
Today's Mystery: Johnny was about to leave Florida, but plans change when Johnny learns that the assistant at a laboratory doing top secret research has disappeared, with foul play suspected. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 16, 1958 Originating...
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Adam Graham
It's 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 do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And remember, when making your travel plans, use johnnydollerair.com johnnydollerair.com our Priceline affiliate links. So part of your purchase price supports the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. Now, from March 16, 1958, here is the Salkhoff sequel matter.
Bob Bailey
From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Johnny Dollar? Yeah. I'm Johnny Darling.
Earl Foreman
There's a phone call for you in the office, Mr.
Adam Graham
Darling.
Johnny Dollar
But my plane's about to take off.
Earl Foreman
He said it's very urgent.
Johnny Dollar
Well, it better be. Then. I'll get back to Hartford. Hey, look, my name's Dollar. I understand you have a. Oh, thanks, Johnny Dollar.
Todd Swam
Todd swam Johnny.
Dr. Alworth
At the Chamber of Commerce.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, Todd. Look, I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to you. And I appreciate all your. Johnny, like your city, too. Nice people, good fishing. But I barely had time to make my plane reservation. Pack my stuff, Johnny. You've got to cancel your reservation. Cancel? My plane's already to leave. Earl Foreman is on his way to the airport now to pick you up and bring you back here. Look, we proved that the accident in that rocket fuel laboratory was an accident. Dr. Alworth's technician, that Leon Salkov is not a Russian spy. So the company will pay for the damage and that's that.
Earl Foreman
Will the company also pay a claim on Leon Salkhov?
Johnny Dollar
Don't see why not. Now, look, I gotta catch my. What Salkhoff is Dead, Johnny, it looks like murder.
Bob Bailey
Bob Bailey in the exciting adventure of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And now act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance Company, Sarasota, Fl. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Salkhoff sequel. Matter Expense Account, Item 1, $3 no show penalty for canceling the flight back to Hartford. By the time I hung up the phone on Todd Swam, Earl Poorman had pulled a shiny new Cad into the airport parking lot and we took off. I'm glad Todd caught you before you.
Earl Foreman
Climbed aboard that plane, Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
Earl, he said that Leon Salcoff had been murdered.
Walter Brenman
That's what it looks like, actually.
Johnny Dollar
He's just disappeared.
Earl Foreman
But under circumstances that make it look like he's been murdered.
Johnny Dollar
Any idea who? Johnny, you know as well as I.
Earl Foreman
Do that he was pretty deep in.
Johnny Dollar
Subversive activities during the last war. Yeah, but he's been given a clean slate, at least so far as our country is concerned. Right, but then wait a minute. If some of his old pals, and we know there are plenty of them in this country working for the other side, Right? If they know he's working for us, the first thing they do for the sake of their great and glorious cause.
Earl Foreman
Would be to eliminate one Leon Salcho.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, or at the very least persuade him and I mean torture him into telling the formula the stuff he's helped Dr. Alworth develop.
Earl Foreman
Exactly.
Johnny Dollar
Warren, how did it happen? Well, you'll have to get the details from Todd swam us. Common people aren't even allowed to know where Alworth's lab is hidden away, you know. That's why I'm taking you to see Todd and drive on. Todd was waiting for us at the Chamber of Commerce building. He thanked Earl for dragging me in from the airport. Earl left, then Todd and I walked out to his car.
Earl Foreman
Here, Johnny, use my car.
Johnny Dollar
You know where to go out to the lab?
Earl Foreman
Yes.
Johnny Dollar
You still haven't told me what happened to Leon Salkhoff.
Earl Foreman
Because I don't know exactly. Dr. Alworth called me from the nearest phone down there. Told me Salkhoff to going is and that he's sure he was murdered.
Johnny Dollar
Have you dragged the police in on this?
Earl Foreman
No, but I telephoned the FBI in Washington. They've promised to send him in.
Johnny Dollar
Well, do they know I'm here? They might not want any interference.
Earl Foreman
Well, I told them about your investigation down there at the lab and they said to give you a free hand.
Johnny Dollar
All right. Good. Well, I better get going.
Earl Foreman
Johnny. Let me know what you find out.
Johnny Dollar
Once again, I headed south on Route 41, down through Fort Myers, where I swung left on 82 and on into the heart of the Everglades. I found the old wagon trail leading us into the swampy jungle and finally came to the shack of the Indian, Ben Osceola. There I hopped aboard one of his airboats. One of those strange little contraptions driven by an airplane type propeller. 50 minutes later, I pulled up at the brush covered island in the middle of that vast, wet, soggy swamp. Dr. Alworth was standing in front of the well hidden laboratory.
Walter Brenman
Mr. Dollar. Mr. Dollar. I'm so glad you haven't left yet.
Johnny Dollar
What's happened out here, Doctor? Oh, it's been terrible.
Todd Swam
A terrible thing, like. Like a nightmare. Here, come inside. I'll show you and tell you everything I know. Oh, our living quarters are down this corridor.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, I remember.
Todd Swam
After you and Mr. Swam left us yesterday, Leon and I went to work immediately to replace the rocket fuel additive we had lost in the accident. You investigated?
Johnny Dollar
Yes.
Todd Swam
Oh, if only I'd paid attention when he told me about the man he'd seen in Fort Myers the day before. But we were so busy.
Johnny Dollar
Wait a minute. What man?
Todd Swam
Someone he'd known in Europe during the war. A man he suspected of now working for. Well, for those who'd like to sabotage our.
Johnny Dollar
Go on, Doctor.
Todd Swam
Look, Mr. Dollar, this is my room. And this right next to it is Leon's room.
Johnny Dollar
Great Scott.
Todd Swam
Yes, there must have been a terrible struggle.
Johnny Dollar
And Doctor, this looks like blood on the floor. Now, what happened?
Todd Swam
Well, it was early this morning, before dawn. I heard voices in here. At first I thought Leon was shouting in his sleep. Yes, but then he began to call for help and I heard the furniture being knocked about.
Johnny Dollar
Well, didn't you come in here?
Todd Swam
Something had been shoved against my door. This table. I couldn't open it. Then I heard the shot. I heard Leon scream with pain. Then another shot. Oh, terrible, terrible.
Johnny Dollar
Come on, Doc.
Todd Swam
Then I heard them drag poor Leon's body away outside.
Johnny Dollar
But how did you get out of your room?
Todd Swam
By placing my bed as you see it now, I was able to brace my feet against it, force the table away from my door. Now come, Mr. Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
All right.
Todd Swam
I pursued them down this hall, but by the time I reached the outside door, they were gone.
Johnny Dollar
But unless they had an airborne, they.
Todd Swam
Must have hidden somewhere on the edge of this little island. Oh, there are a thousand places in the brush and trees where it could have been hidden. Do you see? Look a thousand places.
Johnny Dollar
I don't see Leon's airboat out here. Only yours.
Todd Swam
They took it. That's why I think there was more than one of them. And now I must leave you.
Johnny Dollar
You what?
Todd Swam
I must go into a telephone.
Johnny Dollar
I'll be back as soon as possible. Now, look. Wait a minute, Dr. Alwood. Now that you're here in charge, I must telephone the FBI.
Walter Brenman
No, no, wait.
Johnny Dollar
They've already been notified by. Well, I'll be darned if I'm going to chase him. What's more, I doubt if I could have caught him in the old airboat that I had. So, all right. It would give me a chance to look around alone. Sometimes that's the best way. I poked around outside for a while looking for where Leon's attackers might have concealed the boat they'd used. And that swamp and brush. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Then I walked back to the laboratory building. The front door was closed. Funny, I thought we'd left it open a minute ago. Oh, well. Huh? Oh, no, you don't. Oh.
Bob Bailey
Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment, the historic heroes of.
Michael Crucian
Boyhood have stood out in the minds of most of us as we have thought about the gallant deeds and actions in which they participated. To be gallant is to be brave. To be brave is to have courage. And courage is that quality of mind that enables us to meet danger and difficulties with firmness and resolution and a stubborn persistence and unwillingness to acknowledge defeat in the face of dangerous opposition. An outstanding example of a man who many times faced dangerous opposition in the form of overwhelming odds was commander, later Captain David McCampbell of the United States Navy. An aviator and an Inspiring leader, Commander McCampbell during World War II, led his small fighter group against a large force of 80 enemy aircraft trying to attack our fleet on June 14, 1944. During the fierce fighting, he personally destroyed seven planes in this single engagement before he and his group succeeded in routing the enemy in the same sort of tight situation. In October, 1944, Commander McCampbell, assisted by only one other plane, intercepted and attacked a formation of 60 enemy aircraft. He personally shot down nine of the planes and, fighting desperately but with superb skill, completely disorganized the enemy and forced the rest to abandon the attack before a single plane could reach the United States fleet. The combined skill and courage Commander McCampbell exercised in earning the Medal of Honor proves that a man's code of conduct is A valuable aid in getting the job done.
Bob Bailey
Well, and now act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Salkhoff sequel matter.
Johnny Dollar
I don't know how long I was out after the attack on me at the hidden laboratory in the Everglades. But when I came to, I was lying in Alwa's bed. Across the room at a desk, sat a well dressed man going through files of papers and folders. I played Potsdam because I wanted time to think. If Leon Salcoff had been murdered by subversives, then this man must be one of them. But how had he got here without Allworth knowing? Or did Allworth know after all? Now that I had time to think about it, his explanation of what had happened to Sawkoff had been pretty glib. At the doctor's sudden departure a while ago to phone the FBI, he'd said. Didn't he know that Todd swam, had called him? In any event, he'd run off to leave me alone like a sitting duck. Who was the man sitting here and why hadn't he killed me when he had the chance? I rolled over and groaned. My head felt like it was split down the middle. Oh, well.
Earl Foreman
Mr. Dollar, you finally come around?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, yeah, I guess so.
Earl Foreman
We were quite concerned about you.
Johnny Dollar
We?
Earl Foreman
I'm terribly sorry about what we did to you. But until we frisked you and discovered your identity.
Johnny Dollar
Who are you?
Earl Foreman
Walter Brenman, FBI.
Johnny Dollar
Oh.
Earl Foreman
When we found you prowling around, we thought you might be one of the people we hope to trap here.
Johnny Dollar
The killer of Leon Selkoff.
Earl Foreman
Salkhoff is not dead, Mr. Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
What?
Earl Foreman
Have you forgotten a case here in Florida that you handled last year?
Johnny Dollar
Parley Baron?
Earl Foreman
Yes. Another scientist who apparently disappeared. Actually, we had arranged the whole thing so that his whereabouts would not be known while he continued with his nuclear research.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, I remember. The report of his death and disappearance was to throw off our pals behind the Iron Curtain.
Earl Foreman
Precisely.
Johnny Dollar
So now you've done the same thing.
Earl Foreman
Ouch again. I'm sorry, $, but we didn't know who you were. We didn't want to take any chances. You say we, Mr. Berman, my colleague, Mike Crucian, who's in searching the laboratory.
Johnny Dollar
Oh, for what?
Earl Foreman
There are two groups, agents from behind the Iron Curtain who would like to get to Leon Salcoff either to gain the secrets he's learned in this laboratory or to get rid of him because of his help to this country's defense and missile programs.
Johnny Dollar
So if he's reported dead, each will think the other did it and they'll Stop chasing him.
Earl Foreman
Exactly. We had to act fast because Leon has already spotted some of his ex pals, as you call them, in this general area.
Johnny Dollar
Does Dr. Allworth know this whole thing was rigged?
Earl Foreman
No. Then you mustn't tell him. He's a great scientist but, well, he might let the cat out of the bag. Stall him, Dollar. Stall for time. Drag out your pretended investigation. It'll delay always bringing in the police, that sort of thing, until we can take care of Salkoff, that is install him in his new place.
Johnny Dollar
Well, maybe I'm a little muddled because of this wallop on the head, but I should think you'd tell everybody you can, you know, to make sure his so called death is publicized. Make sure these people who are after him will get the word.
Earl Foreman
Don't worry, they know I'd stake my life on it. And needless to say, if any of them come out here, we'll be ready for them. Oh, Michael. What did you find?
Johnny Dollar
Nothing.
Earl Foreman
Not a single song. Oh, see, Mr. Dollar's come too.
Johnny Dollar
Almost.
Earl Foreman
Say, I'm sorry about the way I slugged you, darling.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, me too. I'm sure Walter told you. Why?
Earl Foreman
You find anything in here, Walt? No, I'm afraid we'll have to go back. Oh, Dollar.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah.
Earl Foreman
I take it Dr. Alworth is in on one of his usual all day trips for supplies?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, yeah, something like that.
Earl Foreman
We've got to leave you for a while. You have your gun, you know what to do if anyone suspicious comes around.
Johnny Dollar
Well now look, when the doctor comes back, I'll have to tell him you've been here fine.
Earl Foreman
And that we'll be back. Well, yes, we'll be back. Oh sure.
Johnny Dollar
Yeah.
Earl Foreman
Well, Dollar, we'll see you later. You rest, you need it.
Johnny Dollar
You're not kidding.
Earl Foreman
Come along, Mike.
Johnny Dollar
I felt so rocky I didn't quite know what to make of it. I heard them leave by the outer door. Then a couple of minutes later, from off at one side, I heard their airboat leave. Wait a minute. It wasn't going out by the channel I'd been given to understand was the only way out of this. Strange. Painfully I rose and walked out. My head ached so much I could hardly think straight. There was something wrong here. Oh sure, they'd left me a gun, but. Yeah, they left it with me all right. But the chambers had been emptied. My airboat was still where I'd parked it, in front of the building too. Yeah, but I wouldn't start. Tamper would maybe. Then I heard it. Another boat coming into the regular channel. In the distance, I could see there were two people in it. Quickly, I crouched behind a clump of brush until I saw who the two men were. Mac McLaughlin. Ah, hi, Dollar.
Walter Brenman
I always said you were out here.
Todd Swam
Mr. McLoughlin was already on his way when I telephoned. Why didn't you tell me the FBI had already been sent for, Mr. Dollar?
Johnny Dollar
I tried to, but you took off the charge.
Walter Brenman
Lord, Johnny, what happened to you?
Johnny Dollar
A couple of your own boys did this, Mike.
Walter Brenman
What men? From the Bureau, that's what they said.
Johnny Dollar
And I was so addled from this knock on the head.
Walter Brenman
Johnny, that's impossible. What do they look like? What are their names?
Johnny Dollar
Walter Brenman, for 1.
Walter Brenman
Brenman, 5 11. Sparse gray hair, blue eyes, about £150. Mark of spectacles on his nose.
Johnny Dollar
Perfect description.
Walter Brenman
And the other?
Johnny Dollar
Michael Crucian.
Walter Brenman
Heavy set, maybe five, six. About £200. Small scar above the right eye. Heavy, almost gravelly voice. Yeah, Brenman and Krushen, huh?
Johnny Dollar
So they said.
Walter Brenman
We're in trouble, Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
What?
Walter Brenman
Unless I'm completely cockeyed. Those are the boys who kidnapped and probably killed Leon Salkhoff. I've been waiting a long time to catch up with them. Their real names are Brenmanoff and Krushinsky. Spies and killers from and you know where.
Bob Bailey
Act three of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.
Dr. Alworth
Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. New Jersey's flag was created at the direction of George Washington in 1779. General Washington directed that the New Jersey Continental regiments wear coats of dark blue with buff colored facing. This was done as a tribute to the former ruler of these colonies, the Dutch, whose national colors were buff and blue. Later he instructed that the field on the flag of New Jersey should be the same buff color and the state coat of arms in blue be placed upon it. The state's motto, reflecting the aspirations of all who came to these shores is also inscribed on the flag. Liberty and Prosperity. This flag was displayed proudly before the combined American and French armies at the surrender of Cornwallis. Army at Yorktown. New Jersey state flag. The flag of the third state to enter the union was adopted on March 26, 1896.
Bob Bailey
And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the selkhoff sequel matter.
Johnny Dollar
McLaughlin, my old friend of the FBI, gave Dr. Alworth a gun with instructions to lock himself into his lab and shoot on sight anybody who set foot on the island before we got back. Then we took off in the airports briefly as possible. I told Mack what had happened to me at the laboratory. There in the middle of the Everglades.
Walter Brenman
Only a pair like Bremanoff and Krushenski would have the guts to impersonate FBI agents.
Johnny Dollar
After that beating, I was too muddled. Even ask for their credentials. What I don't understand, Mac, is why they didn't kill me.
Walter Brenman
They haven't yet learned the formula. That missile fuel. They've got to leave every possible door open. Johnn, were you convinced that they're from the Bureau?
Johnny Dollar
So they think, yeah.
Walter Brenman
Well, it meant they could go back to the lab after the doctor returned and maybe even get your help in obtaining the formula from him.
Johnny Dollar
What? Sure.
Walter Brenman
The abduction of Leon Salcoff would indicate the doctor himself is in danger.
Johnny Dollar
That's true.
Walter Brenman
But if he wanted his work carried on, if anything should happen to him, well, who better to give the formula to than agents of the FBI? On the way out to the lab, he was ready to give it to me.
Johnny Dollar
Hey, man. He and Kay's little visit. They're prowling through the lab. And always papers. It means they didn't get the formula from Leon Selkoff.
Walter Brenman
Which probably explains their sudden departure. They couldn't find the formula at the lab, so they'll go back and put the pressure on Leon again.
Johnny Dollar
Makes sense, Mac. And I sure hope he's still alive. But where?
Walter Brenman
Well, let's hope on all points Bulletin will help us catch up with them when they leave this swamp. Got to come out of it somewhere.
Johnny Dollar
They've had a big head start on us.
Walter Brenman
Yeah, but this channel we're taking is the most direct route to the highway. Any highway.
Johnny Dollar
They carried off their foes pretty well. They even knew about that poly barren matter I handled with you boys. Why not?
Walter Brenman
You broadcast the whole thing on your radio show.
Johnny Dollar
You gave me clearance.
Walter Brenman
Sure. Just keep mom about this affair, huh? Until after the boys on the east coast launch a space satellite successfully.
Johnny Dollar
Don't worry. A few minutes later, we pulled up at Ben Osceola's shack at the head of the bayou, where we'd left our car.
Walter Brenman
Use mine, Johnny. It's better equipped than for whatever we may run into.
Johnny Dollar
I saw what he meant, because in back of the seat was a regular arsenal. As we tore out of the jungle and headed south on Highway 29, Mac Short waved in all points to every town in the area and to the state police.
Walter Brenman
We're heading south, Johnny. Because you said that's the way they left the island by airboat.
Johnny Dollar
Right, Mac. But with the way those Rivers and bayous twist around in the swamp. They could come out anywhere.
Walter Brenman
Well, I know this country pretty well. They'd almost have to go south to hit this or any other highway. Now, you keep your eye peeled for any side roads that might lead into where they could land their boat, will you?
Johnny Dollar
Hey, look. What about this car that's coming at us? Man, he's really stepping on it.
Walter Brenman
That's okay, Johnny. It's police car.
Johnny Dollar
Police, huh? Sure, sure. But did you see who was driving it and who was sitting beside him?
Walter Brenman
What?
Johnny Dollar
Yeah, Krushenski and our old pal Brenmar. Hold on to your ha.
Walter Brenman
They must have heard the All Points.
Johnny Dollar
Well, if they didn't, they're hearing it now in that car. And if that thing is souped up like most police.
Walter Brenman
Don't worry, boy. They won't get away from this old boiler.
Johnny Dollar
Mac wasn't kidding. How we held the road at over 100 miles an hour I'll never know. Thanks to the sarin on the stolen police car, the road ahead was kept clear. They must have recognized me, though, when we passed. When we finally started to pull up on them, they fired the first shot.
Walter Brenman
I can't weave at this speed, Johnny. Stay down low.
Johnny Dollar
I've loaded this gun from the stuff in the back. Watch.
Walter Brenman
Put that lemon squeezer away. Grab the Tommy gun in the back of the seat.
Johnny Dollar
Right.
Walter Brenman
You got it?
Johnny Dollar
I got it. All right, Mac. Keep your hands on the wheel. Those boys can really shoot.
Walter Brenman
I told you. The killers. Let him have it.
Adam Graham
Right.
Walter Brenman
Aim for the tires, Johnny.
Johnny Dollar
Aim for the tires. Hold it.
Todd Swam
Hold it.
Walter Brenman
You've got them. They're going off the road, Mack.
Johnny Dollar
If they hit that row of cypress trees, they're gone there.
Walter Brenman
Yeah, they are.
Johnny Dollar
Leon Selkoff. Well, I'm afraid he gave more than his skill and efforts to the country he loved that had taken him under its wing. His body was found trussed up and floating face down in the bayou. From which Brenmanoff and Krushenski had launched the airboat Dr. Allworth. Well, now that a US space satellite is carrying out its mission, he's safely and officially working in a government laboratory. Expense account total, including incidentals. And the trip back to Hartford. Ah, forget it. If in any way it helped to get the Explorer out in space, in orbit, it's on me. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Bob Bailey
Our star will return in just a moment.
Michael Crucian
A question that has been asked many times is, at what age does a boy become a man? It isn't when he reaches the age of 21, but when the qualities of grit and determination within him make him face up to the responsibilities of a job to be done, no matter what the difficulties On May 21, 1862, during the Civil War battle at Corinth, Mississippi, William H. Horsfall was serving as a drummer with Company g of the 1st Kentucky Infantry. During the furious and deadly engagement, he saw his captain fall wounded between the lines. Although as a non combatant, Horsefall was supposed to stay out of the range of fire, he rushed bravely forward at the risk of his own life to aid his wounded captain. Ignoring the fact that they were in the midst of a continuing and deadly hail of fire from both sides, the courageous drummer dragged the wounded officer to a place of safety, thereby saving his life. Later on, Horsfall grabbed a gun and some ammunition and went into the fight, but his commanding officer finally sent him to the rear, recommended him for the Medal of Honor, and gave him a furlough. Gallant as the drummer's valorous actions were, the officer felt that 14 year old William Horsfall was still too young for battle, but Horsefall's personal code had already proved him a man now here is.
Bob Bailey
Our star to tell you about next week's story.
Johnny Dollar
Next week, a trip to a mining town out near Denver, Colorado. And for me, it's a little too close to the Wild Wild West. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Bob Bailey
Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Herb Ellis, Vic Herron, Harry Bartell, Jack Crucian, Lou Merrill and Stacy Harris. 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 United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.
Adam Graham
Sam.
Advertiser
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Adam Graham
Welcome back. Another Cold War story and it tied Johnny into real life events in terms of the launching of the Explorer 1 back on January 31, 1958. As John Abbott points out in his book the who Is Johnny Dollar Matter, it's probably also one of the clearest episodes so far pointing to a specific story having been broadcast over the radio. That said, there are three things about this episode that just don't make much sense to me. Johnny's reaction to finding a door closed when he thought it had been left open was, oh well, not really the reaction you expect from an insurance investigator looking into a mysterious disappearance of a scientist working on a sensitive process. Also, he thought the fake agents knowing about the poorly barren matter was proof that they were with the FBI when that case had been broadcast. And finally, I wonder how advisable it was to use a Tommy gun firing out the window of a car. It seems like there'd be a chance of hitting your own vehicle in the process. I mean, also maybe risk to bystanders in theory, but I think we could just give them benefit of the doubt that it was an isolated enough area that that wouldn't have actually been a risk. But the idea you're using it to shoot tires. This is not a precision weapon. Now of course I'm not a huge firearms expert. If someone has some knowledge about why this would be a good weapon, I'd be welcome to clarification. I know why Johnstone used it because it's a great sound over radio, but it just seems incredibly risky and not the sort of go to weapon the FBI would use. I doubt they were driving around with Tommy guns on the back seat in 1958, but again, if anyone knows different, I would be open to clarification on that. Well now we turn to listener comments and feedback and a comment on YouTube regarding the Durango Laramie Matter from Patrick who writes, we are all fundamentally connected. Please be kind to each other. Don't know what that had specifically to do with the Durango Laramie matter, but true enough. All right, well now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Todd, patreon supporter since February 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Todd and that will do it for today. We will be back next Friday with another episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet where Robbery Chandler, this is Friday.
Johnny Dollar
Glenn, got one for you.
Michael Crucian
Joe, what I can't hear you.
Adam Graham
Glenn.
Johnny Dollar
Got one for you. Wait a minute.
Michael Crucian
I can't hear you. Hey, Ma, would you hold that vacuum for a minute, please?
Johnny Dollar
I can't hear.
Michael Crucian
Thank you. I'm sorry, Glenn. What'd you say again?
Johnny Dollar
Sorry. That young kid hit again.
Earl Foreman
Doctor's office. Yeah, it's that same kid, only this.
Johnny Dollar
Time he got a little rough. Victims of Georgia Street.
Earl Foreman
He's still carrying that gun.
Michael Crucian
Did he use the gun to beat.
Johnny Dollar
The man with victims of 55 year old doctors? No reason for it, Joe.
Michael Crucian
All right, we'll get right on it.
Johnny Dollar
Right, bye.
Michael Crucian
Yeah, bye.
Johnny Dollar
Okay, Mom.
Michael Crucian
All through.
Johnny Dollar
All right.
Michael Crucian
Anything? Yeah, that young high pit again. Doctor's office beat him up pretty bad. He's down at Georgia. Great combination, isn't it? You. What's that?
Johnny Dollar
Armful of narcotics and a loaded.
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 Instagram. Instagram.com Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Salkoff Sequel Matter (EP4741)"
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Host: Adam Graham
In this gripping episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, Johnny Dollar, America's premier freelance insurance investigator, delves into the mysterious disappearance of scientist Leon Salkoff. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, the story intertwines espionage, betrayal, and relentless determination as Johnny navigates through a labyrinth of deceit to uncover the truth.
The episode opens with Johnny Dollar confronting Todd Swam and Earl Foreman about the sudden cancellation of his flight back to Hartford. (02:07 - 03:05)
Key Developments:
Notable Quote: Johnny reflects, “Once again, I headed south on Route 41 … and finally came to the shack of the Indian, Ben Osceola” (06:12), emphasizing his methodical approach.
Johnny arrives at Dr. Alworth's hidden laboratory, only to witness a gruesome scene suggesting foul play. (07:00 - 09:44)
Key Developments:
Notable Quote: Earl Foreman instructs Johnny, “Stall for time. Drag out your pretended investigation” (13:07), highlighting the tactical deception employed.
The final act ties up the loose ends of the investigation, confirming Leon Salkoff's fate and the imminent success of national projects. (18:25 - 23:44)
Key Developments:
Notable Quote: Reflecting on the mission's impact, Johnny states, “If in any way it helped to get the Explorer out in space, in orbit, it's on me” (22:53), showcasing his dedication beyond personal gain.
After the dramatized story, host Adam Graham provides an analytical review of the episode, highlighting its connections to real-life events like the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958. He points out narrative inconsistencies and asks for listener input on certain plot elements, such as Johnny’s surprising reactions and the use of a Tommy gun by FBI agents.
Notable Commentary:
The episode features listener comments, including a philosophical note from Patrick on YouTube: “We are all fundamentally connected. Please be kind to each other,” reflecting the podcast's community spirit despite its focus on solitary detective work.
Adam Graham concludes the episode by thanking Patreon supporters, specifically highlighting Todd’s contribution, and teases the next story set in a mining town near Denver, hinting at Wild West influences.
Teaser Quote: Johnny announces, “Next week, a trip to a mining town out near Denver, Colorado. And for me, it's a little too close to the Wild Wild West” (25:09), enticing listeners with the promise of new adventures.
This episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar masterfully blends classic radio drama with Cold War intrigue, showcasing Johnny's unwavering commitment to justice. Through a tightly woven narrative and engaging character interactions, listeners are immersed in a tale of espionage and resilience. Host Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Further Engagement:
Listeners are encouraged to send comments to box13greatdetives.net, follow on Twitter at @RadioDetectives, and check out Instagram at instagram.com/GreatDetectives. Supporters can contribute via Patreon to sustain the podcast's production.
This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's key elements, discussions, and notable moments, ensuring that both regular listeners and newcomers can grasp the essence of the story without having listened to the full episode.