Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Frisco Fire Matter (EP4970)

Summary

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Podcast Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Frisco Fire Matter (EP4970)

Host: Adam Graham
Original Air Date of Drama: April 5, 1959
Podcast Release: May 8, 2026

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Overview of the Episode

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features “The Frisco Fire Matter,” a suspenseful investigation by insurance investigator Johnny Dollar. When a massive warehouse burns down in San Francisco, Johnny is pulled into a case involving suspected arson, long-standing criminal connections, and a web of intrigue that includes insurance fraud and attempted murder. As Johnny peels back the layers, familiar faces from his past both help and hinder his quest for the truth.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Johnny Gets the Call—Setting the Stage (02:28–03:36)

• Johnny Dollar is woken early by Smokey Sullivan, an old acquaintance and ex-arsonist. Smokey tips Johnny off to a large, suspicious warehouse fire in San Francisco, claiming it’s arson and even naming the culprit.
• Johnny’s skepticism contrasts with the urgency in Smokey's voice, establishing early stakes.
• Notable quote:
  • Johnny Dollar: “Do you always call people at 5:30 in the morning?” (02:37)
  • Smokey Sullivan: “Big warehouse … Barnwell warehouse. It’s still burning, Johnny.” (02:58)

2. The Burned Warehouse and Suspects Arise (05:10–08:50)

• Johnny quickly clears travel expenses and contacts Pat McCracken, confirming the specifics: the burned warehouse belonged to Peter H. Barnwell and was heavily insured ($340,000).
• At Barnwell’s office, Johnny finds the owner unfazed by the fire and suspiciously content with collecting on the insurance.
• Notable quote:
  • Peter Barnwell: “I’ve done nothing but lose money on it. Oh, but I’ve been very careful to keep up the insurance. So now that it’s gone up in flames, I shall at long last collect on it.” (07:54)
  • Johnny Dollar: “You sound pretty sure of that [the police not finding arson].” (08:43)

3. Police Theory vs. Insider Intel (11:01–12:22)

• Johnny consults Bill Mullen of the Arson Squad, who believes the fire was accidental: a derelict named Stumpy Moran, presumed drunk, died in the fire after smoking in bed.
  • Bill Mullen: "Some old derelict name of Stumpy Moran … No more mattress, no more shack, no more warehouse.” (11:21)
• Johnny is unconvinced and presses for more, refusing to call off public scrutiny.

4. Smokey’s Evidence—and His Peril (12:47–13:56)

• Smokey reveals that Stumpy Moran neither drank nor smoked. He's certain the real arsonist is Touchy Thompson, a criminal genius who leaves no trace.
  • Smokey Sullivan: “He never touched a drop, Johnny—he didn’t smoke neither. ... The only guy in the whole country who could leave no trace.” (13:04–13:30)
• Smokey promises physical evidence, but before he can meet Johnny, he’s shot in a phone booth.

5. Attempted Murder and Hospital Confession (15:13–17:56)

• Police investigate Smokey’s shooting, suspecting his involvement in the fire, but Johnny defends his friend.
• At the hospital, Smokey, barely alive, insists Touchy Thompson was behind both the fire and his own shooting. Touchy used exotic chemicals and a gas mask to stage the accidental death.
  • Smokey Sullivan: “Touchy had chemicals. Special chemicals. Never left a trace.” (17:35)
  • Smokey Sullivan: “If you do [find Touchy], Johnny, be careful.” (18:03)

6. Flushing Out the Real Criminal (19:34–22:08)

• Johnny finds Touchy Thompson’s home empty except for a “Gone Fishing” note.
• Teams with Maury Webster of KCBS Radio to craft a fake news broadcast blaming Smokey for the fire and announcing his death, intending to flush Touchy out.
  • Johnny Dollar: “I have a sneaking suspicion it’ll flush out an arsonist. Oh, yeah, and killer.” (20:42–20:55)

7. Trap Laid, Confrontation, and Resolution (22:08–24:33)

• Johnny stakes out Touchy’s house; Touchy returns and tries to establish a false alibi (Mono Lake fishing trip).
• Johnny catches a lie—trout can't live in Mono Lake's mineral-rich water.
  • Johnny Dollar: “I know it well enough to know that because of the high mineral content of that water, no trout could ever survive in it.” (23:17)
• Unexpectedly, Peter Barnwell arrives, armed, and attempts to stage a double murder. Police, forewarned by Smokey, intervene just in time.

8. Aftermath and Justice (24:33–25:25)

• Both Barnwell and Touchy are arrested—each trying to save their own skin but only implicating themselves further.
• Johnny submits expenses, including a hefty gratuity and hospital care for Smokey, reflecting his respect and gratitude.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Comic Reference:
  • Johnny Dollar: “That’s out near Bum Spun, Oklahoma.” (07:30) – A run-in with impatient reporters, showcasing Johnny’s typical dry humor.
• Colleague Camaraderie:
  • Bill Mullen: “Johnny, when you’ve combed through evidence on as many cases like that as I have, there’s no mistaking it.” (11:42)
• Hospital Vow:
  • Johnny Dollar: "Listen, doctor, do everything you can for him, will you? I'll foot the bill." (16:26)
• Pivotal Reveal:
  • Johnny Dollar: “… because of the high mineral content of that water, no trout could ever survive in it.” (23:17)
• Host Reflection:
  • Adam Graham: “I had to chuckle when Johnny mentioned that the paper he was from was in Bum Spun, Oklahoma. A reference to the hometown of Durango Laramie. Another one of those deep cuts that we talked about last week.” (27:58)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Case Introduction / Call from Smokey: 02:28–03:36
• Barnwell’s Office / Insurance Motive: 06:49–08:50
• Arson Squad / Police Theory: 11:01–12:22
• Smokey’s Big Reveal & Shooting: 12:47–14:02
• Hospital Confession: 16:07–17:56
• Maury Webster & Trap Set: 19:34–21:57
• Touchy Thompson Confronted: 22:08–23:56
• Barnwell’s Double-Cross/Police Intervention: 23:56–24:29
• Expense Wrap-Up & Resolution: 24:49–25:25

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Host Commentary Highlights

• On Johnny's Anonymity: Adam Graham humorously questions how Johnny’s high profile in newspapers squares with his supposed undercover work.
• On Radio's Role: Graham notes the meta-shoutout to KCBS reflects the era’s attempts to root radio drama in real local contexts as television’s popularity surged.
• Trivia: A “deep cut” reference to Bum Spun, Oklahoma, Johnny’s fake news credentials, links to radio lore.

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Conclusion

The Frisco Fire Matter delivers a classic insurance mystery with familiar noir elements: a burned warehouse, a slippery owner, reformed criminals, red herrings, and Johnny’s sharp deductions. The layered plot unfolds briskly, culminating in a satisfying reversal, justice served, and a reminder that even the cleverest schemes leave traces—and friends who stand by you.

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For more, visit: greatdetectives.net
Next week: Johnny heads to an Oklahoma ranch … until the shooting starts!

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Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Smokey Sullivan]

Sorry.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Book with support, not surprises, Verbo Care and 24. 7 Life Support. If you know you're verbo terms apply. See for details. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What is this your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Liberty.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment I'm going to bring you this week's episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But first I want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And as you are making your travel plans, remember johnnydoller air.com johnnydoller air.com is a Priceline affiliate link, so part of your purchase price will support the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Alright, well, from April 5, 1959, here is the first Frisco fire matter.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Time now for

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's that?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Smokey.

[Johnny Dollar]

Smokey? Smokey Sullivan?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Holy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you always call people at 5:30 in the morning? Oh, hiya Smokey. How are things down in New York?

[Smokey Sullivan]

I'm living out here in Frisco now. Oh, you know about the big fire out here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Smokey, don't tell me you've been up to your old tricks.

[Smokey Sullivan]

You know I wouldn't do nothing like that, Johnny, after the good way you've been treating me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I hope not. But what about this fire?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Big warehouse.

[Johnny Dollar]

They're in San Francisco.

[Smokey Sullivan]

The Barnwell warehouse. It's still burning, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Arson.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yeah, I know who did it.

[Johnny Dollar]

There must be insurance in a big warehouse.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

So as soon as I can check it out, I'll look. Where'll I find you?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Where'll you stay, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's see. At the Huntingdon Hotel, up on Nob Hill.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Me? In a nice place like that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, unless I know where to call you.

[Smokey Sullivan]

It's okay, Johnny. I'll call you.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're sure it's arson?

[Smokey Sullivan]

I'm sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I'll see you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

A handcuffed thief makes a desperate bid to escape. A frantic dope addict crashes through a fiberboard wall at the police station house. It's part of the daily routine In New York's 16th police precinct, hell's Kitchen. In the new issue of look magazine, you'll follow tough, dedicated cops as they track down the man who pulled the trigger. Run down a burglar, subdue a drug addict, and you'll learn in look the kind of guy it takes to make a detective. What he thinks about his job, what he thinks about the kinds of people he has to deal with. It's all here in Look's exciting picture story, Detectives at Work. An uphill fight in a tough city where the crime rate has risen almost 10% in the last year. Where 40% of the nation's drug addicts fight, steal or beg for a fix. Where an entire neighborhood suddenly becomes silent when the police department tries to track the man behind the gun. You'll see it all in look magazine's dramatic picture story, Detectives at Work. It's in the latest issue of look, and it's on your newsstands now. Get your copy of Look Today.

[Johnny Dollar]

Account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Greater Southwest Insurance Company, San Francisco office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Frisco fire matter. First of all, I had to make sure my expenses to the west coast wouldn't have to come out of my own pocket. So expense account item1.10 cents for a call that got Pat McCracken of Universal Adjustment Bureau out of his bed. I asked him to dig up some facts and figures for me in a hurry. Within 20 minutes, he called me back. Johnny Dollar.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Well, Johnny, I've been on the phone to San Francisco ever since you called me.

[Johnny Dollar]

You were right about the big fire.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah?

[Smokey Sullivan]

How did you find out about it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Never mind that, Pat. Just keep talking.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Well, it's a warehouse. It's owned and operated by Mr. Peter H. Barnwell. And he has an office at 1427 Commack Street.

[Johnny Dollar]

1427 Commac. Got it. And the insurance?

[Smokey Sullivan]

340,000.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Wow.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Carried by Greater Southwest Insurance Company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pat, if I hurry, I can just make plane connections.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No, wait a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks, Pat. Thanks a lot. Item 2, 201 88, plane fare. Hartford to New York to San Francisco. And believe me, those jet flights on American get you there in a hurry. I left New York at 8am and pulled into San Francisco before noon. Pacific time, of course. Item three, a dime for a newspaper at the airport. Apparently the fire had burned itself out. Item 4, 6, 7, 5, taxi to Peter H. Barnwell's office on Commack Street. The reception room was jammed.

[Lysol Character]

No, no, there's no point in sending anybody over here because he won't see them.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now, listen, Chick, I'll get you tickets

[Johnny Dollar]

for any show in town if you just.

[Lysol Character]

No, I tell you, he won't see any of you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not even me.

[Lysol Character]

Now, why don't you reporters just go back to your papers and wait until Mr. Barnwell's ready to talk to you.

[Johnny Dollar]

My card, miss.

[Lysol Character]

It's no use, miss.

[Johnny Dollar]

Will you read it, please?

[Lysol Character]

But he doesn't want to see any reporters, right?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, yeah.

[Lysol Character]

Just a minute, Mr. Dollar.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now, how do you write that, buddy? What paper are you from? Yeah, yeah, the Bingville Bugle.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's out near Bum Spun, Oklahoma.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Oh, now look, wise guy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look.

[Lysol Character]

Mr. Dollar. Mr. Dollar. Dollar, will you come in, please, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure. Thanks.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now, wait a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

You Johnny Dollar, the insurance.

[Lysol Character]

Right in here, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hey, wait a minute. Sit down, Mr. Dollar. Make yourself at home.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I must say, you weren't at all upset about the loss of your warehouse.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Should I be? Sit down. Sure, Mr. Dollar. That building's been a losing propos because of its bad location. Because of zoning restrictions and the cost of tearing it down, I've done nothing but lose money on it. Oh, but I've been very careful to keep up the insurance. So now that it's gone up in flames, I shall at long last collect on it.

[Johnny Dollar]

$340,000.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's right. And with whatever I can get from some other misguided investor of the land itself, I'll be sitting pretty.

[Smokey Sullivan]

I see.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now, don't get any funny ideas, Mr. Investigator. The police have found nothing whatsoever to suggest arson. Nor will they.

[Johnny Dollar]

You sound pretty sure of that.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'm sure of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Even if it were a job that you didn't have done?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'm sure of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know something, Mr. Barnwell? I'm not sure if you can be

[Narrator/Various Characters]

of Any help in putting through my.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you hear what I said?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I heard. Mr. Dollar doesn't worry me a bit.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, fellas.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

My car filter may be worth a thousand bucks. How's that heard over the radio? That the people who make FRAM filters have a big treasure hunt on. So I check my oil and air filter and I'll be dog gone. If there wasn't a specially marked FRAM air filter that might pay me $1,000. No kidding. My service station man said whatever I win, he'll win the same amount. Told me a regular filter check is important to today's cars. So important that FRAM Corporation is paying $60,000 to get car owners to check their filters now.

[Bill Mullen]

Cash money?

[Lysol Character]

Sure.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

This is Fram's silver anniversary. Last year, 10,000 secretly numbered Fram filters were distributed all over the United States and. And installed in cars during regular servicing. Every one of them is worth cash, some as much as $1,000.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why, one of you guys may have

[Narrator/Various Characters]

one in your car and not even lost. Say, what are we waiting for?

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's get those filters checked.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hurry, folks. Get in on the big FRAM treasure hunt. You could win up to $1,000 in cash. Check your car filters now. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Fris.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account, item five. Two bucks for a taxi. In my opinion, Peter H. Barn. Well, had the warehouse fire set, but opinions don't count in my business. You gotta have proof. And I hadn't yet got together with my informant, Smokey Sullivan. Smokey? Once a clever arsonist himself, later a counterfeiter, bootlegger. Just about everything in the book. But from the time he helped me with a case a couple of years ago, he'd stayed on the straight and narrow. And of course, I've always paid him well for his help. Before going on to my hotel, I stopped in to see Bill Mullen of the Arson Squad.

[Bill Mullen]

Yeah, the papers say you're in town, Johnny. Glad to see you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, how are you, Bill?

[Bill Mullen]

But there's no reason for you to be here about that fire.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, that's so.

[Bill Mullen]

We've already found out how it started.

[Johnny Dollar]

How, Bill?

[Bill Mullen]

Some old derelict name of Stumpy Moran used to sleep there every night. Had an old iron bed and a little sort of shack on one side of that warehouse.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Bill Mullen]

So last night, like a lot of the darn fools all over the country, every night he went to bed loaded and lit a cigarette. Result. No more mattress, no more shack, no more warehouse.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you holding him?

[Bill Mullen]

Also no more Stumpy Moran.

[Johnny Dollar]

He died in the fire? Yep. And you're sure that's how it started?

[Bill Mullen]

Johnny, when you've combed through evidence on as many cases like that as I have, there's no mistaking it.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now, Bill, listen.

[Bill Mullen]

All the way from the source of the blaze to the empty bottle, the carbonized paper from the cigarette, the foil from the cigarette package, the hair from the mattress. A thousand and one little things that the ordinary person wouldn't even think to look for. So listen.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah?

[Bill Mullen]

Be a nice guy and call off the papers, will you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Why?

[Bill Mullen]

Because they saw you over in Barnwell's office. They've decided it was arson and they're calling us a bunch of bums. The only reason they do it is to make headlines. So call them up and tell them to lay off, will you? Set them straight.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not until I'm sure they aren't. Right, Bill.

[Bill Mullen]

Huh? Now, wait a minute. What's that mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll see you later. Item 6. Another taxi to the hotel. Hunting it up on Knob Hill. I went straight to my room and sat down to wait for Smokey Solomon to call. I didn't have to wait long. Smokey.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I hear they found out how that fire started.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Stumpy?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Stumpy Moran.

[Smokey Sullivan]

He was a friend of mine. Not much brains, Johnny, but a nice old guy. But Johnny. Yeah, he didn't do it.

[Johnny Dollar]

But they found all the evidence. He'd been drinking and smoking in bed.

[Smokey Sullivan]

He never touched a drop. Johnny, you sure he didn't smoke neither? I know. He was my pal.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where are you, Smokey?

[Smokey Sullivan]

You know where the Hungry angel is?

[Johnny Dollar]

The cocktail bar over on the.

[Smokey Sullivan]

That's right. Take the alley and back. I'm in the phone booth at the end of it. I'll be waiting for you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now listen.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you know who did set that fire? Yeah.

[Smokey Sullivan]

The only guy in the whole country who could leave no trace.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute.

[Smokey Sullivan]

And they won't even question him because he's been living straight for so long.

[Johnny Dollar]

Touchy Thompson.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Lives in a nice house on Aldea Drive. 527. But he ain't there.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you know?

[Smokey Sullivan]

A note on his door says gone fishing.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're absolutely sure it was he?

[Smokey Sullivan]

I'm the only one knew where to look for his sign around that fire. And I found it there. I'll show it to you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Proof, huh?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yes, sir. Johnny, I can prove that warehouse was set. But oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Smokey. Smokey.

[Lysol Character]

Sociable, up to date. Debonair.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What's this, a new word game?

[Lysol Character]

No, I'm just mentioning the qualities that people admire in other people.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, I see. If you're sociable, up to date and. What was that other word? Debonair.

[Lysol Character]

Yes, debonair. But listen to it this way. Be sociable. Look smart, keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay young and fair and debonair. Be sociable, have a Pepsi.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Notice how many of your friends are serving Pepsi Cola these days? It's the up to date refreshment.

[Lysol Character]

Be sociable, serve Pepsi.

[Johnny Dollar]

In the alley behind the Hungry Angel I found a couple of policemen carefully going over every inch of the phone booth where Smokey'd called me.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Conroy heard the shots and came running back here. You get the angle of that bullet hole, Conroy?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, listen, listen. What about Smokey?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

City Hospital. But he isn't gonna live, Dollar. Not a chance.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you have no idea who shot him?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No. But you're a smart dick. Why don't you find out for it?

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, now, look.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

And let me tell you something else too, $. If that warehouse fire had been a torch job, which it wasn't, like you're blabbing it out to all the papers, your dear pal Smokey Sullivan is the only one who could have done it. So his being knocked off is good riddance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why Smokey?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Because we got every other firebug in this town nailed down, that's why.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wanna bet?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Mr. Dollar, I honestly don't understand it considering the way one of those bullets nicked his heart. But it looks as though that man Sullivan will live.

[Johnny Dollar]

The point is, doctor, can I talk to him?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, you can try, of course. Or this way, Mr. Dolan. But he was not able to give anything to the police who just left.

[Johnny Dollar]

And listen, doctor, do everything you can for him, will you? I'll foot the bill.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, very well. Right in here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mind if I talk to him alone?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

If you like. And if you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks. Smokey. Smokey.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Hi, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi. Yeah, the doc says you're gonna be okay.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Yeah, can't get rid of me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Attaboy, Smokey.

[Smokey Sullivan]

I didn't talk to the cops. Just looked at him like I was dead.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, Smokey, did you see who put the slugs into you?

[Smokey Sullivan]

No, Johnny, but it must have been Touchy. Touchy Thompson, Same as he set that fire.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, now, listen, you're in no shape to go over there and show me. But if the arson squad found no trace and believe me, they know everything

[Narrator/Various Characters]

to look for chemicals.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Smokey Sullivan]

Touchy had chemicals. Special chemicals. Never left a trace.

[Johnny Dollar]

Everything leaves a trace of some kind.

[Smokey Sullivan]

No, he had to use a gas mask. That's what must have knocked out Stumpy Moran. Then Touchy could plant the liquor. Cigarettes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I guess the only thing I can do is try to find Touchy Thompson.

[Smokey Sullivan]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Smokey Sullivan]

If you do, Johnny, be careful.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Act four of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment, Rambler station wagons lead all but two other makes in sales. Repeat, Rambler station wagons now lead all but two other makes. Car registration figures prove it. Never before has any station wagon scored such a sweeping success in so short a time. Why, the nationwide swing to Rambler. Well, listen to this. If you want America's lowest priced station wagon, Rambler has it. If you want big six passenger room plus America's easiest parking, Rambler has that most miles per gallon. Rambler has that too. Trade in value, Rambler has the highest of any low priced car. Yes, Rambler is America's top economy station wagon. But Rambler is also the compact quality car. The only car to offer personalized comfort, including front seats that glide back and forward separately adjustable headrests, reclining seatbacks, finest air conditioning at lowest cost, deep dip rust proofing. Yes, all America is discovering that Rambler station wagons are different. And Americans love that difference. So will you drive a Rambler station wagon now six or V8 at rambler dealers? And now act four of yours truly, Johnny Dollar,

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account item 7, 5. 20 more taxi fares. There was nobody home at Touchy Thompson's place. Only the note on the door Smokey had told me about. Gone fishing. Fishing, huh? He was probably hiding somewhere around the town waiting for the atmosphere to clear. But how to bring him out in the open? Then I suddenly remembered an old friend of mine, Maury Webster, head man at station kcbs. I'd have made a dollar even for a cab to the Sheraton palace and the KCBS studios.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Johnny, this is a pleasant surprise. Although I had heard you're in town.

[Johnny Dollar]

How are you, Maury?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Up to my neck. We're in the midst of a big celebration. You know, our 50th anniversary. Oh, yes, sir. We were the first broadcasting station in the country and we're kind of proud of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I should think you would be. Let me add my congratulations.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Thank you, Johnny. What brings you here, Maury?

[Johnny Dollar]

When is your next news broadcast?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Let me see. Don Mosley will hit the air in just about seven minutes.

[Johnny Dollar]

That'll just give me time to knock out a news item them for him to read on the air. Oh, what Kind tell you while I'm scribbling it, if you don't mind.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, yeah, yeah, go ahead.

[Johnny Dollar]

And, Maury, I have a sneaking suspicion it'll flush out an arsonist. Oh, yeah, and kill her.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

As briefly as possible.

[Johnny Dollar]

I told Maury Webster my plan, the why of it. I handed him the news item I'd cooked up. He penciled in a couple of minor changes, then gave it to his top man in the news bureau, Don Mosley. A few minutes later, there in his office, we listened to it being broadcast over the powerful facilities of KCBs

[Narrator/Various Characters]

on the local scene. Well, it took insurance investigator Johnny Dollar to clear up the matter of the Barnwell warehouse fire.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here it comes.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Dollar has proved conclusively that it was set by an old hand at that business named Smokey Sullivan. His reason? To kill another man by the name of Moran, whose body was later found buried in the embers. Incidentally, Sullivan himself has just died as a result of bullet wounds, no doubt inflicted by some friend of Moran's who sought to avenge his murder. Well, as for the holdup that occurred early this morning on the Embarcadero, well, I hope it does the trick, Johnny. What are you going to do now, Maury?

[Johnny Dollar]

There's going to be a stakeout at the home of one John R. Thompson, formerly known as Touchy Thompson, out on Aldea Drive.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, then you're turning this whole thing over to the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

That stakeout will be me.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

But if Thompson did set that fire and kill Moran, I still have to prove it. Well, don't you think it's a little dangerous, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Could be.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, in just a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks, Maury. Thanks a lot. So I went out to Aldea Drive again, and I parked myself rather uncomfortably behind a hedge across the street from Thompson's place. Finally, it must have been around 10pm an expensive car pulled up and a man loaded with fishing gear went into the house. I waited a couple of minutes and then I went over, knocked on the door, walked in, introduced myself and laid a few cards right on the table.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You crazy? Dollar didn't even know about that fire

[Johnny Dollar]

until you told me just now. Why lie about it, Touchy? Look, I've been fishing. Yeah? For what? An alibi.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, give me that.

[Johnny Dollar]

For trout.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Look, look, look.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Here they are. Yeah, trout.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ever see a nicer mess of them, pick them up at any market?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Not me.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, who was with you?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I was alone. I was over there camping beside the

[Johnny Dollar]

lake all the time, my sleeping bag still out in the car. What lake? Mono Lake It's a little over 200 miles east of here. Yeah, I know it well. Well, that's where I caught him. I know it well enough to know that because of the high mineral content of that water, no trout could ever survive in it.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What? Now, look. Wait a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's no good, Touchy. And with the proof I have that only you could have set that fire with some of your fancy chemic.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What do you know about that?

[Johnny Dollar]

You got no proof.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Look, perhaps she has. Touchy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'm glad to see you two know each other.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Very smart, weren't you? Touchy?

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I mean the way you felt for that phony news broadcast and came back here. Phony. And $thanks for setting the stage for me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, what does that mean?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You came here because you suspected Touchy. You had a big argument. You both pulled your guns and killed each other.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, wait a minute.

[Bill Mullen]

Wait.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's the only conclusion the police can possibly reach when they find your body's lying.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No. Don't make a single move$ neither of you will do anything. Because 5 seconds from now, you'll both be dead. That's where you're wrong.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Bill Mullen]

Pull that trigger, Barn Willems. The last thing you'll ever do, Bill. Climb in this window, boys, and take care of it.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

There isn't any need for violence. Operation, sir. That's right, Barn. Well, there isn't. All right, all right. You too, Tom.

[Bill Mullen]

Well, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, just what under the sun ever led you to come out here?

[Bill Mullen]

Bill, Your old friend Smokey Sullivan called me to the hospital.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

He was a little worried about you.

[Bill Mullen]

You mind?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Mind?

[Johnny Dollar]

You gotta be kidding.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah. They were both in it up to their ears.

[Johnny Dollar]

Each in trying to defend himself. Just put the other in there much deeper. And by the time the courts get through with them, they'll be sorry they ever lived. Expense account total, including the trip back to Hartford. And a good hefty gratuity for Smokey Sullivan, plus all his hospital bills. $923.91. Yours truly, Johnny Do.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Our star will return in just a moment.

[Lysol Character]

I'm a mean widow, kid.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

And are you pleased with yourself?

[Lysol Character]

Sure. Cause I'm a germ. A bathroom germ. Bathrooms is where the meanest germs get to whip. Do I have fun causing odor and spreading disease?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You better watch out, son, or your landlady may find out about Lysol brand disinfectant.

[Lysol Character]

Lysol?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No, Lysol.

[Lysol Character]

That's what I.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, anyway, a lot of women are finding that a dash of Lysol in their cleaning suds every week. Wipes out nasty bathroom disease. Germs like you disinfect from one cleaning to the next as no other product can. Wipes out many deadly viruses too. Lysol makes every cleaner work better. It's the easy, modern way to get bathrooms really clean and free of odors.

[Lysol Character]

Lysol can do that.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

And what's more, now besides regular Lysol, there's a new sweet smelling pine scented Lysol and they're both out to get you.

[Lysol Character]

Hey, was you ever a mean widow, kid?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

One more remark like that and I'll open this bottle of lights off.

[Lysol Character]

Help.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, a quiet little ranch in Oklahoma. Quiet, that is, until the shooting starts. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dol.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia Greg, Vic Parron, Larry Dobkin, Alan reed, Gil Stratton Jr. Paul Dubois, Bartlett Robinson, Don Mosley and Tony Barrett. 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. This is the CBS Radio Network

[Smokey Sullivan]

and

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I had to chuckle when Johnny mentioned that the paper he was from was in Bumpspom, Oklahoma. A reference to the hometown of Durango, Laramie. Another one of those deep cuts that we talked about last week. I do question a bit the newspapers covering his involvement in the case. It does add to the nationwide celebrity of Johnny through the radio. But it also raises concerns, increases some of the suspension of disbelief you have to have when he tries to be more anonymous about things. And of course, we got a little bit of a shout out to radio station KCBS, which began broadcasting in 1909. Although, as John Abbott notes in his great book the who is Johnny Dollar Matter, that there is some dispute over who exactly started the first radio station in the United States. But this sort of service to the radio stations is one of those hallmarks of the Johnstone era and certainly was a way, I think, to keep radio drama still relevant and rooted to the television by now had vastly surpassed radio in terms of the attention of the American people. But this is kind of a way to really tie it back into the local stations and into the real world in a way that you just weren't going to have on television. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Monica, patreon Supporter since March 2019, currently supporting these podcast at the Master detective level of $15 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Monica. 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 as we give way to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and Countersp. Where.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Come in. This is peters. Counters by plane one bound for Mexico. Victoria is about 40 miles north of the uranium discovery. You don't want to stay in Victoria. There's another town 40 miles to the south of the uranium field. A Festa. You and Mr. Harding get rooms there in a ranch house.

[Johnny Dollar]

That would be fine for a while.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

We'll want to keep undercover, that's all. Now remember, Peters, I'm flying to Mexico. At your request, I brought along this map of Mexico. Mr. Harding, I'd like to show you the publicity that's gotten into the papers about a uranium deposit in Mexico. It certainly started something. What did the report from the Mexican police say about it, Peter? The port said that persons of questionable character were flocking to Victoria. Victoria? That's right here on the map. Unless I miss my guess, foreign agents are swarming there like flies to molasses. What are you chuckling about this for me? Yes, you. Oh, I. I was just thinking of a funny story. You've got something up your sleeve somehow, Peters. I have a hunch. A hunch. There are going to be some very interesting developments in those mountains within the next few days.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13greatdetives.net follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives and check us out on instagra instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Spring is calling

[RK Zero Proof Spokesperson]

weddings, patio sessions, barbecues and you want that drink vibe without sacrificing tomorrow. That's RK zero proof. As the world's first zero proof spirits brand, RK created the warm molecule giving you the smooth kick of whiskey or tequila with zero alcohol, zero calories, zero sugar and all the peace of mind you need to enjoy every moment. Step into the zero proof season at rk0proof.com. Spring is packed patios, parties, wedding weekends and RK0 proof keeps you in the mix without the morning after regret as the original Zero Proof Spirits brand, RK's warm molecule gives you that real deal burn of whiskey or tequila with none of the alcohol, zero calories, zero sugar and a whole lot of freedom to enjoy the moment. Sip smarter this [e-mail].