
Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in when three members of the board of a small company covered by a group life policy are murdered in a short period of time. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 29, 1958 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey...
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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, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And also want to encourage you as you are making your travel plans. Remember johnnydoller air.com johnnydoller air.com is a Priceline affiliate link, so part of your purchase price supports the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydollerair.com first. Now, from June 29, 1958, here is the ugly pattern matter.
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From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. This is Barry Winters at Masters Insurance and Trust. Oh, hi, Barry. It's been years. Sure, Johnny, because we don't usually have trouble with our accounts. You mean you didn't, huh? Until now? Well, yeah, I'm afraid that's about the size of it. And this time it's bad trouble. Tell me all. Simplex Tackle Company, Johnny, over in Danbury. Fishing Tackle? That's right. Oh, how come I never heard of them? Well, they're a small outfit. The kind of glorified partnership. What's that mean? Well, it's owned by nine men. One of them, Hanley Thomas, is president. The others are secretary, treasurer and a flock of vice presidents. So what's happened? Well, the nine of them plus the 20 or 30 workers at the plant are all covered by a group Life insurance deal. And listen. Yeah, We've just had to pay off on three policies in a row. Well, that's too bad. But why call on me? Because, Johnny, why? Those three deaths were all murders. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigators. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Masters Insurance and Trust Company home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incur my investigation of the ugly pattern matter Expense account had him won a dollar even taxi to Barry Winter's office at Masters, where I hoped he could give me something more to work on than he had over the phone. And you know something? As it turned out, he gave me a lot more than he thought he did. The police, sure, they've been working on these murders, Johnny, but they haven't come up with anything except a theory that one man is behind them all. Why, Barry? Because the victims have all been members of the Simplex Tackle Company. Well, but I know because they've all occurred within a month. Because each of them occurred on a Wednesday. Pattern, huh? That's right. And also, Johnny, because there's been no apparent reason for any of them. Have the police found anything? Nothing. Same kind of weapon used in each case? No. The first was a VP named Adams, run over by a car. Sure it wasn't accidental? The police say no. The second, John Bowers was strangled and Frank Dalvors was shot in his own home. No pattern there. I mean, in the way they occurred. Apparently not. But Hanley Thomas and the police don't agree. Thomas is president of Simplex, you said? And a real financial wizard. Used to be a promoter. Not much ethics, but a sharp businessman. As a friend or partner, I imagine he's. Well, he's a fine man. Here, here. I'll give you a complete list of the officers of the company, their rank and their salary. Well, I don't know exactly what good that'll do. Here, you. And this is a list of the employees. Have those employees all been checked down? Sergeant Dennis over there at Homicide made quite a point of it. So did Mr. Thomas. Well, look, why don't I run over there and talk with him and. To the Danbury police? Yeah, I think you'd better. And Johnny, the sooner the better. Why do you say that? The pattern. There are still six officers left in that company. That is six who are still alive. Item two, another buck for a cab back to my apartment. There I picked up my own car. And from here on in the chat Will be for mileage except for item three, four and a quarter for a tank of mobile gas. It was almost noon by the time I'd covered the 60 odd miles to the simplex factory on the far edge of Danbury. To my surprise, it was quite a plant. New and modern in every way. A receptionist took my card and a few minutes later, I was ushered into the office of Hanley Thomas, president. Oh, this is a terrible thing. Adams, Bowers, Frank Dalbach, all within a few weeks. Barry Winters back in Hartford seems to think these murders have all been the work of one man. Police. And I concur in that theory. There's been a sort of pattern followed by the crazy killer. But not an actual method, Mr. Thomas. No, no, I'll grant you that's true. Car accident, strangling, pistol shot. But they were done by someone who must have been very familiar with his victims. How do you mean? Well, someone who knew, for instance, that Ben Adams took a long walk alone each night. He knew the route that he took. Same thing applied to the second victim. John Bowers. Always drove to work through a little woods. It was there he was stopped and strangled. Frank Dalber's always stayed at home alone on Wednesday nights while his wife was out playing bridge. Someone broke in on him, huh? Had the police checked that? Well, it was someone he must have let in. In other words, someone he knew. That's a possibility, I suppose. I understand you've checked on all your employees. Yes, right off the bat. As much as we, or rather, as much as the police could. Any particular reason to suspect one of them? Well, only because they were all in position to know these men pretty well know their habits. We're a small company, Mr. Dollar. Our employees, including the girls in the office, only number 21. That was your only reason to think one of them may have done it? Oh, of course, we've had our share of labor troubles. A few dissidents in the ranks, so to speak. I suppose some of them resent the rather top, heavy management here. You mean the fact there are nine executives to only 21 employees, huh? Yes, and I must confess, the profits have been pretty good lately. Barry Winters gave me a list of. Here it is. Now, according to this, all of these. What is it, Mr. Dolan? Why, I got thinking on the way over here. Yes, Part of the pattern you mentioned. The three men were killed in, well, in alphabetical order. What? Yes, Adams, Bowers, Dalvors. But now that I look at this list again, of course, the pattern again. No, no, I think that was Just coincidence. The pattern, if there is one, is based on their order of rank. That is, if these salary figures mean anything. I'm not sure I understand. Well, look, first, was Adams at the lowest salary among you officers? Well, yes. Adams received 12,000 a year. Now, look, Bowers came in next at 13,500. You're right. And Frank Dalvors earned 15,000. So if this pattern should continue. You mean to say you think there might be more of these murders? If this pattern continues, the next to go would be good. Heaven would be James Williams or Charles hart, both earning 16,500. Then a couple of more. Then you. Mr. Thomas. Mr. Dolly. Where'll I find James Williams? Why, Williams is on vacation. A little place not far from here. Parvin's Pond. When did he leave? Last week, on Monday. Have you heard from him? No. No, I haven't. Of course, if the alphabetical pattern is the right theory. Excuse me. Yes? Sergeant Dennis. Mr. Thomas. Oh, it's a sergeant at Homicide, Mr. Dollar. So I heard. I'll hold the phone so you can hear what he said. Thomas. Yes, Sergeant? I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. Oh? Another one of your partners, Williams. Mr. John Williams. Yes. Discovered his body over at Parvin's Pond this morning. He's been murdered. Good Lord. 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 representing one of the 50 states. Massachusetts State flag bearing a green pine tree is the descendant of the famous Liberty Tree flag that came out of Boston to serve all the original 13 colonies. It was under the Liberty Tree flag that the sons of Liberty met and planned the Boston Tea Party. That our floating batteries on the Delaware river defended Philadelphia and on the Charles river defied Howe's cannons. Beneath the tree is inscribed the state motto, Ensupetit placidum sub libertate quietum. By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. These words were originally written by the famous English patriot algernon Sidney about 1659. This was a message intended for King George III. Unhappily, it went unheeded. Massachusetts state flag, the flag of the sixth state to enter the Union was adopted on March 18, 1904. And now, Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the ugly pattern matter. Another of the executives of the Simplex Tackle Company murdered. Bludgeoned to death in his little vacation cabin on Parvin's Pond, some 40 miles north of Danbury. And again, it was according to pattern. How those carefree kids can fish and water ski out there when there's been a murder right under their noses? Yes, Sergeant, I know what you mean. This the cabin Mr. Williams was using? Yes, sir. He came up here on his vacation Monday morning, last week alone. There. There we are. Who knew he was coming to this particular spot, Sergeant? Why? Everybody down at the plant, I guess. Now the way the doc and I figured it out, Mr. Williams had just come in from fishing. Now you see there, he just tossed his rod and stringer on the bed. Everything's just the way it was except for his body. That's in Danbury at the coroner's. You said he was bludgeoned to death with that oar from his rowboat. You see it laying there on the floor? Yeah, I see. Who found his body? Little old lady from the cabin next door. She'd stopped by this morning to bring him some cookies. Knocked on the door, the door swung open and there he was. And the doc says the body was lying there ever since. Have you checked that orifice, Prince? The killer must have used gloves. What about footprints? Well, if there were any, the vacation crowd tramped him out long before we got here. Now the way we figure is that he came in here Wednesday night off the lake. Wednesday? Yes, Mr. Dollar, just like the other ones that happened on Wednesday, a week ago tomorrow. The pattern again. Yes, sir. And if you ask me, it's the pattern of a madman. And this being a Tuesday again, what possible motive could there be for it? You ask me, it's one of the employees there at the plant. After all, for such a small company, nine big money making officers. At least there was nine. Yeah, I know what you mean. Are those 21 employees paid pretty well? Nope. In spite of the company making a lot of money. What with this recession we're in. Read the signs, man. Most of the so called recession is a lot of bunk. I agree with you. Everybody get out and dig instead of sitting around hoarding their money. Well, what I was going to say is that those executives took advantage and held down wages in spite of all the money they're making. So just let one crazy hothead find out how good they're doing. How well? Have you checked those employees? The best we could. I talked with every one of them myself. How about the officers of the company? There's not one of them would do a thing like that. They're all fine men, asked Mr. Thomas. Sure they're hard headed businessmen, everyone looking out for himself. But they're all fine men. And they're all making plenty of Money. Oh, which reminds me. Hmm? What's that, Mr. Dollar? A list of the officers and their salaries. And according to this, if there's to be another victim. Another? Oh, no. I worked out another step in the pattern of these murders based on the earnings of these men. But then, Mr. Dollar, who will it be? It won't be anybody if I can help it. But, Sergeant, I may have to ask you to put a 24 hour watch over an officer of that company named Mr. Charles Hart. I didn't bother explaining my own the pattern to Sergeant Dennis. After all, my theory could be wrong. But I drove back to the Simplex factory, to the office of Charles Hart. I found only a secretary there. No, he isn't here, Mr. Dalek. Well, where is he? To be perfectly honest about it, I don't know. Hasn't he been in at all today? No, sir. Hasn't been in since about last Wednesday. Look, Miss. Miss, whatever your name is, have you called his home, his wife? He's a bachelor, Mr. Dollar, and lives in a little apartment in Danbury. Have you tried to call him? Well, no, sir. You see, there was. Does Mr. Thomas know about his not being here? There's nothing unusual about Charlie's leaving without telling us, Mr. Darling. Oh, Mr. Thomas, he often goes off on sales trips like this. He was last seen the day Mr. Williams was killed. Well, surely you don't think Charlie Hart had anything to do with Jim Williams being. Oh, no. Did you find out anything over at Parvin's Pond? No, not much, I'm afraid. Could this Charlie Hart have had any reason for wanting Williams out of the organization? And Adams and Bowers and Dalvors? Of course not. Yes. Yes, he could. What, Miss Gregg, what do you mean by that? Mr. Hart was the one who built up this company. The one who developed the products, put all his money in it. Now, just a minute. He's the one who sold all the product, that made all the money. He and Mr. Adams were the ones who started the business. Is that true, Mr. Thomas? Yes, of course. And when Mr. Thomas and his relatives came along. Ms. Gregg. What she says is true, Mr. Dollar. Charlie Hart and Ben Adams did start this business. They took on a couple of partners, Al Bowers and Frank Dalbers. They were the ones who decided on the expansion program, who came to us for the financing. With the others gone, it should have been Mr. Hart's company. Wait, Ms. Gregg. Our financing made this present operation possible. But to imply that Charlie could have been driven by jealousy or, well, or any other motive to commit these Crimes? That's absurd. How could you suggest Such a thing, Ms. Gregg? I didn't say he did it. I only tried. We know what you said, and you've said enough. Tell me one thing, Mr. Thomas. Yes? What happens to his share of the business when one of the partners dies? Or in this case, when he's murdered? What? The other partners absorb his share. Then if Charlie Hart eliminated one of you, it would add to his holdings. That's true. Okay, I'll see you later. But, Mr. Dollar, if you believe for one moment that Charlie Hart. Why, I've known him for years. Yeah, well, I think I want to know him. A little act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. What does a man's life mean to him? Some men will commit suicide for little or no apparent reason. Others get blind on liquor and drive their unguided missiles into other automobiles, sometimes killing more than a half dozen people. Life to those men seems worthless. But when the time comes to go forward into battle or to resist severe interrogation in an enemy prisoner of war camp, life seems suddenly to take on all the aspects of a precious gem. For some men, it isn't easy to overcome that undesirable condition of paralyzing fear when the chips are down. But let me tell you of one man who did during World War II in Europe. Staff Sergeant John W. Minick. Assigned to the 83rd Infantry Division, United States Army. Sat down and cried bitterly when he first faced the prospect of battle, having to kill or be killed. Drafted at the age of 36, Minnock felt he was a little old to find himself in such a bewildering and unhappy situation. While in camp, he wasn't much in discipline, but in the heat of battle, a great change came over him and he became the perfect infantry soldier. In a number of bloody engagements, he was noted for several valiant actions which earned him two Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Service Cross. Specializing in scouting patrols behind enemy lines, Sergeant Minick one day in November 1944, led his men through a minefield in a fog laden forest. Suddenly, they were confronted with a hail of machine gun fire. Minnick went into action. No man could stop him. That day, in rapid succession, with his men hot on his heels and his submachine gun blazing, he knocked out a machine gun nest, killed 22 and captured 23 of the enemy, broke up an important security outpost, broke the back of the enemy battalion and was spearheading the attack to take battalion headquarters when he stepped on a landmine and became a legendary Medal of Honor hero. Sergeant Minnick had cried when he first went into battle. But he became the perfect infantry soldier when the chips were down. He had learned well his soldier's code. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the ugly pattern matter. It was pretty plain that Charlie Hart, supposedly next on the list of victims, had plenty of motive for eliminating some of his partners in the Simplex Tackle Company. I guess the same applied to any other member of the company. But he, having started the business, knew all about the others. Their plans, their habits. And he'd been last seen just prior to the murder of James Williams. I got his address, hopped into my car and drove back to Danbury. But ringing his bell and pounding on his door got me nothing. Yeah. Here, young man. You want Mr. Hart to public item at the factory? Are you the building superintendent? That's right. Then I want you to let me into Mr. Hart's apartment. Well, now, all right. Here. Here are my credentials. I'm an insurance investigator. Investigator? Yeah. Here, see? Kenny Dollar special. And if that isn't enough, here's a five spot for your trouble. Ten. Well, but now, don't you let on. Okay, dad. Maybe over here. Hmm? The same list that I got the officers. Huh? The officers of our company, Mr. Hart. That's right. Charlie Hart should have looked behind the door and you barged in here. Yeah, well, look, would you like to point that thing the other way, please? I'm sorry, Mr. Dollar. Of course. Oh, you know who I am? Yes, yes, I heard you through the door. All right. Is that the gun that killed one of your partners? That killed one of my. No, but listen, tomorrow's another Wednesday. Wednesday? Mister, do I know. And look. Look at that list you're holding. I finally realized the progression in which these murders are happening. Oh, on the basis of our salaries at the company. Adams, Bowers, Delvers and Williams or me? Yes. You've circled Williams name? Yes, because he got it last week. That's why I'm staying in here locked in. Because tomorrow, if the killer strikes again, that crazy maniac killer? Maybe. Or maybe that's what he'd like everyone to think. Charlie, a couple of questions. Anything, Anything. If I can help you stop this. That company was once yours. Yes, that's right. You were the boss, the head man until Hanley Thomas came along. Yes, Hanley and his brothers and his brother in law. And they took over as first in rank. Well, they were entitled to dolly. What was their money made the company what it is. I'm not an administrator. A man who knows and plays all the angles I'm. I'm just a worker and a salesman. Wait a minute. You mean you. You're content with the present setup? Yes. Yes, of course. In spite of the prodding of a sweet old secretary who thinks that. Wait a minute. But these murders. Mr. Dallas, you stay put, keep that gun and don't move out of this apartment until I tell you to. No matter who comes to the door to save your life. You think you know, Charlie. It's been right under my nose. The obvious, almost too obvious. But I had no proof of anything. Only a hunch. But a potent one. So how to prove it out? Bluff. It might work if I was right. I drove into police headquarters and picked up Sergeant Dennis. Then out to the Simplex Tackle Company. But when I walked in, it was after hours, no secretaries about. When I walked into the office, I borrowed the sergeant's handcuffs and made him wait outside, his ear glued to the door. Well, Mr. Dollar, I didn't expect you back, sir. What do the handcuffs mean? They mean arrest for the murder of your partners. That's a very bad joke. You and your brothers and brother in law, the whole company yours, once you got rid of the men who started it. Who made it possible for your capital to make it pay off. But tell me, were you gonna kill off your relatives too, one by one? This is the most absurd thing. You covered your tracks pretty well. Perfect crimes. Except for that ore you used to kill Williams. Fingerprints as big as life, all over it. Impossible. I figured the gloves you wore must have had holes in them or have been worn very thin. You just didn't notice in the excitement of the moment. And when I finally found those gloves, you've been out to my home ransacking. And when your wife confessed that you weren't at home at the time of any of the murders. That's a lie. She helped me plan the whole thing. Oh, then you admit the murders after my bluff about the fingerprints. I see. But now that you know, you haven't had time to tell anyone. There's no one around to Hear the shot, Mr. Dollar. No, but I heard a real clean confession, Mr. Thomas. Sergeant. No, no, that was just to protect myself from this. I'm afraid that kind of talk's a little late. No, no, it is, Sergeant. I haven't seen that fast a draw except on tv. That's where I lear. There'll be a lot for the courts to work on about. Who else was involved with Thomas? The sergeant's bullet killed him, by the way. And I'd call it good riddance or at least quick justice. So, expense account total, including a lot of mileage on my car. $101 even remarks why bother? Yours truly, Johnny Dol. 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. Alaska's state flag is dark blue, the blue of the clear Alaska sky and the forget me not, the state flower. Upon it shines eight golden stars forming the Big Dipper, or the Great Bear, a symbol of strength. It points toward the North Star, representative of our northernmost state, Alaska's state flag. The flag of the 49th state to enter the union was adopted on May 22, 1927. Now here's our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, a foggy night in San Francisco Bay, a beautiful girl and a killer. 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, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Les Tremaine, Forest Lewis, Herb, Junius Matthews and Frank Gerstel. Be sure to join us next week for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Sam and Doug. Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu. Is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com savings very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates excludes Massachusetts.
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Welcome back. An interesting story and a fair mystery with some misdirection. Although you always have to be suspicious in a Jack Johnstone era story when they mention someone used to be a promoter, that's a big giveaway that if they're not the villain and at the very least they are up to no good. This story does touch on John Stone's own morals and views of management earning exorbitant salaries for his day. The story also referenced the recession and in this case it would be the recession of 1958. Now, despite what Johnny said, the recession of 1958 was not bunk, which was why he was not an economist with an action packed expense account. In fact, the eight month recession saw the largest decline in GDP between the 1945 recession and the Great Recession of 2007-2009. By the time this episode aired, the recession had technically ended back in April, although a lot of people may not have known. It's always a fun thing with recessions is that people often feel the stresses in the economy and will feel like it's a recession, but we don't know if it is actually one or when it started or when it ended until the economists tell us, months or even years after the fact. Listener comments and feedback now and we start out on Facebook with Emmett and some thoughts on the Wayward River Matter. And Emmett wrote this was a truly different episode. Not the usual chase the bad guy thing, but by far my favorite part was when Johnny asked if any local store might just carry dynamite. I just think for laughs I'm going to hop on down to my local hardware store and ask them for a whole bunch of dynamite because I want to blow an ice dam up. Let us know how that goes, Emmett. In a similar vein over on Spotify, Moore Gerald LSP Tremain Comments that's one of my biggest pet peeves about living in Illinois. All our dynamite stores went out of business. Let this be a word of warning to all of you kids. If you don't, your dynamite store might go out of business too. Words to take to heart Then we have a comment from John regarding the Midnight sun matter. Had it been established that Johnny Doller could fly a plane previously? That was sure lucky. Anyway, the dramatic turn overshadowed the idea that you could blow up a glacier with tnt. The script was taking swings as big as all of Alaska. Well, thanks so much John. It had been established. I remember back in the Sea Legs Matter that Johnny's Road Guide Oscar admitted he didn't have a pilot license and Johnny said he did and he flew the plane. Now he may have flown in some of the subsequent episodes. That was back during the serial era, but it was established in the Sea Legs Matter and I think that there was a reference to, I believe Charles Russell as Johnny Dollar having flown during the war. But generally I don't tend to think that the pre Bailey stuff affects the Bailey era. But good question and great comment John. Then we have a comment from Reinzer who wrote Joke and this is on YouTube regarding the froward Fisherman Matter. Joe Friday had a case like this probably before and I think that what Ronser's referencing here is the Big Family and there were some similarities between that one and the Froward Fisherman matter, though no crossover in writing obviously in that you did have a man who was a little bit older. I don't think the guy in Dragnet was as old as the one in Johnny Dollar, technically, and disappeared and turned up fishing, though in this case, on a fishing boat. Of course there were big differences. The big one being that the guy in Dragnet essentially faked his death, which kind of triggered a homicide investigation. And the fraud fisherman was a little bit more light hearted, but I can definitely see the similarities. And Mark writes, thanks for sharing a nearly lost episode. Well, thanks so much. And now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Philip, patreon, supporter since June 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Philip. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We will be back next Friday with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and Cloak and Dagger, where now, here is your mission.
A
This red line north to the south is the main line of supply. At this point, there's a bridge which you are to blow up. Well, that shouldn't be tough, blowing it up.
B
No.
A
However, 500 yards from the bridge right here, there's a German company barracks. The bridge is well protected. It's up to you to figure out a way to dynamite it. Well, how about our Norwegian contact who's going to meet us? Well, when you hit the shore, take cover. At precisely 11 o', clock, a man will be strolling down the beach. Stop him. Ask him how the fishing is. He'll answer, not too good in winter. From then on, you're in his hands. You, Anderson, are his nephew and you, Furillo, are his cousin. Yeah, but I can't speak Norwegian. You will not say anything. At any time, you'll be known as the Dumb One. What? The reason you're called the Dumb One goes back to a childhood disease. Goodbye, gentlemen, and good luck.
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I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com/great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
A
And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music, Limu. Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth, customize and save. We see that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Affiliates excludes Massachusetts.
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Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Ugly Pattern Matter (EP4820)
Host: Adam Graham
Airdate: October 10, 2025
Featured Drama Date: June 29, 1958
This daily detective podcast, hosted by Adam Graham, features an episode from the classic radio series Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, titled "The Ugly Pattern Matter." Johnny Dollar, the freelance insurance investigator with an "action-packed expense account," is called in to untangle a string of murders among the executive ranks of a small fishing tackle company. As the bodies pile up, Dollar must decipher an elusive pattern to stop the killer before another partner falls.
Notable Quote:
"Why call on me? Because, Johnny, those three deaths were all murders."
— Barry Winters ([02:43])
Notable Quote:
"It's the pattern again... No, no, I think that was just coincidence. The pattern, if there is one, is based on their order of rank. That is, if these salary figures mean anything."
— Johnny Dollar ([07:34])
Notable Quote:
"I’m afraid I have some bad news... Another one of your partners, Williams. Discovered his body over at Parvin’s Pond this morning. He’s been murdered."
— Sergeant Dennis ([11:14])
Notable Quotes:
"If there’s to be another victim… I worked out another step in the pattern of these murders based on the earnings of these men."
— Johnny Dollar ([17:30])
Notable Quote:
"But to imply that Charlie could have been driven by jealousy or, well, or any other motive to commit these crimes? That’s absurd."
— Hanley Thomas ([21:14])
Notable Quote:
"That company was once yours... You were the boss, the head man until Hanley Thomas came along."
— Johnny Dollar, grilling Hart ([28:20])
Notable Quotes:
"You and your brothers and brother-in-law—the whole company’s yours, once you got rid of the men who started it. Who made it possible for your capital to make it pay off."
— Johnny Dollar ([29:40])
"She helped me plan the whole thing... No, no, that was just to protect myself from this."
— Hanley Thomas, breaking down ([31:10])
"No, it is, Sergeant. I haven’t seen that fast a draw except on TV. That’s where I lear[ned]."
— Johnny Dollar, after Thomas is shot ([31:22])
Notable Quote:
"Johnny said the recession of 1958 was not bunk, which was why he was not an economist with an action-packed expense account."
— Adam Graham ([27:25])
Pattern Discovery:
"The three men were killed in, well, in alphabetical order... Adams, Bowers, Dalvors."
— Johnny Dollar ([07:18])
Classic "Dollar" Sarcasm:
"Expense account total, including a lot of mileage on my car, $101 even. Remarks: Why bother?"
— Johnny Dollar ([31:46])
On Management and Labor:
"Nine big money making officers. At least there was nine. Yeah, I know what you mean."
— Sergeant Dennis ([15:47])
The Ugly Pattern Matter delivers a classic Johnny Dollar mystery, where patterns and motives are hidden among salary sheets and boardroom politics. The plot cleverly misleads both the characters and listeners, with suspicion thrown on the most obvious target, only for Johnny’s logic and bluffing skills to expose the true killer at the top. Adam Graham’s commentary contextualizes the episode within both its economic era and the conventions of Golden Age radio plotting.
This episode exemplifies Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar at its best: sharp dialogue, convoluted motives, and the satisfying takedown of a greedy executive—delivered with Dollar’s characteristic wit.