Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Date with Death Matter (EP4930)

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Date with Death Matter (EP4930)
Air Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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Overview: Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode features a classic installment from "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" titled “The Date with Death Matter.” The main narrative follows insurance investigator Johnny Dollar as he becomes the target of a vengeful criminal, Curly Waters, who escapes from custody and swears revenge. Johnny, faced with a direct personal threat, must protect himself and those close to him, especially his girlfriend Betty Lewis, while attempting to draw out his would-be killer. The episode spotlights elements of suspense, cat-and-mouse tactics, and loyalty—all emblematic of mid-century radio mysteries.

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Key Discussion & Plot Points

1. Context Setting (01:13–03:27)

• Adam Graham introduces the episode, noting that it follows a “lost” prior episode involving the same antagonist, Curly Waters. Betty Lewis is highlighted as an important recurring character, with an ongoing teased romance between her and Johnny.
• Graham assures listeners enough in-episode context is provided to follow the story.

2. The Story Begins: Interrupted Date (03:47–05:15)

• Johnny Dollar and Betty Lewis prepare for a long-anticipated date, with playful banter about telephone tricks and the frustrations of Johnny’s often-interrupted social life.
  • Notable quote:
    • Betty, joking about Johnny’s work interruptions:
      • “This is the third time in a week we’ve tried to have dinner together. First it was that Curly Waters who tried to kill you.” (04:37)
• Johnny receives an urgent call from Bert Wells at Masters Insurance—his night is about to change course.

3. The Threat Revealed: Curly Escapes (05:57–09:08)

• At Bert Wells' office, the plot thickens:
  • Curly Waters, whom Johnny helped imprison, has threatened Johnny’s life.
  • Curly, recovering in hospital under guard, has escaped with help from an associate, Gimpy Taylor.
  • Police Lieutenant Howard Daly arrives to update Johnny on the specifics of the escape, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat.
    • Notable quote:
      • Daly to Johnny: “I’m going to provide you with a bodyguard 24 hours a day until Curly is picked up.” (08:05)

4. Betty Disappears – Race Against Time (09:25–12:42)

• Johnny fears for Betty’s safety after she fails to answer her phone.
• Johnny and Lt. Daly rush to Betty’s apartment, worried Curly may have targeted her to get to Johnny.
  • Tense moment:
    • Johnny, at the door: “Betty… Betty, are you—”
    • Daly: “I’m afraid she’s gone, Johnny. Just gone.” (10:49)
• Investigation reveals evidence Betty left in a hurry, likely under duress.
• Police report Gimpy Taylor’s arrest after a car crash, but Curly and Betty’s whereabouts are still unknown.
• Johnny deduces Curly’s holding Betty as bait to get to him.

5. The Trap is Set (12:54–16:18)

• Betty unexpectedly returns, explaining she was lured away by a phony, Curly-initiated phone call claiming Johnny was hurt.
  • Notable quote:
    • Betty: “I got a phone call. … They said you were down at the hospital. That you’d been shot by Curly Waters.” (13:00)
• Johnny realizes Curly is still after him and decides to use himself as bait, insisting Daly and Betty stay away while he waits alone in his apartment.

6. Climax: Confrontation with Curly Waters (16:47–21:31)

• Despite Johnny’s instructions, Betty sneaks into his apartment, too worried to stay away.
• The anticipated showdown arrives:
  • Curly, disguised and armed, breaks in, outsmarts the police, and confronts Johnny at gunpoint.
  • Tension spikes as Curly’s lookout, Gimpy’s wife Myrtle, communicates by phone—any movement in the apartment warrants shooting first, asking questions later.
• Betty, hiding in the bedroom, ingeniously uses a phone-line ruse to confuse Curly at the critical moment. Johnny seizes the opening and manages to subdue Curly, though Betty is grazed in the struggle.
  • Key exchange (after the encounter):
    • Johnny: “Do you realize what a chance you were taking?” (21:05)
    • Betty: “It worked. That’s all that counts.” (21:12)

7. Resolution (21:31–22:22)

• With Curly recaptured and Betty safe (if slightly wounded), Johnny humorously reflects on his relationship:
  • Johnny’s closing thought:
    • “If I were the marrying kind, believe me…” (21:31)

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Host Commentary & Listener Feedback (23:37–30:18)

Adam Graham’s Critique and Insights

Positives:

• Praises the dynamic between Johnny & Betty, and Johnny’s logical reasoning for confronting danger head-on.
• Highlights Betty’s quick thinking as “by far, the highlight of this episode.”

Criticisms:

• Notes structural flaws, particularly a scene of repetitive “telephone” style dialogue between the police and Johnny.
• Questions the competence of Hartford PD, as Curly distracts them with basic tactics.
  • Notable quote:
    • Graham: “Honestly, the Hartford Police Department doesn’t come off particularly good in this episode.” (~24:30)
• Discusses continuity with the missing “Curly Waters Matter” episode, referencing John Abbott’s book and the recurring theme of Johnny being too easily caught unaware in previous plots.

Listener Comments:

• Positive feedback from several listeners regarding enjoyment of “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” and other detective shows.
• Humorous remarks about recurring plot devices (“always, always close the door and lock it”).
• Graham thanks Patreon supporters and encourages continued listening and feedback.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “This is the third time in a week that we’ve tried to have dinner together. First it was that Curly Waters who tried to kill you.” – Betty Lewis (04:37)
• “Johnny, I’m going to provide you with a bodyguard 24 hours a day until Curly is picked up.” – Lieutenant Daly (08:05)
• “I’m afraid she’s gone, Johnny. Just gone.” – Lt. Daly, entering Betty’s empty apartment (10:49)
• “I got a phone call… They said you were down there. That you’d been shot by Curly Waters.” – Betty returns, recounts the trick (13:00)
• “Me? I’m going to my apartment. I’m gonna sit there and wait for him.” – Johnny, deciding to use himself as bait (13:43)
• “Do you realize what a chance you were taking? If he hadn’t turned to fire when you kicked open that door…” – Johnny to Betty after the climactic struggle (21:05)
• “It worked. That’s all that counts.” – Betty (21:12)

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Important Timestamps

• [01:13] Host intro & context for “The Date with Death Matter”
• [03:47] Episode narrative begins
• [09:25] The search for Betty
• [13:00] Betty recounts Curly’s phone trick
• [13:43] Johnny plans to bait Curly at his apartment
• [16:47] Alone in the apartment – setup for final confrontation
• [18:15] Betty sneaks in despite the danger
• [19:00–21:31] Final showdown with Curly Waters
• [23:37] Adam Graham’s post-show commentary
• [30:18] Preview of next episode

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Tone & Language Highlights

The episode blends classic hard-boiled detective tropes with witty banter and dry humor. There’s tension and urgency in Johnny and Betty’s voices, counterbalanced by Graham’s warm, slightly self-deprecating commentary and critical analysis.

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Summary Conclusion

“The Date with Death Matter” serves as a quintessential “Johnny Dollar” tale, with threatened romance, calculated detective work, and a climactic face-off with a determined criminal. While the episode is not without its structural flaws, as Adam Graham notes, its highlights—particularly Betty’s resourcefulness—shine through. The host’s post-show dissection helps listeners appreciate both the episode’s strengths and its weaknesses, making the experience rewarding for classic radio fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we are going to bring you this week's episode of yours Truly, Johnny Doll. But if you are enjoying this podcast, I want to encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software and our listener support campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now, in between last week's episode and this week's there was a lost episode, and this is usually more of just a bookkeeping matter. But the lost episode that's missing may be one of the more significant ones in the Bob Bailey era, as that program and this one was one of those interconnected episodes. It's not a story where it won't stand on its own, but it can be helpful to have heard the previous story now from the character angle. It also included the introduction of an ongoing character who would be in the series for the rest of the Bailey run, and Betty Lois, who is a girlfriend of Joanie, a relationship that became an element of a bit of a tease for listeners, although not too much. And she's in this story as well. So it wouldn't be great if we could bring in the Curly Waters matter, but we can't. But there's enough context in this story to understand what happened, at least as is relevant to this episode. And of course, we have John Abbott's notes on the script for that story, which will allow us to fill in some details when we get to the post episode commentary. But now, from February 8, 1959, here is the date with Death Matter

[Narrator]

from Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar Betty Lewis.

[Betty Lewis]

Hey, it works.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure it does. So hang up that extension, come on back here in the living room. We'll finish up our cocktails and be on our way.

[Betty Lewis]

Yes, sir. How about that, Johnny? Where'd you learn that trick of making your own phone ring? And the extension, too?

[Johnny Dollar]

From the man who put the extension to my apartment. Yeah, it's kind of a line check. You dial that number and hang up. Then if both phones ring, you know the extension is okay.

[Betty Lewis]

What do you know?

[Johnny Dollar]

There's another line check number that you can dial. I forgot what it is. And all you get is a busy signal.

[Betty Lewis]

It could be an awfully cute gag sometime, you know, on somebody who didn't know about these numbers.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, let's finish our cocktails. I'm sure you didn't make it ring this time.

[Johnny Dollar]

I. I kind of left your number with my call service.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, no, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I better take it.

[Betty Lewis]

Now, listen, if that's some insurance company, well, you can just tell them they'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure, sure.

[Betty Lewis]

This is the third time in a week that we've tried to have dinner together. First it was that Curly Waters who tried to kill you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, now, take it easy. Maybe this calls for you. One of your faithful boyfriends.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, well, then maybe I'd better answer it.

[Narrator]

Just leave it to me.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll scare him off.

[Burt Wells]

Johnny Dollar, Burton Wells at Masters Insurance and Trust.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I've got to see you, Johnny, here at the office right away. Look, I have a date, Bert, so can't whatever's bothering you wait until some other time, huh? You have a date, huh? Yeah, that's right. We're just about to go out for dinner. No, Johnny, unless you get over here right away, you may find you have another date. What? A date with death? Well, okay.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

BER.

[Narrator]

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 Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Masters Insurance and Trust Company home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the date with death matter. I told my date, Betty Lewis, to stay there in her apartment until I called her. Then I spent item $1.20 for a cab to Masters Insurance and Trust. Burt Wells was all alone in his office. Come in, Johnny.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, Bert. Now, what's all the excitement? Curly Waters. Oh, I kind of had a hunch that was it. Lieutenant Howard Daly's on his way over from police headquarters. What's happened? Two years ago you had Curly sent up to the pen. That's right. For the Mahley's department store job he pulled. Then just a few days Ago, he swore that he'd get you for that, that he'd kill you, didn't he? So what happened when he escaped and came here to Hartford a few days ago? I know all about that from reading your report. Thanks to some quick thinking on your part, the police nabbed him instead. Plus the loot from the department store robbery. You know who deserves a real credit for that? The girl I had a date with tonight. Until you spoil things with your phone call, Johnny. As you know, either you or the police wounded Curly Waters, which is why he was taken to the hospital and placed under guard instead of being locked up. So.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Well, Mr. Wells, I see you managed to locate him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

You okay, $?

[Johnny Dollar]

Any reason why I shouldn't be?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Howie, has Mr. Wells told you what's happened?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, but I think I can guess. Curly Waters escaped from the hospital. Yes.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

I had three good men there watching over him, but he managed to get by them.

[Johnny Dollar]

How? With help.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

One of his old cronies, Gimpy Taylor.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Gimpy created a disturbance out in the hall, and when they went after him, Curly crashed out through the window. When they went back in after him, Gimpy took it on the lam.

[Johnny Dollar]

Three good men, did you say?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Well, the odds were all with Curly and Gimpy. When the boys went out in the hall after Gimpy again, it was full of interns and nurses and stretchers with patients on them. If they'd fired a shot, they might have killed somebody.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what goes? Do you want me to go out and look for him?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

No, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't you see, Johnny, the reason I called you is because of the threat against your life.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Of course. And Johnny, I'm going to provide you with a bodyguard 24 hours a day until Curly is picked up.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, now, wait a minute. Listen, Howie, you listen.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

He almost got to you just a few days ago. Don't you forget that. And one way or another, the lieutenant's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny, you said yourself that if it wasn't for your girlfriend, this Betty Lewis, uh. Oh, Bert, let me use you here. You said one way or another, Howie.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

That's right. And, yeah, maybe through your girl. Is that who you're calling?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes. Are you sure she's at home, Johnny? That's where I just left her. I told her to stay there, not to move until she heard from me. Johnny surely want as ever. Come on, buddy, pick it up. Pick it up. No answer.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Date with Death Matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Curly Waters killer on the loose again. I left Betty in her apartment. I told her to stay there. But when I tried to call her on the phone, no answer. Lieutenant Howard Daly and I took the elevator down to the street to his prowl car. Next turn left, Howie. Take the next left.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

No, we'll make it the one after that.

[Johnny Dollar]

But it's one way. The wrong way.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Yeah, but it'll give us a shortcut after a couple of blocks. Hang on, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Holy. Now it's the third Filling in the black.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Lead the way, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where's the elevator? Come on. Forget it. The stairs are quicker.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Johnny, if Curly has got to her, say it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Kevin's.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

You got a key?

[Johnny Dollar]

I have not.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Stand back, Johnny. I'll see if I can smash it open.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. Betty. Betty, wait. Look, it's open. Betty. Betty, are you.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

I'm afraid she's gone, Johnny. Just gone.

[Johnny Dollar]

We went over the apartment with a fine tooth comb, hoping to find some clue as to where she'd gone. Yeah, and how she'd gone. Curly was a desperate man, likely to do anything. Betty had left in a hurry. We were sure of that because the closet in the foyer was left open, the coat hanger lying on the floor, and because of the way she'd left the front door unlocked. But that was all we knew. At least there was no sign of

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

a struggle because he probably had a gun. And your girlfriend probably knows he's one of the best shots in the country.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. All right, Howie. Now listen, huh?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

No, let me take it, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

But it may be. I'll get it.

[Burt Wells]

Hello, Lieutenant Howard Daly there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's calling?

[Burt Wells]

Riley down at headquarters. Who'd you think?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, it's Riley. Thanks.

[Burt Wells]

Yeah, we got one of them, Lieutenant. Gimpy Taylor.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's that? Where?

[Burt Wells]

About 11 miles up north Road. Yeah, he wrapped a stolen car around a big ellum tree, you know, up at Dead Man's Cave.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Did it kill him?

[Burt Wells]

I managed to crawl a couple hundred yards under the brush before he conked out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Was Curly Waters with him?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Riley, was Curly Waters with him?

[Burt Wells]

There was no sign of him. But the man they stole the car from said there was two of them. There was two of them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then ask him. Any sign of Betty there, Riley?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Any sign of a passenger, a girl?

[Burt Wells]

No, sir, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Well, okay. I'll keep checking with you. You hear it all, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Two men stole the car. So the other one must have been Curly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Whether they were both on the wreck and Curly was able to get away. After all, if Gimpy was Able to crawl a couple of hundred yards.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Yeah, Curly may be a couple of hundred miles away by now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe not, Howie. I don't think he left town with Gimpy. Helped him steal a car. Yeah, to make it look as though he was leaving.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Why do you say that, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because of Betty. Because I think he's holding Betty to get me to him.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Then maybe you'll agree to a 24 hour a day bodyguard after all, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, absolutely not, Johnny. You think that Curly's a jerk? Well, he isn't. He's so smart. He's smart enough to smell a cop a mile away. Just say, Howie, no. There's only one thing to do. Only one way to flush him out. We.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Betty. Betty.

[Adam Graham]

What happened?

[Johnny Dollar]

Where have you been? What happened to you?

[Betty Lewis]

I got a phone call. Yeah, from the hospital. At least they said it was the hospital. Yeah, they said you were down there. That you'd been shot by curly water.

[Johnny Dollar]

See, I told you. It's clever, Howie. Oh, Betty, thank heaven he isn't out to get you. Oh, this is Lieutenant Daly from headquarters. Hello.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

What were you gonna say, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

I say he's clever. This means that Curly's still in town, still gunning for me. He called Betty to get her away from this apartment, knowing that I'd come here.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, he might have been here waiting for me if you hadn't come too. But he's smart. Smart enough to want to catch me alone. So, Howie, it means there's only one bait in the world that'll bring him out in the open.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

What's that, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Me. Alone.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Betty, you're staying here. Howie, you're going back to headquarters. Me? I'm going to my apartment. I'm gonna sit there and wait for him.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, Johnny, no.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Okay, sure, Johnny, you go right ahead. But I'll have enough men hidden away surrounding that place of yours.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, then you'll never get him. Then he'll have to skip out, maybe skip the country.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

I'd like to see him try it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Howie, he's an actor, a good one. If that costume of a priest he was gonna use before he can. Well, in that, he could have walked right by you or me or anybody else and never have been recognized. And with a phony passport, which he already has, he'll skip the country. All right. But when he comes back, I won't know. I won't be ready for him. Right now I am.

[Betty Lewis]

But please, Johnny.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Yeah, listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, Howie.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

But you'd be a sitting duck for him. Sorry.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's the only way.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Now.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar. Pigeon. Maybe soon to be a dead one. The only way to bring Curly Waters out in the open was for me to wait for him. Wait for him to come and try to kill me. So after making Betty promise to stay in her apartment and Lieutenant Daly to go back to headquarters, I went over to my own apartment and I waited. Believe me, I felt anything but brave. But I'd rather take my chances on having it out with him now than spend the rest of my life knowing he was still alive somewhere, still gunning for me. That sooner or later he'd catch me off guard. 11:00pm 12. 12:30. Huh? My impulse was to raise my gun and pull off a couple of shots right through that door. Yeah. How was it?

[Betty Lewis]

It's howie.

[Johnny Dollar]

Open up. Oh. Oh. Howie. What the devil are you doing here?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Just checking up, Johnny. Checking up?

[Johnny Dollar]

You got a bunch of your boys scattered around out there?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Those bodyguards you were talking about?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

No, Johnny. But listen, will you? Sitting here alone waiting for him. You're taking too much of a chance. Can't you get it through that thick skull of yours?

[Johnny Dollar]

I tell you, it's the only way to make him show himself.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

And I tell you it's the surest way in the world to get murdered.

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't think I'm able to take care of myself, huh?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

I didn't say that. Well, then, I'm a cop, Johnny. I just can't let you do this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you mean you're worried that maybe you'll be set down to pounding a beat again?

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

Oh, no, you crazy fool. I'm worried about you. Won't you change your mind?

[Johnny Dollar]

No. No. Now, you better leave, Howie. And for heaven's sake, don't come back again.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

But unless I do, how can I tell? How will I know?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you'll know. You'll know if he does come. And I'm sure he will if you don't scare him off.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

I hope and pray he doesn't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, when it's all over, I'll call you. Johnny, if he comes. Howie, would you. You're just holding things up. And don't tell me he doesn't know you've come here. So go on, baby, beat it. Okay. And you give me your word that you won't come back until I call you.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

But what if he gets you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Your word on it.

[Betty Lewis]

Okay, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I went back into my little kitchen and brewed a pot of coffee, a big one. Fatigue was a possibility I hadn't thought of until right now. Maybe Curly Waters had. He probably thought of a lot of things, a lot of tricks. Because at least one thing was sure. After what happened a few days ago, he knew that somehow he'd have to get me off guard. I hoped and prayed that Howie would keep his word, would keep his men away from the whole area, that he himself would stay away, not even call until this whole thing had come to a head. Then I heard it. It was at the back door of my apartment. The kitchen door that led to a fire escape. Fortunately, I turned the light off in the kitchen. I could sneak in without being seen. Johnny. Oh, D. Betty, get in here, quick. Oh, why did you come here?

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, Johnny. I mean, crazy with worry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Didn't the lieutenant have brains enough to put some men around your place to keep an eye on you?

[Betty Lewis]

I threw an old tin can out the window. And when they went to investigate, I sneaked out the back way through the alley.

[Johnny Dollar]

Freddie, you're insane to have come here. Don't you see? If Curly comes and there's a lot

[Betty Lewis]

of shooting, I think I could just sit there, knowing what might happen here any minute. Knowing that if Curly got lucky.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, honey, Honey, I. I don't know what to tell you. And I can't send you back without a police guide. And if the police come around, they'll only keep Curly away. I just been sitting here hoping that Howie will have sense enough not to come back again.

[Betty Lewis]

Again?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah. He got worried about me chewing.

[Betty Lewis]

Wait a minute, Johnny. Johnny, it's Curly. Oh, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, maybe it is. All right, go on into the bedroom here.

[Betty Lewis]

Come on, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, stay there. No matter what happens, stay there.

[Lieutenant Howard Daly]

You understand?

[Johnny Dollar]

Stay there.

[Betty Lewis]

Please, dear.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, who is it?

[Betty Lewis]

Howie. Open up.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I told you, Howie, you idiot. You just don't try to raise that gun. Dollar Curly, drop it. Drop it. Dollar now, over there.

[Burt Wells]

Sit in that chair.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I guess right. You sent the cops away so I'd come after you. But I had to be sure.

[Burt Wells]

That's why I've been sitting in an

[Johnny Dollar]

empty apartment across the hall all afternoon, all night, to make sure. That's how I knew what the lieutenant's voice sounded like. Real clever boy, Curly. All right, I'm not gonna waste any time. That dumb lieutenant might try coming back again. I'd have to kill him too. So $I'm not even giving you time to pray. You're. You're pretty sure there aren't any cops planted around here, aren't you? I'm not only sure, but Gimpy Taylor's wife is spotted where she can see him. If they try to come around. Yeah? Just what do you think she could do about it? One shot into the alley across the street and they'd forget all about you.

[Betty Lewis]

Dumb cops.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, tell me. Curly, forget it. Goodbye, Dollar. No, don't answer. Not a word, Dollar. Not a word, Curly, Just hang it up. Who is that?

[Betty Lewis]

Curly. Curly, listen to me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hand me that phone and don't move. Move With a gun on me?

[Betty Lewis]

Here, Curly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, who is it?

[Betty Lewis]

Myrtle. Gimpy's wife.

[Johnny Dollar]

Myrtle.

[Betty Lewis]

Now, listen. Dollar isn't alone. He was in the bedroom waiting for you. Listen, is the door to that bedroom open?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, it isn't. What goes, Curly?

[Betty Lewis]

Quiet. Now, listen to me. If the door of that bedroom starts to open, don't wait. Start shooting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Medella, hold his phone, keep the line open and don't move out of that chair. Mind telling me why? Quiet.

[Betty Lewis]

Quiet.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, you don't. But I. Okay, Betty. Thank heaven you remember the number to dial and make those phones ring.

[Betty Lewis]

How about the way I disguised my voice for him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you realize what a chance you were taking? If he hadn't turned to fire when you kicked open that door. If I'd missed him when I threw that phone at him.

[Betty Lewis]

It worked. That's all that counts.

[Johnny Dollar]

And look, look. One of his bullets nicked you right here on the arm.

[Betty Lewis]

Nicked me? Oh, blood. Oh, hold me, Johnny. Sure, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Curly's back in the clink. And this time to stay. When the necessary papers were signed, I hauled them over to the state pen myself. So, expense account total, including transportation, $47 even. Betty, Freddie Lewis. Well, I'll tell you this. If I were the marrying kind, believe me. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Lucille Meredith, James McCallion, Russ Thorson, Sam Edwards and Herb Vigren. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberley speaking.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I have some criticisms of this episode, but I want to start out with the positive points. I did like the way that Johnny questioned Howie about how these were supposed good men who had let Curly escape with the aid of Gimpy Taylor. I also think that there is something to say for Johnny's approach. Like, why have a deadly enemy with a grudge against you looming? Have the confrontation get it over with when you know that he's coming. At least in theory, in context of the episode, that makes sense. I also appreciated Betty's quick thinking and her bravery and pulling Johnny out of the fire. And I think this story had a good overall plot and could have worked really well. But this is one of those stories that, honestly, I think Johnstone, if at all possible, this is the sort of story you commission rather than write yourself, because I don't think Johnstone was particularly suited to write this. And there are some structural things with this episode, like the total runtime of this episode because we don't have any commercials or PSAs, is less than 20 minutes. But the whole situation where Detective made the phone call to Betty's and for Howie was incredibly clunky. Now, it was a bit realistic in that we heard the information spoken twice and it would be in real life. But the dramatic way, in a way that doesn't really harm realism, is how he picks up the phone rather than Johnny and says hello. Oh, yes, and that happened. When did that happen? Where is he? You know, just ask a few questions and then tells Johnny what was said. Instead, we're treated to the lieutenant getting information, Johnny asking questions, relaying it back. You know, it's a literal game of telephone. And honestly, the Hartford Police Department doesn't come off particularly good in this episode. Johnny's question of Good Men was apt because Curly's whole strategy for distracting the police is just make a noise and every officer's running off in the direction of the noise. And why not? Because that strategy has already worked. And while I would love to hear the Curly Waters matter for the sake of continuity and being a completionist, it doesn't necessarily. At least from the way John Abbott describes the script in his book the who is Johnny Dollar Matter, it doesn't paint Johnny in a very favorable light. That episode begins with Curly Waters calling Johnny up, telling him he broke out of prison and is coming for him. And then Curly gets the drop on Johnny in his own apartment after having called Johnny in advance to warn him of escape, and he that he was coming for him. The only reason Johnny wasn't dead immediately is that Curly had a hate on for Johnny and thought it would be perfect revenge to have Johnny help him retrieve the $84,000 Curly had robbed and then he would kill Johnny. That was his revenge plan, and the whole thing only got foiled because they got back to the apartment, Betty called about their date and in canceling it, Johnny g her a clue that led her to call the police. So in defense of Howie, when Johnny's like, you don't think I can take care of myself? After Johnny had already been caught in his own home by Curly, after Curly had warned ahead he was coming, Howie had to be biting his tongue so hard. But again, it comes down to where Johnstone's strength is as a writer, and wherever he's able to write compelling characters, that tends to be where he does well. And Betty Lewis, by far, is the highlight of this episode Listener comments and Feedback now and we start over on Spotify with Harrison commenting regarding the Deadly Doubt Matter. Since I began listening to the great detective's feed back in 2019, I've come to the realization that the number one lesson I've learned is always, always close the do behind you and lock it. I think this makes it 825 times I've heard this plot device in seven years. Only 825. I think it's been at least 829. No, in all seriousness, you're correct. And of course it's a vital life lesson. Thanks for the comment Harrison. And then Mechanics66 writes regarding the hair raising matter. Seriously, again with the same old I couldn't have left Prince because, well, it's an oldie. Whether it's a goodie I guess is up for debate. And then we have a few comments on our listener survey. Jen writes, I love discovering the shows on this podcast. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is my favorite. And then I love listening to old radio shows. They're a wonderful reminder of simpler times. And then love this podcast, especially Philip Marleau, Rocky Jordan, Let George do it and Johnny Dollar and appreciate so much you taking the time to comment. Now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank T Patreon supporter since July, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support T. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your Fav podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to lock the video. Subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for CounterSpy where this is going to be

[Burt Wells]

a tough nut to crack, Mr. Harding. Half a million forged gasoline coupons, Bud Counterfeiting or altering gasoline coupons is just as bad now as counterfeiting money. Perhaps work? I have a hunch that this is even more serious than it appears on the surface. How do you mean? I'm afraid that this gas is being obtained by counterfeit coupons to be used to refuel enemy submarines. Do you think it goes that deep?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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