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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Diamond Dilemma Matter (EP4729)
00:29:29
Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in to investigate when a millionaire wants to collect on a claim that his diamonds were stolen by beings not of this Earth. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 2, 1958 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob...
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- [00:01]
Adam Graham
McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. I hope you're ready for the most.
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Bob Bailey
Dippable chicken in McDonald's history.
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Adam Graham
Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your bag.
- [00:10]
Bob Bailey
Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business.
- [00:13]
Adam Graham
McCrispy strips at McDonald's.
- [00:15]
Bob Bailey
Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tube. Expedia Made to travel.
- [00:59]
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 want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also wanted to encourage you as you're making your travel plans to remember johnnydollerair.com johnnydolleraire.com is our price affiliate link. So part of your purchase price benefits the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. Remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Now from March 2, 1958, here is the diamond Dilemma matter.
- [01:51]
Bob Bailey
From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Teller. Burt Major. Johnny Masters, Insurance and Trust. Oh, hi, Bert. You know anything about spacemen? Never saw any, if that's what you mean. Neither have I. But I know somebody who thinks he's been contacted by them. Oh, sure, I have some whimsical friends too. Not funny, Johnny. The company is betting $2 million that this man is either a liar or pulling one of the biggest hoaxes in history. $2 million? That's right. Conrad Billings. Ever hear of him? Billings, Texas Oil. One of the richest men in the country, right presently of California where he's holed up in an isolated mountaintop lodge minus a two million dollar collection of diamonds he took up there with him. And you insured them? Yes, but not against ordinary theft. What does that mean? Those stones were insured against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth. What? That's right. Holy you. You're serious, aren't you? You bet I'm serious. Okay, Bert, I'll see you at your office. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours, Turley Johnny Dollar. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Johnny Dollar expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office Masters Insurance and Trust Company, Hartford, Connecticut. Following us, an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Diamond Dilemma. Matter exp. $3.20 for a taxi to the office of Bert Major. I've known Bert a long time, and he's been in and out of too many deals, big and little, to get excited over nothing. But he was excited. Now, this whole thing is incredible, Johnny. Fantastic. It's utterly impossible for $2 million worth of diamonds to simply vanish into thin air. So it's impossible. But it's happened. The police out there in California state positively that no man on earth could possibly have gotten to those stones. Then, Bertram, tell me all. All right. Two weeks ago, Conrad Billings called me from his lodge up in Northern California. Said he wanted to insure the diamonds immediately over the phone. Over the phone? You sure it was really he? I'm not that naive. I had the call traced. How come he called you? We've done some business with a wealthy friend of his in Dallas. Recommended. Uh huh. And he had the stones with him there at the lodge? Yes. And Johnny, it's one of the most isolated spots on earth. You're sure he had them there? He loves diamonds, Johnny, almost to the point of obsession. He plays with them like a kid plays with marbles. Lord knows he can afford to. So you insured 2 million worth of diamond marbles over the farm? I did. And you say you aren't naivel Look, a remote lodge, an eccentric old man, some expensive baubles a rank amateur could get at him. You haven't listened to me, Johnny. You've missed the point entirely. I wouldn't care if he left the diamonds lying out on his front doorstep. I insured those diamonds solely against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth. That's the exact wording of the policy. And now they're gone? Yes. So someone took them. Prove it. What someone and not something. Now why would anybody in his right mind want to insure against theft by other than people? I asked myself that question. My answer was that a billionaire in active command of his business empire must be of sound mind. And if he wants to satisfy a whim and is willing to pay for it, why should my company refuse his money? You think maybe he has an obsession about flying saucers and the people or things who fly them? Who knows or what knows? Johnny, you've got to go out there and make some sense out of all this. Who are the contacts so far? The head of his San Francisco office, Norton Shields, the chief of police In Lakeview, about 30 miles from Billings Lodge and the insured. Okay, I'll call you, Bert. But not from Mars. Expense Account, Item 2. $280 Deluxe Flight with trimmings. Hartford to San Francisco. A piece of fog was rolling up Market street and it was 2am when I finally got to the office of Billings Enterprises and met Norton Shields. He was wide awake, sharp, about 35. Yes, Mr. Dollar. I've been in charge of Billings west coast operation for 10 years with timeout for Korea. Pretty young for such a responsibility. Billings hired me because I know the oil business. I learned it young. You like him? You don't have to like a man just because you work for him. He's shrewd and knows how to make money. But he has foibles. Yes, he has foibles. Diamonds. Have you ever seen them? Sure. Where? Oh, here in the office at the lodge where he is now. At his home. You're certain he took them up to that lodge Three weeks ago. The night they were spread out right here on this desk. He put them one by one in a shammy bag. Put the bag in his pocket. I walked into his car and he was driven straight to the lodge. All right, what about the. The flying saucers, the spacemen or whatever it is now? That's a new one. I learned of it when Mr. Major call disclosed the terms of the insurance and the fact that the diamonds had been. Well, that they were gone. You haven't talked this over with Billings himself? No. No, I haven't. Don't you think you should? Why? If he wants me, he'll call me. How do I get to this lodge? I have a company plane and pilot ready to fly you to Clear Lake in the morning. You'll be met there by a car and driver. Anything else you want, call me. Why all the cooperation when you're not even supposed to know what's going on? A good lieutenant knows when to follow orders before they're issued. You're registered at the Mark Hopkins. You better get some sleep. Yeah, I may need it. Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. There are some men who, after being practically pushed into the service find their element and commit heroic deeds. Frank Luke was that sort of young man. Soon after the United States entered World War I Luke was taunted by his patriotic family into joining up. He was commissioned a second lieutenant after completing his flight training with the Signal Corps Air Service that small beginning of today's mighty Air Force. Lieutenant Luke found it difficult to accept the discipline so necessary in the military. When he got to France and was Assigned to the English Spads, his attitude worried his commanding officer. But Luke's performance in the air didn't. In less than two months in aerial combat, he accounted for seven enemy aircraft. And earned himself the nickname of Balloon Buster for knocking down 11 or 12 of those menaces to the ground troops. The observation balloons. For his gallant action in the face of great danger and overwhelming odds, he was awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses and the Medal of Honor. Shortly before the end of the war, Lt. Frank Luke made his last heroic combat flight. After having just returned from a sizzling air battle. He refueled his Spad and took off on an extra duty mission. Pursued by eight enemy planes, he shot down three balloons. He was wounded, and his plane was so badly damaged in the action that he had to make a forced landing in a German cemetery. Perhaps the irony of it struck him at the time. When called upon to surrender, he preferred to open fire with his automatic and fight to the death. Though he was only 21 years of age, Lieutenant Frank Luke May have had trouble adjusting to the military life. But when he did, he was a gallant fighter and a credit to his country. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Diamond Dilemma Matter. The company plane turned out to be a plush two engine amphibian waiting for me at a private dock near the Golden Gate Bridge. The pilot introduced himself and we headed due north up San Pablo Bay and then northwest past the Valley of the Moon. Then a few minutes later, we glided in for a landing on Clear Lake, the largest body of water in the state of California. There I was met by a car and a driver, as promised. How far is it to Mr. Billings, Lodge, driver? About 30 miles. What do you do when Mr. Billings isn't here? Wait for him. Do you live at the lodge? Nobody does. Just Mr. Billings. No caretakers, housekeepers, anything like that? Just Mr. Billings. Well, surely there must be someone to look after Mister, I'm hired to drive a car. I do it and that's all. The car twisted and turned through some lush country, then left the highway and climbed a narrow mountain road with signs every couple of hundred yards marked Private in big letters. After several miles of this, during which we passed through a couple of gates that had to be opened manually. We came to a high steel wire gate with each equally high fencing stretching out in either direction. A small redwood blockhouse squatted inside. The driver made a U turn, stopped in front of this gate, then reached around and opened the door. This is it, mister. This is it? Yep. Okay, if you say so. But if this is a millionaire's idea. Hey. Hey, wait a minute. Well, if this really is the place, I may as well get. Can't you read? You touch that gate and you'll be electrocuted. What your name? Dala. That's right. Who are you and what's the beat up? Where were you at exactly 2:00 clock yesterday afternoon? Well, if it means anything to you, I was talking with a man named Burt Major in Hartford, Connecticut. Come in. The big gate swung open and I gingerly walked through it as per instruction from the loudspeaker nestled in the wall of the redwood blockhouse. You drive, don't you? Yes. Then get in that car you see there and follow the road. The car referred to by the voice was parked against the blockhouse on the far side. I did as I was told. After a while, the road narrowed to a single track and continued on up the mountain. At one point there was a solid granite overhang, a sheer drop of a thousand feet or more, and another gate that opened as I approached and enclosed behind me. Finally, I rounded a turn where a fill had been made and a moment later came out on top. A few hundred yards away, across the terrace, top of the mountain, was a charming rustic lodge. I drove over to it. Good morning, Mr. Dollar. Mr. Billings. Come in, come in. Hearing about this man was strange enough. Seeing him was even more of a shock. About five foot two, flashing gray eyes, bullet ball. He was wearing a baggy old jacket that hung nearly to his knees. This way, I want you to see my view of the lakes below. Well? Beautiful. What was that? I said? I said beautiful. Yes. Yes, it is. Now, Mr. Major has informed you of the insurance on my diamonds which disappeared two nights ago. Yes, sir, he told me that. Speak up. He told me you insured $2 million worth of diamonds against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth. Exactly. And I wish to collect from your company on that basis. Well, I. Tell me, where did you keep them? Right here on this table in front of the window. Right here. You mean to say you didn't lock up such valuable property? Mr. Dollar, let me show you something. Look here on my control panel. Do you recall the series of gates you pass through after leaving the main road? Yeah. Very well. But by means of my electronic devices, I followed your progress every inch of the way. Well, I'll be dying. I watched your arrival at the main gate on this video screen. Ingenious, eh? That's putting it mildly. What did you say? I say that's putting it mildly. Yes, as I'm sure you noticed. This mountaintop is completely encircled by a 12 foot electrified fence. Between it and the inner fence is a maze of photoelectric cells. This panel controls floodlight with which I can cover every inch of ground between the two fences. These viewers are geared to the floodlights. All of this equipment is automatically activated on contact. In short, Mr. Dollar, I can detect and follow any person or thing which moves through or between these two fences. Anyone who knows electricity could cut your fences and come right on up the road. I did not say this mountaintop was impregnable. I said no one could reach it without my knowledge. Why did you take out such limited insurance on your diamonds? Mr. Billings, I've made my money by leaving nothing, absolutely nothing to chance. Now that man has projected objects into outer space, it is reasonable to assume that other planets may be ahead of us in technical endeavors. Diamonds would be of tremendous value to an unknown civilization. Well, look, how do I know this is not just an elaborate scheme to collect $2 million? A fair question, Mr. Dollar. What would prevent you from hiding those diamonds somewhere on this mountain? I should consider that question an affront to my integrity, but under the circumstances, I do not. I simply defy you to find them. Then what's your explanation of their disappearance? I have none. And unless you find one, I intend to collect from your company under the terms of the policy Mr. Major mentioned the chief of police in Lakeview. Do you mind if I talk to him? Andy Prentice? Not at all. I have a direct phone to his office and his home. Would you care to talk to him now? No, thanks. But I would like to use your car. By all means. I'll open the gates for you on your way down. Just one point. There must be no publicity on this matter. Understood? Mr. Billings, if I can't prove that your diamonds were taken by a person, those space cats are going to get a lot of publicity. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar In a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. South Carolina state flag was designed by Colonel William Moultrie in 1775 commemorating the defense of an island fort near Charleston by the Colonel's troops who wore blue uniforms and caps decorated with silver crescents. In the following year, when British ships attacked the fort, the their cannon shots sank into the soft palmetto logs and were stopped. Thus the palmetto tree was added to the flag in 1777. South Carolina state flag the flag of the eighth state to enter the Union was adopted on January 28, 1861, the day South Carolina joined the Confederacy. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Diamond Dilemma Matter. While I drove down the mountain with gates electronically opening and closing behind me, I did some things thinking Billings had bought and paid for his privacy at tremendous cost. I couldn't see any loopholes in the setup, yet the diamonds had disappeared. 45 minutes later, I pulled up in front of the police station in Lakeview. Obviously, I was expected by the chief of police and apprentice. Hello, Mr. Dollar. My name's Prentice. Mind if I join you? No, no, hop in. Just cruise down by the lake. I'm sure you want this to be a private conversation, too. Good idea. Now, what's your opinion on the diamonds? Well, I don't know who took them, but I'll tell you one thing. I don't believe it was some thing or somebody from outer space. How would you get through all those electrified fences? Photoelectric cells, floodlights and closed circuit viewers? Yeah. Well, what's your opinion? I'm as practical and logical as the next fella. If a human being couldn't get to Mr. Billings without his knowledge and he could call me the moment somebody tried, well. Oh, sure, spaceman. What else? I noticed one thing, Chief. He's a little hard of hearing and doesn't wear a hearing aid. He doesn't need one. Just turns up the volume on all that electronic stuff he has around him. Well, suppose someone parachuted under the top of that mountain. How would he get out? Man could dig under those fences. That would leave evidence. And I've been over every inch of the ground. I've even thought of the expert pole vaulter idea. No sign, Nothing makes any sense. Yeah, I see what you mean. How about a ride in Billing's private plane? I'd like to take a look at that mountain from the air. I don't know what good it'll do you, but I'll go along. Well, maybe there are spacemen, but I still don't believe it. We're coming to it now. See the road winding up? And there's the lodge. Yeah. I asked the pilot to circle around the top as close as the air pockets will permit. Good, Chief. Have the pilot drop down just below the top and steer a course between the two fences all the way around. Whatever you say. Oh, pilot. For the next few minutes, I studied the top of that mountain from all possible angles. The road leading up to it, the terraces, the lodge itself. Suddenly an idea hit me and a few minutes later I left the somewhat puzzled Chief. Of police at the landing dock on Clear Lake. An hour later, I was explaining who I was and what I wanted to do to a somewhat incredulous captain of police at San Francisco's International Airport. I finally convinced him I wasn't out of my mind and he reluctantly agreed to cooperate. Then, about dusk, I found myself exactly where I wanted to be. On top of Billings Mountain, calmly walking toward the lodge. Good evening, Mr. Billings. Watch. I said, Good evening, sir. Mr. Dollar. Why hike? I don't understand. See? No spacesuit. I can't believe it. How did you do it? How did you get here? The same way as the man who stole your diamonds. This is impossible. Impossible? My electric system gave me no warning. That's because you have it located in the wrong place. What? It's in the two fences and between them, halfway down the mountain above them, there is one level spot, 50 yards across that isn't covered by your automatic whistles and bells. But it isn't. And it isn't. It's not necessary. Wrong. It's just big enough for a helicopter which is waiting for me out there right now. A helicopter? You didn't see us because we came in and landed below your line of sight. You didn't hear us because you don't wear a hearing aid. I can't believe it, but it. I. You must be right. And you'll have to agree that your diamonds were not stolen by persons or things unknown on this earth. The terms of the policy, of course. Of course. I disallow all claim, but I. Good, good. Now, it's none of my business, Mr. Billings, but was your San Francisco manager, Norton Shields, a pilot during the time he was in Korea? Why, yes. He flew rescue missions In a helicopter. Yeah. The company that insured your diamonds against ordinary theft might be interested to learn that. Good night, Mr. Billings. Yes, good night, Mr. Daler. You know, in some ways, I felt sorry for him. He'd spent millions of dollars to ensure his diamonds and his privacy. Came a real showdown, and it turned out he had neither. Oh, he'll get his diamonds back, sure, and probably buy some more. But privacy, with or without money, is a pretty hard thing to come by. At least in this man's world. Expense account total, including incidentals and transportation Back to Hartford. $284.30. Yours truly, Shawny Dollar. Our star will return in just a moment. Here's a thought for you to mull over in your minds. Some say heroes are born. Others say heroes are made by circumstance. All men can't be heroes. But all men can try. Whatever the case is, a man who acts heroically, whether in peace or in war, is a man whose actions are a consequence of outstanding capacities of intelligence, will and character, rather than accidents of position. Accidents may and do happen, but it is the man to be envied who asserts himself above and beyond the call of duty when a situation arises. Such a man was Chief Gunner Robert Edward Cox, United States Navy, while he was serving aboard the USS Missouri. During target practice off Pensacola, Florida. In April 1904, a roaring, enveloping fire suddenly broke out in the after turret, killing five officers and 28 men. The whole ship was in imminent danger of complete destruction by explosion. It was only by the cool thinking and prompt action in the face of death by Chief Gunner Cox with the aid of two gunner's mates, that the raging inferno was brought under control and the USS Missouri and the rest of her crew were saved. The President of the United States presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Gunner Robert Cox for heroic and exemplary conduct at the risk of his life. To Gunner Cox, it was simply a job that had to be done. And he did it. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, a moth. A tiny moth solves a case involving our national security. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Marley Daily, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Today's story was written by Alan Botsi. Heard in our cast were Edwin Jerome, Paul Dubois, Frank Gerstel, Junius Matthews and Marvin Miller. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberly, spe. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and television service. Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and provide protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
- [26:21]
Adam Graham
Welcome back. It seems like the life cycle of an insurance policy in a Johnny Dollar case begins with, well, I don't see why we shouldn't write this policy. Plus, it'll be a good commission and ends with, oh, I guess that's why I shouldn't have written the policy. I better call Johnny Doller. The underwriters at these companies must be fun people if they are willing to go along with some of these policies. Now, also, in fairness, Joni doesn't actually disprove that aliens did it. Rather, he shows how it could have been committed by earthly means. And that would have to be enough for the company that covers the diamonds for ordinary theft. And truth be told, if this guy does have an insurance policy for ordinary theft, this one is pretty much junk. Because unless someone saw aliens actually committing the robbery, no insurance agent is going to make that assumption. You can imagine the investigator for another company, you know, if they come out before Johnny looking and calling the home office. Yeah, Chief, I know that this guy owns a lot of policies with us, but I think we ought to deny his claim because it must have been aliens that did it. There's no way a human being could have gotten up here. And you can imagine the insurance agent saying, yeah, I got a better idea. How about you don't cost us a major client? And even better, how about you not get USU'd and humiliated before the state insurance commission? And you know what? Figure out how it actually got stolen and get those jewels back because we're not putting aliens on the report. I also really did appreciate the out of the box thinking by the sheriff to consider outrageous suggestions, including the professional pole vaulter. So maybe the sheriff, or at least the writer of the episode, may have heard that same episode of Boston Blackie. Or it might have been Filo Vance, but I think Boston Blackie, where we have this incredibly improbable criminal college pole vaulting champion that commits the murder and that's how he was able to do it. But it was nowhere near as improbable as it would have been for that to be the solution to this week's case. Well, now I want to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Susan, Patreon supporter since March of 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Susan. 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 it from. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet Where?
- [29:22]
Bob Bailey
Homicide. Friday. This is 14 on the complaint board. Take this call. Right. Hello? Hello. My name's Leonard Gray. Yes, sir. My wife's dead. She's been killed. I just went down to the garage, and when I came back, she was dead. Would you send somebody out here right away? Yes, sir. What's that address? 1627 Oxford Place. 27 Oxford Place? Yes, sir, that's right. Can't understand that. She was all right when I left, and then when I came back, she was dead. I can't understand that. We'll be right there, Mr. Gray. My best friend lives right next door. Yes, sir. He says I did it.
- [30:06]
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatJectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
- [30:30]
Bob Bailey
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund. When it comes to Father's Day, dads want steak. And there's still time to deliver uncompromising quality and flavor with delicious gifts from America's original butcher, Omaha Steaks. Plus, get an extra $35 off with code. Thanks, dad. When you shop@omaha steaks.com today. Hurry. There's still time to give dad something incredible for the big day. Shop now@omaha steaks.com and get an extra $35 off with code. Thanks, dad. Minimum purchase may apply C site for details.