Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Killer's List Matter (EP4759)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Killer's List Matter" (EP4759)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Killer's List Matter"
• Release Date: July 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham presents "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Killer's List Matter," a compelling installment of the classic Old Time Radio detective series. Starring Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, the episode delves into a tangled web of deceit, financial intrigue, and murder, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Plot Overview

Act One: The Mysterious Death of Everett Benton

The episode opens with Johnny Dollar, a meticulous insurance investigator, investigating the sudden death of Everett Benton, a prosperous businessman who tragically fell from a 14-story window. Pat Cummings from Inter Allied Life Insurance briefs Johnny about the $100,000 life policy on Benton, hinting at suspicion:

Johnny Dollar: "I think he got pushed."
[00:02:25]

Johnny’s initial inquiry leads him to Benton's elegant New York apartment, where he meets Claire Benton, Everett’s wife. Their strained marriage becomes apparent as Claire calmly discusses their unhappiness:

Claire Benton: "We've not been exactly happy together."
[00:05:17]

Johnny suspects foul play and begins to unravel the complexities surrounding Benton's death.

Act Two: Uncovering Connections and New Murders

As Johnny delves deeper, he discovers a second mysterious death—Arthur Mayfield, a promoter found dead in an alley, also having fallen from a high place. The similarity between Benton and Mayfield's deaths raises suspicions of a connected motive. Lieutenant Tovich of Homicide assists Johnny by providing insights into their backgrounds:

Lieutenant Tovich: "Everett was worth a lot of dough, Johnny."
[00:04:07]

The discovery of a cigarette butt of a different brand at Benton's office suggests an unknown presence during the incident, further complicating the investigation.

Johnny's investigation points towards an eccentric man named Tom Nolan, who had previously dealt with Benton and Mayfield over a failed oil lease deal. An informant, Alvin Whiting, claims that Nolan sought revenge after oil was unexpectedly discovered on the leased property, transforming it into a lucrative venture:

Alvin Whiting: "I'm convinced their killer is Tom Nolan getting revenge on them in his own warped way."
[00:19:40]

Act Three: The Unraveling of Deceit

Johnny tracks down Tom Nolan, only to find that Nolan has been murdered as well—Tom Nolan, alias Tom Niles, is found dead, seemingly confirming Alvin Whiting’s suspicions. However, the twist comes when Johnny uncovers that Whiting orchestrated the entire scenario to eliminate Nolan and secure the valuable oil lease for himself, driven by personal financial desperation:

Johnny Dollar: "Never try to frame a guy who's already dead."
[00:20:09]

Whiting is apprehended, revealing his motives tied to gambling debts and the allure of the now-valuable oil lease, thereby closing the case.

Character Highlights

• Johnny Dollar (Bob Bailey): The shrewd and detail-oriented insurance investigator who navigates through lies and deceit to uncover the truth.

• Claire Benton (Virginia Gregg): Benton's composed and seemingly innocent wife, whose strained relationship with her husband hints at possible motives.

• Lieutenant Tovich (Howard Duff): The cooperative and insightful Detective Lieutenant assisting Johnny in the investigation.

• Alvin Whiting (Larry Thor): An informant with hidden agendas, whose betrayal becomes pivotal in solving the case.

• Tom Nolan (Jack Webb): The antagonist whose quest for revenge sets the stage for the unfolding mystery.

Key Clues and Investigations

1. Inconsistent Alibis: Claire Benton and Larry Santis provide alibis for each other, raising suspicions about their true involvement.

2. Cigarette Butt Evidence: The discovery of a mismatched cigarette butt at Benton's office suggests another individual's presence during the death.

3. Oil Lease Deal: The revived value of the oil lease connects the victims to Tom Nolan, unveiling a motive rooted in financial gain and revenge.

4. Alvin Whiting’s Testimony: Whiting’s insights initially point towards Nolan, but his later betrayal reveals his true intentions.

Resolution

Johnny Dollar skillfully pieces together the fragmented clues, leading to the revelation that Alvin Whiting manipulated events to eliminate both Benton and Nolan for personal gain. By understanding Whiting's financial desperation and his methodical approach to framing Nolan, Johnny ensures that justice is served.

Notable Quotes

• Claire Benton: "It's been a pretty wearing day."
  [00:04:45]

• Johnny Dollar: "I wouldn't be at all surprised if you were about to tell me you were with Larry Santis again."
  [00:11:53]

• Johnny Dollar: "Never try to frame a guy who's already dead."
  [00:20:09]

Host Commentary

After the episode, Adam Graham commends the scriptwriter Robert Wright for crafting an efficient and engaging narrative:

Adam Graham: "You've got a solid mystery, a great list of suspects, a few red herrings and a bit of gunplay. We also got his use of 'deal' back for those of you who haven't been listening for a while."
[00:27:27]

Graham appreciates the authentic Old Time Radio feel and the seamless integration of classic detective elements, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers find the episode captivating.

Conclusion

"The Killer's List Matter" stands out as a quintessential episode of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar," blending intricate plotting with timeless detective prowess. Through Johnny Dollar's unwavering determination and keen investigative skills, listeners are treated to a masterfully woven tale of mystery and revelation, encapsulating the essence of Old Time Radio's golden age.

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Stay Tuned: Join Adam Graham next week for another thrilling episode, where Dame Nature plays a pivotal role in solving a crime. Subscribe to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net for more exciting mysteries.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Claire Benton]

It's.

[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 first, I want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And as you're making your travel plans, remember JohnnyDoller Air.com JohnnyDoller Air.com is a price affiliate link, so part of your purchase price supports 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. Well, now from March 30, 1958, here is the killer's list matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. Pat Cummings, Inter Allied Life. Hi Pat. What's new with you, Johnny? Ever hear of Everett Benton? No, I'm afraid not. Investment firm down in New York. Real estate, oil mining, this and that. What about him? We're carrying a hundred thousand dollar life policy on him. So last night he fell out of a 14 story window. Oh, that's too bad. Accident, Pat? Or was it suicide? Maybe neither. I think he got pushed. I'll be right over. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Inter Allied Life Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut, following his account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the killer's list matter. Expense account. Item $1.20 for a taxi from my apartment to the offices of Inter Allied. Pat Cummings looked worried and got straight point. I don't know, Johnny. Maybe Benton wasn't pushed out that window, but there's something about this deal. It just doesn't smell right to me. What can you tell me about this man Benton? Everett Benton, 45 years old, doing very well in business, so far as we know. Last night, about 10 o', clock, he fell or jumped or was pushed out of his office window. This policy on him. Who's the beneficiary? His wife, Claire. What's she like? About 12 years younger. Redhead. I see. Yeah. Well, what do you think? I think I better have a talk with Mrs. Benton. Item 2, $14.40. Transportation and Incidentals to New York City. The Benton's apartment was on East 67th. Very fashionable, very expensive. And Claire Benton looked right at home in her surroundings.

[Claire Benton]

Do you mind if I fix us a drink, Mr. Dallas?

[Johnny Dollar]

Not at all, Mrs. Benton.

[Claire Benton]

It's been a pretty wearing day.

[Johnny Dollar]

I imagine it has.

[Claire Benton]

Police questions, reporters.

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't. Sorry to be throwing more questions at you at a time like this.

[Claire Benton]

I'm used to it by now. Here's your drink.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Claire Benton]

Cheers.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, cheers. You know, you certainly seem to be bearing up very well.

[Claire Benton]

Yes, I suppose so, Mr. Dollar. I think it would save time and embarrassment if we had a few things understood.

[Johnny Dollar]

Such as?

[Claire Benton]

You've heard of the ideal marriage? Well, Everett's and mine. Was not it. Naturally. I'm very sorry he did what he did, but, well, we weren't exactly happy together.

[Johnny Dollar]

I take it you think he committed suicide, Mrs. Benton.

[Claire Benton]

Is there any doubt about that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Apparently not in your mind?

[Claire Benton]

None at all.

[Johnny Dollar]

If it was suicide, why did he do it?

[Claire Benton]

I wouldn't know. Everett hadn't confided in me for some time. We haven't been very close recently.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Mrs. Benton, just suppose it wasn't suicide.

[Claire Benton]

Everett had no enemies that I knew of.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see. About the insurance policy.

[Claire Benton]

Yes, about the insurance policy. Mr. $100 thousand, isn't it?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. When you get ready to file a claim.

[Claire Benton]

I intend to in the morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Claire Benton]

Oh, and one other thing. It just so happens that I have an alibi for last evening. Oh, and it's the nicest kind of alibi there is, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Claire Benton]

It's airtight?

[Johnny Dollar]

And that was Claire Benton. Very calm and collected and incidentally anxious to collect. I thought her over all the way to the office of Detective Lieutenant Tovich of Homicide. That's item three. $1.60 Carefare. Yeah, I talked to her, Johnny. She's a hard one to figure out. What do you think, Tovich? Did he jump or get pushed? You got any ideas? How about financial troubles? He was in the investment business. Have you looked into that? According to his lawyer, his affairs are in good shape. Oh, he'd made his share of poor investments over the years. Wildcat oil leases, stuff like that. But in general, he was doing okay. He was worth a lot of dough, Johnny. Okay, let's assume he was pushed out that window. What was he doing in his office at 10pm I've wondered about that too. Any indication anybody was with him? No. The night watchman was in another part of the building when Benton came in. Let himself in with his own key. There could have been somebody else with him, all right, but who? Claire Benton. Says she has an alibi. Yeah. Don't know as I care for it much, but I haven't been able to break it down. Who is her alibi? Larry Santis. Santis? Santis runs a supper club over in these 50s. Yeah, the Ace of clubs. He calls Larry Santis. Thanks, Tovich. So I went calling again. But this time it was different from my visit to Claire Benton. In the first place, Santis didn't offer me a drink. And in the second place, he wasn't very friendly. Look, Dal, I already told the cops that Claire was here in the club last evening. All evening until midnight. Out in the bar most of the time. What difference does it make? How about the rest of the time we were talking here in my office, just the two of you. Just the two of us. Now, look, Daly, what it boils down to is you've each got alibis for one another, huh? That's right. Now, look, nosy boy. Claire didn't kill Benton. At the moment, I wasn't thinking so much about her. Why? Wait a minute. If you're trying to pin this on me, you and Claire have been pretty friendly. Santis, she benefits to the tune of a hundred grand by Benton's death. Look, Dala, Dala, you're blowing smoke in the wrong direction. I like the arrangement the way it was. Why should I try to change it? That's a good question. So just let it drop. You get me? You got nothing to worry about, Santis. If you've got nothing to hide, I don't want this kind of publicity. It's bad for my business. You know what's wrong with you, Dolly? You got nose trouble? Yeah, occupational disease. You Better just get over it. Sometimes it turns out to be fatal. Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag, one for each of the 50 states. Nevada's state flag is a solid cobalt blue. In the upper left hand corner is a five pointed star enclosed by two sprays of sagebrush. The state's flower above the star in a gold scroll is the phrase Battle Born which refers to the state's entry into the Union in the midst of the Civil War. Nevada's state flag. The flag of the 36th state to enter the Union was adopted on March 26, 1929. And now Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the killer's list matter. Well, looks like you didn't get any further with Larry Sanders than I did, Johnny. Look, Tovich, both Sanders and Claire Benton had a motive for killing her husband. Matter of fact, two motives. Money and getting Benton out of their way. Johnny, I'm with you. We're not even sure yet it was murder. We do have something that indicates somebody might have been in Benton's office with him, though. Yeah, what is it? We found a cigarette butt in one of the ashtrays. Different brand than Benton smoked. Could it have been left there during the day? Janitor says he cleans out the ashtrays about seven in the evening. Of course, he could have overlooked one, so I don't know whether it means anything or not. Excuse me. Yeah? Homicide, Tovich. Well, where? Okay, I'll be right over. Johnny. Looks like we've got ourselves a little epidemic. What do you mean? Ever hear of a guy named Arthur Mayfield? Promoter? No. What about him? I just found him in an alley, dead. Wait a minute, don't tell me. Yeah. Fell out of a 10th floor hotel. Lieutenant Tobich and I went over to the west side Hotel where Mayfield's body had been discovered. There was nothing in this room to indicate anyone had been there with him. As a matter of fact, there was nothing. Courier item for a $80 care fare to Claire Benton's apartment to $.

[Claire Benton]

I really don't see the point of this. I've told you twice that I did not know this Arthur Mayfield.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you ever hear your husband mention his name?

[Claire Benton]

I've never heard the name until now.

[Johnny Dollar]

From you, Mrs. Benton. Mind telling me where you were last night around midnight?

[Claire Benton]

I take it that's when Mayfield died.

[Johnny Dollar]

Approximately. I. I suppose you have an alibi.

[Claire Benton]

You suppose correctly.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know something? I wouldn't be at all surprised if you were about to tell me you were with Larry Santis again.

[Claire Benton]

You know something, Mr. Dollar? That's exactly where I was last night.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know, Jovich. I know. It could be just a coincidence that two guys fall or jump or get shoved out of windows within 24 hours. But I got a hunch of some kind of connection between them. Could be, Johnny. But so far we haven't been able to find it. Well, how about their past? The armed forces, maybe? I've already checked that out. The answer is no. Could they have been involved in any sort of business deal? I asked Benton's attorney about that. He's checking through all of his papers. He's promised to call me. And you haven't been able to find any organization they both belong to? Any situation in which they could have been thrown together? Not so far. Unless they served on a jury together or something like that. Well, don't laugh. That could be it. And they might have convicted somebody who took this way of getting revenge. I'll check it out and call you if we find a connection. But don't count on it, Johnny. Don't count on anything. I went back to my hotel room and stretched out on the bed, I rehashed the whole deal in my mind. I thought about Claire Benton and Larry Santis. I didn't trust either of them. But as Tovich had pointed out, it was another thing to prove it. Okay. Okay. Coming. Yeah? Mr. Dollar? That's right. You're investigating the murders of Benton and Mayfield? Well, I don't think they've been officially described as murders. But they are, Mr. Dollar. I'm certain of it. Who are you? My name is Alvin Wh. Some information that may be of value to you. May I come in? Come in, come in. Thank you. If you don't mind, I'd like to look out the window a minute. You're being followed. I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me. What is this information you have, Mr. Whiting? A couple of years ago, three men got together and bought an oil lease from a man named Tom Nolan. Did you ever hear of it? No. He's a very eccentric man. Hot tempered, violent. He needed the money badly, so he sold the lease, which then was little better than worthless. Benson and Mayfield were in that deal together. I see. But I still don't understand what that has to do with their murders. I'm convinced their killer is Tom Nolan getting revenge on them in his own warped way. Revenge? For buying a worthless oil lease from him. Last week, oil was discovered on that property. A lot of it. The property is now worth millions. Ah. I think that Nolan, with his twisted way of looking at things, probably feels that he was cheated out of that property. You're suggesting that this Nolan isn't quite all there, huh? Exactly. That's exactly what I mean. What's your connection with all this, Mr. Whiting? I'll tell you what my connection is, Mr. Dollar. I was in on the deal with Benton and Mayfield. I was the third man. Ah. So you see, if my suspicions are correct, if Nolan is the killer, then I'm the next man on his act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Many of you know the old saying that goes, for want of a nail, a shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, a horse was lost. For want of a horse, a rider was lost. We don't use horse cavalry units anymore in military skirmishes. But the saying means that a regiment, a battle and a war can be lost if one little thing goes wrong. If one man forgets his code of conduct and doesn't do his job. During World War II, Private Frank Sigler knew what could happen if everyone, including himself, didn't do all that was possible. In March 1945, while serving with the 5th Marine Division in the assault on Iwo Jima, when his squad leader became a casualty, Private Sigler took command and led his men on a furious charge on a gun installation that had held up the advancement of his company for days. He personally annihilated the entire crew. Although severely wounded, on his next charge against enemy troops concealed in caves high up on the cliffs, Sigler killed many of them, then crawled back to his squad position and directed intense fire which blasted most of the enemy positions out of action. He disregarded his personal wounds and a heavy barrage of enemy fire bursting around him while he carried three wounded squad members to safety and medical treatment behind the lines. Then Sigler returned to continue the fight with renewed determination. Soon, however, by strict orders and against his will, he was forced to leave the battle to receive medical attention for his wounds. Who knows? If Frank Sigler had not been present and had not acted with exemplary conduct according to his code, his company might have been lost. The battle might have been lost. His grateful country awarded Private Frank Sigler the Medal of Honor for valorous action and fortitude at the risk of his own life. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and the killer's list matter. I took Alvin whiting down to Lt. Tovich's office and he told his story again. I could see that Tovich felt the same way I did that. At last we were getting something. Matter of fact, Johnny, I was about to call you. Benton's lawyer just turned up the lease agreement linking Benton Mayfield and Mr. Whiting here. Question is, where's Tom Nolan? I don't think I'll draw an easy breath until he's been found and arrested. We have a bulletin out on him, Mr. Whiting. One thing we found out about a year ago, he served time for assault and battery. Oh, Mr. Whiting, I'd suggest you take every precaution until we pick up Nolan. Don't worry, Lieutenant. I propose to remain in my apartment until you apprehend him. I'll post a man in the building to look after you. Thank you, sir. Homicide. Tovich. Oh, what's the address? Mm. Right. Thank you. We've located the little hotel where Nolan's been staying. Come on, Johnny. That's Mr. Nolan's room at the end of the hall, Lieutenant. Ah. Okay. Clerk. Is he in? I don't know. I really haven't seen him since he rented the room from me. How long ago was that? Oh, about a week ago, Mr. Dollar. If he's gone out since then, it must have been at night when I was off duty. Here we are. Try your pass key. Quietly. Well? Gone. Bag and package? Yeah. Room's been used recently, though. Hey, and this. Ashtray. Cigarette butt. Same brand we found in Benton's office. Doesn't prove anything, but it might tie in. Yeah, Tom Nolan could be our boy. But where is he? You see, he rented the room from you. Clerk. What'd he look like? Oh, middle aged as I remember. Bushy hair. Sort of a wild look to him. Fits the general description Alvin Whiting furnished us. And the mug shot I pulled out of the files. Well, all we can do now is rig a stake out for him here and then wait. Lt. Tovich posted a couple of men in Nolan's room and we went back to headquarters. While he was getting out another bulletin, I went through Nolan's record. Assault and battery, resisting arrest. There was no doubt he was a violent sort of guy. And with the indication Whiting had given us that Nolan was a little unbalanced, the weird revenge motive might fit. Then something in the records caught my eye. I went back to the office of Larry Santis at a supper club. Oh, look, Dal, I told you the last time you were here, I got a few things to tell you. Santis, the two murder victims, Mayfield and Benton, went in on a business deal with a man Named Alvin Whiting. All right, so what? You bought an oil lease from Tom? No. All of a sudden, last week, that lease got real valuable. Alvin Whiting figures that Nolan's the killer. Says he's not all there. And he was trying to get his own strange kind of revenge. Look, Dollar, what's all this got to do with me? That's what I want you to tell me. Look, I don't know anything about any of them. Last year, Nolan was arrested for assault and battery. According to the police records, the man who put up bail for him was you. Okay, okay, so I put up bail for him. Look, Tom Nolan's my Uncle Dolly. Sure, he's offbeat, but. But he's harmless. Assault and battery. Harmless? So he beat up a guy. That doesn't mean he'd kill anybody. How'd he get mixed up with Benton Mayfield and Whiting? Well, he. He was broke. I asked Benton's wife to get her husband and the others interested in buying Tom's lease to get him some dough. I didn't know the lease would turn out to be valuable. After Nolan got out of jail, he left town, moved to Coopersville. That's upstate. Yeah, well, he's had a room right here in the city for the last week. I didn't know that. Believe me, I didn't. Look, I haven't heard from him for six months. That's the truth, Dollar. I've told you all I know. I still deserve trust, Santis. But decided to follow up the lead he'd given me about Coopersville. Maybe Tom Nolan had gone back there. I called Tovich to tell him. And he had a nasty little surprise for me. Alvin Whiting had disappeared from his apartment. I didn't know whether Tom Nolan had gotten to Whiting or not. But I did know I had to find Nolan in a hurry. I hightail it to Coopersville. Was a small town with half a dozen hotels and roaming houses. I made the rounds, flashing Nolan's picture. Finally, I struck Peter.

[Claire Benton]

Why, yes, I recognize that picture. That's Tom, all right. But he told me his last name was Niles.

[Johnny Dollar]

You say he roamed here, Mrs. Carr?

[Claire Benton]

Yes. Kept himself mostly. But he didn't make no trouble for anybody as far as I could see. Been here about six months ago, on the end of September. It was then last week he. He left us.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. He probably found out they'd struck oil and moved into the city.

[Claire Benton]

You don't understand, Mr. Dollar. When I say he left us, I mean at last week. Tom Niles died.

[Johnny Dollar]

And there I was. But all of a sudden, the deal started adding up in my mind. It was after dark when I got to the graveyard and my flashlight picked out the simple headstone. Tom Niles. Yeah, Tom Nolan. Resting in peace. Right where he'd been all through the murders he was supposed to have committed. The shot knocked the flashlight out of my hand. I hit the dirt. But the flash had pegged the gun for me. Well, well. Alvin Whiting. Oh, dollar my arm. Oh, don't worry. I'll get you a doctor. Whiting. I want you to be in good shape to stand trial. How'd you work? Hire some drifter to rent that room back in New York under Nolan's name? Some character you picked up in the park? You've got. You've got to understand, I. I had to have the money. I was in debt. I was desperate. You almost got the money, too, didn't you? Yeah. Yeah, it almost worked. You rigged the story that Nolan was the killer, that you were on his list of victims. That way you end up in sole possession of the oil lease. If I'd only known he was. Yeah. Never try to frame a guy who's already dead. Expense account. Total $146.50 remarks. I turned Whiting over to the police and he made a full statement. Yeah, his motive was money. He was in the hole. Gambling debts and bills. High cost of living, you might say. But I guess he knows now. It's still a real bargain compared to the high cost of dying. Yours truly, Johnny Dallas. Our star will return in just a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Missouri's state flag is a horizontal tricolor of red, white and blue. In the center is a circular device bearing the state coat of arms. An eagle symbolizing the superior authority of the nation. A grizzly bear representing Missouri, chosen for his size, strength and valor. And a crescent moon symbolic of the shield carried by the second Sun. Missouri being the second state carved out of the Louisiana Territory. A belt encircles the coat of arms with a motto inscribed United we stand. Divided we fall. Atop the flag is a cluster of stars representing the Union with a larger star for Missouri as she surmounts her difficulties and assumes her rank among the states. The state motto is also inscribed on the flag. Salos populi suprema lex esto. The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. Surrounding the device is a group of 24 stars. Missouri's state flag. The flag of the 24th state to enter the union was adopted on March 22, 1913. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, Dame Nature takes a hand and helps me solve a crime. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Today's story was written by Robert Wright. Heard in our our cast were Virginia Gregg, Lillian Byeff, Jack Edwards, Jack Moyles, Tony Barrett, Harley Bear, and Carlton G. Young. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberley. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. It's really great to get Robert Rife writing Johnny Doller and this is such a good, efficient script. You've got a solid mystery, a great list of suspects, a few red herrings and a bit of gunplay. We also got his use of deal back for those of you who haven't been listening for a while. This was very common in his Dangerous Assignment script where Steve Mitchell would repeatedly refer to each case as a deal. And it was in all of his early Johnny Doller scripts before disappearing. But it comes back this week with a vengeance. But for a good script, I won't fuss too much about the writing ticks. Alright, well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we go to our listener survey and Karen writes, Love the Old Time Radio detectives, especially Johnny Dollar with Bob Bailey, Sam Spade and Candy Matson. Well, thank you so much for taking time to fill out our listener survey over at survey.greatdetectives.net and now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Doug and Patreon supporters since June of 2015, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thank you so much to Doug, one of our Platinum Patreons who've been supporting us for 10 years or more now. And that will do it for today. If you enjoy 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. Tomorrow, join us for the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and Cloak and Dagger and we'll have more details on the type of programs that you'll be hearing on Saturday. But in the meantime, what you'll hear tomorrow is.

[Claire Benton]

Hotel Carlisle.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Waring please. Michael Waring. Hello. Mr. Waring? That's right. My name is Bruce Graham. Bruce Graham. You don't know me, but. But you feel it might be worth my while if I did, yes. I live at 427 Charleston West. That's right off Piccadilly. How soon can you be over? Well, not so fast. What's this all about? Well, it's about something you should be interested in. You're with American Intelligence, aren't you? How did you find that out? The same way I found out you were staying at the Carlisle. Which, of course, tells me nothing. It wasn't meant to. I'll fill you in on the details as soon as you get here. But it's got to be before nine. This is all kind of vague, feller. I don't think I can make it. You've got to. You don't understand. Excuse me. Who is it? But what are you doing here? You said, hello, Graham.

[Adam Graham]

You said, I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13, greatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter @radio detectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.