
The Relic Radio Show begins with Box 13 this week. We'll hear Speed To Burn, from June 26, 1949. (27:15) Our last story is The Seven Hills, the June 9, 1957, episode of The CBS Radio Workshop. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio949.mp3 Download RelicRadio949 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you’d like to support Relic Radio, please consider a [...]
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This is the Relic Radio Show Old time Radio entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com welcome back to the Relic Radio Show. 60 minutes of radio drama every Tuesday at relicradio.com. our first story comes from box 13. We'll hear the episode from June 26, 1949 titled Speed to Burn. After that, it's the CBS Radio Workshop and the Seven Hills from June 9, 1957.
Dan Holiday
Box 13 with the star of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd as dan holiday.
Nancy Peters
Box 13, Care of the Star Times. I've read your advertisement asking for adventure. I think this will be it. I'm asking you to solve an impossible situation, but one that must be solved. Next Wednesday, drive out on Route 36. At exactly noon, you'll come to a 5 mile speedometer check. Maintain a speed of 72 miles an hour over the distance you will be passed by a 1938 car going 100 miles per hour. The car will sound its horn. When you hear it pull over to the side and stop.
Dan Holiday
When you hear it pull over to the side and stop. The letter had no signature, but it's sounded intriguing. And it became even more so as time went on. That is what little time there was. And now back to box 13 and Dan Holiday's newest adventure, Speed to burn.
Nancy Peters
A hundred miles an hour. Mr. Holliday, that's dangerous.
Dan Holiday
Yes, it is, Susie. That's what makes this letter so interesting. I'd like to see a 1938 model do a hundred.
Nancy Peters
Why? Isn't it possible?
Dan Holiday
Possible, yes, but not probable. Why not, Susie? In the course of time, things wear out. Even a car has to give up sometimes.
Nancy Peters
Oh, the letter isn't signed.
Dan Holiday
And that's another thing that tells me to take this on. An unsigned letter. A 1938 car doing a hundred turn. An impossible situation that has to be solved. Now I ask you, Susie, wouldn't that make anyone pick up his ears? At exactly noon that Wednesday, I turned into Highway 36, a long level stretch of concrete that rimmed out in front of my car. Just asking to be burned up. I looked at my speedometer. The needle hung at 60. Up ahead, I saw the first sign on the road shoulder. The sign read start speedometer check here. I stepped on the accelerator and watched the Needle Pass 60 and moved to 65, 68 and 70. Just as the nose of my car pushed over the start of the check run in my rear view mirror, the road in the back was clear. No cars, no traffic at all. I hit 72 miles per hour and stayed there. The Road slipped by underneath the scenery on the side was a flashing blur of color. Then I looked in my rearview mirror again. Suddenly there it was. A car that ate up the distance between us, as though we were attached by some invisible elastic that pulled us together. And then, before I knew was past me, I pulled up and stopped ahead. The car that passed me slowed down and it also stopped, then turned around and came back toward me.
Nancy Peters
Hello.
Dan Holiday
Hello there.
Nancy Peters
Hello. You're box 13.
Dan Holiday
That's right. And you're the only jet plane pilot I know with no license.
Nancy Peters
Thank you for coming.
Dan Holiday
Not at all. I enjoyed every second of it. Hey, what do you feed that car of yours?
Nancy Peters
May I get in your car?
Dan Holiday
Oh, please do.
Nancy Peters
Thank you. I've taken a big chance in doing.
Dan Holiday
This, Mr. Dan Holiday.
Nancy Peters
My name is Nancy, Nancy Peters.
Dan Holiday
That is a 1938 model you're driving. And from the looks of it, it's only a six cylinder job.
Nancy Peters
Yes, but I haven't much time. I'll have to talk fast.
Dan Holiday
Oh, all right, go ahead.
Nancy Peters
I want you to help my brother.
Dan Holiday
Is he the impossible situation you mentioned in your letter?
Nancy Peters
Yes. He has a prison record. And now he's mixed up in something he can't get away from. Will you help?
Dan Holiday
Oh, now just a minute, Ms. Peters. Your car may do 100 without batting a carburetor, but I work a little slower. Before I do any helping, I'd like to know the three Ws. Who, what and where.
Nancy Peters
Well, I told you, it's my brother.
Dan Holiday
That answers the who part. Now, how about what and where?
Nancy Peters
Stolen cars. That's the what.
Dan Holiday
One like yours?
Nancy Peters
That has something to do with it.
Dan Holiday
Mm. Go ahead.
Nancy Peters
Tom's mixed up in a stolen car. Syndicate.
Dan Holiday
Syndicate? It's a business now, huh?
Nancy Peters
Bigger than anyone realizes.
Dan Holiday
Why doesn't he get up?
Nancy Peters
He can't. He's watched night and day. Sometimes I am too. He didn't know what he was getting into till it was too late.
Dan Holiday
All right, I'll buy that for now, but it'll take more explanation.
Nancy Peters
Look, let's go somewhere else and talk. I just wanted to know if you'd be interested.
Dan Holiday
Well, that car of yours intrigues me. Where do you want to go?
Nancy Peters
Follow me.
Dan Holiday
If you promise not to do any stunt flying, I'll be right in back of you. More coffee, Miss Peters?
Nancy Peters
No, thanks. Are you interested, Mr. Holliday?
Dan Holiday
Yes.
Nancy Peters
All right. The syndicate looks like a legitimate business, but it's not. It's tied up with stolen car rackets in every city in the country.
Dan Holiday
In which case it's an item for the police or better for the FBI. I suggest you go to them.
Nancy Peters
I can't do that. My brother would be sent back to prison.
Dan Holiday
Well then let him quit.
Nancy Peters
One man tried it. He was killed.
Dan Holiday
How do you know?
Nancy Peters
Tom told me. Mr. Holliday, I don't know who's at the head of the syndicate. I don't know anything about it. But you can find out and help Tom.
Dan Holiday
And how do I do this?
Nancy Peters
Will you do it?
Dan Holiday
Well, I don't know, Ms. Peters, I. Tell me, how did your brother get into this racket?
Nancy Peters
He's a mechanic. He started to work at the Acme Filling Station. And it wasn't long before he was offered a job as a mechanic in a big garage in town. Before he knew it, he was in the racket and afraid to go to the police. Did he try once and he saw he was followed. He didn't try again? Not after the other man was killed.
Dan Holiday
What can I do?
Nancy Peters
Get a job at the Acme Filling Station. It was from there that Tom went to the syndicate.
Dan Holiday
Now look, Ms. Peters, your brother's a mechanic. I'm not. I know just about enough to repair minor injuries, that's all.
Nancy Peters
That's enough. They need men. The syndicate's getting bigger and you want.
Dan Holiday
Me to increase the organization by one. Namely Dan Holiday.
Nancy Peters
I'll pay you $1,000 if you do.
Dan Holiday
Oh, no. I don't want any money. This Acme Filling Station, where is it?
Nancy Peters
12902 Braddock Road.
Dan Holiday
All right, I'll see what I can do. But no promises. Meanwhile, how do I get in touch with you?
Nancy Peters
Here. Here's my name, address and telephone number.
Dan Holiday
Okay, Ms. Peters. But like I said, no promises. I'd just like to nose around first and see what trouble I can get into. I left Nancy Peters and drove back to the city. Got into some old clothes and took a bus out to Braddock Road. The Acme Filling Station. Did business on a three way corner. From what I could see, it was a good business. I watched for a while until I spotted a man I thought was the boss. I waited until business cooled off a little, then walked over to him. Hello.
Tom Peters
Do something for you?
Dan Holiday
I don't know. Depends on how badly need help here.
Tom Peters
Help? You looking for a job?
Dan Holiday
Yeah. Yes, I am.
Tom Peters
I saw you standing on the opposite corner looking over here. Thought maybe he was planning a holdup.
Dan Holiday
No, thanks. That's getting money the hard way. But I saw you hopping around here and figured you could use some help. No.
Tom Peters
Know anything about cars?
Dan Holiday
Oh, a little.
Tom Peters
Enough to do minor repairs?
Dan Holiday
Sure.
Tom Peters
Let me see your hands. Hold them out.
Dan Holiday
Huh?
Tom Peters
Just hold them out. You ain't done much hard work in your life, have you?
Dan Holiday
Well, not recently, no.
Tom Peters
Well, don't think I can use you, Bob.
Dan Holiday
But I need a job.
Tom Peters
Try someplace else.
Dan Holiday
Okay, Okay. I was just asking.
Tom Peters
What's the matter?
Dan Holiday
Got a phone here? I want to make a call inside. Why? I just want to make a call, that's all.
Mike
Okay.
Tom Peters
Inside. I told you.
Dan Holiday
It was a hunch and I played it. The car that drove up was a police car and I pretended to be afraid of it. I waited inside until the car drove out. Then the boss came in.
Tom Peters
Make your call, okay?
Dan Holiday
Yeah. Yeah, sure.
Mike
Mm.
Tom Peters
Make that call all of a sudden, didn't you?
Dan Holiday
I. I just thought of it.
Tom Peters
Oh, sure.
Dan Holiday
Well, I'll see you later.
Tom Peters
Wait a minute.
Dan Holiday
Sit down. What for?
Tom Peters
Maybe we can talk. Wait a second.
Dan Holiday
What's the idea of closing the door?
Tom Peters
We can talk better. Why'd you do a fade when you saw that police car?
Dan Holiday
I. I didn't see any police car. Good kidding, bub.
Tom Peters
You saw it coming and pulled that phony call ring to you.
Dan Holiday
You hot. Look, all I did was ask you for a job. Thanks for your time and so long.
Tom Peters
Take it easy.
Dan Holiday
Take it easy. Sit down again.
Tom Peters
What's your name?
Dan Holiday
Make it Holiday. Dan Holiday.
Tom Peters
That sounds funny enough. Want a job?
Dan Holiday
A minute ago you were tight about that. Now you loosen up.
Swanson
Why?
Tom Peters
I like to help people.
Dan Holiday
Huh? Got a kind face.
Tom Peters
You want a job or not?
Dan Holiday
Doing what?
Tom Peters
Handling the pumps, Working on the grease rack, lubrication, wash rack. Maybe doing some repair work now and then. How about it?
Dan Holiday
Sounds like a full time job.
Tom Peters
That's what you want, isn't it?
Dan Holiday
Yeah, it's exactly what I want.
Tom Peters
Pick up some coveralls in the lockers out back. You start as of now.
Dan Holiday
So I went to work and I learned about cars. I rented a room near the station at night, read books on automotive repairs, and I waited. Waited for the next move. Which came one morning just after I'd reported for work. Holiday.
Tom Peters
Hey, Dan.
Dan Holiday
Yeah?
Tom Peters
Come inside a minute, will you?
Dan Holiday
Right away.
Tom Peters
Pull the door shut.
Dan Holiday
What's the trouble?
Tom Peters
No trouble at all. You know, you're getting to be a pretty good mechanic.
Dan Holiday
I learned fast.
Tom Peters
There's not quite enough work around here for a good mechanic. I thought maybe you'd like to make more dough.
Dan Holiday
Do I get a raise?
Tom Peters
Not from me. But I can send you to somebody who needs mechanics.
Dan Holiday
Needs them bad. Thanks. Who's the Guy. And where is he?
Tom Peters
He go to 714 South Elm to the Southern Auto Works. Here, give him this card.
Swanson
So you're the guy Marty sends along, huh?
Dan Holiday
That's right. They gave me this card to give you. Yeah, okay.
Swanson
My name is Mike.
Dan Holiday
Follow me. Sure. Kind of busy in here, aren't you?
Swanson
We keep going this way.
Dan Holiday
I can see why. Marty says you need mechanics.
Swanson
Yeah, you can always use a good one. People crack up their cars and do a million things. Here, go in this door.
Dan Holiday
Good luck, fella.
Swanson
Have a chair, Halliday.
Dan Holiday
Oh, thank you.
Swanson
So you're a mechanic?
Dan Holiday
Well, that's what Marty says.
Swanson
And you live at 678 Bender Avenue. And you do a lot of reading at night? I know a lot about you, Dan. More than you think I do.
Dan Holiday
Like what?
Swanson
Like the fact that you're a little shy of cops.
Dan Holiday
I'm not afraid of them.
Swanson
I didn't say that. I said shy. Say, like a guy who's just put in a little time would be.
Dan Holiday
I.
Swanson
Don't be afraid, Dan. There's nothing to be afraid of.
Dan Holiday
Look, I took the job at Marty's place because I needed it. But I don't have to be needled by you or anybody else. Maybe I did a stretch, and again, maybe I didn't. It's got nothing to do with a job. So long. Just once, stay right where the idea.
Swanson
No idea, Dan. I'm just in need of good mechanics. Marty tells me you're pretty good. Not top notch, but good enough. Okay. You want a job here?
Dan Holiday
Doing what?
Swanson
Automotive repairs. What else?
Dan Holiday
That's what I asked. What else.
Swanson
My, my, you're suspicious. Look, you can take the job or not as you like. Pay you 75 a week and a percentage basis for anything over that and time and work.
Dan Holiday
I'd look like a chump if I turned that down.
Swanson
That's right. So I guess you're in, huh?
Dan Holiday
Like you say, Mr. Swanson, I'm. And now back to Speed to Burn. Another Box 13 adventure with Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday. Like I said, I was in. But in what it looked like a legitimate business, the big garage did a roaring trade. And it seemed on the level. Mike, the man who took me to Swanson's office, stuck close to me so I had no chance to snoop around. And one day I was called into Swanson's office.
Swanson
Well, then. Everything all right?
Dan Holiday
As far as I know, everything's fine.
Swanson
Why? Got any objections to working at night?
Dan Holiday
No, not at all. As long as the pay is time And a half.
Swanson
It's better than that.
Dan Holiday
It's double special job.
Swanson
Yeah, you might call it that. How good are you with keeping your mouth closed?
Dan Holiday
Well, not the talkative time, I suppose.
Swanson
You know you've had a tail on you ever since you've worked here.
Dan Holiday
No, no, I didn't know. What's the idea there?
Swanson
Well, you're an ex con.
Dan Holiday
I thought that was gone by the boards, forgotten.
Swanson
It is, it is. But it's a funny thing. I've had a check made on you and I can't find a record of any Dan Holiday serving time, any place. Got anything safe?
Dan Holiday
Nothing. Except maybe you looked under the wrong name.
Swanson
Yeah, yeah, that's what I figured. Anyway, you've been watched and so far you're clean.
Dan Holiday
Look, Mr. Swanson, you got me in here to talk about overtime work, then you switch to my record. What's your pitch?
Swanson
Come around tonight at 10 o' clock, the back way.
Dan Holiday
Just suppose I say no?
Swanson
Mike's a big guy. Maybe he could persuade you.
Dan Holiday
Oh, I see. In other words, now that I'm in, I'm really in.
Swanson
What then?
Dan Holiday
Maybe you can answer that better than I can.
Swanson
Maybe I can. Be here tonight at 10, the back entrance. Michael, see that you get here until then. So long then.
Dan Holiday
Well, it was a tight spot. I couldn't tell whether Swanson knew anything or not. I hadn't made a move to contact Nancy Peters or her brother Tom. But that night I was to be at the garage at 10 o' clock. At 9:30, Mike came to get me and 20 minutes later took me down in an elevator down into the cellar below the big garage. And what I saw made me blink my eyes. Brother, this was a racket on a big scale.
Swanson
Put your eyes back in your head, Dan. You ain't seen a half of it yet.
Dan Holiday
Hey, what is this? A part of the garage nobody sees.
Swanson
But them as has business.
Tom Peters
Here, take a good Look.
Dan Holiday
Must be 50 cars in here, huh? And all hot. Stolen.
Swanson
They ain't present to give them an hour in here. Their owners wouldn't know from a bicycle.
Dan Holiday
Come on, we'll see.
Swanson
Swanson, come in. Okay, Dan, Come on in. Mike, see that things are running all right?
Mike
Sure.
Swanson
See you later, Dan. Well, how do you like it, Dan?
Dan Holiday
I don't know what I'm supposed to like, but it's big and you're in it. What if I don't want to be.
Swanson
When you're a chump? Big pay, no Social Security or withholding tax and no questions.
Dan Holiday
Look, I don't Want to serve any more time?
Swanson
You won't. We take care of our boys. Now, look, I need another mechanic. Bradley. There are enough hot cars floating in here in the next two weeks to make itself a pile of Dough.
Dan Holiday
Yeah, but Mr. Swanson.
Swanson
Holliday, you haven't got a choice. Either take the job or you'll never work again. Any place, anytime.
Dan Holiday
I guess you're calling the turns, Mr. Swanson.
Swanson
Take it easy. You'll be safe until there's a leak. There's no leaks here. We're big enough to have our own police force to watch the men who work for us. Understand?
Dan Holiday
Yeah, I think I do. Okay, Mr. Swanson, you've got yourself another boy. And from then on, I was watched closer than all the golden Fort Knox. It was over a week later that I finally made contact with Tom Peters. Mike took me to him because Tom was to break me in on a new job.
Tom Peters
Mike wants you to work on the jalopies, huh?
Dan Holiday
Yeah, that's right.
Tom Peters
Okay. I'm Tom Peters. I know. You're Dan Holliday.
Dan Holiday
Yeah. What do I do?
Tom Peters
Well, we got 10 hot cars rolling in tonight. They gotta be pulled apart for shipping out tomorrow.
Dan Holiday
That's a little fast, isn't it?
Tom Peters
That's nothing. One night we put out 18.
Dan Holiday
Come here.
Tom Peters
See this paint?
Dan Holiday
Yeah. Special stuff, huh?
Tom Peters
That's right. Washes off with caustic soda. Plain water won't touch it. Only caustic soda. We spray a coat of this stuff on the car.
Dan Holiday
And then what? What about the license plates?
Tom Peters
You kidding? Look here. Over 500 license plates from different states. With a new paint job, different plates, even different tires. You wouldn't be able to recognize your own car if you sat in it.
Dan Holiday
I see. Pretty tight organization, isn't it?
Tom Peters
Brother, you don't know how tight. Make a bad move in your material for a hearse. Well, here to work on the manufacturer's numbers.
Dan Holiday
Serial numbers of the motors. Huh?
Tom Peters
Manufacturer's numbers. Never in the same place twice. Sometimes it's in the carburetor, sometimes in the block. Any one of a dozen different places.
Dan Holiday
I see you tear down the engine, get rid of the number, and there's no chance left for positive identification of the car, Right?
Tom Peters
Okay. Start tearing this baby down. It's gotta roll out on the street by midnight. That's gotta work.
Dan Holiday
And I work. And all the while I did, I knew I was being watched. And I think I was even followed when I went home. For three nights, we kept at it. There wasn't a chance to break Loose. Then on the fourth night, Tom Peters came over to me.
Tom Peters
Shake loose from that job, Dan. We got a special to do.
Dan Holiday
Special? Okay, what is it?
Tom Peters
Look here.
Dan Holiday
Are you kidding? This gotta be a hot guy.
Tom Peters
No, it's not. What's it look like?
Dan Holiday
Like a broken down model of 10 years ago. Who wants a crate like this?
Tom Peters
Wait a minute now take a look under that hood.
Dan Holiday
Look at that power plant.
Tom Peters
The engines from a British tank. There's enough power under that hood to make this baby climb right up the side of a building.
Dan Holiday
I don't get it. Why put that motor in this old job?
Tom Peters
Look underneath the springs.
Dan Holiday
Springs upside down.
Tom Peters
Sure, for a low center of gravity. And the body of the crates lined with armor plate. And it's got bulletproof glass throughout.
Dan Holiday
What are these things inside? Oh, extra gas tanks.
Tom Peters
This is a getaway car. Special built. Park this in front of a bank and no cop would take a second look at it. But no other car made can get near it for speed or power.
Dan Holiday
Now that's real, real neat. Well, it looks like the boys think of everything, don't they?
Tom Peters
They don't miss.
Dan Holiday
You know, I'll bet anyone could take a 1938 car and hop it up with one of these motors.
Tom Peters
Sure, why not? You don't make no difference.
Dan Holiday
Even a girl could drive one.
Tom Peters
Sure. Why?
Dan Holiday
Won her brother put together for before he got into this ranking girl, 1938.
Tom Peters
What'd you say that for?
Dan Holiday
Take it easy, Tom.
Tom Peters
What are you driving at?
Dan Holiday
Nancy. Your sister?
Tom Peters
What about her?
Dan Holiday
She got me in here to get you out.
Tom Peters
Oh, look, she's crazy. You're crazy. This is a tight box.
Dan Holiday
You want to get out?
Tom Peters
Cut it out, Dan. You're asking for trouble.
Dan Holiday
Look, together we can break this rack.
Tom Peters
Look, there's not a chance.
Swanson
Hold it.
Dan Holiday
Here comes Mike.
Swanson
Hey, what are you guys gabbing for?
Dan Holiday
Just looking over this job, Mike. It's pretty sweet.
Swanson
Yeah, I'll get it in shape. Some of the boys want it for.
Tom Peters
A heist job tonight.
Swanson
You got an hour to work it over.
Dan Holiday
Heist job?
Tom Peters
Yeah, they're knocking over a bank.
Dan Holiday
Okay, help me, Tom, and I'll help you when we get out of this.
Tom Peters
Listen, don't you think I'd have made a break before now? They got me going and coming and I'll do it. They're watching you every minute.
Dan Holiday
That's the chance I have to take. Where's your lunch pail?
Nancy Peters
Lunch pail?
Tom Peters
Have you gone nuts?
Dan Holiday
Just give it to me. You. You drink coffee, don't you?
Tom Peters
Sure, with cream and sugar. You happy now, Tom?
Dan Holiday
That makes me very happy. Later that night, when I was through working, I left the Grand Garage. I tried to phone Nancy Peters three times, but she was out. The last time, I left a message for her to meet me in the lobby of a movie. I went there, hoping I'd shaken my shadow off my trail. Fortunately, she got my message and I told her to call the FBI to give them the address of the garage, 714 South Elm, and to make it fast because there was no time to lose. Then I walked out of the lobby and into the street. I looked back. Nancy Peters was going toward a phone booth in the theater lobby. I was about to walk to my room when. Enjoy the picture, Holiday. Mike.
Swanson
Yeah, Mike.
Dan Holiday
Funny about you.
Swanson
You bought a ticket, walked in, talked with that dame, came right out again.
Dan Holiday
I remembered I'd seen the movie before. Sure.
Swanson
Who was the dame?
Dan Holiday
What are you talking about? The dame.
Tom Peters
Who was she?
Dan Holiday
What did you say to her? Look, Mike, that's my personal business. Then it's mine too.
Swanson
She went to a phone booth inside.
Dan Holiday
Can I help it if some girl wants to use a phone?
Swanson
I figure you can. Now, come on, we're going to Swanson. All right, Dan. Who was the girl? What'd you say?
Dan Holiday
I never saw her before in my life.
Swanson
Just a chance. Acquaintance, huh?
Dan Holiday
You could call it that.
Swanson
You're lying.
Dan Holiday
All right, you know everything.
Swanson
Not quite, but I. Wait a minute. Suppose your name is Dan Holliday.
Dan Holiday
Suppose it is.
Swanson
I got an idea. Sit still while I look through the phone book. Funny, I never thought of this before. Let's see.
Dan Holiday
Holly Holliday.
Swanson
Holiday. Dan. Well, you're in the phone book. There's only one Dan Holiday that makes.
Dan Holiday
Me unique among the holidays. What does it make you?
Swanson
Not a sucker, Holiday. Sit still, make a move, and I'll make a nice round hole in your head with this. Now we'll see. Mr. Dan Holiday, please.
Dan Holiday
Mr. Holiday isn't in.
Swanson
Oh, is he out of town?
Mike
Do you know who's calling, please?
Swanson
An old friend, Mr. Swanson.
Dan Holiday
Oh, well, Mr. Swanson, Mr. Holiday has been gone for almost two weeks.
Swanson
Is that so? Well, thank you. Thank you very much. You've been gone two weeks, Holliday. It just about ties in with the time you've been here.
Dan Holiday
Okay, Swanson. So I'm in the phone book and you found out I'm not at my apartment. What does that prove?
Swanson
That's what I'm gonna find out. And if I lost, it's a raid coming our way.
Senor Tullio
The tip off, boys.
Tom Peters
Just flashed the red.
Swanson
All right, move the hot cars out back. Get all you can. Notify all branches we're shipping a load tonight. Tell the drivers to take the ones that aren't ready and run em in the river. Holiday, you're going with me. Get going. That dirty thing to the job. Yeah. Come on. Getaway car in shape?
Tom Peters
Yeah, it's all set.
Swanson
Our Holiday.
Dan Holiday
You're gonna see why we're never caught. What's wrong with you, Swanson?
Swanson
We have a stoolie with us. Peters St.
Tom Peters
But.
Dan Holiday
That's right, Peters, a stoolie.
Swanson
Clear out. There's a raid coming. Mike, warm up the car.
Dan Holiday
Sure. Yes, he's okay.
Swanson
Nothing to worry about in Holiday. Get in.
Dan Holiday
Okay, you're the boss.
Swanson
Let's go, Mike. Up the ramp.
Senor Tullio
Right.
Dan Holiday
There they are.
Swanson
Play with a mic. Let Holiday see how good we really are. You heard me and I'm almost Catch up to us. And Holiday, don't duck when you hear shooting. They can't touch us in this. Besides, I want to save you for myself.
Dan Holiday
They're right in our tail like course, huh?
Swanson
They might as well be using PE shooters. Oh, show them what we can do, Mike. Get away. See, Holiday, they're almost standing still. Okay, Mike, head for the state line.
Tom Peters
Hey, something's gone.
Swanson
Hay. What's the matter? You said this car was in shape.
Dan Holiday
It was.
Swanson
Get going. Get going, you idiot. Run on a curb. We'll make a run for it. Pull in, Mike. Pull in. Hey, Mike, help me. You dirty rat. D.
Nancy Peters
Gee, you're all right, aren't you, Mr. Holliday?
Dan Holiday
Oh, sure, Susie. Just some minor cuts and bruises.
Nancy Peters
What happened?
Dan Holiday
Well, Mr. Swanson took his eyes off me for a second. That was enough. I grabbed his gun.
Susie
Jeepers.
Nancy Peters
But what happened to the car?
Dan Holiday
Susie? Put enough sugar in the gas tank of any car and it'll give up and die real soon. You see, it clogs the feed line. I took the sugar from Tom's lunch pail.
Nancy Peters
Now that was real smart. But how did you know you were going to be in the car?
Dan Holiday
Well, I didn't. I plan to wreck the bank job, but as they say in books, sometimes things work out differently and for the best.
Nancy Peters
What about Tom Peters?
Dan Holiday
He's all right. He was roped in. Fear made him stay. Hey, Susie, how about some coffee?
Nancy Peters
Oh, sure. Right here.
Susie
Cream?
Dan Holiday
Thanks.
Susie
Sugar?
Dan Holiday
Lots of it, Susie. Lots of it. I just love sugar. Listening again next week when through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd stars as Dan holiday in box 13. Box 13 is directed by Richard Sanville with this week's story written by Albert Wagner. From an original story by Bernard Farrell. Original music is composed and conducted by Rudy Schrager. And the part of Susie is played by Sylvia Picker. Vern Carstenson is in charge of production. This is a Mayfre production from Hollywood. Watch for Alan Ladd and his latest Paramount picture. Unionis ab Iram.
Swanson
The CBS radio Workshop dedicated to man's imagination.
Mike
The theater of the mind. Today, the Seven Hills. A personality sketch of one of the.
Swanson
World'S great cast capitals.
Mike
The eternal city of Rome.
Swanson
And of its seemingly indestructible citizenry, the Romans.
Mike
I sing of arms and of the men who driven from the shores of heroic Troy. Driven.
Dan Holiday
No, no.
Mike
Pursued by the savage wrath of unforgiving Juno on high. Or wandered from coast to coast. Until they found refuge in fair Italia. And on Latium soil set up their. Their hearts and homes. It's no use, honey. Even when I just try to follow the sense. Instead of old Virgil's words. I still can't put a decent verse together in English. A hundred men must have translated this a hundred times better than I ever will.
Susie
Don't worry, darling. What is that?
Swanson
Hi, sister. Come here.
Dan Holiday
Let's listen.
I
Buongiorno, Rafino. At last I have caught you.
Swanson
What can I do for you, sister?
Dan Holiday
For me?
I
No, it is for you. This time I have the bargain. Cigarette.
Swanson
French again?
I
No, Perl amore.
Dan Holiday
American fresh.
I
A thousand cartons. And only 1500 lira a carton.
Swanson
You've been drinking again. That makes it a million and a half for the lot.
I
Nearly a hundred percent profit for you, Rufino.
Swanson
Not anymore. You can buy a fundada in the legal market. I give you a million.
I
1400.
Swanson
Let's not bargain like two children who do not know each other. Sister, where are those cigarettes?
I
In the harbor at Anzio. But we will unload and deliver them here if you like.
Swanson
No, the warehouse in Austria would be better.
Mike
All right.
Swanson
I'll give you 1200 a carton and not a lira more.
I
But you leave me no profit still. Let us go and arrange the details over a glass of that fine new wine at the.
Susie
What was all that about, Peter?
Mike
A little business deal, Roman style. If my Italian did not deceive me. Black market American cigarettes. Thus are the mighty fallen. Oh, well, as Sallust said long ago, omnia venelia romai.
Susie
Who was Sallust? And what does it mean?
Mike
Sallust, my pet, was a so called classical Roman poet of the first century. Before Christ and his Crack means all things are for sale in Rome. Now I'd better get back to my misbegotten attempts to adapt Virgil to our own benighted language. Mine is a song of art and of the. The man of Troy. Now, what for the love.
Susie
And what was that? Sounded like an election fight back home.
Mike
That's what it was, all right. A sober discussion of vital issues in the coming election with modern trimmings. This bloody assignment's getting me down, Ruth. And I thought it'd be so easy to do it right here. Right in the old Roman forum where Virgil himself must have walked a thousand times. But who can concentrate with all this turmoil going on?
Susie
Oh, Peter, don't fret so.
Mike
Easier said than done. Come on, honey, let's go back to the hotel. At least we can take off our shoes there and have a drink ourselves.
Susie
All right, but just give me a minute, darling. Look, you see how the sun falls on those columns over there? I just want to take one quick picture.
Mike
Sure, go ahead. Only don't ask me to stand in front of that masonry. Atmosphere.
Swanson
There.
Mike
Bounce, you historic pebble. Bounce on from marble slabbed or broken column. See if you can find me some atmosphere. Atmosphere. That's what they said when they finally gave me my sabbatical. Drink in the atmosphere. Search for new understandings. Drink in the carbon monoxide from those crazy motor scooters they drive around here. The intoxicating odor of ripe black market deals. Or maybe the gentle whispers, betrayal in the wake of political candidates.
Senor Tullio
Would the senor perhaps have us stop the traffic and evacuate our city so that visitors can indulge themselves in our atmosphere?
Dan Holiday
What?
Mike
Oh, I didn't say that, sir.
Senor Tullio
To us, young man, the city is a living creation, not a stage setting. It is our home and has been for nearly 3,000 years. Yes, of course, things are as they are. Like all living things, a city changes always changes. Not always the way we might wish, of course, but as history wills it. Yet it seems also to be true that the more it changes, the more it remains the same. And as to atmosphere, it is said that the past is the key to the present. Does this not also indicate that the present, in turn may give us a key to the past? The soul of a people is an enduring thing, far more resistant to the ravages of time than marble buildings and monuments.
Mike
I think I see where you're driving us.
Senor Tullio
Look around you, then. But with the eyes and ears of your soul, then you might find the key.
Susie
Peter. Peter, help.
Dan Holiday
Ruth.
Mike
Ruth, where are you?
Susie
Bruce. Oh, Peter.
Senor Tullio
What happened, honey?
Mike
What was the matter?
Susie
Well, it's all right now, darling. I was just frightened for a moment.
Mike
What was it? Tell me.
Susie
Well, was nothing, really. I. I went along down the other side of that wall there. There's a little road that runs behind it to get the right angle for my picture. And then a man came along and started saying things to me in Italian, I guess. And I didn't understand him, but I thought he was offering to help me with my tripod.
Senor Tullio
So.
Susie
So I kept smiling at him. And maybe I said, see? See a couple of times. And then. Oh, it's too silly, darling.
Mike
Then what? Come on.
Susie
Well, then he. Well, he pinched me.
Mike
Is that all? I thought you were being murdered.
Susie
Well, I might have been.
Mike
Well, then you shouldn't go hiding behind walls and walking up deserted alleys and strange cities just for that reason. Come on now. Let's go home and have lunch. We've still got to climb up to the top of that monstrosity of a monument this afternoon, and tomorrow we leave for Pompeii, remember? Say, where'd he go?
Susie
Where'd who go?
Mike
The old codger. The one I was talking to just before you screamed.
Susie
Well, I don't know, darling. I didn't see anybody, and I don't now.
Mike
I know. That's what's puzzling me. There isn't enough co cover where we were to hide a kid of two.
Susie
Or maybe he left.
Mike
They wouldn't have had time to get out to the street. Oh, well, let's go. Hot rotters with spaghetti sauce. Well, here we are at the nation's tribute to the memory of Vittorio Emmanuel ii, King of Savoy and Sardinia, the man who made one, Italy, where there used to be a dozen or two. Well, might as well begin climbing. Come on, honey, let's start. Well, we've made the first level anyway.
Susie
How many are there?
Mike
Three. You think they'd have an elevator in a place like this? Okay, let's get on with it. Getting old, honey. Oh, well, only one more flight to go. Well, here we are.
Susie
Oh, Peter. Oh, Peter, look. What a view. Look, you can see the whole city. Yeah, and there's a Tiber. And look, look. Isn't that the old forum down there where we were this morning?
Mike
I think it is.
Susie
And on the other side. Oh, Peter, what is that building on top of that hill? Such a beautiful color that stone has in this life.
Senor Tullio
That is the former royal palazzo on the Quirinal Hill. Senora.
Susie
Who are you?
Mike
Senor Honey, this is the gentleman I was talking to in the forum this morning, Mr. Tullio.
Senor Tullio
Magister Marco Tullio.
Mike
Harwell is our name. Signor Tullio, this is my wife Ruth. And I'm Peter Harwell. What happened to you this morning?
Susie
Yes, my husband was worried about you.
Senor Tullio
Oh, I regret it. I have distressed other new acquaintances with this bad habit of taking my leave too quickly. But let me explain for the signora the meaning of that rectangle of broken pavement in the Forum beneath us. It is one of the two things responsible for Rome's timeless influence on human thought and institutions.
Susie
Two things?
Senor Tullio
Look around, if you will. Do you notice that the hill upon which we are standing is surrounded by a number of others which form a semicircle?
Mike
Oh, of course. The hills of Rome.
Senor Tullio
The seven hills. Exactly. And the one we are standing on is the Mons Capitolinus where ancient Rome built the temples consecrated to her most, all high gods and goddesses. Temples to Jupiter, Capitolinus, Juno and Minerva. And right there stood the Arcs, the fortress which gave refuge to Romans, women and children whenever the city below fell prey to marauding enemies.
Susie
But I thought Rome never had been conquered.
Senor Tullio
Conquered never, signora, but occupied often, most recently, by your own countrymen.
Mike
You were going to tell me about that pavement.
Senor Tullio
Oh, yes, the pavement. You will be interested in that broken bit of pavement square down there in the Forum. Nearly every basic concept of law by which the world now lives was formulated, debated, developed, or often bloodily contested in that small historic arena. That plain, dark building across the square, the curia was for centuries the seat of the world's most powerful legislative body. Your own most august chamber of lawmakers is named after is the Roman Senate, I think. Perhaps I would like to show you. May the gods grant you to see the life of the old. For.
Susie
What is this path, Peter?
Mike
I don't know. The Signor Tullio.
Senor Tullio
It is the Clevus Capitolinus, the sacred road by which in ancient times the triumphal processions ascended from the Forum to the top of the Capitoline Hill to pay tribute to Jupiter. It has not been much used for some time, of course.
Susie
Look, Peter, look. It's all changing. The temples are rising.
Mike
So they are.
Susie
Look, look. Look at that one straight ahead. I remember it from this morning. There were only a few columns standing then. And those beautiful buildings.
Senor Tullio
The Temple of Saturnus. You see it now as it stood for so many glorious centuries.
Mike
What's that noise?
Senor Tullio
Oh, the usual, Peter.
Mike
It's okay, honey. Just people.
Susie
There weren't any people this morning.
Mike
Well, there are a lot of people.
Senor Tullio
Now they are campaigning for an election here, too. I suggest that we remain close to this wall if we want to see what is going on. The crowd is too dense to allow us to move about freely. Who's that on the rostra there? One of the candidates for tribune, I believe. If he is elected, he will be expected to be a model of probity. A defender of the rights and interests of the people. In the meantime, he is talking the customary nonsense and telling the usual lies, I suppose.
Mike
I'd like to hear what he's saying.
Senor Tullio
Well, then, let us move around to the front of the rostra. Come.
Mike
Signor Tullio. Are you hurt?
Senor Tullio
No, no damage.
Mike
What's going on?
I
Wait for me. Salve, Rufus.
Swanson
In what way can I assist you?
I
No, Rufus, not this time. I shall assist you instead. I have three shiploads of North African wheat.
Swanson
It is probably from Lucania.
I
From Lucania? It is the best of the best. Straight from Carthage and at a price you cannot afford to reject. A hundred percent profit for you.
Swanson
Where is this wheat now?
I
In the harbor at Portis. But we will unload and deliver it.
Swanson
The warehouse in Austria might be best. But I warn you, Sextus, I will.
Mike
Not pay more than 50% of the.
Swanson
Closing price on the legal market today.
I
You drive a hard bargain, Rufus. But let us see if we can come to terms over a cup of that fine new wine at Zettler's.
Susie
Peter.
Mike
Peter, it's Ruth. Ruth, where are you? Out of my way there. Scoozy. Scoozy, Scoozy. Please get out of my way.
Dan Holiday
Oh, shut up.
Mike
Honey. Honey. Honey, Are you all right, Ruth?
Susie
Yes, darling, I'm all right. Now that you're here.
Senor Tullio
The signora is unharmed.
Mike
She's all right, I guess. Where were you?
Susie
Oh, Peter, it is so silly. It's just like this morning. I wandered over by the wall, and then this man came along. A Roman in one of those togas. Real silk, too. And he said something to me that I didn't understand. So I smiled at him, and I guess I said something silly like CC Again. And then he sort of leaned over as if he wanted to protect me from the crowd. And then he pinched. How did you know?
Mike
Just intuition, I guess. Besides, you're beginning to make kind of a habit.
Susie
Yes, but you don't understand, Peter.
Mike
Well, never mind that now. Senior Tullio, how can we get out of here?
Senor Tullio
We could make our way around the back of the Speaker's roster and then up that path to the. The curia. It is also our pathway Back to modern Rome.
Mike
Okay, let's go, honey.
Susie
But, Peter, just a minute. You still don't understand.
Mike
Don't understand what?
Susie
This one pinched me on the other side. I can hardly walk.
Senor Tullio
The men of Rome in all ages, Signora, have made a principle of expressing their admiration for beauty enthusiastically and directly. So, back now to the modern age.
Mike
So you managed to get us to your beloved curia after all, Senor Tulio.
Senor Tullio
I hold precious memories of this building. And proud ones, too. It was from here we once ruled a world. And for centuries we secured the peace for all those who put their faith in Rome. And we taught them law. Not laws, Magistere, but laws itself. The universal principles of right and wrong, and both the rights and the responsibilities of individuals in relation to their communities, their duties to their world. You yourself, Magister, live in a faraway land which had not even been heard of by any of the men who sat in the curia. Yet you live by many of the rules we shaped here in the Senate of the ancient and eternal Rome.
Mike
Did I hear you say we rule the world? And so forth.
Senor Tullio
Do you mean to tell me, Magister, that a man of your learning has never heard of Marcus Tullius Flavianus, the most outspoken, if not the most revered, senator of his era? Oh, yes, of course, if you have not, young man, I invite you to examine the base, which is all that remains of the fourth seat from the left on the second tier in the curia. Here, I believe you will still find there the evidence of my youthful vanity inscribed with a stylus.
Mike
No proof is needed, Senator. And I want to thank you, Senator. We both do.
Senor Tullio
Oh, no need, Magister. And now I suppose the time has come to say, Valete.
Mike
We sincerely regret it, Senator.
Senor Tullio
Do not waste time with regrets, Magister. Life has manifold necessities. Allow me a final suggestion. This will be your last night in Rome, and there will be a full moon. Do not neglect, Magister, to take your devoted lady to the Colosseum tonight. The view of the half destroyed curves and arches of that ancient structure of joy and pain, bathed in the radiance of the moon, is generally sufficient to wipe out anyone's concern about his ability to sense the Roman atmosphere and to respond to it.
Susie
Thank you for the suggestion, Senator.
Mike
I shall certainly follow it, sir.
Senor Tullio
So now, my friends, fortunus voviscum. Perhaps we shall meet again. If you ever return.
Mike
But how shall we find you, Senator?
Senor Tullio
This flat stone upon which I have been sitting is the COVID for the entrance to that tomb behind me. Should you ever return, to Rome and find the tomb closed. Knock long and hard, or push a message through one of the cracks. Then we shall see. Valete.
Dan Holiday
Valley.
Susie
Goodbye, Senator.
Dan Holiday
There are but seven hills in Rome, and they not high. They girdle close the ancient marbled square where men so long were free to hear, debate and think and shape the laws which guide us still today. A thousand years of peace were nurtured here. A thousand years of order, and through order, justice. Mankind's most precious heritage. It is this and an unquenchable thirst for life that are the undying glories of Rome's Seven Hills.
Mike
You've been listening to the CBS Radio.
Swanson
Workshop and the Seven Hills, a fanciful.
Mike
Sketch of the unique personality of one of the world's most ancient cities.
Dan Holiday
Eternal Rome.
Swanson
Written by Henry E. Fritsch, with music composed and conducted by Alfredo Antonini, produced and directed in New York by Paul Roberts. Ernest Graves was heard as Peter, Leslie woods as Ruth. Others in the cast included Louis Van.
Mike
Rutten, Leon Janney, Danny Ako, Ralph Camargo.
Swanson
Dick Shepherd, Bob o' Connor, Guy Rept, Bill, Bob Dryden and Joe Helgeson. This is Ted Pearson inviting you to listen again next week to the CBS Radio Workshop on the CBS Radio Network.
Host
There's more from box 13, the CBS radio workshop, the Relic Radio show and all of the other Relic Radio shows at the website relicradio.com our shoutcast stream is there as well, with even more old time radio lots to learn. Listen to all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.
The Relic Radio Show: Box 13 and The CBS Radio Workshop – Detailed Summary
Release Date: June 10, 2025
The Relic Radio Show brings listeners back to the golden age of radio dramas, unearthing timeless audio artifacts that captivated audiences decades ago. This episode features two compelling segments: Box 13 starring Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday, and a unique presentation from The CBS Radio Workshop, titled The Seven Hills. This summary delves into both stories, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and memorable dialogues.
"Speed to Burn" is a thrilling installment of the Box 13 series, where the protagonist, Dan Holiday, becomes entangled in a dangerous syndicate involving stolen cars. The episode masterfully blends suspense, action, and mystery, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
The Mysterious Letter ([00:49] - [02:30])
The Encounter ([04:05] - [10:28])
Infiltrating the Syndicate ([10:28] - [17:16])
Deepening the Plot ([17:16] - [16:58])
The Syndicate’s Operations ([16:58] - [20:22])
Climax and Confrontation ([20:22] - [26:33])
Box 13: Speed to Burn showcases Alan Ladd’s stellar performance, bringing authenticity and intensity to Dan Holiday’s character. The intricate plot and engaging dialogues capture the essence of classic radio dramas, making it a standout episode.
Following the gripping narrative of Box 13, the episode transitions to a creative and educational segment from The CBS Radio Workshop, titled The Seven Hills. This portion serves as a personality sketch of Rome, blending historical insights with fictional elements to explore the city's enduring legacy.
Introduction to Rome’s Heritage ([28:06] - [34:28])
Encounter with Senor Tullio ([34:28] - [48:39])
Mystical Interactions and Revelations ([48:39] - [49:15])
Conclusion and Reflection ([49:15] - [51:03])
The Seven Hills blend historical education with dramatic storytelling, offering listeners a nuanced portrayal of Rome’s cultural and historical significance. The segment serves as both an entertaining and informative piece, embodying the creative spirit of The CBS Radio Workshop.
This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully juxtaposes the high-octane adventure of Box 13 with the intellectual and atmospheric exploration of The CBS Radio Workshop. Alan Ladd’s portrayal of Dan Holiday brings depth and heroism to the crime drama, while the subsequent sketch provides a reflective homage to Rome’s timeless influence. Together, these segments highlight the rich tapestry of old-time radio, preserving its legacy for new audiences to appreciate.
For more episodes and a vast collection of old-time radio shows, visit relicradio.com. Support the preservation of classic radio drama by donating through their website or tuning into their Shoutcast stream. Stay tuned for next week’s episode featuring another mystery on Case Closed.