Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter (EP4779)

Summary

Summary of Episode: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter (EP4779)"

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Podcast Information

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter (EP4779)"
• Release Date: August 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham introduces listeners to a captivating installment of the classic detective saga, "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar." Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, this episode delves into mystery, intrigue, and the nuanced relationships between characters striving for redemption and peace.

Adam Graham opens the episode with enthusiasm:

"[00:28] Adam Graham: Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham."
"[00:28] Adam Graham: From April 27, 1958, here is the Village of Virtue matter."

He briefly mentions the podcast's support for listeners planning travel through an affiliate link, seamlessly transitioning into the main story.

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Act One: The Assignment

The narrative begins with Johnny Dollar, portrayed by Bob Bailey, receiving an intriguing assignment from Ben Orloff of Continental Insurance. The conversation sets the stage for the mystery in the quiet town of Virtue, South Carolina.

"[01:37] Johnny Dollar: Oh, yes, Mr. Orloff. What can I do for you?"
"[07:04] Ben Orloff: Will you listen? Ever since then, not a day has gone by that somebody hasn't had something stolen from them."

Johnny expresses skepticism but accepts the mission, aware of the potential dangers involved, especially when dealing with ex-gangsters like Joseph Figatello.

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Act Two: Arrival in Virtue

Johnny and Joe Picatello arrive at the picturesque Caraway Plantation in Virtue. The serene setting belies the underlying tension caused by a series of thefts disrupting the town's peace.

Setting Description:

"[09:26] Johnny Dollar: Joe Picatello and I walked the main street of Virtue, South Carolina, unmolested, virtually unnoticed. And we found the mayor, Parley Carraway, and the little shack that served for an office."

The interaction with the local gang members—Lefty Snapper, Bull Magoon, and Flippy Lack of Itch—heightens the suspense. Johnny's authoritative stance challenges their intentions, leading to confrontations that reveal deeper corruption.

"[12:22] Johnny Dollar: And that's to have you legally ousted from here. Out of the state if necessary."
"[21:50] Johnny Dollar: First, you lay off the plantation. You've leased it to those men. Let them have it and return all the stuff you stole."

The tension culminates in Johnny leveraging evidence of Ben Orloff's illicit activities to secure a resolution, ensuring the safety and harmony of Virtue.

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Act Three: Resolution and Reflection

The final act sees Johnny confronting Mayor Parley Carraway, unmasking his motives behind the orchestrated thefts designed to forcibly remove the ex-gangsters from the plantation. Johnny's negotiation skills and moral compass lead to a peaceful settlement, avoiding unnecessary violence and upheaval.

"[22:11] Johnny Dollar: You'll bet I will. Unless."
"[22:27] Johnny Dollar: Come on, Joe. Let's go back to the plantation and have a drink with some respectable Citizens."

This resolution underscores Johnny's commitment to the greater good, prioritizing community well-being over personal gain.

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Host Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion, Adam Graham provides insightful analysis of the episode's themes and character motivations.

"[16:25] Adam Graham: ... this is one of those light-hearted episodes, not a serious tragedy as he often deals with, and therefore it's more about the characters and the concepts."
"[16:25] Adam Graham: Johnny handles it in a simple way that was meant to keep the peace and ensure against future wrongdoing."

Graham praises Johnny Dollar's ethical approach, highlighting how the character balances professional obligations with personal integrity. He also delves into the nuanced portrayal of ex-gangsters seeking redemption, emphasizing the podcast's advocacy for giving individuals the grace to change.

"[16:25] Adam Graham: The idea of the mobsters or ex mobsters and their relation to virtue is a key insight into Johnstone's overall philosophy."

Graham concludes by appreciating the episode's blend of humor and morality, recognizing the delicate handling of complex character arcs.

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Notable Insights and Themes

• Redemption and Change: Ex-gangsters like Joe Picatello represent the possibility of reformation, aligning with the podcast's ethos of supporting individuals striving to lead better lives.

• Community and Peacekeeping: Johnny Dollar's interventions aim to preserve the harmony of Virtue, showcasing the importance of mediation over conflict.

• Moral Integrity: The episode underscores the significance of doing right, even when faced with potential personal losses or challenges.

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Conclusion

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Village of Virtue Matter" masterfully intertwines suspense with profound moral lessons. Through Johnny Dollar's endeavors, listeners are reminded of the enduring values of integrity, redemption, and community cohesion. Adam Graham's thoughtful commentary enriches the experience, offering deeper reflections on the characters' journeys and the overarching philosophies presented.

For those who cherish nostalgia for old-school radio dramas and appreciate intricate storytelling, this episode stands out as a testament to the timeless allure of detective narratives.

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Transcript

[Sam]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Also, as you're making your travel plans, remember johnnydoller air.com johnnydoller air.com is our Priceline affiliate link. So when you purchase through there, part of your purchase price benefits the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Now, from April 27, 1958, here is the Village of Virtue matter.

[Bob Bailey]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny dollar.

[Ben Orloff]

Ben Orloff, Mr. Dollar at Continental Insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Company in New York. Oh, yes, Mr. Orloff. What can I do for you?

[Ben Orloff]

Did you ever hear of a place called Virtue?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you kidding?

[Ben Orloff]

I'm very serious.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. Virtue, South Carolina?

[Bob Bailey]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

You want me to go down there?

[Ben Orloff]

Yes, if you will.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you have a bulletproof vest and a couple of extra handguns I can take along?

[Ben Orloff]

My one suggestion would be that you do not take along any firearms. After all, ex gangsters.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I see what you mean. All right, what do you want me to do?

[Ben Orloff]

Our representative has his office in Georgetown. He can give you the whole story. His name is Joseph Figatello. Got it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Joseph Smokey Pigatello. The guy whose name was linked with Murder Incorporated a few years back.

[Ben Orloff]

Yes, $. Joe Smokey Picatello. You sure you want this assignment?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'll tell you this, Mr. Orloff.

[Ben Orloff]

Yes?

[Johnny Dollar]

If you don't have to pay off on my insurance policy before I'm through. Well, mister, this is going to cost you a whopping big expense account.

[Bob Bailey]

Bob Bailey in the exciting Adventures of the man with the action Packed Expense. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dallek.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Continental Insurance Company, Georgetown, South Carolina office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Village of Virt. Expense account item 1 47. Even transportation and all the incidentals I could think of. Hartford, Connecticut to Georgetown, South Carolina. Item two, A dollar for a cab to Continental's office on Scriven Street.

[Joe Picatello]

Hi, Dollar. I'm Joe Picatello. Glad to see you. Sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks. Now look, Joe, before we go into this matter, there's something I'd like to know.

[Joe Picatello]

Sure, pal. Ask it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just what are you doing in the insurance business?

[Joe Picatello]

Look, you remember back in New York just before Tom Dewey took over as DA The Great Holy Racket Buster?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, and I'm sure you do okay.

[Joe Picatello]

Well, I was just a young punk then, but I was a bright one. Ambitious, you know. Finished up my high school, started taking law.

[Johnny Dollar]

You studied law?

[Joe Picatello]

Why not? I could have cleaned up, you know, mouthpiece for some of the mob. Some of the boys I knocked around with. But then Dewey came along, broke up the rackets, so I gave it up.

[Johnny Dollar]

To do what, Joe?

[Joe Picatello]

Oh, you know, this and that. Chicago for a while with some of the boys Al Capone left behind. And down near the border at San.

[Johnny Dollar]

Diego for a while smuggling narcotics across from Mexico.

[Joe Picatello]

Then some of us tried Las Vegas, but we didn't get any. What was that crack? Well, listen, I'm clean. Make a crack like that, you can prove it. Okay, if you can't, don't say it.

[Johnny Dollar]

You were telling me how you got into the insurance business, right?

[Joe Picatello]

When I'm taking you on this case. Don't talk like that. The gents I deal with don't like it. And don't forget, whatever you think about them, you could also be wrong.

[Ben Orloff]

Okay, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Two kinds are wrong $. Just plain wrong and dead wrong. You see what I mean? All right, as I was saying, how I got in this insurance racket.

[Johnny Dollar]

As you were saying?

[Joe Picatello]

Well, some of the boys from New York and Chicago went around, did pretty good. Instead of blowing all that dough on booze and dames and big times. They were smart, at least. An old plantation up in the valley, north of here on the Pee Dee River. The old Caraway Plantation. It's right next to the town of Vitu.

[Johnny Dollar]

Great name for a hideout, I'll say that.

[Joe Picatello]

I didn't say hideout $. It was just a nice, quiet place where they could live it up in a nice, quiet way. And at the same time, they wouldn't have any cops around their neck.

[Johnny Dollar]

No police in virtue.

[Joe Picatello]

Nobody but old Polly Carraway. Anyhow, after six, eight months of taking it easy. Mint juleps and hunting and fishing instead of being on the lam all the time. Well, Johnny, you wouldn't believe it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Joe Picatello]

Well, they all settled down there to spend the rest of their life. They all went respectable, every last one of them.

[Johnny Dollar]

You sure of that?

[Joe Picatello]

It's been 20 years now. Can you be any more sure than that?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know, but go on with what you were saying.

[Joe Picatello]

All right, I got an idea. I signed up with this little insurance company Then I went up to Virtue and made the pitch. They're all respectable now and they gotta make like respectable people and cover themselves with a lot of insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

And it worked.

[Joe Picatello]

You remember Lefty Snapper, the old time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Numbers king for Chicago, right?

[Joe Picatello]

Bookies, slot machines, everything. Old pal of mine. So when he told the rest he was buying insurance. Well, Johnny, I got policies on every one of them. The rest of the town, too. On their life, their homes, everything.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, now let's get to the point. What's happened up there in Virtue?

[Joe Picatello]

Trouble, Johnny. Old man Caraway for me.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of trouble?

[Joe Picatello]

Twenty years now, the boys and the people in Virtue have been getting along fine. The boys have been behaving themselves. And the people in town are all nice people. Until a couple of weeks ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

What happened?

[Joe Picatello]

Willy Magoon had himself a nice little fishing boat. Had it ever since he went straight moved in up there 20 years ago. Now, somebody stole it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, why don't you just pay off his claim and forget it?

[Joe Picatello]

Listen, a couple of days after that, Mr. Avery that runs the general store in Virtue, had his boat stolen.

[Johnny Dollar]

So you'll have to pay another claim, but small ones.

[Joe Picatello]

Will you listen? Ever since then, not a day has gone by that somebody hasn't had something stolen from them. Mostly the people in Virtue. Boats, cars, money, furniture, anything you can think of. The people blame the boys and the boys blame the people. And Johnny, there's going to be a civil war in Virtue unless somebody finds out who's doing this. And if that happens, there's going to be a lot of killing. And, well, with all the insurance I sold, me and the company are going to be in trouble.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, can't you get the state police to come in? State police invite you, you said? It's a real respectable community now.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, sure it is.

[Johnny Dollar]

But.

[Joe Picatello]

Well, dragging him in might really start things off. Well, that's why I had to send for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, why don't we go up there so I can see for myself?

[Joe Picatello]

Sure, Johnny, sure. But, hey, open your coat.

[Ben Orloff]

What?

[Joe Picatello]

I mean, if you're going to take along that lemon squeezer. Well, take my advice and don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

You have a pretty sharp eye, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Johnny boy, I can spot a shoulder holster a mile away. But so can some of the boys up in the valley on the plantation. And I don't want you to end up with a slug between your eyes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Real respectable people.

[Joe Picatello]

Well, shall we go? My car's outside.

[Johnny Dollar]

Into the valley of Death rode the 600. At least a couple of them.

[Joe Picatello]

What are you talking about?

[Johnny Dollar]

Nothing, Joe, let's go.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Narrator]

Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Florida state flag bears the Red Cross of St. Andrew in sympathy with the flag of the Confederacy. On a field of white, centered over the cross is the state seal. Within a golden circle, the sun, an emblem of glory and splendor, representing absolute authority, peers over a highland. In the distance, flowers, a symbol of hope and joy, are scattered by an Indian maiden, indicative of the Indian influence within the state. Centered is the cocoa or palm tree, an emblem of victory, justice and royal honor. Florida state flag. The flag of the 27th state to enter the union was adopted in 1900.

[Bob Bailey]

And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the village of Virt.

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe Picatello, erstwhile gangster turned insurance agent, led me out to his car and we headed north out of Georgetown, South Carolina. After 20 miles or so, we swung onto a side road paralleling the Pedy River. Then finally, we came to the old Caraway plantation. Acres and acres of huge old live oak trees festooned with Spanish moss flowers, millions of them. Ophelias, iris, roses, rhododendron bushes aflame with color in the afternoon sun. Then, at the end of a broad tree lined path, the fine old colonial mansion. With its towering pillars. The property faced the curving lazy yellow river and lying across it was a broad expanse of marshy grass crisscrossed here and there by canals through which the slaves in olden times hauled the rice crop to the riverboats. Yeah, it was a beautiful spot. A calm, quiet, peaceful spot, apparently.

[Joe Picatello]

Well, here we are, Johnny. Let's go in to see if anybody pumps. Hey, hey, hold it. Hold it, you punks.

[Ben Orloff]

It's me, Smokey. Smokey?

[Joe Picatello]

Who else? Put those guns away. You want to get in trouble?

[Ben Orloff]

Don't you guys know? No. Better to come barging in this way without letting us know you're coming.

[Joe Picatello]

Come on, Johnny.

[Ben Orloff]

Sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Nice peaceful spot, huh?

[Ben Orloff]

Who's that you got with you, Smokey?

[Joe Picatello]

Boys, this is Johnny Dollar. He's from the insurance company. Johnny, this is Bull Magoon.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah, hi.

[Joe Picatello]

And this is Lefty Stemper.

[Ben Orloff]

Hi. Johnny Dollar, huh?

[Joe Picatello]

And the shrimp there is Flippy. Lack of itch. Hiya, Johnny. I'm pleased to meet you.

[Ben Orloff]

What the Catch Away, Flippy. What did you bring here? Smoking your dick or something? Yeah, Dollar. What's the idea of packing a rod?

[Joe Picatello]

All right, all right. Let him go, you guys.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Joe Picatello]

Look, he's on Our side. He's up here to find the stuff that's been stolen.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah, we don't need no outside help.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you've found who's behind the thefts, huh, Lefty?

[Ben Orloff]

No. If it's any of your business, it's my business. You're interrupting me. Yeah, Dolly, shut up. I say we'll find out who's coming over here from Vitu and taking our stuff ourselves. And when we do, we'll eliminate him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right back to the old days, huh?

[Ben Orloff]

If we got to. To protect our rights.

[Johnny Dollar]

How about letting me have my gun?

[Ben Orloff]

Well, here. That Flippy, he wants his gun. You make a move the dollar and.

[Joe Picatello]

I'll flip you so fast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you mean like this?

[Ben Orloff]

Hey, hey, hey. It's Flippy. Got flipped.

[Joe Picatello]

Attaboy, Johnny.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah, the shrimp finally got it. Hey, Johnny. Dolly, you're okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

Anybody else want to get smarter?

[Ben Orloff]

He caught me off of G G Gar.

[Adam Graham]

Expert.

[Ben Orloff]

Have Flippy, will you? Ain't any more.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, Lefty, I'll take my gun.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, sure. Yeah, yeah. You're okay, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, now let's get things straight. I'm not the cops, but I'll drag him in if necessary.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, now listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

You listen. I'm gonna try to stop what's going on around here. And if any one of you interferes, I'll have you locked up so fast you won't know what's happened to you.

[Ben Orloff]

Wait a minute. Now, listen to me, will you? Dar. Well, look, I guess we're all kind of shaky, you know, we're. Well, we're sort of somewhat upset by the events of the past couple of weeks or two. You know what I mean?

[Johnny Dollar]

Lefty, Joe told me that if the burglaries, robberies, whatever they are, go on much longer, there's liable to be a war between you and the people of the town.

[Ben Orloff]

We ain't worried now. We got enough guns and ammo stashed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Our way around to shut up bulls. Oh, yeah, yeah, sure, Lefty. I'm sure you have. But if you ever expect to make peace again with the townspeople, if you expect to stay on here, we got.

[Ben Orloff]

At least 15 years to go. Shut up. Okay. All right. Look, all we got here is our hunting rifles and with shotguns and a couple of pistols in case of a snake, you know, while we're hunting and fishing here. The swamps, a lot of cottonmouths around here, you know.

[Joe Picatello]

That's a fact, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

The point is, I didn't come here without providing for any and every exigency.

[Ben Orloff]

What's that mean boy? What a dope. It means if anything happens to him, we're dead. Now ain't that.

[Joe Picatello]

Excuse me. Isn't that right Dollar?

[Ben Orloff]

Right. You see?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now give me a hand. Cooperate with me and maybe we can clear this thing up.

[Ben Orloff]

Don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

And I have only one alternative.

[Ben Orloff]

What's that mean? Shut up.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's to have you legally ousted from here. Out of the state if necessary.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, now look, doll, we'll cooperate. I don't mind telling you, we love this place. Look, it's the only real home. We got Flippy and Sadie. We got Bull and Mary and me and Nora. Maybe. Maybe we got records.

[Joe Picatello]

All right.

[Ben Orloff]

Some of us maybe did time for some of the little jobs we pulled, huh? But we've been playing it straight since we come here. All along the line.

[Joe Picatello]

It's like I told you, Johnny.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah, Honest.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, that's the way we want to keep it. If the people are virtual, just leave.

[Parley Carraway]

Us keep it that way.

[Ben Orloff]

And you know something? I don't get it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't get what, Lefty?

[Ben Orloff]

Well, over 20 years everything's been nice and okay, huh? Now they gotta start this.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about the losses they've suffered?

[Ben Orloff]

They ask me dollar their phoney's to cover up for Robinhour stuff. Nobody asks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe they think the same way about your losses, huh?

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, where's the owner of this place? Caraway?

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, yeah, he's over invite you at his office.

[Johnny Dollar]

Office?

[Ben Orloff]

Sure. He's a mayor and a police. All right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe and I are going over to see him.

[Joe Picatello]

Now, Johnny.

[Ben Orloff]

Smokey, will you please don't go. They see you guys coming from here, they're going to take a shot at you. Now Caraway told me so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, we'll take that chance. Come on, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Well, I'll tell you, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Tell me along the way. Come on. The more I thought about the whole thing, the sillier it all seemed. Yet it was obvious that even after 20 years, lefty and Bull and Flippy might think of only one way to settle their problems. With a gun. And if the people of virtue were feeling the same way. But as Joe and I walked along the main, the only street of the little town, there were no signs of high hostility or even suspicion toward us.

[Joe Picatello]

Now look, Johnny, if those bums back at the plantation are making this trouble.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why, why would they, Joe?

[Joe Picatello]

That's what I don't get. But what if they don't like your interfering? Decide to knock you off?

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I'll probably go to my grave unmourned. Unremembered.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah. But you told Lefty you'd provide it for every exigent for. Well, if anything should happen to you.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

And he and the boys believed it.

[Joe Picatello]

And if anything does the.

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

All I can hope is that they keep on believing.

[Bob Bailey]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Ben Orloff]

In a moment.

[Narrator]

Sometimes a quotation is a helpful thing because it points out some wisdom that helps us to lead better lives. Here's one that struck me as being very wise and true. Dr. Samuel Johnson, that wise and witty man immortalized by Boswell, said it matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. A man's life may be long or short, but the way he lives it is the important thing. It's important no matter what he does, that he have integrity, loyalty and honor and the sound code of conduct. Enlisting at the age of 17 with his parents permission, Corporal Charles L. Gilliland found himself soon after his 18th birthday in a narrow defile in the middle of the treacherous rocky terrain of Tongman ni, Korea. At 2:30am that moonlit morning of April 25, 1951, Corporal Gilliland's army unit, Company I, 7th Infantry Regimental Combat Team of the 3rd Division became the focal point of a murderous assault from Chinese communist forces. The fighting became brutal and bloody. The brunt of the attack was directed up the defile guarded by Gilliland with his automatic rifle. A slashing barrage of small arms, automatic weapons, motor and artillery fire was dropping the men all around him. Gilliland faced the full force of the assault and advancing against tremendous odds, poured a steady fire into the attacking forces and eventually halted them. For valiant and heroic conduct, Corporal Charles Gilliland was awarded the Medal of Honor. Although in age, he still may have been considered a boy, he had lived and died like a man.

[Bob Bailey]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Village of Virtue matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe Picatello and I walked the main street of Virtue, South Carolina, unmolested, virtually unnoticed. And we found the mayor, Parley Carraway, and the little shack that served for an office.

[Ben Orloff]

I'm also the police chief, Mr. Dollar. Don't you forget that, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you found no clue as to who has been committing the robberies?

[Ben Orloff]

No, sir. None whatsoever. But who else would do it? They're all three of them. Ex gangsters.

[Joe Picatello]

Sure, ex gangsters.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why, Mr. Caraway, why would these men suddenly want to make trouble with their friends, your townspeople?

[Ben Orloff]

I don't know. I honestly don't know. Unless, of course, they think they can take over the way they used to Take over gangs in the old days.

[Johnny Dollar]

After 20 years of a happy relationship.

[Joe Picatello]

Mr. Caraway, they never made a bit of trouble in all that kind.

[Ben Orloff]

I know it. I know it. But the fact remains that unless this trouble stops. After all, Virtue was here long before they came. Unless it stops, I say, I shall have to break their lease and make them leave the plantation. That's too fine a property, sir. Too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Carraway, that plantation isn't exactly what you'd call a paying proposition for a long time, was it?

[Ben Orloff]

Well, it has been since those men leased it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, they pay you pretty well for it, huh?

[Ben Orloff]

Enough to keep it in good repair.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's a beautiful ring you're wearing.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh. Oh, yes. Two and a half carat diamond ship. Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

And is that your nice new car out front?

[Ben Orloff]

Yeah, it certainly is. Ain't it pretty?

[Johnny Dollar]

About $8,000 pretty.

[Joe Picatello]

Didn't you have a new one last year, too, Mr. Carraway?

[Ben Orloff]

Of course, I try to have one every year, but. Now, John, tell me one thing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Caraway.

[Ben Orloff]

Yes, sir?

[Johnny Dollar]

If you really think the robberies around here are going to cause so much trouble.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, I do. I do. That's why I contacted Mr. Picatello.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why haven't you called in the state police?

[Ben Orloff]

Because I am the mayor of Virtue. I'm the police department. And I can take care of these things myself. And now that you gentlemen have witnessed the bad blood between these gangsters and the people of the town, well, sir, I'm going to throw them off that plantation.

[Johnny Dollar]

In spite of all the money they've been paying you?

[Ben Orloff]

Yes, sir. And I'm sure you gentlemen will back me up in all the money, did you say?

[Johnny Dollar]

Enough to keep you well dressed, well fed and fancy cars.

[Ben Orloff]

Now look here, sir. Do you realize how much that property will bring?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, that depends. How much have you been offered?

[Ben Orloff]

I'll tell you how much. 124,000. How did you know?

[Johnny Dollar]

You just told me.

[Ben Orloff]

Well, now listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

You also told me why you've been robbing the people of Virtue and those men at the plantation. To stir a bad feeling. Give you an excuse to get them out.

[Ben Orloff]

What?

[Joe Picatello]

Johnny, you're right.

[Ben Orloff]

Now, just. Just tear away.

[Johnny Dollar]

If I do call in the state police, it'll be to have you locked up.

[Ben Orloff]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if Joe here has any sense, he'll tell the insurance company to bring charges of fraud against you.

[Joe Picatello]

You said it.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, but the money. Think of all the money I could make selling the old place.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, where's the stuff that's been stolen?

[Ben Orloff]

It hasn't been hard it's stored away. Carefully stored away. I was going to give it back when. When those men left and I could sell the plate.

[Johnny Dollar]

Give them their stuff, too.

[Ben Orloff]

Well, I'd make up for it in cash. Every cent of it, in cash. Yes, I'd. I'd say it was for breaking the leagues. Truly, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why don't you listen, you old money grubbing crook? You're in trouble.

[Ben Orloff]

You. You call in the state police.

[Johnny Dollar]

You'll bet I will. Unless.

[Ben Orloff]

Unless what, sir?

[Johnny Dollar]

First, you lay off the plantation. You've leased it to those men. Let them have it and return all the stuff you stole.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, but if they find out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you figured how to get it away from them. Now figure out how to get it back. Discover it, anything you like. The point is that if you don't get it back, I'll tell them where it is. And you know what that'll mean.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, yes, Mr. Galahad. I'll get it back.

[Johnny Dollar]

Also, respect that lease. I believe it has 15 more years to run.

[Ben Orloff]

Yes, sir, it has. I will.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, do all this and Joe and I will forget the whole thing. But if you don't. And Joe will be checking on you.

[Joe Picatello]

You said it.

[Ben Orloff]

Oh, but I will. I will, Mr. Dollar. I promise you. I'll get right on this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, Joe. Let's go back to the plantation and have a drink with some respectable Citize. Yeah, this insurance business really has some funny ones. And I guess it's the funny ones that balance out the bad, the tragic cases. Anyhow, I like it. Expense account total, including the trip back to Hartford. Call it a hundred bucks even. And in view of our little secret, Joe, well, maybe you better pay it out of petty cash. And listen, those pals of yours, you better drop in on them now and then to make sure they do stay on the straight and narrow, as well as that old coot caraway. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

Our star will return in just a moment.

[Parley Carraway]

Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Michigan's state flag was born on February 22, 1837, because of the strategic role played by Michigan in the War of 1812, the word to abor I will defend is prominent on the blue flag of Michigan. Beneath it, a rising sun casts its rays over a lake. And a man standing on a peninsula with his right hand raised, symbolizing peace, while in his left hand he holds a gun indicating that although they love peace, the people of Michigan are ready to defend their state and nation another motto, the state's official one is at the base of the flag. See Cuers Peninsulam a monum circumspis. If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. Thus does Michigan's flag carry its own invitation to visit one of America's scenic areas. Michigan State Flag the flag of the 26th state to enter the union was adopted on August 1, 1911.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, a Strange Series of fires. And believe me, the reason for them is a strange one too. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dallas.

[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 Frank Nelson, Billy Halop, Jack Crucian, Peter Leeds, Gil Stratton and Will Wright. 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.

[Narrator]

This is the United States Armed Forces.

[Johnny Dollar]

Radio and Television Service.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Welcome back. Well, the resolution to cases is awfully easy when the first person you suspect did it and they crumple like a cheap suit on you making a guess. Though to be fair, Johnny is actually quite explicit that this is one of those light hearted episodes, not a serious tragedy as he often deals with, and therefore it's more about the characters and the concepts. I would probably categorize this as more mildly amusing than particularly great, but it does offer some key insights into the characters as well as Johnstone's overall philosophy. Of course, Johnny settles for a modest expense account of $100. It speaks to Johnny's overall sense of trying to do right and the greater good. Yeah, he could have had the mayor brought up on charges, had a whole bag to do and been able to collect the promised fat expense account. But that would have ended up bringing unwanted publicity to the insured, require the involvement of law enforcement and make things very complicated, unpleasant for everyone involved. His overall goal in what he did, both in terms of the resolution of the case and the small fee paid for out of petty cash, is the greater good. So he handled it in a simple way that was meant to keep the peace and ensure against future wrongdoing. The idea of the mobsters or ex mobsters and their relation to virtue is a key insight into John Stone's overall philosophy. The one idea that comes through in so many scripts is that people should be able to decide who they want to be and to change their lives and ought to be given open hearted support and not condemned or judged for their worst mistakes that can't be punished. You could hear that in the Solkoff stories. Even at an extreme level, Sawk Hoff did some things to help the Axis, but he was cleared of charges and wanted to come to this country, love it, and be a patriot. And to that Johnstone says, welcome. So you were a mobster who broke laws, hurt people, and probably killed some people, but weren't convicted of anything, or you finished your sentence and you want to be a decent member of a community and mind your own business. Have at it. Now, of course, Johnstone's philosophy operates on some extreme edges which can make it hard in the real world. And I'm not advocating for it. I'm just kind of exploring what he is implying. What his scripts show is that he didn't really have patience for people who wouldn't give others the grace to change, who made habits of thumbing people's noses and their worst mistakes and trying to make trouble for them. These are people who are portrayed as misguided at best, or at worst trying to pretend to be moral crusaders on someone's past failure in order to cover up or to deflect blame for their current malicious activity. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the Day. And I want to thank Catherine, patreon supporter since June 2021, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Catherine. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. Next Friday we'll be back with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow as we turn to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and Cloak and dagger.

[Sam]

Yes. Did you see a gentleman around here about your side?

[Ben Orloff]

Won't I do?

[Sam]

I'm afraid not.

[Ben Orloff]

You wouldn't be hunting Rebuke Mantell, would you?

[Sam]

How would you know?

[Ben Orloff]

Who should know better?

[Sam]

You mean you?

[Ben Orloff]

That's right.

[Sam]

I don't believe it.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Ben Orloff]

You're nothing like I met is anybody.

[Sam]

You're quite the philosopher, aren't you? Suppose I told you I was Nancy's sister.

[Ben Orloff]

I wonder if she'd boast about it.

[Sam]

How can you have the nerve to stand there and talk like that?

[Ben Orloff]

I wouldn't be.

[Narrator]

So after all, you're a blackmailer.

[Sam]

I'm a what?

[Ben Orloff]

Well, didn't you come here?

[Sam]

I came here for only one reason and that was Mr. Mantel.

[Adam Graham]

Mr. Mantel, I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13. Great detectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on instagram.instagram.com. great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.