Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter (EP4639)

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter (EP4639)"

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter (EP4639)"
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Characters: Johnny Dollar, George Reed, Mary Ellen Markham, Harry Baxter, Dr. Albert Schwinner

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar," host Adam Graham presents the riveting case titled "The Hope to Die Matter." Set in November 1957, the story unfolds with Johnny Dollar, a seasoned insurance investigator, navigating a perplexing and emotionally charged mystery involving a dubious insurance policy that threatens both life and legacy.

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Act One: The Unusual Policy

[00:28]
Johnny Dollar begins his day without an assignment until he receives a call from George Reed, who introduces a peculiar case: an insurance policy unlike any Johnny has encountered before.

Key Quote:
"You rather jestingly asked me if instead of selling life insurance..." — George Reed [01:37]

George reveals that Harry Baxter, the chairman of Floyd's of England and majority stockholder, has issued a "death insurance" policy on Mary Ellen Markham. Unlike traditional life insurance policies that payout upon death, this reverse policy mandates a payout if the insured does not die by a specified date.

Key Quote:
"I'm afraid the company is saddled with what you might call a death insurance policy." — George Reed [01:49]

Johnny is skeptical, questioning the logic behind such a policy and its potential implications. Mary Ellen Markham, George's colleague, expresses her desperation, highlighting the unusual nature of the policy.

Key Quote:
"How under the sun can a man be crazy enough to issue a policy like that?" — Johnny Dollar [03:37]

Despite his reservations, Johnny accepts the case, motivated by George's promise of an unlimited expense account.

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Act Two: Delving Deeper

Johnny travels to confront Harry Baxter in his upscale New York City apartment. The encounter is tense, with Baxter evasive and defensive about the policy's origins and purpose.

Key Quote:
"I must argue that our methods, our practices were right, that we could prolong and possibly ultimately save not only her own, but thousands, perhaps millions of lives." — Dr. Albert Schwinner [21:34]

Unable to extract meaningful information from Baxter, Johnny reaches out to George for further details, only to learn that Baxter has inexplicably left for Europe, leaving the policy unchallenged.

Returning to Mary Ellen Markham's residence, Johnny meets with her frail and ailing condition. Through a series of inquiries, it becomes evident that the policy is interconnected with Dr. Albert Schwinner, a specialist at the Albert Schwinner Clinic, dedicated to rare blood diseases.

Key Quote:
"Mary Ellen Markham did live C50, but only for a few days. Just long enough to make her gift to the clinic." — Johnny Dollar [23:09]

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Act Three: The Emotional Resolution

In the final act, Johnny confronts Dr. Albert Schwinner, unraveling the true motive behind the death insurance policy. Fifteen years prior, Mary Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal blood disease, with doctors offering her a mere five years to live. Dr. Schwinner and his dedicated team at the clinic defied these odds, extending her life beyond the initial prognosis.

To secure funding for the clinic's groundbreaking research, Mary Ellen struck a unique agreement: if she survived past her 50th birthday, she would donate $250,000 to the clinic. Anticipating the possibility that she might not reach this milestone, Harry Baxter issued the reverse policy to ensure the clinic's financial stability, intertwining personal loss with professional salvation.

Key Quote:
"Harry came back from Europe and he said he found some mistake unquote in the policy that requires the company to pay off on it anyway." — Johnny Dollar [23:36]

Mary Ellen's passing just days before her 50th birthday ensured the policy's activation, validating the clinic's methods and securing its future. Johnny reflects on the ethical complexities of the case, recognizing the altruistic yet unconventional methods employed to support vital medical research.

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Conclusion

"The Hope to Die Matter" masterfully blends mystery with emotional depth, exploring themes of life, death, and the lengths one might go to preserve hope and progress in medical science. Johnny Dollar's investigation not only solves the case but also highlights the profound impact of human resilience and the unintended consequences of unconventional solutions.

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Notable Quotes:

• George Reed [01:37]: "You rather jestingly asked me if instead of selling life insurance..."
• Johnny Dollar [03:37]: "How under the sun can a man be crazy enough to issue a policy like that?"
• Dr. Albert Schwinner [21:34]: "Mary Ellen Markham did live C50, but only for a few days. Just long enough to make her gift to the clinic."
• Johnny Dollar [23:09]: "Harry came back from Europe and he said he found some mistake unquote in the policy that requires the company to pay off on it anyway."

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This episode not only presents a gripping mystery but also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals striving to make a meaningful difference in the world. Through Johnny Dollar's meticulous investigation, listeners are invited to reflect on the fine line between personal motives and the greater good.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But if you are enjoying this podcast, I encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And remember, our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at Patreon qu. Great detectives dot net. Well, now, from November 24, 1957, here is the Hope to Die matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Doer.

[George Reed]

Johnny, this is. This is George Reed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, nice to hear from you, George. Especially when I have no assignment.

[George Reed]

That's fine.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's fine about it? No expense account to pay. That means how do I keep the wolf in the door? Unless, of course, Floyd's of England has a case for me, huh? Well, Johnny. Yeah, I.

[George Reed]

Well, a few weeks ago. You were kidding at the time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, George, how could I ever kid you?

[George Reed]

I'll let that one go.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, you better.

[George Reed]

The point is, you rather jestingly asked me if instead of selling life insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, don't tell me.

[George Reed]

I'm afraid so. I'm afraid the company is saddled with what you might call a death insurance policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

You. Me? In sitting.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes.

[George Reed]

John.

[Bob Bailey]

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.

[Bob Bailey]

And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dol.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar Deploys of England, American office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Hope to Die matter. Expense account item one, a $10 taxi from my apartment to George Reed's office. Well, I found him facing the floor and wearing an even more worried expression than usual. And believe me, that's something.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

This thing has me so, so riled up, Johnny, I can hardly see straight.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you should have known better than to issue a policy like that, George. I.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

It was Harry Baxter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Baxter?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

He filled in here for me while I was on vacation. I should have known better.

[Johnny Dollar]

What'd he do, sell a lot of policies that you shouldn't have to handle? No, just this one.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

And I swear I don't understand it.

[Johnny Dollar]

He of all people. All right, you said on the phone that it was kind of life insurance in reverse.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

That's exactly what it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Explain, please.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Well, usually, of course, we pay the face value of a policy when the insured dies, Right? In this case, however, the company will have to pay the $250,000 that the insured doesn't die.

[Johnny Dollar]

250,000. Yes. How under the sun can a man be crazy enough to issue a policy like that?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

John, you know how it is. The company prides itself on the fact we'll insure anything. Not only life and property and health and so on, but the voice of a singer, the feet of a dancer, hands of a pianist. Even the dimples on the knees of a chorus girl.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Singing mice. An old alley cat, a sick whale.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Of course, I can't say that Harry wasn't in position to do it. But, Johnny, you've got to help me.

[Johnny Dollar]

First you better tell me who and why and what it's all about.

[Harry Baxter]

Just for trouble.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's it. You don't know.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I only got back here to the office this morning. I found our copy of the policy lying here on my desk.

[Johnny Dollar]

But if you don't even. Oh, look, I've handled some pretty screwy cases for you, George.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, but they've all finally made sense one way or the other. Johnny, we have paid you some very nice fees. You can't deny that. George, tell me, have I ever questioned your expense account?

[Johnny Dollar]

But death insurance, it doesn't make sense.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Have I?

[Johnny Dollar]

Insuring somebody against living? Have I? I'm sorry, but this time the answer is no.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Listen, if you take this on, I'll okay your expense account without even reading it.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Yes, insurance expense account.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Unlimited, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

George, there are some things even a conniving, chiseling, unprincipled rascal like myself won't even.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Unlimited, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, George, I'll take it.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Narrator]

Who among us has not hoped for a better life? Who has not had a desire to help stamp out disease and suffering among more unfortunate people throughout the world? Many have wanted to help, and many have done so. That sort of work is going on everywhere. Everywhere there is hope for freedom and a better life. Outstanding in this field of activity is Project Hope, which operates from a converted U.S. navy hospital ship called, appropriately enough, the Hope. The good ship Hope carries out its mission of mercy in Far Eastern waters. Wherever doctors, nurses, dentists, sanitation and public health experts are needed. The Hope steams full speed ahead and gives what help it can. In addition to giving medical aid, the.

[Johnny Dollar]

Staff of the Hope works with local.

[Narrator]

Doctors to acquaint them with the newest of medicines and medical procedures. At the same time, the staff of the Hope learns a great deal about the symptoms and the cures of diseases with which they have had no previous contact. When the Hope was in the United States Navy, it was called the Consolation. And it is certain that the people who now operate her will give both consolation and hope to those who are suffering. Consolation, hope and a new life. For wherever the hospital ship Hope is anchored, its staff is to make emergency trips to scenes of disasters and epidemics. Their services include a wide variety of skills, from removing a tumor from a child's neck to putting a bandage on an old woman's cut finger. But most importantly, with the Hope comes friendship and understanding. Good medicine for healthy freedom, which is the right of all men everywhere.

[Bob Bailey]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And the Hope to die Matters.

[Johnny Dollar]

Voice of England ensure anything. At least that was their boast. And now it looked as though it had finally backfired on them. Because somebody in the organization, some character named Harry Baxter, had issued not life, but death insurance. If it hadn't been for my friendship for George Reed, well, plus his promise of unlimited expense account, I'd have thrown the whole problem right back into his face as it was.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Thanks, Johnny. From the bottom of my heart, I'll never forget you for this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Believe me, George, I'll never forgive you for this.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

And if you can get us off.

[Johnny Dollar]

The hook, all I can do is try. So, come on, give me the dope on it.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes. Now, here. The name of the insured is Ms. Mary Ellen Markham.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I got it. Where does she live?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

514 East 52nd Street, New York City.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty fancy address. Yes. Okay. Now, tell me why this Mary Ellen has enjoyed herself against living?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Well, that's the point, Johnny. She hasn't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, wait a minute. You.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Albert Schwinner has.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean somebody else took out this policy on her life, or rather death?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Holy.

[Johnny Dollar]

What is this guy? A professional gunsol who's going to wipe her out and then collect? I suppose he's the beneficiary, too.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, he is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, fine. Well, come on. Who is it?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I don't know. As I told you, the policy was lying here on my desk when I got back this morning. I do know this much about him. It's Dr. Albert Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor? What kind?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Those are the things you've got to find out who he is, what he is, why, he's bought insurance against this Woman's Living Beyond November 10th.

[Johnny Dollar]

The 10th? Well, that's only a few days from now. Oh, George, this gets worse and worse.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

If only Harry Baxter hadn't issued that post.

[Johnny Dollar]

But he has. Oh, boy, you sure picked a dilly to Fill in for you while you were away.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Victim?

[Johnny Dollar]

What else could I do?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

After all, he never did anything like this before.

[Johnny Dollar]

You've known him before?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Are you serious?

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course I have. Why, Harry Beckham. All right. Now, look. Time's a wasting, and we haven't got much of it. I take it you want me to see if I can find some legal grounds for canceling this policy.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, immediately.

[Johnny Dollar]

I began an address on the beneficiary. This Dr. Schwinner so upset about this.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Whole thing, I haven't even looked. And let me see. According to this, he lives at.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's the matter?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Dr. Albert W. Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

CL what kind of a doctor is that?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I don't know. The address is 14327 E Street, Union City, New Jersey.

[Johnny Dollar]

CL well, I'll soon find out. We're gonna reach this Harry Baxter, who.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Sold the pilot in New York at the. Got down the address.

[Johnny Dollar]

I still don't see how Baxter could get away with it.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

After all, when you consider his position.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, he offered no explanation at all.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I'm afraid I didn't give him much chance. I practically threw him out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

I can't say that I blame you.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

And that's another thing. Look, Johnny, perhaps you can reason with.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, don't worry, George. He's number one on my calling list. I'll be talking to you. Expense Account, Item 2. 785. Fare to new York and taxi to Harry Baxter's address. A real sooty one over near Sutton Place. And people don't live in that joint unless they've earned or chiseled a lot of money from somewhere. In the case of Baxter, I suspected a big chisel. My suspicion was considerably heightened when he opened the door. His apartment was luxury from stem to stern. As for Baxter himself.

[Harry Baxter]

$.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why, of course, old boy.

[Harry Baxter]

I've heard a great deal about you. For my dear friend and colleague, George Reed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dear friend, huh?

[Harry Baxter]

Well, you say that as though you guided it. Oh, I know that. Filling in for him while he was away. Well, I really should have done better.

[Johnny Dollar]

For the old thing.

[Harry Baxter]

But I've had so many social obligations to meet these past few months. And after all, one must keep up with those things.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sure one must.

[Harry Baxter]

I did say one policy. You know, A real village.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, that's the understatement of the week.

[Harry Baxter]

I suppose I can't really blame him for being a bit excited about it. But he gave me no chance to explain why I assumed the policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why did you?

[Harry Baxter]

Oh, now, really. Well, I made it very clear to George that I would tell him when he calms down enough to be reasonable. Really, Mr. Dolly, he was in quite a tizzy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Brother. He still is. That's why he sent for me.

[Harry Baxter]

But when he calms down, he'll be sorry he bothered you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Suppose you tell me why you issued that policy.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

You. No.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Harry Baxter]

No, I'll tell George when he's ready. When I'm ready.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, just a minute.

[Harry Baxter]

And you may tell George I said exactly that. Good night, Olam.

[Johnny Dollar]

You tell me, Baxter, right now.

[Harry Baxter]

I do nothing of the sort. And what's more, since my pay in for Europe is leaving shortly, I have no time to do. Would you kindly remove your foot from the door?

[Johnny Dollar]

Not until I get an answer from you. And I'll start talking if you can.

[Harry Baxter]

Show some legal cause.

[Johnny Dollar]

Legal cause?

[Harry Baxter]

Furthermore, your behavior at the moment constitutes trespass, illegal entry. Call it what you like. And believe me, unless you leave here immediately, I shan't hesitate to ring up the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right. Now, look, just tell me one thing.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

I must. What?

[Johnny Dollar]

What is your connection with the beneficiary of this policy?

[Harry Baxter]

Dr. Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Albert Schwinner.

[Harry Baxter]

But Albert happens to be a very close personal friend.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I might have guessed as much. All right, then tell me this. No, I'm sorry.

[Harry Baxter]

Just one question. I've given the answer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Goodbye.

[Harry Baxter]

Are you hard of hearing?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here, now.

[Nurse]

Goodbye.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, there was no point in trying to batter down the door of Harry Baxter's apartment. So I left. Downstairs in the lobby, I put in a phone call that said and 3.55 to George Reed's office in Hartford. I'm sorry, Mr. Dollar, but he seems to have stepped out for a few minutes. Oh, well, then please tell him when he gets back that I want a complete rundown on Harry Baxter. Well, that shouldn't be difficult. Right. Having hired him, George shouldn't have much trouble getting that for me.

[Miss Jared]

That isn't what I meant, Mr. Dollar. As a matter of fact, I think.

[Adam Graham]

I can tell you just now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let George do it. I'll call him back. Item 4, 65 cents. Taxi. To Mary Ellen Markham's apartment on East 52nd Street. A uniformed nurse met me at the door, told me I could stay with Ms. Markham only a very short time. Then led me into the bedroom. And there, carefully propped up in bed, lay a pale, wan, tired woman who looked to be 65 or 70.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

The room was full of flowers.

[Nurse]

You may leave us if you have to. I'll Ring and I'm with you. Yes, Miss Ma. Sit down, Dara.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Thank you.

[Nurse]

I am sorry I won't be able to speak with you very long, but as you can see.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Yes, yes, I can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course. I'll get right to the point. You must know, I'm sure that someone has just taken out a policy on your. Well, an insurance policy.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Honey.

[Nurse]

Yes. You're so smart and so helpful. Carried active holding to be. I am suffering from a rare incurable disease of the blood. I'm sorry I don't have long to live. Few days, perhaps. Few weeks at the most. Excuse me. Such an effort.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Well, you.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're getting the best of care, I trust.

[Nurse]

Now, what do you wish to know?

[Johnny Dollar]

You know a Dr. Albert Schwinner, don't you?

[Nurse]

I know now, but for many years he's been great friends.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why does he take out a policy that indicates he hopes that you'll die?

[Nurse]

I die?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes. What else could it be?

[Nurse]

No, you don't understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't you see? Schwinner has bought insurance against your living beyond November 10th.

[Nurse]

Yes. 50th birthday.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

You mean to say reason.

[Nurse]

Sir?

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I know I'm terrified. But just one more thing. No doctor. The doctor who's taking care of you.

[Nurse]

Albert.

[Johnny Dollar]

Albert. This same Dr. Schwin.

[Nurse]

Yes. Now you sleep.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Narrator]

The American writer Christopher Morley once wrote, when you sell a man a book, you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper, ink and glue. You sell him a whole new way of life, unquote. Now that goes double when you give nuts. Sell a book. But the gift of 550 books to little children increases the legacy tenfold. Near the end of 1960, the employees of the Chase Manhattan bank started a people to people program with such a gift to school children of a town in Tanganyika that's on the southeast coast of Africa. To give you an idea how the books were received by the children, let me first quote from Francis Bacon, an English writer of a few centuries back. He said, some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. In the past, children in Panganica may have done a little tasting and chewing and a little swallowing and digesting, but there's one certain thing they wound up devouring the books they received from the United States. And they did so much of it that they, the ones in high school anyway, were able to reach the level of English children their age and pass the exams at the Same time. That takes a lot of book learning, as they say. The gift of these books from the United States of America may have seemed a small thing to the senders. But the boys in Tanganyika who received them know that they've opened a whole new way of life. They've greatly increased understanding in the classroom of freedom. The right of all men everywhere.

[Bob Bailey]

And now act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And the hope to die matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

The little that Mary Ellen Markham had been able to tell me left me more puzzled than ever. I've never been given such a runaround in my life, deliberate or otherwise. But I didn't dare tax her strength further. So I left. Item 5. Another 55 cents for another call to George Reed and Hartford. This time he was in.

[George Reed]

Yes, Johnny, I must confess I'm calmed down a bit. But the first shock of learning that Mr. Baxter had issued that seemingly absurd policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, seemingly absurd? George's whole thing has me in a tizzy now. A double barreled one.

[George Reed]

Well, I tried to call Mr. Baxter a few minutes ago, but got no answer. I wanted to apologize, of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Apologize.

[George Reed]

After all, since he. Chairman of the board.

[Johnny Dollar]

Chairman of what board?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

The company.

[George Reed]

This company.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Bob Bailey]

I tried to tell you that this.

[George Reed]

Morning, but you didn't give me a chance. Harry Baxter is also the majority stockholder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, brother.

[George Reed]

In any event, as I'm sure you can see, he must have had some good reason for that policy. And as soon as I can get him by phone.

[Johnny Dollar]

You won't.

[Harry Baxter]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

He just left for Europe.

[George Reed]

Where?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know. And right now I don't care.

[George Reed]

But if I can't contact him. Johnny, I don't dare cancel this policy until I've talked to him. And if Ms. Markham should die before the 10th.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, 250G.

[George Reed]

You've got to carry on.

[Johnny Dollar]

Would you like to tell me how? If Mary Ellen Markham dies on or before November 10, Floyds of England pays Dr. Albert Schwinner $250,000 on a policy taken out by him. And he is her doctor with her life in his hand. And if there isn't something wrong with that setup. Extensor got item 6. $8 for a taxi to Schwinner's address in Union City, New Jersey. And there at last I learned what the CL meant behind his name. It was an abbreviation. This was the Albert Schwinner Clinic. Devoted to the study of rare diseases of the blood. But Schwinner wasn't there. He'd gone to New York the same as Markham. Item 7. $10 even for a fast taxi ride back there to Manhattan. As the nurse led me into the unfortunate woman's apartment, he was just coming out of the bedroom door. Oh, Dr. Swinner, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Harry Baxter]

Well, Mr. Dollar.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Harry Baxter told me I might expect you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, he did, huh?

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Yes, he phoned me just before his plane took off for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty smart.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

You're an insurance investigator, aren't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

That is right.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Oh, you may go in to see this Markham now, Mrs. Has.

[Johnny Dollar]

Very well, doctor. How is Ms. Markham, doctor?

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Much better, thank God.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why do you say that? What if she dies before this week is out? You stand to collect a cool quarter of a million, don't you?

[Harry Baxter]

I know the clinic.

[Johnny Dollar]

Isn't that the same thing?

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Oddly. Sit down, Mr. Darmer. Now, you're concerned about the rather unorthodox insurance policy that Mr. Baxter issued?

[Johnny Dollar]

I certainly am. I think you better.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Let me tell you the reason for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think you'd better.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

At the onset of her illness some 15 years ago, the best doctors in the country gave her five years to live at the most.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's when you came into the picture?

[Bob Bailey]

Yes.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Because of the devotion, the concentration of all our efforts to this one field of medicine, the clinic was able for the first time to give her hope. Her hope was justified. We have given her years of life.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now, wait a minute, Doctor.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

She told us then that if she. She could be helped to live until she was 50.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that'll be on the 10th.

[Bob Bailey]

Yes.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

That would prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that our methods, our practices were right, that we could prolong and possibly ultimately save not only her own, but thousands, perhaps millions of lives. Therefore, she agreed that if she reached 50, she would make an outright gift of $250,000 to the clinic and its work. Money, which is much needed, by the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

But then it began to look as though she might never reach 50.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Yes, and she suggested this unusual insurance policy on her death rather than on her life.

[Johnny Dollar]

But why? Harry Baxter, chairman of the board of the insurance company, as big as stockholder whatever. I don't get it.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Baxter's own mother died of the same disease, Mr. Dolan.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then he knew how necessary this money is to the clinic. Yes, and let's face it, Baxter is.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Something of an eccentric.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's the reason he chose this offbeat way to make sure you get the financial help you need.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Exactly.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if I try to get this.

[Dr. Albert Schwinner]

Policy canceled, a great many lives in the future may depend on its remaining in force, of course, if you're duty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, My duty, as I see it, is to do just exactly nothing. Mary Ellen Markham did live C50, but only for a few days. Just long enough to make her gift to the clinic. Harry Baxter in the company? Well, Harry came back from Europe and he said he found some quote, mistake unquote in the policy that requires the company to pay off on it anyway. Eccentric. We should have more of them like that. Eccentric? Total. Are you kidding? Yours, Charlene. Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, an old folks home in a beautiful spot in the country. A beautiful spot for murder. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey originates in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Shirley Mitchell G. Stanley Jones, Ben Wright and Marvin Miller. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Coverley speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I will say that this was actually a good mystery for Johnny to investigate with circumstances that really made you wonder what's going on here in the end really does have emotional resonance. Cancer. The threat of cancer and the vital work being done to cure it is something that really speaks to so many of us. I don't think there's anyone who is listening who cancer hasn't touched in some way. And it's good that there was a good heart behind this craziness. And I actually was thinking when I heard the PSA for the hope, I kind of thought, okay, that might have been an unfortunate PSA to put on this particular episode. And I don't think that the military thought that deeply about which ones they chose is probably more like a process where these are the PSEs we're playing this week. But with the way it ends, it turns out to be maybe a little bit of a serendipitous PSA as it actually fits in the spirit of the story. That said, this is really a case that only happened because George Reid lost his temper on the chairman of the board of his company and then he didn't tell Johnny. And I'm sorry, but the I tried to tell you thing is a nonsense excuse. In this case, that the person who sold the policy is the chairman of the board and majority stockholder is headline news for an investigator. It's not a by the way, thing you put in later in the conversation as he's starting out the door, thinking he's got the information to go ahead and start investigating the case. And while I lack a good eccentric as much as anyone else, and I'm probably a little bit eccentric, there's eccentricity and then there's business, and corporate philanthropy has been around a long time, and there really would have been an easier way to arrange a $250,000 donation without all the rigmarole of the insurance policy. And part of the problem with issuing very eccentric insurance policies is that insurance is a very regulated industry. Obviously it was not as regulated in 1957 as it is today, but it's unlikely that there weren't some limits on the type of policies that an insurance company could issue. And while this guy might have been the majority stockholder, he wasn't the only one. And there are so many responsibilities. It really would have been better to find some other way to arrange the donation. But then again, I guess we wouldn't have had a story all right, well now, listener comments and feedback and I've got a comment here from Jake regarding the dial conversation we've discussed on the Alkali Mic matter. I've been enjoying your podcast for around three to three and a half years now, with my favorite podcast being the Johnny Dollar episodes. The reason I indicated this particular episode is because although I usually zone out after the episode plays, I happen to perk up and take notice when you were mentioning the fact of someone learning to identify a phone number by the length of time that the phone took to dial the numbers. Somehow, through a freak happening during my time in either high school or college, I learned to dial numbers by hearing the clicks for a certain digit and clicking those little hang up buttons that old phones had under headsets. As I recall, you had to push the hang up button once for digit one and twice for digit two, and so on for each digit in the number you were dialing. You had to maintain a particular speed while doing this in order to have success in getting the number you were dialing to ring. This seemed like a cool bit of knowledge back in those days, and I'm quite sure that there were many others who figured it out. I don't know if it has any bearing on what you're referring to or not. When I heard you speaking of that, it brought back the memory of my little discovery. Probably not really interesting to some people, but you're mentioning how someone else made a discovery along the same lines. Maybe want to share that with anyone who thought it was interesting? Thank you for the podcast. I enjoy listening to the episodes while I'm falling asleep at night. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate the comment and it is interesting to learn about because there were things that you could do with old rotary phones and old pay phones until the knowledge became so widespread and the phone company found out. I did actually receive a phone call and it was from a lady who was trying to call the voicemail number, which is through Google Voice. And for some reason I had the call forwarding on. So it came to my cell phone and it came in the morning when I was not entirely ready. Well, I was not actually at all ready receive phone calls, but she told me that when she was a child she actually learned to tell what numbers were being dialed because each time it was dialed you would hear a number of clicks and the number of clicks would match the number being dialed. 50s and I hope I covered the gist of that. This is what I get for turning call forwarding on for some reason, but I was able to confirm that there were phones that work like that, but I actually couldn't find an example where I could hear the sound of it being dialed that way. I even watched some instructional films that were put out by companies like AT&T when rotary dials were first introduced, explaining how the dialing worked and I didn't hear the phenomena she was talking about. Now it does appear that there are different styles of rotary dials and that a lot of the newer rotary dials were quieter. But I spent a lot of time watching rotary dial content on YouTube. My wife walked in and she said, this looks like a rabbit hole. Well, maybe it kind of was, but probably after like the 15th video, I finally found someone that dialed a rotary phone and I could kind of hear the clicks and I heard what she was talking. So probably with louder dials that were prevalent in the late 1940s, it was probably easy for Charles Russell's Johnny Dollar to just be able to hear what number was being dialed. So I appreciate the comments on that. And the moral of the story is there is a lot of rotary dial content on YouTube for anyone who is curious or wants to hear that. And I even saw one person who got a rotary dial set up so that he could use it to enter the password to unlock his iPad. So it may have been a rabbit hole, but it was certainly a very interesting and educational one. Over on Spotify, regarding the model picture matter, John highlighted a comment from that episode which was a favorite of mine because he's a creep. That's why? And then on YouTube, Betsy comments on the same episode. Love the episode and the comments. Well, thank you so much, Betsy. And now it's time for us to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Emily. Emily's been one of our patrons patreon supporters since February 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Emily. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of yours truly, Johnny DEP$, but join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet Wear.

[Narrator]

How was your father when you left him, Miss Jared? In pretty good mood?

[Miss Jared]

Oh, he and Keith were arguing as usual after a few drinks. They always argue.

[Narrator]

Anything serious?

[Miss Jared]

I don't know. Keith had some debts. He wanted dad to pay them off. There's one thing I'd like to ask you, Sergeant. Yeah, I read the story in the paper. That gun you found in my father's car, was it a nickel plated revolver at.32?

[Narrator]

Yes, that's right. There were two shells fired.

[Miss Jared]

Funny. Dad hasn't had that gun for a year. Reason I know is because after my divorce, I moved into this place alone. I thought it'd be a good idea to have a gun around. So I asked my father for his. Yeah, he told me he'd given it away already. He didn't have any more use for it.

[Narrator]

Who'd he give it to? Do you know?

[Miss Jared]

Told me give it to my brother Keith. That was almost a year ago. Must be a mistake. Keith had the gun. How could they find it in my father's car?

[Narrator]

Maybe Keith can tell us.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.