April 4, 2025 • 30 mins
Original Release Date: January 18, 2010
A teenager writes Box 13 and tells Dan she's received letters threatening a kidnapping.
Original Air Date: March 31, 1948
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A teenager writes Box 13 and tells Dan she's received letters threatening a kidnapping.
Original Air Date: March 31, 1948
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call 208-991-4783
Become one of our friends on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:27):
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham,bringing you this week's episode of Box thirteen.
Got any comments, Send them tome Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot
net. Please cast your vote forthe show over at podcast Alley Podcast Alley
dot Great Detectives dot net. We'regetting over a bit of a sore throat,
(00:50):
so not a whole lot of commentarytoday. I just want to remind
you, is you make plans,you start new businesses, you need a
website, or you need a websitefor your family or a personal website.
Remember our hosting the number one hostingone and one. Go to Hosting dot
Great Detectives dot net to learn moreabout the great deals being offered. But
(01:12):
was that any further ado We're goingto get into today's episode of Box thirteen.
This one is Coddled Damsel in DistressBox thirteen with the Starle Filemount Fixtures,
(01:33):
Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday to Boxthirteen Care the Star Times. I
am desperately in danger. I'm sureI'm afraid to go to the police right
now. So if you'll really goany place and do anything like your ads.
(01:56):
If you'll really go anyplace and doanything like your ad says, please
meet me tomorrow at six in theevening at the corner of Gateway and lake
View Boulevards. Constance McClean, youdidn't know it then, but this was
one time Holiday you had your workcut off for you. And now back
(02:24):
to box thirteen and then Holiday's newestadventure. I guess I was asking for
it when I put that ad inthe Star Times, but I wasn't asking
for what happened this time, andI don't want it again. You see,
it was well I might as wellstart from the beginning, and Susie
(02:45):
saying, Constance McClean, that's apretty name, mister Halliday. But what
do you make of the letter?Susie make of it? What do you
mean? Well, take this line, I'm desperately in danger. I'm sure
what about it? No, it'swas like something from an old melodrama,
but it's really maybe she is desperatelyin danger, mister Holiday. Why don't
(03:07):
you find out? Do you thinkI shouldn't? Sure you'll be just like
one of the old night irritants knightserrand Susy. What's the difference They both
wanted for trouble, didn't they.Well, what's good enough for a night
errant is good enough for me.I'm sorry, I can't oblige you by
dashing off on a white charge andwearing a tin suit. It's long anyway,
(03:29):
Susie. The intersect of Gateway andlake View Boulevards was in the fashionable
suburb of the city, the kindof a neighborhood where money is the root
of the most important family trees.I looked at my watch. It was
six exactly, and I heard someonecoming. I waited. There was about
(03:53):
dark. The shadows of the treeskept me from seeing who it was whispering.
But a couple of seconds later,Hello, Oh, good evening,
your conscience McLain. Oh no,no, my name Barbara Rodney, A
constant is over there. Oh Isee, well, I'm I'm Box thirteen.
Uh what's the matter. You're differentfrom what from what we thought?
(04:19):
You mean to tell me? Yougot me all the way out here to
see what I look like. Ohno, not at all, it's just
thirteenth. I mean, well,what is your name? Dan Holiday?
Oh that's nice. Wait a minute, come on, he's right up here,
mister Holiday. This is constant,Connie. How do you do?
(04:44):
How are you? She stared atme, and I stared back. She
was about seventeen, not pretty,but kind of a hungry face. Lies.
I smiled at her and she smiledback. It's alfy nice of you
to come, mister Holiday. Wellnot at all. I think anyone would
come on the strength of your letter. Connie. Can we go someplace and
talk? I mean we can't standhere on the corner, can we?
(05:08):
We could? But sitting would bebetter. Why do you suggest? How
about? How about Smudgie Mary?I beg your fine Connie means smudgye Mary's
play. Oh oh, I thoughtfor a moment you said smudgy Mary's.
We can sit down there, theyhave tables and we can talk. I've
got to talk to you, misterHoliday. Matter, Connie. What kind
(05:30):
of a place is this? Smudgiemaryes? It's nice. They serve ice
cream and sundays and malts. Ohswell, let's go. Is it within
walking distance? Or do we goin my car? We can walk,
can't we, Connie? Well,if if you think it's safe for me
safe, what's the matter? We'llgo in your car, mister Holiday.
(05:55):
On the way to Smudgie Mary's.I tried to draw Connie out, but
she was determined to wait until wegot to that paradise some ice cream and
malts. The two kids chattered away, and I gathered they both went to
a fashionable and ultra ultra finishing schoolin the neighborhood. Then I found myself
and Smudgey Marys kids were all over, nice looking kids and the usual jukebox.
(06:16):
Connie and Barbara guided me to atable in the back and we sat
down. But do you have misterholiday h that's especially of spungey marries.
Do you want one? If youdo? Connie right, No, I
don't think so. Just a lemonaise, Barbara, a double malt with chocolate
ice cream and with cream on top. I'll go over and tell Mary.
(06:41):
We call her Smudgy because she's alwaysgot a smudge on her nose. I'll
be right there, all right,Connie, I want to talk now.
Right here, you read this.She took a crumpled piece of paper from
her hand bag shoved it across thetable to me. I opened it.
There was a message that read,if you don't get a thousand dollars from
(07:02):
your parents, don't never see youagain. The letters were cut from magazine
I'm newspaper friend. I read ittwice, then asked, how did you
get this, Connie? It cameto the school for me. Well,
yesterday, just before I wrote theletter to you, mister Holiday. Who
knows about this? Just father?She's my best friend, Hardie? All
(07:25):
right, Connie, as soon aswe leave here, we're going to the
police. Oh no, please,please, mister Holiday. We mustn't.
Why not? Or if I did? But mother would have to know,
don't you think she should? Shemustn't. Why she isn't well, mister
Holliday or something like this would whodid make her worse? But this is
very serious, Connie? Can youhelp me? Now? Look, Connie,
(07:47):
if you're not helping other girls whomay be in your position Sunday,
let the person who wrote this getaway with it this time and you'll try
it again. Mister Horidy. Ifyou go to the police, how kill
mysel? I stared hard at her. Her face was more hungry than ever,
and her eyes were scared. ThenBarbara came back with the orders.
Here we are. I brought youa specialty, mister Holiday. Thanks Barbara,
(08:13):
justter Holiday wants to go to thepolice, said Bob, Yes her.
Now, Connie, of you anythingelse to tell me? Today?
Someone called me on the phone.It was a man's voice. He said,
I should have the money by theday after tomorrow, all I'd be
sorry. That's right, mister Holiday. I was there when the man called.
(08:35):
Did you recognize his voice, Connie? No, I never heard it
before. I'm sure it had kindof an accent. Do you know anyone
that speaks like that? No,I said, I didn't recognize him.
By your father and mother. They'reaway in Michigan for they'll be gone about
two months. Can I say?This man said you'd have to get the
(08:58):
money by the day tomorrow. Isthat right? Yea, so, mister
Holiday, I'm scared. Why areyou afraid to go to the police,
Connie, I'm afraid of what willhappen if I do to you? Ye?
Yes, she was scared, allright. She didn't touch a lemonade,
and I couldn't touch a specially ofthe house. You see. I
(09:20):
wanted to be alive. The nextday, a little while later we left
Smudgy Mary's. We didn't say much. Connie because she was scared, Barbara
because she was scared, and Ibecause well, I had an idea.
(09:41):
It was after right When we pulledup in front of the school where they
lived in the dormitory. Connie andBarbara got out of the car. What
should I do, mister Holiday?You're sure that man said, day after
tomorrow? Oh, yes, Iknow you did. All right, Connie,
I'll do what I can. You'llhelp her, mister Holiday. Of
course I will. Barbara. Nowyou two run along. I'll wait.
Do you get inside? Go on? Now, I don't know how to
(10:03):
thank you. Don't try. Justtake it easy and don't worry. All
right, good night, mister Holiday. Good night, Connie, Barbara,
good night. I watched them untilthey went in. I was about to
close the car door and drive away. Went hoday, Oh, mister Holiday,
that was Connie. It didn't takelong to couple of distance to the
(10:24):
dormitory. Engines Connie, Bara Holiday, it was under my door. This
I don't the letter, Give itto me quick? Okay, comes with
ogle beech. She had miss tripalways they don't shore that letter. Please
don't tell. I don't know whyI stuck that letter in my pocket.
Maybe it was Connie's face, absoluteterror, But I ran the letter in
my pocket. Disness, what doesit mean? Please? Miss Ohu Benson?
(10:48):
Who are you? She looked atme, and I remembered my fifth
grade school teacher, the one whodidn't like me. I looked at Connie.
There was a desperate, please don'ttell look on her face. Barbara
was as white as a sheet tobe hung for a sheep as well as
a lambs. Augilby repeated, well, sir, if you please girls into
your rooms? Yes, Sam,I'm waiting, sir, I'm in the
(11:13):
wrong house. Really, and forwhich house? Were you looking? The
Smiths? Really? Where do theylive? Not here? I guess?
I hope you have an explanation.Well, I'm afraid I don't. All
right, I'm waiting for a streetcar? Will that do? May I have
(11:33):
your name? If you just forgetall about this, I'll go quietly home
and lie down for a while.I'm afraid I shall have to ask you
to stay. That's very kind ofyou, miss Ugilby, but I have
a previous engage. If you tryto leave, I shall ring the alarm
and the caretakers will stop you.All right? What do you want me
to do? Nothing? But I'mgoing to call the police. All right,
(12:00):
holiday, all right, you werein the wrong house. Why I
told you, Cling, I madea mistake. Wouldn't you tell a girl's
school from a private home. Besides, there's no one in the neighborhood named
Smith. How do you like?Then? Three thousand Smiths and that phone
director and I picked the wrong neighborhood. You should have worn a ribbon in
your hair. Nobody would have noticedyou. Thanks there, you're pretty too.
(12:22):
Listen, miss Ogre will be preferredcharges trespassing and a dozen other counts.
She can make them stick. Cling, What if I said I had
a good reason for being there,but I couldn't tell what it was,
What would you say the same thingI said two hours ago? Why I
can't tell you. I promised,all right, you'll spend the night from
a jug unless I put up fail, which I'll do. I could have
(12:50):
told Cling, but I kept thinkingabout Connie. Maybe I believed it when
she said she'd kill herself if Itold the police. Anyway, I kept
the whole thing to myself. Thenext morning, I went over the second
letters he had received. It readyou have one more day to get the
money from your parents. One moreday. That meant to day and that
(13:11):
was all. I did a lotof thinking and it added up to something
very very strange. I was thinkingabout it when the phone rang and Susie
answered it. Hello, Yeah,just a minute, Victor Holliday, Lieutenant
creanwa to talk to you. Ohokay, Susie thinks, hello, yeah,
(13:35):
what when did you hear that?Okay, I'll be right over.
But Holliday, what's the matter?You look scared? I am, Susie.
Maybe I've made a mistake. ConnieMcLean's disappeared. Now back to Damsel
(14:07):
in Distress another Box thirteen adventure withAlan Ladd as damn Holiday Clink and I
drove out to the school. Hehonnored at me to find out what I
knew, and I tell you aboutthe letter. Then I had to he
was mad. I guess he hada right to be at the school.
(14:28):
Was had across from Miss Ogilby andBarbara Rodney. All right, miss Ogilby,
let's hear what happened. Barbara,please tell us what you know.
Well, I woke up this morning. Connie and I have the same room.
We know that, Barbara, Yes, ma'am. Well, I looked
across to Connie's bed, she wasn'tthere a time, was miss Barbara?
(14:48):
When I woke up about seven thirtyand you looked everywhere for her? Oh?
Yes, Miss Ogilby, what makesyou think Connie disappeared? Constance has
never been tardy for a class,mister Holiday, And I might ask what
you know about your actions last?Barbara? Would you leave please? I'll
talk to you later. Hey,Holiday, what's the idea? Please?
Claing, I want to learn something. Is it all right, Miss Ogleby?
(15:09):
I I suppose so I'll be inmy room now, mister Holiday.
Clai tiptoe of the door. She'sthere. Huh please? Okay, okay,
(15:30):
So I'm going I'll be in myroom. Well that's strange. I
never suspected Barbara would do a thinglike that. What's on ya? So
called mind? Holiday? Some questions? This argle baby and no? If
Connie had many dates? Dates?Yes, parties, dancers, No she
didn't. Why How about Barbara?Yes they're very close to each other,
(15:56):
anything inseparable? But what is thisleading? Who? I don't know yet?
Now? About Connie's mother and father? Yes, did they come to
see her often? Not therey Theydo a great deal of traveling. H
thanks Miss Ogilby now holiday he throughplaying games? No, not yet,
so Ogilby, isn't there some sortof dance coming up sooner? I think
(16:18):
I saw a notice on the bulletinboard as I came through. Yea next
week. But really, I don'tsee how questions like these are going to
find constants. Oh clean, yeah, but now you're gonna ask me to
the dance. Look clang, I'llget Connie back here and no one will
know anything's happening if miss Ogilby willagree not to press the charges against me
for last night. What miss Ogilby, You know it wouldn't be good for
(16:44):
the school if they've gotten the paperswith it, not at all? Oh
great, the poor kids disappeared.She got those letters, and you're worrying
about the school. The letters gaveher until tomorrow to get the money.
All right, I've got all day, but I want to do this my
way. Believe me, it's forConnie's sake. Well, I very well,
(17:07):
I agree all right with you?Clean. Oh, it has to
be good if I'm not back intwelve hours bury me. Anyway, I
was playing a hunch all the wayto the finish line. It worked,
okay, if it didn't. ThenDan holiday was cooked like a hot dog
at a barbecue. I had acouple of stops to make. The first
(17:30):
one was at the Star Times Bear. I asked Mona, the society editor,
a few questions the mcleans. Arethey the ones? Then? Ah?
They got a daughter constant, that'sright, and a hundred million or
so? Where are they now?I can't tell offhand. Wait a minute,
that file should tell m Rivera,not here, meet, not here,
(17:52):
Monte Carlo, not here, Monna, please drop the offered glasses and
get to the mc cleans. Allright, Danny boy, let's see.
Ah, here we are. Misterand missus Randolph mcclan have left for an
extended vacation in Florida, Florida.You sure that's not Michigan. Well,
if it is, the Florida Chamber, if Commers is going to be awful
(18:14):
mad? Did they return you?No? Are you sure? Of course?
I'm sure that's my job here,remember okay, Morna. Thanks,
I'll remember you at Christmas once ayear, is all I asked sit a
long. There was another stop tomake, and strange as it may seem,
it was to see a psychiatrist.Well, what he told me check
(18:36):
but good. Then I made onemore visit, this time to a telegraph
office. I sent a wire toConnie's parents to charter a plane and come
home at once. When that wasdone, I was all set except for
one more little item, a longtalk with Barbara. I got Miss Ogilvie's
permission to take Barbara for a drivein my car holiday. Why do you
(18:57):
want to talk to me? MaybeI just liked to Boba. Where are
we going? Is Muggie Mary's openin the afternoon? Now? Yes,
okay, let's you and I dropin for a laminator a malt. How
about it. I've really got toget back to school. It's uncle By
said it was all right for youto come with me. Oh you didn't
(19:21):
hear Connie leave the room this morning? Did you? No? I didn't.
And you're sure you looked all overfor oh yes, everywhere. Well
here's Muggie Mary's. You know,Barbara, I died like this will ruin
my health? Come on all right? Well practically deserted? Is that Smuggie
(19:42):
Mary? Yes? That she twospecials? Mary? Please really, mister
Holdie, I don't think I caneven try the jukebox any particular number you'd
like. No, anyone's all right, Okay, mine will take the stable
over here. What do you wantto talk about Connie? What about her
(20:07):
held on? Barbro? Why don'tyou tell me where she is because I
don't know. Oh, I'll betyou've been kidnapped. Those awful letters they
said those letters wouldn't have fooled ababy, Barbro. No kidnapper is going
to ask for a thousand dollars,not when the parents are worth millions.
Oh maybe maybe he was scared,could be. But that second letter under
the door last night, he kidnapperput it there. He must have.
(20:32):
Well, how did he get in? I guess he's snaked in, Barbara.
No kidnapper goes around in brightly lightedthe hall shoving threatening letters under doors.
I don't know where she is,Barbara, Please tell him. He
won't tell anyone, will I'll haveto Barbro. Maybe everything will come out
(20:57):
all right. Now, we'll savethose smudgy Mary specials until later. Right
now, we're going to pick upConnie. How about it? All right?
Holiday? Barbara and I drove outof the big country and up where
the lake sits on the hills.There were a lot of cabins around.
(21:19):
Barbara drags me to one and stoppedthe car. They said, Barbara,
you wait here. I walked upthe path, up the porch stairs,
tried the door. It was unlocked. Mister Holiday, Hello, Connie,
how are you? It's all rightnow, Conne, it's all right.
(21:45):
Come on, we'll get back totown. Sure everything was all right.
I drove the two girls back intotown. I didn't say a word.
I adopted him at the school andthen had a long talk with miss Ogilby.
It was later that night when LieutenantClang and I walked into the McLean
(22:07):
home. Mister and Misson McLean acar from the airport. They said they'd
be home in a few minutes.Connie and Barbara were upstairs, miss Ogilby
playing, and I sat in thebig living room. All right, Holiday,
how about the plot? Don't Igive with it? I think we'll
wait for the mcleans. Huh.There won't be anything in the papers,
will there? That depends on LieutenantCleant. Miss Ogilby, why me listen.
(22:30):
I still don't know who pulled asnatch Clay. I beg your pardon,
miss Ogilby. What I mean bysnatch? You mean kidnapping. Yeah,
that's right, you talk English.Oh that'll be the mcleans, Miss
Ogilby, would you mind getting thegirls down here? Sitting mister Holiday?
Connie often? Where is she's McClean. My name is Holiday. I sent
(22:52):
you on your wife that wire thismorning. Where is she? Is she
all right? Yeah, she's allright, she's coming down to Connie.
Holiday. Were so grateful. Ican't tell you how much I will see
Connie. Yes, mister Halliday,would you and Barbara wait outside? We'll
only be a minute in here,yester, Come on, Barbara? Who
(23:14):
did it? Who kidnapped her?You did? You and your wife?
Why the holiday? Are you talkingabout? Your insane No, I'm not.
I listened to me. You havea daughter, but no one would
ever know it. How often doyou see her? I'll see here,
mister Holiday. Once a year.You put her in a school and forget
about her, except when you thinksomething's happened. Holiday. You can't talk.
I'm not finished, mister McLane.That kids lonely, and because she's
(23:37):
well, maybe you'd call a plane. She doesn't go out very much,
not many dates. I don't seewhat this is all about. You see
how I talked with a psychiatrist today. Used a lot of fancy words,
but they boiled down to this.Connie wants and needs attention and affection desperately.
She didn't get them here, soshe thought of this scheme. Pretend
to be kidnapped, get attention calledto her. Then she'd come back with
(24:00):
the story. She'd be in thelimelight, and Barbara helped her because well,
because she's her best friend. Nowwait a minute, Holiday, we'd
have torn holes in her story.She wouldn't have gotten away with her.
I know. That's why I didn'ttell you right away. That's why I
wanted to handle it my way.If this had gone to the police,
the whole thing would have blown upfor Connie. I'd have been a newspaper
(24:22):
story ridiculed for the girl. Butthis way, well, let's give Connie
a break, and Barbara, howabout a Clint. I that's sure.
I'm willing. Thanks, Clint.You're a gentleman and a scholar. I'm
a soft hearted cap mister Halliday,Yes, mister McClean. I guess my
(24:48):
wife and I didn't realize how selfishwe really were. We thought we were
giving Connie all she ever wanted.Yes, it's all but one thing,
the one that really mattered. Affection. Thank you and Lieutenant playing in.
Oh no, I think i'll startwhat should have been started years ago.
Sure, but you've got lots oftime. Mind if I cut him first?
(25:11):
What do you mean you can starttomorrow? Meanwhile, I think I'll
play this all the way? Whatare you up to now? Holiday?
Practice? What you preach? Ialways say, Connie? Oh, Connie
Day, everything's all right in there. Nothing to worry about, are you
either, Barbara? Oh you're wonderful, mister Holiday. Oh Barbara, Well
(25:37):
will you excuse Connie and me fora moment? Oh? Well, sure,
Webb it d Connie? Connie aboutthat dance? Got a date for
it? Oh here here, Connie. No, Well look I'm I'm just
(26:00):
a little older than you are.And when I comb my hair and put
on a tux se, do eyeI look like I've been in the stag
line a bit too long? Butdo I get the day? You will
make a night of it? Firstto dance, then, even if it
kills me Smudgie, Mary's for aspecial. Did you have a good time
(26:34):
at the dance, mister Holliday.I was dull of the ball, Susie.
Everybody cut in on me to dancewith Connie, but you can kill
me. One thing, mister Holliday, what's that, Susie? What a
smudgie Mary Special? Oh well?Three scoops of chocolate ice cream? Three
strawberry, two vanilla, Oh slicefour bananas and embaldim in pineapple syrup and
(26:56):
lay them out neat the alongside theice cream pineapple lesina. Oh, pour
on two ladles of chocolate, sirfa huge gob of whipped cream Holiday,
Wait now, wait, wait,then sprinkle with nuts with a few bits
of shells left in and as MattaSusie, I ate an awful take luck,
(27:18):
good night, mister Holiday. EllenLadd appears through the courtesy of Paramount
Pictures Watch for him in his latestpicture, Saigon. Box thirteen is directed
by Richard Sandville, with original storyby Russell Hughes and original music composed and
(27:42):
conducted by Rudy Schrager. The partof Susie is played by Sylvia Picker and
that of Lieutenant playing by Edmund McDonald. Production is supervised by Verne Carstonson.
This is a Mayfair production from Hollywood. Welcome Back I know there's a lot
(28:03):
of laws changing f the FDA,So let me just say, I'm not
going to give a caloric value tothat particular recipe. Um, and I'm
not gonna recommend the recipe. Butif you, if you feel so,
if you feel the urge to makeyourself a smudgy mary, uh, let
me let us know how it tastes. Um, feel free to email that
(28:25):
in a box thirteen um, GreatDetectives dot net. Um. The only
thing is, uh, it seemedlike a really quick resolution to a very
deep problem. UM. I not. I tend to buy detective dramas more
than U some family dramas when itcomes to half an hour or in this
(28:48):
case, just a couple of minutesto resolve a resolve a particular case.
But it's a nice thought, um, and a and a pretty uh,
pretty pretty interesting case. Though.I think I had the idea that this
wasn't a real threat kind of fromthe beginnings. So all right, well
(29:10):
we're gonna wrap this up. Gotany comments thoughts on this recipe box thirteen
at Great Detectives dot net. Ifyou're able to calculate the Clark value,
even email that to me. Pleasecast your vote for US podcast Alley Podcast
Alley, dot Great Detectives dot net, and we now have a Facebook group
for the show Facebook dot Great Detectivesdot net. We're just at about ten
(29:33):
fans as of this recording, soplease become a fan and you can follow
the feed and post additional feedback.But from Boise, Idaho, this is
your host, Adam Graham's sign itoff. Hello everyone, my name is
(30:08):
Andrew Ryans. I'm the host ofthe Old Time Radio Daily Westerns. I'm
inviting you to check out my podcast. It's a daily's show about old time
radio Westerns, which include The LoneRanger, Cisco Kid, Tales of the
Texas Ranger, Gun Smoke, Challengeof the Yukon, and Mini Moore.
Go to our show notesite ot RWesterns dot com. That's ot R Westernswans
(30:32):
dot com, or search in iTunesfor Old Time Radio Daily Westerns. Thanks
and hope you enjoy
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham,bringing you this week's episode of Box thirteen.
Got any comments, Send them tome Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot
net. Please cast your vote forthe show over at podcast Alley Podcast Alley
dot Great Detectives dot net. We'regetting over a bit of a sore throat,
(00:50):
so not a whole lot of commentarytoday. I just want to remind
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Remember our hosting the number one hostingone and one. Go to Hosting dot
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(01:12):
was that any further ado We're goingto get into today's episode of Box thirteen.
This one is Coddled Damsel in DistressBox thirteen with the Starle Filemount Fixtures,
(01:33):
Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday to Boxthirteen Care the Star Times. I
am desperately in danger. I'm sureI'm afraid to go to the police right
now. So if you'll really goany place and do anything like your ads.
(01:56):
If you'll really go anyplace and doanything like your ad says, please
meet me tomorrow at six in theevening at the corner of Gateway and lake
View Boulevards. Constance McClean, youdidn't know it then, but this was
one time Holiday you had your workcut off for you. And now back
(02:24):
to box thirteen and then Holiday's newestadventure. I guess I was asking for
it when I put that ad inthe Star Times, but I wasn't asking
for what happened this time, andI don't want it again. You see,
it was well I might as wellstart from the beginning, and Susie
(02:45):
saying, Constance McClean, that's apretty name, mister Halliday. But what
do you make of the letter?Susie make of it? What do you
mean? Well, take this line, I'm desperately in danger. I'm sure
what about it? No, it'swas like something from an old melodrama,
but it's really maybe she is desperatelyin danger, mister Holiday. Why don't
(03:07):
you find out? Do you thinkI shouldn't? Sure you'll be just like
one of the old night irritants knightserrand Susy. What's the difference They both
wanted for trouble, didn't they.Well, what's good enough for a night
errant is good enough for me.I'm sorry, I can't oblige you by
dashing off on a white charge andwearing a tin suit. It's long anyway,
(03:29):
Susie. The intersect of Gateway andlake View Boulevards was in the fashionable
suburb of the city, the kindof a neighborhood where money is the root
of the most important family trees.I looked at my watch. It was
six exactly, and I heard someonecoming. I waited. There was about
(03:53):
dark. The shadows of the treeskept me from seeing who it was whispering.
But a couple of seconds later,Hello, Oh, good evening,
your conscience McLain. Oh no,no, my name Barbara Rodney, A
constant is over there. Oh Isee, well, I'm I'm Box thirteen.
Uh what's the matter. You're differentfrom what from what we thought?
(04:19):
You mean to tell me? Yougot me all the way out here to
see what I look like. Ohno, not at all, it's just
thirteenth. I mean, well,what is your name? Dan Holiday?
Oh that's nice. Wait a minute, come on, he's right up here,
mister Holiday. This is constant,Connie. How do you do?
(04:44):
How are you? She stared atme, and I stared back. She
was about seventeen, not pretty,but kind of a hungry face. Lies.
I smiled at her and she smiledback. It's alfy nice of you
to come, mister Holiday. Wellnot at all. I think anyone would
come on the strength of your letter. Connie. Can we go someplace and
talk? I mean we can't standhere on the corner, can we?
(05:08):
We could? But sitting would bebetter. Why do you suggest? How
about? How about Smudgie Mary?I beg your fine Connie means smudgye Mary's
play. Oh oh, I thoughtfor a moment you said smudgy Mary's.
We can sit down there, theyhave tables and we can talk. I've
got to talk to you, misterHoliday. Matter, Connie. What kind
(05:30):
of a place is this? Smudgiemaryes? It's nice. They serve ice
cream and sundays and malts. Ohswell, let's go. Is it within
walking distance? Or do we goin my car? We can walk,
can't we, Connie? Well,if if you think it's safe for me
safe, what's the matter? We'llgo in your car, mister Holiday.
(05:55):
On the way to Smudgie Mary's.I tried to draw Connie out, but
she was determined to wait until wegot to that paradise some ice cream and
malts. The two kids chattered away, and I gathered they both went to
a fashionable and ultra ultra finishing schoolin the neighborhood. Then I found myself
and Smudgey Marys kids were all over, nice looking kids and the usual jukebox.
(06:16):
Connie and Barbara guided me to atable in the back and we sat
down. But do you have misterholiday h that's especially of spungey marries.
Do you want one? If youdo? Connie right, No, I
don't think so. Just a lemonaise, Barbara, a double malt with chocolate
ice cream and with cream on top. I'll go over and tell Mary.
(06:41):
We call her Smudgy because she's alwaysgot a smudge on her nose. I'll
be right there, all right,Connie, I want to talk now.
Right here, you read this.She took a crumpled piece of paper from
her hand bag shoved it across thetable to me. I opened it.
There was a message that read,if you don't get a thousand dollars from
(07:02):
your parents, don't never see youagain. The letters were cut from magazine
I'm newspaper friend. I read ittwice, then asked, how did you
get this, Connie? It cameto the school for me. Well,
yesterday, just before I wrote theletter to you, mister Holiday. Who
knows about this? Just father?She's my best friend, Hardie? All
(07:25):
right, Connie, as soon aswe leave here, we're going to the
police. Oh no, please,please, mister Holiday. We mustn't.
Why not? Or if I did? But mother would have to know,
don't you think she should? Shemustn't. Why she isn't well, mister
Holliday or something like this would whodid make her worse? But this is
very serious, Connie? Can youhelp me? Now? Look, Connie,
(07:47):
if you're not helping other girls whomay be in your position Sunday,
let the person who wrote this getaway with it this time and you'll try
it again. Mister Horidy. Ifyou go to the police, how kill
mysel? I stared hard at her. Her face was more hungry than ever,
and her eyes were scared. ThenBarbara came back with the orders.
Here we are. I brought youa specialty, mister Holiday. Thanks Barbara,
(08:13):
justter Holiday wants to go to thepolice, said Bob, Yes her.
Now, Connie, of you anythingelse to tell me? Today?
Someone called me on the phone.It was a man's voice. He said,
I should have the money by theday after tomorrow, all I'd be
sorry. That's right, mister Holiday. I was there when the man called.
(08:35):
Did you recognize his voice, Connie? No, I never heard it
before. I'm sure it had kindof an accent. Do you know anyone
that speaks like that? No,I said, I didn't recognize him.
By your father and mother. They'reaway in Michigan for they'll be gone about
two months. Can I say?This man said you'd have to get the
(08:58):
money by the day tomorrow. Isthat right? Yea, so, mister
Holiday, I'm scared. Why areyou afraid to go to the police,
Connie, I'm afraid of what willhappen if I do to you? Ye?
Yes, she was scared, allright. She didn't touch a lemonade,
and I couldn't touch a specially ofthe house. You see. I
(09:20):
wanted to be alive. The nextday, a little while later we left
Smudgy Mary's. We didn't say much. Connie because she was scared, Barbara
because she was scared, and Ibecause well, I had an idea.
(09:41):
It was after right When we pulledup in front of the school where they
lived in the dormitory. Connie andBarbara got out of the car. What
should I do, mister Holiday?You're sure that man said, day after
tomorrow? Oh, yes, Iknow you did. All right, Connie,
I'll do what I can. You'llhelp her, mister Holiday. Of
course I will. Barbara. Nowyou two run along. I'll wait.
Do you get inside? Go on? Now, I don't know how to
(10:03):
thank you. Don't try. Justtake it easy and don't worry. All
right, good night, mister Holiday. Good night, Connie, Barbara,
good night. I watched them untilthey went in. I was about to
close the car door and drive away. Went hoday, Oh, mister Holiday,
that was Connie. It didn't takelong to couple of distance to the
(10:24):
dormitory. Engines Connie, Bara Holiday, it was under my door. This
I don't the letter, Give itto me quick? Okay, comes with
ogle beech. She had miss tripalways they don't shore that letter. Please
don't tell. I don't know whyI stuck that letter in my pocket.
Maybe it was Connie's face, absoluteterror, But I ran the letter in
my pocket. Disness, what doesit mean? Please? Miss Ohu Benson?
(10:48):
Who are you? She looked atme, and I remembered my fifth
grade school teacher, the one whodidn't like me. I looked at Connie.
There was a desperate, please don'ttell look on her face. Barbara
was as white as a sheet tobe hung for a sheep as well as
a lambs. Augilby repeated, well, sir, if you please girls into
your rooms? Yes, Sam,I'm waiting, sir, I'm in the
(11:13):
wrong house. Really, and forwhich house? Were you looking? The
Smiths? Really? Where do theylive? Not here? I guess?
I hope you have an explanation.Well, I'm afraid I don't. All
right, I'm waiting for a streetcar? Will that do? May I have
(11:33):
your name? If you just forgetall about this, I'll go quietly home
and lie down for a while.I'm afraid I shall have to ask you
to stay. That's very kind ofyou, miss Ugilby, but I have
a previous engage. If you tryto leave, I shall ring the alarm
and the caretakers will stop you.All right? What do you want me
to do? Nothing? But I'mgoing to call the police. All right,
(12:00):
holiday, all right, you werein the wrong house. Why I
told you, Cling, I madea mistake. Wouldn't you tell a girl's
school from a private home. Besides, there's no one in the neighborhood named
Smith. How do you like?Then? Three thousand Smiths and that phone
director and I picked the wrong neighborhood. You should have worn a ribbon in
your hair. Nobody would have noticedyou. Thanks there, you're pretty too.
(12:22):
Listen, miss Ogre will be preferredcharges trespassing and a dozen other counts.
She can make them stick. Cling, What if I said I had
a good reason for being there,but I couldn't tell what it was,
What would you say the same thingI said two hours ago? Why I
can't tell you. I promised,all right, you'll spend the night from
a jug unless I put up fail, which I'll do. I could have
(12:50):
told Cling, but I kept thinkingabout Connie. Maybe I believed it when
she said she'd kill herself if Itold the police. Anyway, I kept
the whole thing to myself. Thenext morning, I went over the second
letters he had received. It readyou have one more day to get the
money from your parents. One moreday. That meant to day and that
(13:11):
was all. I did a lotof thinking and it added up to something
very very strange. I was thinkingabout it when the phone rang and Susie
answered it. Hello, Yeah,just a minute, Victor Holliday, Lieutenant
creanwa to talk to you. Ohokay, Susie thinks, hello, yeah,
(13:35):
what when did you hear that?Okay, I'll be right over.
But Holliday, what's the matter?You look scared? I am, Susie.
Maybe I've made a mistake. ConnieMcLean's disappeared. Now back to Damsel
(14:07):
in Distress another Box thirteen adventure withAlan Ladd as damn Holiday Clink and I
drove out to the school. Hehonnored at me to find out what I
knew, and I tell you aboutthe letter. Then I had to he
was mad. I guess he hada right to be at the school.
(14:28):
Was had across from Miss Ogilby andBarbara Rodney. All right, miss Ogilby,
let's hear what happened. Barbara,please tell us what you know.
Well, I woke up this morning. Connie and I have the same room.
We know that, Barbara, Yes, ma'am. Well, I looked
across to Connie's bed, she wasn'tthere a time, was miss Barbara?
(14:48):
When I woke up about seven thirtyand you looked everywhere for her? Oh?
Yes, Miss Ogilby, what makesyou think Connie disappeared? Constance has
never been tardy for a class,mister Holiday, And I might ask what
you know about your actions last?Barbara? Would you leave please? I'll
talk to you later. Hey,Holiday, what's the idea? Please?
Claing, I want to learn something. Is it all right, Miss Ogleby?
(15:09):
I I suppose so I'll be inmy room now, mister Holiday.
Clai tiptoe of the door. She'sthere. Huh please? Okay, okay,
(15:30):
So I'm going I'll be in myroom. Well that's strange. I
never suspected Barbara would do a thinglike that. What's on ya? So
called mind? Holiday? Some questions? This argle baby and no? If
Connie had many dates? Dates?Yes, parties, dancers, No she
didn't. Why How about Barbara?Yes they're very close to each other,
(15:56):
anything inseparable? But what is thisleading? Who? I don't know yet?
Now? About Connie's mother and father? Yes, did they come to
see her often? Not therey Theydo a great deal of traveling. H
thanks Miss Ogilby now holiday he throughplaying games? No, not yet,
so Ogilby, isn't there some sortof dance coming up sooner? I think
(16:18):
I saw a notice on the bulletinboard as I came through. Yea next
week. But really, I don'tsee how questions like these are going to
find constants. Oh clean, yeah, but now you're gonna ask me to
the dance. Look clang, I'llget Connie back here and no one will
know anything's happening if miss Ogilby willagree not to press the charges against me
for last night. What miss Ogilby, You know it wouldn't be good for
(16:44):
the school if they've gotten the paperswith it, not at all? Oh
great, the poor kids disappeared.She got those letters, and you're worrying
about the school. The letters gaveher until tomorrow to get the money.
All right, I've got all day, but I want to do this my
way. Believe me, it's forConnie's sake. Well, I very well,
(17:07):
I agree all right with you?Clean. Oh, it has to
be good if I'm not back intwelve hours bury me. Anyway, I
was playing a hunch all the wayto the finish line. It worked,
okay, if it didn't. ThenDan holiday was cooked like a hot dog
at a barbecue. I had acouple of stops to make. The first
(17:30):
one was at the Star Times Bear. I asked Mona, the society editor,
a few questions the mcleans. Arethey the ones? Then? Ah?
They got a daughter constant, that'sright, and a hundred million or
so? Where are they now?I can't tell offhand. Wait a minute,
that file should tell m Rivera,not here, meet, not here,
(17:52):
Monte Carlo, not here, Monna, please drop the offered glasses and
get to the mc cleans. Allright, Danny boy, let's see.
Ah, here we are. Misterand missus Randolph mcclan have left for an
extended vacation in Florida, Florida.You sure that's not Michigan. Well,
if it is, the Florida Chamber, if Commers is going to be awful
(18:14):
mad? Did they return you?No? Are you sure? Of course?
I'm sure that's my job here,remember okay, Morna. Thanks,
I'll remember you at Christmas once ayear, is all I asked sit a
long. There was another stop tomake, and strange as it may seem,
it was to see a psychiatrist.Well, what he told me check
(18:36):
but good. Then I made onemore visit, this time to a telegraph
office. I sent a wire toConnie's parents to charter a plane and come
home at once. When that wasdone, I was all set except for
one more little item, a longtalk with Barbara. I got Miss Ogilvie's
permission to take Barbara for a drivein my car holiday. Why do you
(18:57):
want to talk to me? MaybeI just liked to Boba. Where are
we going? Is Muggie Mary's openin the afternoon? Now? Yes,
okay, let's you and I dropin for a laminator a malt. How
about it. I've really got toget back to school. It's uncle By
said it was all right for youto come with me. Oh you didn't
(19:21):
hear Connie leave the room this morning? Did you? No? I didn't.
And you're sure you looked all overfor oh yes, everywhere. Well
here's Muggie Mary's. You know,Barbara, I died like this will ruin
my health? Come on all right? Well practically deserted? Is that Smuggie
(19:42):
Mary? Yes? That she twospecials? Mary? Please really, mister
Holdie, I don't think I caneven try the jukebox any particular number you'd
like. No, anyone's all right, Okay, mine will take the stable
over here. What do you wantto talk about Connie? What about her
(20:07):
held on? Barbro? Why don'tyou tell me where she is because I
don't know. Oh, I'll betyou've been kidnapped. Those awful letters they
said those letters wouldn't have fooled ababy, Barbro. No kidnapper is going
to ask for a thousand dollars,not when the parents are worth millions.
Oh maybe maybe he was scared,could be. But that second letter under
the door last night, he kidnapperput it there. He must have.
(20:32):
Well, how did he get in? I guess he's snaked in, Barbara.
No kidnapper goes around in brightly lightedthe hall shoving threatening letters under doors.
I don't know where she is,Barbara, Please tell him. He
won't tell anyone, will I'll haveto Barbro. Maybe everything will come out
(20:57):
all right. Now, we'll savethose smudgy Mary specials until later. Right
now, we're going to pick upConnie. How about it? All right?
Holiday? Barbara and I drove outof the big country and up where
the lake sits on the hills.There were a lot of cabins around.
(21:19):
Barbara drags me to one and stoppedthe car. They said, Barbara,
you wait here. I walked upthe path, up the porch stairs,
tried the door. It was unlocked. Mister Holiday, Hello, Connie,
how are you? It's all rightnow, Conne, it's all right.
(21:45):
Come on, we'll get back totown. Sure everything was all right.
I drove the two girls back intotown. I didn't say a word.
I adopted him at the school andthen had a long talk with miss Ogilby.
It was later that night when LieutenantClang and I walked into the McLean
(22:07):
home. Mister and Misson McLean acar from the airport. They said they'd
be home in a few minutes.Connie and Barbara were upstairs, miss Ogilby
playing, and I sat in thebig living room. All right, Holiday,
how about the plot? Don't Igive with it? I think we'll
wait for the mcleans. Huh.There won't be anything in the papers,
will there? That depends on LieutenantCleant. Miss Ogilby, why me listen.
(22:30):
I still don't know who pulled asnatch Clay. I beg your pardon,
miss Ogilby. What I mean bysnatch? You mean kidnapping. Yeah,
that's right, you talk English.Oh that'll be the mcleans, Miss
Ogilby, would you mind getting thegirls down here? Sitting mister Holiday?
Connie often? Where is she's McClean. My name is Holiday. I sent
(22:52):
you on your wife that wire thismorning. Where is she? Is she
all right? Yeah, she's allright, she's coming down to Connie.
Holiday. Were so grateful. Ican't tell you how much I will see
Connie. Yes, mister Halliday,would you and Barbara wait outside? We'll
only be a minute in here,yester, Come on, Barbara? Who
(23:14):
did it? Who kidnapped her?You did? You and your wife?
Why the holiday? Are you talkingabout? Your insane No, I'm not.
I listened to me. You havea daughter, but no one would
ever know it. How often doyou see her? I'll see here,
mister Holiday. Once a year.You put her in a school and forget
about her, except when you thinksomething's happened. Holiday. You can't talk.
I'm not finished, mister McLane.That kids lonely, and because she's
(23:37):
well, maybe you'd call a plane. She doesn't go out very much,
not many dates. I don't seewhat this is all about. You see
how I talked with a psychiatrist today. Used a lot of fancy words,
but they boiled down to this.Connie wants and needs attention and affection desperately.
She didn't get them here, soshe thought of this scheme. Pretend
to be kidnapped, get attention calledto her. Then she'd come back with
(24:00):
the story. She'd be in thelimelight, and Barbara helped her because well,
because she's her best friend. Nowwait a minute, Holiday, we'd
have torn holes in her story.She wouldn't have gotten away with her.
I know. That's why I didn'ttell you right away. That's why I
wanted to handle it my way.If this had gone to the police,
the whole thing would have blown upfor Connie. I'd have been a newspaper
(24:22):
story ridiculed for the girl. Butthis way, well, let's give Connie
a break, and Barbara, howabout a Clint. I that's sure.
I'm willing. Thanks, Clint.You're a gentleman and a scholar. I'm
a soft hearted cap mister Halliday,Yes, mister McClean. I guess my
(24:48):
wife and I didn't realize how selfishwe really were. We thought we were
giving Connie all she ever wanted.Yes, it's all but one thing,
the one that really mattered. Affection. Thank you and Lieutenant playing in.
Oh no, I think i'll startwhat should have been started years ago.
Sure, but you've got lots oftime. Mind if I cut him first?
(25:11):
What do you mean you can starttomorrow? Meanwhile, I think I'll
play this all the way? Whatare you up to now? Holiday?
Practice? What you preach? Ialways say, Connie? Oh, Connie
Day, everything's all right in there. Nothing to worry about, are you
either, Barbara? Oh you're wonderful, mister Holiday. Oh Barbara, Well
(25:37):
will you excuse Connie and me fora moment? Oh? Well, sure,
Webb it d Connie? Connie aboutthat dance? Got a date for
it? Oh here here, Connie. No, Well look I'm I'm just
(26:00):
a little older than you are.And when I comb my hair and put
on a tux se, do eyeI look like I've been in the stag
line a bit too long? Butdo I get the day? You will
make a night of it? Firstto dance, then, even if it
kills me Smudgie, Mary's for aspecial. Did you have a good time
(26:34):
at the dance, mister Holliday.I was dull of the ball, Susie.
Everybody cut in on me to dancewith Connie, but you can kill
me. One thing, mister Holliday, what's that, Susie? What a
smudgie Mary Special? Oh well?Three scoops of chocolate ice cream? Three
strawberry, two vanilla, Oh slicefour bananas and embaldim in pineapple syrup and
(26:56):
lay them out neat the alongside theice cream pineapple lesina. Oh, pour
on two ladles of chocolate, sirfa huge gob of whipped cream Holiday,
Wait now, wait, wait,then sprinkle with nuts with a few bits
of shells left in and as MattaSusie, I ate an awful take luck,
(27:18):
good night, mister Holiday. EllenLadd appears through the courtesy of Paramount
Pictures Watch for him in his latestpicture, Saigon. Box thirteen is directed
by Richard Sandville, with original storyby Russell Hughes and original music composed and
(27:42):
conducted by Rudy Schrager. The partof Susie is played by Sylvia Picker and
that of Lieutenant playing by Edmund McDonald. Production is supervised by Verne Carstonson.
This is a Mayfair production from Hollywood. Welcome Back I know there's a lot
(28:03):
of laws changing f the FDA,So let me just say, I'm not
going to give a caloric value tothat particular recipe. Um, and I'm
not gonna recommend the recipe. Butif you, if you feel so,
if you feel the urge to makeyourself a smudgy mary, uh, let
me let us know how it tastes. Um, feel free to email that
(28:25):
in a box thirteen um, GreatDetectives dot net. Um. The only
thing is, uh, it seemedlike a really quick resolution to a very
deep problem. UM. I not. I tend to buy detective dramas more
than U some family dramas when itcomes to half an hour or in this
(28:48):
case, just a couple of minutesto resolve a resolve a particular case.
But it's a nice thought, um, and a and a pretty uh,
pretty pretty interesting case. Though.I think I had the idea that this
wasn't a real threat kind of fromthe beginnings. So all right, well
(29:10):
we're gonna wrap this up. Gotany comments thoughts on this recipe box thirteen
at Great Detectives dot net. Ifyou're able to calculate the Clark value,
even email that to me. Pleasecast your vote for US podcast Alley Podcast
Alley, dot Great Detectives dot net, and we now have a Facebook group
for the show Facebook dot Great Detectivesdot net. We're just at about ten
(29:33):
fans as of this recording, soplease become a fan and you can follow
the feed and post additional feedback.But from Boise, Idaho, this is
your host, Adam Graham's sign itoff. Hello everyone, my name is
(30:08):
Andrew Ryans. I'm the host ofthe Old Time Radio Daily Westerns. I'm
inviting you to check out my podcast. It's a daily's show about old time
radio Westerns, which include The LoneRanger, Cisco Kid, Tales of the
Texas Ranger, Gun Smoke, Challengeof the Yukon, and Mini Moore.
Go to our show notesite ot RWesterns dot com. That's ot R Westernswans
(30:32):
dot com, or search in iTunesfor Old Time Radio Daily Westerns. Thanks
and hope you enjoy
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