Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter (EP4645)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — Episode Summary

Title: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter (EP4645)
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Episode Length: Approximately 34 minutes
Featured Detective: Johnny Dollar
Original Air Date: December 1, 1957

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter. Starring Bob Bailey as the meticulous insurance investigator Johnny Dollar, this installment delves into a mysterious case involving a series of suspicious deaths at the Sunny Dream Home for the Aged. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, the episode masterfully intertwines intrigue, suspense, and classic detective work.

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Plot Summary

Act One: The Investigation Begins

The story commences with Frank Skinner approaching Johnny Dollar with concerns about an unsettling number of accidental deaths at the Sunny Dream Home for the Aged. Despite the elderly residents' frailty, Frank believes these deaths are not mere accidents. [03:00]

Johnny, accepting the case, arrives at the picturesque Sunny Dream Home, where he is greeted by Frank and his wife, Martha Skinner. As Johnny tours the facility, he notes the serene environment but is troubled by the recent string of deaths:

• Ms. Epp: Suffocated by a small fire, possibly from a wastebasket.
• Mr. Perley: Died from food poisoning after consuming canned peaches he typically handled.
• Miss Sharmly and Ms. Lizabel: Both fell down the main stairs and out of windows, respectively.
• Miss Betzler: Another unfortunate fall victim.

Johnny questions the plausibility of these accidents, especially given their frequency over the past six months, leading him to suspect foul play. [09:39]

Act Two: Unraveling Suspicions

Dinner at the Sunny Dream Home offers Johnny an opportunity to observe the residents and interact with Martha. During a lighthearted conversation about safety classes, Johnny becomes suspicious of Martha's husband, Donald Bellwether, a supposedly wheelchair-bound man who rarely helps around the home. [11:35]

Later, Johnny confronts Martha about her observations, leading to a heated exchange. Martha vehemently denies any wrongdoing, emphasizing the home's reputation and her dedication to the residents. However, Johnny remains unconvinced, especially after discovering suspicious marks and a piece of cloth near the stairway where one of the recent "accidents" occurred. [23:28]

Act Three: The Truth Unveiled

Late at night, Johnny stays vigilant and catches Frank Skinner, who reveals his true nature. It becomes evident that Frank has been orchestrating the deaths to collect insurance money, with Martha complicit in maintaining the facade of a loving home. Johnny exposes their scheme, ensuring justice for the unsuspecting residents of the Sunny Dream Home.

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Characters

• Johnny Dollar (Bob Bailey): The diligent and resourceful insurance investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the suspicious deaths.
• Frank Skinner (Voice Actor): Initially portrayed as a concerned husband, Frank is revealed to be the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme.
• Martha Skinner (Voice Actor): Frank's wife, who plays a significant role in managing the Sunny Dream Home and maintaining the deception.
• Martha Baker (Voice Actor): A sweet elderly resident who provides insights into the operations of the home.
• Various Residents and Staff: Their interactions and testimonies further unravel the mystery.

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Host Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion of the episode, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary:

• Plot Mechanics: Graham highlights the clever deception by Frank Skinner, notably his fake wheelchair persona, which serves as a smokescreen for his malicious activities. He mentions, "pretending to be trapped in a wheelchair is one of those very inconvenient things to do on a full-time basis for scam insurance murders on small policies. But at any rate, it is what makes the plot work." [27:03]

• Historical Accuracy: He addresses the misattributed Thomas Jefferson quote, clarifying that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" was not actually said by Jefferson but originated from Irish politician John Phillip Pot Coren. Graham appreciates the quote's enduring truth, stating, "people can accurately say it has been said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty because that truth, not who said it, is where the power of the quote comes from." [27:03]

• Listener Engagement: Graham acknowledges and responds to listener comments, including a discussion on technical aspects of rotary phone dialing in relation to past episodes and addresses feedback regarding specific series like Dragnet.

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Notable Quotes

• Johnny Dollar: "Unless you can prove something like that." [09:30]

• Frank Skinner: "I have to prove that those others were pushed down the stairs." [09:28]

• Martha Skinner: "I have nothing to hide. Don't you see what you're coming around here will do to our nice place?" [14:06]

• Host Adam Graham: "It is what makes the plot work." [27:03]

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Listener Feedback

The episode features a segment where Adam Graham shares and responds to listener comments:

• Sean: "Thanks for being awesome. I listened to Johnny Dollar on my long drives to switch it up. Love how the story is told through the expense account items. It's an interesting technique."

• Mechanic6682: Discusses the realism of dialing rotary phones in Old Time Radio dramas, appreciating the attention to detail in sound effects.

• Cordwainer (British Columbia): "Very much enjoy the Great Detectives. All except Dragnet. Too dry. Too many episodes."

Graham courteously responds to each comment, enhancing listener engagement and fostering a sense of community.

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Conclusion

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter is a testament to the enduring allure of classic detective storytelling. Through meticulous investigation and sharp wit, Johnny Dollar unravels a web of deceit, bringing justice to innocent lives. Adam Graham's thoughtful commentary and interactive listener segments further enrich the listening experience, making this episode a standout in the podcast's extensive catalog.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Old Time Radio mysteries, this episode promises intrigue, suspense, and the timeless charm of a bygone era's storytelling prowess.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we're going to bring you this week's episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But I do want to encourage you to follow the podcast using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And I want to welcome Damien as our latest Patreon supporter at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. You can also send along a one time donation via [e-mail] and I want to thank Sean and Dominic for supporting the podcast that way. Thank you so much for your support. Now here from December 1, 1957 is the sunny Dream matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Sonny Dollar.

[Frank Skinner]

Mr. Dollar, the investigator?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Insurance investigating.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes. Well, my name is Frank Skinner, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, you see, my wife and I.

[Frank Skinner]

Run the Sunny dream home up here at Buckland Centre. Old folks home it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see. Well, now, what can I do for you, Mr. Skinner?

[Frank Skinner]

I'm afraid there's something wrong here, Mr. Dollar. You see, we've never had anything like this before.

[Johnny Dollar]

Like what, sir?

[Frank Skinner]

Well, to begin with, all our clients are pretty well insured. Yes, all right. We've been having a lot of deaths here at the home these past months. Too many, Mr. Doller.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, after all of your clients are all very old people.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, sir, they are. But you see, these have all been accidental deaths.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, well, don't forget, sir, that older people are very often quite prone to accidents.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, sir, that's true, but. Well, if you want the truth, I Don't think they've been accidents.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, sir.

[Frank Skinner]

And if something isn't done to stop this. Well, I think maybe you'd better come.

[Johnny Dollar]

Up here and see us, Mr. Skinner. I think you're right. Bob Bailey in the Exciting Adventures of the man with the Action Packed Expenser Card. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dol. To the Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Sunny Dream matter. Expense account, item one. 10 cents for a phone call to Pat McCracken, my old friend in contact at Universal Adjustment Bureau. Oh, say, I'm glad you called, Johnny. Yeah. Well, Pat, I just want you to know I won't be available for a couple of days. Oh, yes, you will. And it isn't because of any insurance matter.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's happened is that I've just received a phone call that's aroused my curiosity and, well, at any rate, any assignments you may have for me will have to wait until I get. That's where you're wrong, Johnny. I said we'll have to wait until what? Just happens. You have an assignment right now. As a matter of fact, I was just about to call you. Whoa. Can I wait a couple of days? Oh, no, no, Johnny. I want you to run over to Buckland Center. Huh? I think you heard me. The Sunny Dream Home for the agent? That's right. How did you know? Never mind that. What's wrong over there that you know about? Well, the number of deaths over there within the past few months have made our actuarial tables look like a big fat mist. And the companies that have carried the insurance on them are getting a little worried. All separate companies, huh? Yeah, but they all cleared their policies through us, fortunately. Otherwise we'd never have gotten wind of this. Anyway, I promise to send you over there. Any particular reason for thinking something's wrong? Aside from the unusual number of deaths, yes. What? The beneficiary of the policies that have had to be paid. Who? The Sunny Dream Home for the Aged. I gassed up my jalopy at the sign of the flying red horse. That's item 2, 425. And drove some 30 miles south and east on Highway 2. I found the Sunny Dream Home just north of Buckland Center. It consisted of a huge old frame house surrounded by trees and well kept gardens. In comfortable chairs scattered here and there on the wide porch and lawn. Nice looking, well dressed older folks Sat around reading, chatting, playing cards, enjoying the late afternoon sun. The whole place looked clean, quiet and restful. After parking my car, I walked slowly up the long flower bordered walk under the trees toward the entrance. And as I did so, a little wizened old man in a wheelchair detached himself from a group of the old folks and wheeled over to me.

[Frank Skinner]

Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that's right.

[Frank Skinner]

I'm Frank Skinner, the one that called you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, how are you, Mr. Skinner?

[Frank Skinner]

Come right along in the office where we can talk.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. Oh, may I give you a hand with that chair? No, don't need it, I must say. You handle it well.

[Frank Skinner]

Haven't been on my feet in over five years now. You can help me up this little ramp though, if you don't mind.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure. Here you are.

[Frank Skinner]

Walter. My stepson built me that ramp.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good idea.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, sir. It's a big help to a man that can't use his legs. Now, right around the side of the porch here. Evening, Miss Baker.

[Martha Skinner]

Good evening, Mr. Skinner.

[Frank Skinner]

Here we are. If you just open the door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure.

[Frank Skinner]

You just sit down there and I'll get right to the point.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, fine.

[Frank Skinner]

Now you listen to me. I'd appreciate it if you'd let the folks here think that you've just come to look over the place. Like maybe you've got some old relative you'd like a nice home for.

[Johnny Dollar]

In other words, you don't want to alarm your clients.

[Frank Skinner]

Guests, Mr. Dollar. They are honored guests. All happy and with no worries.

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh huh. Well, I must say that those I saw outside looked perfectly content. But now, about those so called accidents.

[Frank Skinner]

Five of our people have died within the last six months, Mr. Dala. Five of them. Terrible. And like I told you on the telephone, they looked like accidents.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of accidents?

[Frank Skinner]

Well, now, the first one. Well, maybe it was. That was old Ms. Epp. Lived in the little guest cottage out back.

[Johnny Dollar]

What happened?

[Frank Skinner]

Small fire. Must have started in the wastebasket or something. By the time we got to her, well, she'd suffocated. And I suppose Mr. Perley might have been accidental, too. Food poisoning it was. At least that's what the doctor called it. But nobody else got sick on all Those canned peaches, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who was the doctor?

[Frank Skinner]

Oh, Doc Cherry from town, of course. Mr. Perley was the only one that had three helpings of them. But my wife never had trouble with her canning before.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, go on, Mr. Skinny.

[Frank Skinner]

Well, old Miss Sharmly fell down the main stairs to the living. Look through the door there, you can see the stairs.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's a long stairway for elderly folks.

[Frank Skinner]

Then Ms. Lizabel, we called her Ms. Lizabel, though her real name was.

[Johnny Dollar]

What happened to her?

[Frank Skinner]

She fell out the window of her bedroom. And Mr. Dollar, she just wasn't strong enough to get her window open that wide. She was 94 then. Poor old Miss Betzler. She fell down the stairs, too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Mr. Skinner, if those people aren't able to negotiate a stairway like that, you're at fault for requiring them to do it.

[Frank Skinner]

Well, most of them are. The others have their rooms here on the first floor, like I have, too.

[Johnny Dollar]

How about Ms. Lizzie Belle, who was 94?

[Frank Skinner]

Well, she never left her room until she fell or until she was pushed by somebody younger and stronger than she was.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, unless you can prove something like that.

[Frank Skinner]

I have to prove that those others were pushed down the stairs.

[Johnny Dollar]

Great. So you see, from what you've told me so far, Mr. Skinner, there's no reason to suspect those deaths weren't accidental.

[Frank Skinner]

Even so many of them, all within a space of only six months.

[Johnny Dollar]

Unless, as I say, you can come up with some concrete evidence to indicate otherwise.

[Frank Skinner]

All right, then you can tell me this. Why did all those things happen late at night when those poor old folks wouldn't have any reason to be up and around when there wasn't anybody around who could help them until it was too late?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, so far as that's concerned, why.

[Frank Skinner]

Sure, sure, folks have got to get up at night sometime for one reason or another.

[Johnny Dollar]

But they all had their own private bars.

[Frank Skinner]

And if they want anything from downstairs, like something to read or some hot milk, something like that, why, all they have to do is ring the push button in their room and my wife gets it for them. We do that all the time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where is your wife, by the way, Martha?

[Martha Skinner]

Why, she's right here, Frank. Who's this you're blabbing off your mouth to?

[Frank Skinner]

Why, Martha, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator.

[Martha Skinner]

Investigator, huh? Well, you can march yourself right out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hold on just a minute, Mrs. Scarlett.

[Martha Skinner]

Just a minute nothing. You get out of here and leave.

[Johnny Dollar]

Us alone, Mrs. Skinner.

[Martha Skinner]

And if you don't, I'll throw you out. If you don't think I'm young and strong enough, then I'll show you strong.

[Johnny Dollar]

Enough to throw a little old lady out of a window or shove a couple of people downstairs.

[Martha Skinner]

Get out.

[Johnny Dollar]

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

[Martha Skinner]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether, my husband.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's what I call a good dinner, Reba. Oh, that Was delicious.

[Martha Skinner]

Well, I'm glad to hear that, dear.

[Johnny Dollar]

More coffee? Yeah, just about a half a cup, please.

[Martha Skinner]

All right. There you are.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Martha Skinner]

Now, tell me all about your safety class. Did the boys enjoy your speech?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, they sure did. Thanks to you. I did quite well. Lieutenant complimented me afterwards. Good. Yeah, but that same lieutenant threw me a curb, too.

[Martha Skinner]

How, dear?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, after I gave my talk, he asked the men if there were any questions. Well, that did it. One of the guys stood up and said, said, look, Sarge, you claim There were over 95,000 deaths and over 9 1/2 million people injured in accidents in the US last year. Looks to me like all those safety campaigns and slogans are doing no good at all.

[Martha Skinner]

How did you answer?

[Johnny Dollar]

I didn't. I couldn't think of an answer. I got out of it by saying I'd have more facts and figures at the next meeting.

[Martha Skinner]

All right, let's see now. Oh, yeah, here it is. Now, First Sergeant Bellwether, you start off by telling the boys that since 1913, the accidental death rate has been reduced 35%. Or in other words, if there hadn't been campaigns and safety measures put into effect to reduce accidents, almost a million more people would have been killed in the last 46 years.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that right?

[Martha Skinner]

It certainly is. I'm reading it right out of the National Safety Council record book. Oh, and another thing. Accidents in the farming areas are much higher than in the city. Now, do you know why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Why?

[Martha Skinner]

Because in rural areas, there are fewer policemen enforcing safety laws and less traffic signs and signals to guide the motorist. You know, many more cars travel to city street, and yet the per capita rate of accidents is much higher in the rural areas. Of course, the reason is obvious. In the city, more safety measures are instituted and obeyed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Reba, you are wonderful. That's a good, logical answer. I don't know what I'd do without it.

[Martha Skinner]

Oh, that's my Donald.

[Adam Graham]

That's my doll.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act two of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and the Sunny Dream Matter. Martha Skinner, co owner and the real manager of the Sunny Dream Home for the Aged, was a big woman, tall, muscular and a lot younger than her husband.

[Martha Skinner]

I don't want your kind snooping around, Mr. Dowler, so get out of here and leave us alone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your husband seems to think those deaths here in your home for the aged weren't so accidental, Mrs. Skinner.

[Frank Skinner]

No, he does. Yes, I. That's what I told him, dear.

[Martha Skinner]

You keep that mouth of yours shut, Frank. We wouldn't have this sort of thing. Why don't you in that wheelchair? Get out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You sound as though you have something to hide, Mrs. Skinner.

[Martha Skinner]

I have nothing to hide. Don't you see what you're coming around here will do to our nice place? It'll give us a bad name, that's what it'll do. Folks come here on the recommendation of the folks that live here. If your sort starts prowling around, it'll make our nice home for them sound like a murder factory. And I won't have it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, just calm down.

[Martha Skinner]

A poor old folks. Ms. Lizzie Bell and Mr. Pearly and the rest were accidental, that's all. You got any reason to think they weren't?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I didn't have until a minute ago.

[Martha Skinner]

What do you mean by that, if they weren't accidents?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it certainly took somebody younger and stronger to push them down those stairs. You mean me? Well, no.

[Martha Skinner]

No, Mr. Dolly, you're wrong. And if anybody started that talk about not being accidents, I guess I did.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, you did.

[Martha Skinner]

Oh, I was. I was so upset. Those fine old people passing away. Why, they were like family to me. I guess I said a lot of things that didn't make sense until the doctor and the police came around and told me I was wrong.

[Johnny Dollar]

The police investigated?

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, and they made quite a stir. I guess that's why your being here has upset Martha.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, of course, if they found nothing.

[Martha Skinner]

Mr. Dallas, do you think that I could do anything? Like what You. That I could harm a single hair of any of these nice old people? What possible reason could I have? And what sense would it make? We're being paid for their living here. And if anything happens to them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, if anything happens to them, you collect a nice big fat hunk of insurance money.

[Martha Skinner]

You know about that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Insurance investigator, remember?

[Martha Skinner]

No, no, you're wrong. It was their idea to name us in their policies, now, wasn't it, Frank?

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, Martha, it certainly was.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, let's not talk about it anymore. Now, it's getting late, so I think I'll drive back to Buckland and have some dinner.

[Martha Skinner]

Well, you do no such thing. You'll have your supper, your dinner right here. And if you wish to stay overnight.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, you mean I'll have another room to fix up.

[Martha Skinner]

Well, I'll help you, of course. Walter, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar Dollar, the insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

I hear about all the time on the radio.

[Frank Skinner]

That's right, son.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's your business here, Dollar?

[Martha Skinner]

Frank Calvin, son.

[Frank Skinner]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

About those accidents. Yeah, that's right. What do you think about the water? Look, Dollar Mother's got enough trouble without you coming around. Well, it's true, Ma. You know it. First, it's a police making a big rack. We've been through all that, Walter. I asked you a question. Why don't you get out of here and leave us alone? I'm sick of all this nonsense. I'm sick of this whole place. Year after year, working like a dog for a lot of old fogies. Are there only the three of you to take care of this place? That's right. Oh, and of course, Frank here is a lot of help tied down to that wheelchair.

[Frank Skinner]

I do all the office work.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, big deal. Handle all the money too. What about the talk that as soon as we get enough money we can sell out and get away from here? Hey, look. $. What difference is it to you who keeps this place up? You're a pretty husky fellow, Walter. Yeah, yeah. Would you like a little demonstration? On you? What do you mean by that? Well, maybe I'll tell you after I've had a look around.

[Martha Skinner]

Then you will stay?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah. I'll stay until I'm satisfied. You won't be here for long if I've got anything to do with it, understand? Is that a threat, Walter? Take it any way you like.

[Martha Skinner]

I'm sorry, Mr. Dowler. I'm sure he didn't mean that the way it sounded.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, tell me, do you two have joint ownership of this place, you and Mr. Skinner?

[Martha Skinner]

Well. Well, it's really in my name.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if anything were to happen to.

[Martha Skinner]

You, it would go to Frank and Walter.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see. Walter said that you've talked about getting enough money to sell out and leave this place.

[Frank Skinner]

He certainly did.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that what you plan to do?

[Frank Skinner]

Yes, sir.

[Martha Skinner]

Well, I'm not so sure.

[Frank Skinner]

Of course you are.

[Martha Skinner]

I've grown to love this place. All the nice people who. Mr. Darla.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Martha Skinner]

Enough money, you said. Like a lot of insurance money from. Oh, no, you can't think that Walter would. Oh, no, no. He's spoiled and fresh and impetuous and talks a lot.

[Frank Skinner]

But surely you don't think, Mrs. Skinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

What would you think? Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Do you know who said, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty? Those famous words were written by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson knew that human nature tends to cause us to take for granted the freedoms for which others have fought valiantly. He knew that Americans had to be alert or the essential freedoms of democracy would be taken away. That's why Jefferson gave his warning to the Americans of his era. And to their descendants, he set the price for liberty as eternal vigilance. And Americans through the years have heeded Jefferson's warning. They have been alert to detect and resist the enemies of liberty. Remember the words of Thomas Jefferson, they are part of your American heritage. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Sunny Dream Matter. At dinner that evening, I made a point of chatting with as many guests of the Sunny Dream Home for the Aged as possible. Sweet old Mrs. Baker, who must have been in her 80s, pretty much summed things up as we talked together on the porch in the cool of the evening.

[Martha Skinner]

Oh, really? Kind of Sorry for Walter, Mr. Donnell. Young man like that doesn't really have a place here among all of us old ones.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. I wonder why he doesn't go out on his own then, Mrs. Baker.

[Martha Skinner]

Because in spite of his brash, noisy way, he loves his mother, Martha. And since she has so much to do taking care of us, why, he just stays and helps her. Isn't she one of the loveliest people you ever met?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, she certainly seems devoted to you folks.

[Martha Skinner]

And she is. Lets us draw the line. Bows herself sometimes, just like a mother hen. But she's all heart.

[Johnny Dollar]

And Mr. Skinner, very nice.

[Martha Skinner]

Handles the business affairs of the home real good, too. Tisn't generally known, but he's the one who gave us the idea of making out our insurance to the Sunny Dream. Oh, of course, we never told Martha.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, there you are.

[Frank Skinner]

Evening, Miss Baker.

[Martha Skinner]

What a nice young man this is, Mr. Skinner. We've been having a wonderful time talking away about this and that.

[Frank Skinner]

That's fine. They make you a comfortable room upstairs, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, right at the head of the stairs. Very comfortable. Good.

[Frank Skinner]

Well, don't let me interrupt.

[Johnny Dollar]

I. I'd like to talk to you a minute, if Mrs. Baker will excuse us.

[Martha Skinner]

Why, of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Martha Skinner]

And we'll talk again tomorrow, won't we?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. Of course you will. Good night, Mr. Skinner. When was the last accident when someone fell down those long stairs?

[Frank Skinner]

Why, that was Ms. Bedsler, earlier this month. Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, at the head of them, as I came out of my room, I found something that. Well, they were marks that looked to me as though they'd been made by some kind of struggle up there. Oh, and a tiny piece of cloth from a man's suit caught in a splinter on the new post.

[Frank Skinner]

Well, what are you going to do about it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, just leave it there. Tomorrow I'll get somebody from the police. The police laboratory over here to look at it.

[Frank Skinner]

Whoever suit that was must have a tear.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, not necessarily. It was really just a few threads that had been pulled out. But they might be the clue to a killer.

[Frank Skinner]

I see. Well, good luck, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Thanks. In my room, I waited until long after the big home was quiet and wondered. Wondered if my hunch was going to pay off. Hunch? Sitting there in the porch, Talking with old Mrs. Baker, I'd suddenly remembered something Pat McCracken had told me in the very beginning. He had notified the home I was coming here to investigate. That meant he'd notified Frank Skinner. Could that have been why Skinner phoned me? To allay any suspicion the insurance companies might have? Yeah, I wondered. Finally, about midnight, I heard a noise at the head of the stairway. Quietly, I opened my door. And there at the top of the stairs, armed with a flashlight and standing solidly on his own two feet, was the man who said he was confined to a wheelchair.

[Frank Skinner]

Where, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

You won't find anything there, Mr. Skinner, because there isn't anything, see?

[Frank Skinner]

You lied to me.

[Johnny Dollar]

It got you up out of that phony wheelchair, didn't it? To see if you'd left some trace of your last murder, didn't it?

[Frank Skinner]

Now listen, Darla.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty rotten racket, Skinny. You and only you, handle all the finances of this place. You persuaded the old folks to name you as beneficiary of their insurance policies. Then you proceeded to shove them down those stairs.

[Frank Skinner]

Would you like to see how?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Frank Skinner]

Then I'll show you.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, you don't. Yeah. He'll live to go to trial. And whatever sentence they hand him will be much too short. The sunny dream home. Well, I hope it'll be the quiet, peaceful place his wife wants it to be. Expense account total, including incidentals, $12 even. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Peggy Weber, Junius Matthews, Larry Dobkin and Bert Holland. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Coverley speaking. Johnny Dollar has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is one of those mysteries where what superficially makes sense gets tossed aside. As we'd suspect the owner with above average strength for a woman and her surly nephew. Much more than the wheelchair bound husband who called the insurance company in the first place. I also like the fact that the husband called Johnny after learning of the insurance company's interest. Because we've had cases in the past where it's happened that it's just a strange coincidence, but the odds of that sort of coincidence is very slim indeed. I have to say that pretending to be trapped in a wheelchair is one of those very inconvenient things to do on a full time basis for scam insurance murders on small policies. But at any rate, it is what makes the plot work. One thing worth noting is that the Thomas Jefferson quote wasn't something that Thomas Jefferson said. This was actually addressed on the official website of Monticello. The earliest source of this particular quote was Irish politician John Phillip Pot Coren, although Monticello does cite an early quote from the Vermont Gazette in 1817 that is a lot closer to the construction that you'll see. But it's not actually attributed to anyone specifically. And of course 1817 Thomas Jefferson was still alive. This was one of those quotes I grew up hearing which turned out not to have been said by the person to whom it was attributed. I've also heard it attributed to the great British statesman Edmund Burke. I think it's unfortunate because it's one of those statements that resonates because it speaks a truth that really makes sense in a lot of human experience. And so people can accurately say it has been said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty because that truth, not who said it, is where the power of the quote comes from. Of course, some people can't avoid trying to strengthen a quote by giving it the authority of being said by someone viewed as wise or insightful. I will admit it's a bit odd. It's something you expect to hear like in unofficial accounts, but it does show how this had spread to the point where it gets into a PSA that's officially released by the government. Alright, well now it's time for listener comments and feedback. And we start with a comment from Sean who writes thanks for being awesome. I listened to Johnny Dollar on my long drives to switch it up. Love how the story is told through the expense account items. It's an interesting technique. Then we turn to YouTube where Mechanic6682 writes regarding the Alkali Mic matter and the whole discussion about dialing on the rotary phones. Actually the way they would figure out a phone number dial by rotary phone is a lot simpler than with a recording. There was a corresponding number of clicks for every number. In fact, if you listen to that part, Johnny has them slow down the recording and you can hear the number of clicks before he says the number. Not that it matters in Old Time Radio, but newer phones use a tone and the corresponding numbers can be determined by listening to them. Especially now with all the available technology. I recall Rockford doing it well. Thanks so much. And I wasn't actually saying that you had to make a recording of the dialing. My assumption is that you had to be close enough to hear the dial go around in order to figure out what the number was going to be. With the information on the clicks, that's maybe less of a problem. And I was definitely aware that the touch tones do make their own unique sound, though I can't recall Rockford having used that. But then again, I haven't seen every episode. I've seen close to every, but I still have a few more I want to watch. Thanks so much. Appreciate the comment. And then we have a comment from our listener survey. This one comes from Cordwainer in British Columbia who writes very much enjoy the Great Detectives. All except Dragnet. Too dry. Too many episodes. Well, sorry that you don't like Dragnet, but glad we can bring you another five episodes that you do enjoy. Thanks so much for the comment. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporters of the day. And of course as this is as this is our first Friday in March, I do want to go ahead and thank those who have been supporting the podcast for five years this month. And I want to thank James, Cindy and Ken supporting the podcast at the Detective sergeant level of $7.14 per month. And I want to thank Stephanie, Daniel, Jonathan, Mark and Rich supporting the podcast the shamus level of $4 or more per month. And I want to go ahead and thank Steven supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. And again, all of these have supported us since March of 2020. 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. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back actually on Sunday with a yours truly Johnny Dollar omnibus for one of the serialized stories. And of course we'll be back with the next self contained Johnny Dollar episode on Friday. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet. Where were you lying on the street.

[Johnny Dollar]

While all this was going on, Mr. Younger? No, he yanked me to my feet, made me Stand by the car with my hands up. Thelma was crying. The holed up man looked through her purse and he said, who you trying to kid, lady? You got more money than this. Thelma told him the truth. It was all she had. $3. And what happened then? Shoved the barrel of the gun against her head. Right here by the temple. Then I heard the gun go off. Selma fell over in the seat. Wasn't any reason for it. No reason at all. Just shot her. What did you do then? Do you remember? I jumped for the man. I wanted to kill him right there. He turned and fired the gun at me. Hit me right here below the shoulder. Then he ran out and got in his car and drove off. There was a blonde girl with him. I got a good look at her. Blonde. Pretty, attractive. Well, is there anything else about the man's description that you might have forgotten to tell us last night? No, I don't think so. I gave you the license number of his car. Can't you find him that way? It was a stolen car, Ms. Young. We took it from one of his other victims. It was found out in Wiltshire this morning.

[Adam Graham]

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