didn't think there was anything in it. Just a lot of talk.

[George Reed]

Will you please get to the point?

[Louise Larkin]

I am, Mr. E. Well, anyhow, Charlie and me. That was my boyfriend, Charlie White. At least one of my boyfriends. I always have a lot of them. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes. Well, go on, please.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, Charlie and me, we said, sure, sure, we'll attend one of your meetings, you know, just for laughs. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

And what kind of a meeting was it?

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, it was terrible. It was awful, Mr. Dollar. A bunch of people I never saw before making speeches down with the government. Start the revolution, you know, that sort of thing. Oh, we got out of there in a hurry, believe you me. And we were pretty lucky, too, because the police or the FBI or somebody came in after and busted the whole thing up. Maybe you read about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's all very interesting, Louise, but just what.

[George Reed]

Yes, Miss Larkin, get to the point.

[Louise Larkin]

All right. Just this morning, when I was filing the office copy of this insurance policy, and I saw the name on it. Oh, gee, Mr. Dollar, it hit me like a. Well, do you know what.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Louise Larkin]

That name, Joseph Handler. It was the same as one of the fellas, an older guy that me and Charlie had seen at that meeting. Now, what do you think of that?

[Johnny Dollar]

$20,000 on a highly secret device that might be to produce some kind of explosive.

[George Reed]

Exactly. Instead of a simple fuel additive. Exactly. The suspicion that came into my mind, Johnny. Of interest to the government, he had told me. But what government?

[Johnny Dollar]

We're. We're jumping to an awfully big conclusion, George. Have you notified the FBI?

[George Reed]

I suppose I should, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. No, no, not yet. We. We may be all wrong about this. Oh, but, Mr. Dow, we may be about the man, his apparatus, his intentions, everything. Let me see what I can find out about him first.

[George Reed]

Whatever you say. But remember one thing, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[George Reed]

You may be dealing with far more than just. Than just this one man. So be careful. Be very careful.

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, gee, you'd better, Mr. Dollar. You know what I mean.

[George Reed]

Act two of yours truly Johnny Dollar in a moment.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Boron 112 matter. Louise Larkin, secretary to George Reed at Floyd's of England, was certain she would recognize Joseph Handler, the inventor who'd ensured a secret process for making Boron 112, if that is, he were the same Joseph Handler she'd met at one time at a meeting of a subversive group. Expense account, item $250 deposit on a rent in it. Louise and I crossed the Connecticut river to East Hartford, went south to Hockinem on Route 2, then south and east on a seldom used gravel road that took us a few miles to the edge of a stream called the Salmon Branch. There in a little grove of trees, we found a windowless concrete block building, the so called laboratory of Joseph Handler.

[Louise Larkin]

Gee, those directions Mr. Reed gave us were pretty good, weren't they?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Handler certainly picked himself an isolated spot. Come on.

[Louise Larkin]

Boy, this is exciting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now just remember what I told you. If this is the man you met at that party line meeting, don't appear to recognize him. Just give me a slight nod to say yes or no.

[Louise Larkin]

Yeah, but what if he recognizes me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, we'll cross that bridge.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Stop. Stop right where you are. Do you not see the signs on the fence? Keep out. Keep out.

[Louise Larkin]

There, Johnny. It's him.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure?

[Louise Larkin]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

J.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Well, did you hear me?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'd like to talk with you, Mr. Handler.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

It is Dr. Handler. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

My name is Dollar, insurance investigator.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

And who is this woman?

[Johnny Dollar]

Just a friend of mine.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

So what do you want with me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I want to see the machine. The apparatus that Floyd's of England has insured for you.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

No, you may not. I'm engaged in highly secret work here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Work that is worthy only of my.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Own great talents as a physicist, chemists and inventor.

[Johnny Dollar]

Work for the government. Yeah. What government? What are you talking about?

[Charlie White]

The.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

The United States government, of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Suppose you let me see whatever contract you may have with them.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

I let you see nothing. I have no contact and I do not have any patent on my converter. And why? Because either one would reveal the secret of this amazing device before I can turn it over to the government of this fine and glorious country.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, sure.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

So that is also why I will not permit either you or anyone else to see inside of my laboratory. So leave immediately. Go. Get out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dr. Handler, if you'll just let us go.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Do you understand me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Mr.

[Louise Larkin]

Darling.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hey, now wait a minute. What's that thing for?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

You are trespassing on my private property. If I shoot you, I am within my rights. Now leave now, do you hear me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, Luis.

[George Reed]

Gee.

[Louise Larkin]

Yeah?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

And do not come back here. Do you hear me?

[Louise Larkin]

Never.

[Johnny Dollar]

Same man, huh?

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, he sure is. Gee. That gun he pulled on you, I. I was scared. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I know what you mean.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, what are you gonna do, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

You know something, Louise? I'm not sure. But I was sure. By the time we got back to Hartford, I took Louise back to George Reed's office. George was out to lunch, but I stopped long enough to telephone an old friend of mine, Lee Hauck, at the local office of the FBI. Asked him to meet me for a bite to eat.

[Lee Hauck]

Sure, Johnny. How about the Hearthstone?

[Johnny Dollar]

Anywhere you say.

[Lee Hauck]

1:00.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll be there.

[Louise Larkin]

Well, I know what I do, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

What, Louise?

[Louise Larkin]

I'd tell the FBI that's exact.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now what? We'll see.

[Louise Larkin]

I know what Charlie would do too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Charlie?

[Louise Larkin]

My boyfriend. I told you. Charlie White.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah?

[Lee Hauck]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'd better be on my way.

[Louise Larkin]

He'd go out there and he'd kill that crazy old man. Well, Johnny, he just hates those people who are conspired to overthrow the government.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look, tell George when he gets.

[Louise Larkin]

Back to the office we got drug into that awful meeting of those awful people. Why, he hasn't even seen those guys that persuaded he and I to go there that night. Louise, he says if he ever does see any of them, boy, what he'll do to them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I'm sure. Now, look, I gotta keep a luncheon date. Tell George Reed when he comes back that I'll see him later, huh?

[Louise Larkin]

Then I'll see you again, Johnny, Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hadn't you better answer that phone, huh?

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Goodbye, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, see ya.

[Louise Larkin]

Floyd's in England. Oh, Charlie. Hey, Charlie, what do you think's happening?

[Lee Hauck]

Who?

[Louise Larkin]

I've been talking to my dream man.

[Johnny Dollar]

Item 3. 7:20 Lunch for Lee Haugen myself.

[Lee Hauck]

No, no, Johnny, you're off on a wrong tack. I'll bet on it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean by that? Lee?

[Lee Hauck]

Joseph Handler is just an old crackpot who thinks the world has done him wrong by failing to recognize his fabulous talents as a chemist, physicist, engineer, inventor, anything else he's claimed to be.

[Johnny Dollar]

But if he was attending meetings of.

[Lee Hauck]

A subversive group, a meeting. We know all about that. A lot of innocent people have been sucked in on that sort of thing at one time or another. It doesn't mean that they belong or ever have.

[Johnny Dollar]

You can't Blame me for being suspicious, though.

[Lee Hauck]

Isn't George Reed your contact at Floyd's of England? Yeah, okay. Even his kind of dumb little secretary named Louise Larkin.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know the girl.

[Lee Hauck]

Even she was at one of those meetings before we cleaned him out of town.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not much gets by you boys with.

[Lee Hauck]

One of her boyfriends, Charlie somebody or other. He's the kind you have to watch out for, Johnny. Young hothead.

[Johnny Dollar]

An easy recruit for a group like that, huh?

[Lee Hauck]

More important, the kind who's liable to take the law into his own hands when it comes to fighting back at him.

[Johnny Dollar]

But you're sure old Handler is harmless?

[Lee Hauck]

Sure, he's an erratic old coot liable to blow your head off. He thinks you're interfering with one of his crazy projects. He'd probably rob a bank if he thought he could get away with it to further one of his crackpot inventions and would feel entirely justified. But believe me, he'd have no part of subversive activity.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, you said crackpot inventions. George reed tells me Dr. Hugo von Brauer okayed this present project.

[Lee Hauck]

That's a real sad one, isn't it, huh? Von Brauer, one of the best minds in the country until that breakdown last fall.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean that he's no longer. Holy smoke.

[Lee Hauck]

Sure, Johnny. If George sold him insurance on Von Brauer's okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, how does Handler keep going? Does he ever sell anything he develops?

[Lee Hauck]

No, he probably lives off an old trust fund, something like that. Want me to check on it?

[Johnny Dollar]

No. Wait till after I've seen him again. Somehow I've got to see that machine of his. See how badly the insurance company stands to get took.

[Lee Hauck]

Yeah, Johnny, I think you better.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe he was right. Maybe the idea George Reed and I cooked up, that the old scientist was working on some kind of bomb or explosive was. Anyhow, my problem was to find out exactly what he was working on, what the company had blindly insured. So I drove out there again to keep Handler from barging out with his gun. I blew the horn a couple of times as I pulled up alongside the fence, but there was no response to it.

[Lee Hauck]

Good.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe Handler wasn't there. Maybe I could somehow get into the place, see for myself what was up. But suddenly, from inside the building came a couple of dull thuds. And then the whole thing began to bulge at the scenes, began to fact three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Voron 112 matter. Carefully, I dragged myself out from under what was left of my rental car where the explosion of the laboratory Building in block, pushing aside a few chunks of concrete, bits of lumber that had landed on me. When I saw them coming down the road toward me from a car parked in the trees at the side. Louise Larkin, a big, husky football player type who looked as though he could stand a good bath and a shave.

[Lee Hauck]

Served him right. That's all I gotta say, Louise. Any guy plotting against the United States.

[Johnny Dollar]

Murder'S too good for him.

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, gee, Charlie, it sure looks like he's done for now. He must have went up with the building.

[Lee Hauck]

Yeah, and it served him right.

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, gee, there's not a thing left of this lap.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hello, Louise.

[Louise Larkin]

Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. And I take it you're Charlie. Yeah.

[George Reed]

Hi, Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you think of that? You did a pretty good job, didn't you? What?

[Lee Hauck]

Yes, siree.

[Johnny Dollar]

I. Huh? What are you talking about? Was he still inside? Did you murder Dr. Handler, too?

[Louise Larkin]

Johnny?

[Lee Hauck]

Now wait a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think I done that?

[Louise Larkin]

Oh, no, Johnny. We just got here. Oh, sure, honest. Charlie was gonna have a showdown with him. He was gonna drag him out of that place and hand him over to the FBI.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. What'd you think?

[Louise Larkin]

Gee, I was worried about the old man's gun, remember?

[Johnny Dollar]

I remember. But if you think a lousy gun was gonna stop me from handing a subversion guy like him over to the. Now, look, you don't mean you think I done this? What would you think?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

No, no, no, I. I did it. Was it not wonderful?

[Johnny Dollar]

Dr. Hamburg?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Yes, yes, Mr. Dollar. And I want you to.

[Lee Hauck]

So you're still alive, huh? You're okay.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

I beg your pardon.

[Lee Hauck]

Well, you won't be for long because I'm gonna take you in. I'm gonna.

[Johnny Dollar]

Quiet. Quiet.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Mr. Dollar. My good friend, Mr. Dollar. I want you to meet this gentleman from the commission in Washington.

[Johnny Dollar]

Commission?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

D.C. washington. Dr. Bernard Steiner.

[Johnny Dollar]

The Dr. Steiner?

[Lee Hauck]

But of course I've heard of you. And now it's nice to meet you, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

This.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

This final test, it was proof.

[Johnny Dollar]

It was final, all right.

[Lee Hauck]

Yes, it was all the proof I need. We observed the buildup of the explosion from the top of yonder hill.

[Johnny Dollar]

The proof of what?

[Lee Hauck]

That Dr. Handler has finally come up with a controlled power source in his boron compound of inestimable value to the country's rocket program.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

So I am a great man at last.

[Lee Hauck]

Oh, why he calls it Boron 112, I'll never know.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Well, because it was experiment number 112 with my wonderful converter process. What else?

[Lee Hauck]

Hey, if you're from Washington, mister, I am Young man. And I assure you the government will take over Dr. Handler's process immediately.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'll be talk on.

[Lee Hauck]

I don't get this.

[Louise Larkin]

Neither do I. Honey.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about the converter, as you call it? Did that go up with the building? Yeah, but of course.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

And now I can build for the government up big one. Big enough to serve this glorious country of ours.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. But you'll expect the insurance company to pay for the one you deliberately blew up.

[Louise Larkin]

Me?

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Dr. Joseph Handler?

[Lee Hauck]

No, never.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

I. No. I am a great man. Now. I am above such petty things. I tear up that policy. I do not want her money. Because now, now I am a great man.

[Johnny Dollar]

There you are, George. Full report. Payment on the policy is up to you. And if you do pay, at least it's in a good cause also. Well, I guess you and I have both learned a lesson about jumping to conclusions. Expense account total, including incidentals, replacement of the rental car and transportation Back to Hartford. $2,431. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey originates in Hollyw Wood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Shirley Mitchell, G. Stanley Jones, Harley Bear, Russell Thorson, Frank Gesel and Lou Merrill. Be sure to join us next week.

[George Reed]

Same time and station for another exciting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly.

[George Reed]

This is Dan Coverley, spe.

[Lee Hauck]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. It's always interesting when Johnny gets involved in the Cold war. I'm with Johnny. Regarding Floyds of England and the policies they write. I think this episode highlights that they aren't a really good insurance company. Previous weird cases have been situations where yes, they skirted under writing rules, but it was to please a good client or for publicity or for charity. Here it seems they just underwrote recklessly, not knowing that the person they were relying on was not mentally competent and not fully understanding what they were actually insuring. That's not to say that Floyd's is not an interesting company. But from where I sit, whether you're talking about investing or certainly the companies you trust, I prefer my insurance companies to be as boring as possible. Floyd's is just lucky that the policyholder decided that he's above filing insurance claims. You know, as great people do. I did think it was pretty accurate for the time that the FBI knew everyone who was at the subversive meeting. But I also liked that the episode warned of the danger of hot headed militancy and also that attending a Meeting didn't actually make you dangerous. And there's a warning about jumping to conclusions at the end, which I think makes a good balance for the time. I do wonder why Johnny was renting a car to drive around Hartford. I suppose it's possible he doesn't own his own since he's so often out of town. Although I do remember some later episodes, particularly during the Mandel Kramer era, where he did have a car of his own. Of course, it could be that he liked his car, and since this involved the use of potentially explosive material, he just decided to rent a car just in case. All right, well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we start out over on Spotify where John Wright recording Latin Lovely Matter. Some people, if given access to a time machine, would go back and make some small but important changes to the course of time. I however, would use it to go back to 1957 to try that shelf staple pizza kit that was advertised in the first ad break. It was made with Chef Boyardee's own recipe that he brought over from Italy. Well, that ad is definitely one that made an impact. Then we have a comment from the Lion's Eye. Two episodes of Johnny Dollar I refuse to listen to in the morning, the Broad Rec matter and the Rasmussen matter. Too many tears, too early. But wow, what a solid episode. Thanks so much and appreciate your comment. And I agree those are among some of the most emotionally moving detective programs that we played over the years. And then I have an email from George regarding the hapless Hunter matter. Hi Adam, it's great hearing these old Johnny Dollar episodes again. This particular episode had in it an attitude or belief that is common enough now and was apparently so back in 1957. The insurance agent who called Johnny in didn't seem to think there was anything amiss, but was doing so simply because it was company policy. Due to the size of the five hundred thousand dollar policy. Clearly Johnny was a bargain this time. But the agent was adamant that the beneficiary couldn't be suspect because he was rich, or at least seemed rich, paying for the trips guide and being in his new Cadillac Eldorado, an incredibly expensive car at that time. This brings me to my point. First, people assume someone is both rich and financially stable based on appearances they spend freely, have super expensive cars and all the trimmings. But it is always possible that behind the facade they could be all but broke, on the verge of bankruptcy. The agents should certainly be aware that appearances can be deceiving. Secondly, a lot of people look at the rich and believe they have so much money they wouldn't commit a crime for more or be susceptible to bribery, for instance. But some of these people want more, not because they need the money, but because the accumulation of more money is an end in itself. That is to say, simple old fashioned greed where need has nothing to do with it. Thanks as always for your great program and commentary that enhances each episode. Well, thanks so much, George. And I think it's a fair point for why the agent thought what he did because certainly he appeared rich. And I don't think in most cases an insurance company is going to do a thorough investigation of the beneficiary because they're not really insuring the beneficiary, although certain beneficiaries, such as dangerous killers, can raise red flags, as we've heard in previous episodes. But as you've said, the insurance agent should have been aware that the appearance of wealth doesn't mean actual wealth. That's really, I guess, the one thing that annoys me about these agents who sit there and tell Johnny that it's got to be this way. You can't possibly consider this possibility at all. And they do it so authoritatively and they're almost certainly wrong. They're not investigators. They haven't looked into any of this beyond some surface level thing and their own sort of gut instinct and opinion. But they're going to tell the investigator, no, no, no, no, no. It can't possibly be that you're, you're totally barking off the wrong tree. No, no, no, no, no. It's like you don't even know what you're talking about. And he's the investigator. Let him investigate and determine what's going on instead of just being so self confident about facts that you haven't really researched. Thanks for the email, George. Well, now we turn to YouTube and we have a couple of comments. This one actually comes from the first time we posted the Latin Lovely Matter, but I will go ahead and read it now since we just played it recently. I'm just going to refer to him as Juanito Peso from now on. Thanks so much. Appreciate the comment from Maury. And then we have a comment from a listener regarding the Happy family Manor and he writes, no, this one didn't do much for me except for the superb acting. It seems to me that yours Truly, Johnny Dollar is getting long in the tooth after a 12 or so year run. So. And we still have two more actors to go through. I really don't know how they will do it at this point that's the big mystery for me. This is beating an almost dead horse. The glory days are way behind us at this point. Sure they come up with something compelling every so often, but there's only so much an insurance investigator can investigate and keep it fresh. While I do think that in some ways the quality of the show suffers after the first year, particularly of Bailey self contained episodes, there's still a lot to enjoy about the series. Mainly it's the sort of character moments and the quirkiness that gets worked into the stories as well as some of the continuity which is still very unusual in the detective genre at the time. And I will say that if you're a program that's continuing to be on the air and draw an audience, you're doing something right in the late 1950s. Because I've heard enough of the late 50s detective programs, things like Police Blotter or Indictment which add some solid entertainment value but did not end up lasting as long as Johnny Dollar. So while I hear your concern about quality and I think there's definite issues that you can raise and we talk about them as we go through the show, there are definitely things that kept people listening as the show continued to be on the air for another four plus years. Then we have a couple comments on YouTube regarding hot copy. This one comes from Melanie. Thanks for playing Hot Copy and for introducing us to Hot Copy Radio Theater. Atom always love to hear original old time radio, but it's a treat to hear recreations, especially of shows episodes that are otherwise lost. Already listening to Hot Coffee Radio Theater. Well, thanks so much Melanie. And then we have this one from Betsy and again, this is regarding the episode Smooth as Silk. Interesting. I enjoyed this. Ann and her pal are not the brightest bulbs, but fun. Well, thanks so much. Appreciate the comment. Betsy and I would not make any judgments about Hot Copy or about Ann or Sprightly for that matter, based on that particular episode. One thing, when I was emailing with Jim Goodluck who is the producer director of the Hot Copy Radio Theater, he made the point that he noticed in scripts that in particular when it came to Sprightly Pool, that Nelson Bond couldn't quite decide whether Spritely was a smart girl or a dumb girl. So she might be really smart in one episode and then be really dumb in the next. I don't think there was quite that variation with Ann Rodgers, but in Smooth as Silk she and Sprightly had to get themselves kidnapped by a criminal pretending to be a government agent and taking them down to the store. It was very shady and an obvious trap, even if you weren't just looking at it through plot mechanics viewpoint. But it's a case where the writer needed them to fall for the trap so they could get tied up and make the clever escape. So as good a writer as Nelson Bond was, he could kind of succumb to those sort of shortcuts. But I've heard a lot of episodes of Hot Copy Radio Theater, and in general, I think Ann is quite a bit brighter than we heard in that particular episode. Alright, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Robert, patreon Supporter since August 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per. Thanks so much for your support, Robert. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. If you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe to us using your favorite podcast software. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet, where.

[Lee Hauck]

Yeah, police officers. Your name? Henry Ross.

[Charlie White]

Get out of here.

[Dr. Joseph Handler]

Get out.

[Charlie White]

All right, come on. What? What is it? What do you want?

[Lee Hauck]

Ben? Yeah, I got him.

[Charlie White]

What is this? You guys really cops?

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, get up.

[Charlie White]

No fooling? No fooling. You really cops? I thought you were faking. We showed you our identification at the door. I thought you were faking. That's the truth. There's a couple of guys out to musk me up. I thought you were them. Your name Henry Ross? Yeah, that's right. I thought you were one of those mooches I had a fight with in the bar the other night. Says he's gonna get a pal and come back in and take care of me. Yeah, Yeah. I got no reason to fight with cops. I didn't do my room any good.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetactives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.