September 22, 2025 • 35 mins
Today's Mystery: A woman hires Steve Grainger to protect her scientist husband who is working on a top secret experiment.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957
Originating from Australia
Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger
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Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shanua, Patreon supporteer since June 2019.
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Give us a call at 208-991-4783
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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957
Originating from Australia
Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shanua, Patreon supporteer since June 2019.
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 at http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we
are going to get into today's first episode of Danger
with Granger. But first I do want to encourage you.
If you are enjoying podcasts, please follow us using your
(00:49):
favorite podcast software, and today's program is brought to you
in part by the financial support of our listeners. You
can support the show on a one time basis over
at support dot Great Detectives dot net and become one
of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as two
dollars per month at Patreon dot great Detectives dot net. Today,
(01:15):
I'm bringing you one of the most confusing series to
figure out even its basic origin that I've ever dealt
with for many years, I thought Danger with Granger originated
in South African and so we couldn't play it. But
that turned out to be incorrect, and that just brought
(01:36):
us question was it Australian or American? I thought I
found definitive proof that it was an American show, But
then a bit of a twist, and I'll talk a
bit more about that. If I try to go into
all of that will be five minutes before getting into
the first episode, so I'll just briefly introduce the series.
(01:57):
Danger with Granger stars Harp McGuire as a private detective
in New York named Steve Granger. Now. McGuire was an
American born actor who spent many years in Australia. He
played the police spoil character Lieutenant Brooks in the Mister
(02:21):
Malone series, which was adapted from American scripts. And if
you grew up listening to Australian old time radio, Randy
Stone was not Frank Lovejoy, he was Harp McGuire. However,
McGuire did return to the United States and spent the
last part of his acting career working in many television
(02:43):
programs and movies, which is part of what led to
my confusion. But we'll get to all that after today's broadcast.
We don't have firm air dates, but these would have
originally played in either nineteen fifty six or nineteen fifty seven.
And here's today's episode, the FBI and the scientist.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Danger. Where's Granger?
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Is that? You're darling?
Speaker 4 (03:27):
You're home early?
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Yes, I know Grace has been already.
Speaker 4 (03:30):
I must seat quickly and get back to the laboratory,
Robert Playfield, you've been at that laboratory every night for
the past two weeks.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Well, it can't be helped. I'm working on a very
important project.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What is this important project?
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I can't tell you.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
It's an extremely secret matter.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
May I go over to the laboratory with you.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
No, that's impossible.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
I'll be back around minute, Robert. Now what is it?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
I've told you all, I'm going to this note.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
I found it crumpled up in the waste paper basket
in your room.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Grace, have you been snooping through my things?
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Yes, I have, and I think I'm entitled to an explanation.
Just why would anyone write you or letters threaten to
kill you?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Mister Steve Granger, private detective for the story about a
well known scientist, the FBI and a worried wife, a
combination which had me going dizzy And just a moment,
I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases,
Missus Granger. It was late afternoon when a woman walked
(04:31):
into my office and identified herself as missus Robert Playfield.
She was a very beautiful woman in her middle thirties,
and she was also very worried mister.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
Granger, I'm here because of my husband, Robert Playfield. You
may have heard of him. He's the electronics expert.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yes, yes, seems to me I've read about him in
the papers, a lot of development work for the government.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
That's right, mister Granger. I have reason to believe that
someone intends to kill my husband. Friend of mine. I
recommended you as a capable man. I thought you could
handle this matter.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
If I did, the first thing who would be to
check the FBI and.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Mister Granger, I don't care how you handle this. I
simply want my husband protected at any cost. Do I
make myself playing?
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You certainly do, and I'll be glad to help.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
But mister Grainger, there's one thing to remember. My husband
is to know nothing about this. You understand nothing.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
As soon as missus Playfield left, I picked up the
phone and called a contact of mine with the FBI.
This is Steve Granger, says Peter around. Thanks, Hi have Pete.
What have you got in Robert Playfield, electronics expert? Uh,
(05:48):
I see you keeping an eye on him. Of course
I've got a reason for asking. His wife was just
in here. She hired me to see it didn't get hurt.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Uh uh sure, sure, yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I'll be roun. I hung up, got on my coat
and beat it over to take a look at doctor
Playfield's laboratory. His research spots was on the Lower West Side,
located on an inconspicuous side street. It was as gloomy
as the Morgue. Even at this hour of the day.
(06:23):
The street was deserted, except for a derelict who moved
up to me. Hey, Mystery, what do you want?
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Can you spare two bits for something to eat?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Two bits?
Speaker 3 (06:33):
What are you doing in this neighborhood? Looks like pretty
poor pickings for a handout. I just happened to be here,
that's so Yeah, two bits? He thinks, Mystery, you're a
real pal. I watched him shuffle off. He might have
been a derelict, but I had a glimpse of sharp
brown eyes peering at me from a decrepit old hat.
(06:57):
I decided to check further on him. Hey, you wait,
what do you want? Come back here? H wey west Maynord. Okay,
I'll get this and a licensed private eye. They're not
your pockets. I want to find out.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
Who you are.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I ain't done a lease. Turn out those pockets or
I'll do it for you. Sure shoe, mister, it's a second.
I haven't got a gun at least me. Yeah, I
wouldn't know what to do with again mine, get going
with the pockets. Oh here, mister, half a loaf of bread.
I got some sausage too. Got a wallet? What would
(07:34):
neither with a wallet? All I got is this though,
sixty cents. What's your name, Bill Walk Where do you live?
The Senator Hotel in the bar? Okay, let's go. Never
mind the questions, let's go. I held on, tied to
the guy and called the FBI, told him I'd found
(07:55):
a character they're hiding suspiciously hanging around Playfield's laboratory, that
I wait until they showed up and took the direct
off for questioning. I went back to patrolling the street
where doctor Playfield had his laboratory, to the point where
my toes began to resemble frosterday Claire's. Then I had
an idea for men to relieve me a taxicab drive
(08:16):
A pal of mine named Frankie Smith. I used him
occasionally on steakhouts of this kind. I got the hecky
down to the corner of eleventh Avenue and twelfth Street
told him what I wanted, after which I went up,
turning my office and draped my lower extremities over a radiator.
Three hours went by and the door opened. What are
(08:41):
you doing up here, Frankie? I told you to keep
an eye on doctor Playfield. Grain Git, you're looking at
what I term an abject for you. What happened? Well?
Like you tell me too. I watched Playfield's laboratory. I
parked my heck on the corner, and when things get chilly,
I claim inside touched my tortom. Mind up, build up?
What happened while I'm sitting in the car, like I said,
all of a sudden, this man Playfield walks out his
(09:02):
front door. He beats it down the street towards me. Well,
I'm lost. If I follow him, I have to leave
my cat or you follow him in the cab. No,
because when he gets to my corner, he motions me over.
Now this looks good to me, So I accept this call.
He tells me fifty fifth Street and six seven old rank.
He cut the verbosity. How did you lose, doctor Playfield?
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Simple?
Speaker 3 (09:22):
He climbs out of fifty to fifth and six seven. Ou,
I run the cabin hextan and take out after him.
I stayed glued to him the coin of foot. Yeah yeah,
go on, only I become unstuck. He walks into a
drug store through the only door. I wait outside. He
comes charging her like a cat with a turbentine tail
and brushes me off my feet. So by the time
I recover, he is but glaw. Well, that's just great.
(09:47):
As a watchdog. You're about as useful as a four
week old kitten. I didn't like the son of it.
If Frankie Smith hadn't been able to keep on doctor
Playfield's tail, there was something peculiar going on, because Frankie
(10:08):
was a good tale man. I just added the check
dial the doctor's number. He answered the phone himself, I'm
out of wrong number and hung up. So he's home. Huh, well,
you should get yourself in no panic for nothings up.
You lit my fancy friend here. This is Playfield's address
out on Long Island. Get out there and keep an
eye on a place all evening. I'll relave you at
(10:31):
ten o'clock here to sit you watch with mine. Get
out there, I said, ok, s, Simon'll agree, I'm going
Frankie left the office. I grabbed myself a quick bite
of food at the ConA Beanery, went back towards eleventh
Avenue and twelfth Street in a half gloom of early dust.
The laboratory looked even worse than during the daytime. I
(10:53):
stopped at one of the windows, but the black paint
on it eliminated any chance of looking inside. Then suddenly there.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Was a voice behind me. What's your name? Why what
are you doing down here?
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Why?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Federal Bureau of Investigation? Oh, pardon me.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Here is my card? Yeah, Steve Granger, license number two
for eighty six.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Okay, Grange Gyms. You know how it is.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Forget it. What happened with that litt walker? Had you
fellas take downtown? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Peter was still interviewing him when I left.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
Anything's staring around here, nothing except the wind.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I wish I had died down.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
This was ten o'clock. I don't know. Time to relieve Frankie.
On watch. I've got a cab ride out to the
Playfield Place, a large house set back from the street,
looming like a white ghost in the night. Frankie's cab
was down the street and been snowing. There was a
kind of hush quiet about the place. I circumnavigated the
(11:56):
entire house looking for him. Through one win though I
could see missus Playfield, plus a beautiful young girl, plus
a man who must have been doctor Playfield himself, but
no sign of Frankie Smith. Okay, mister, that far enough,
put up your hands for you. What's the idea of
(12:17):
the gun? I'll ask the questions. What are you looking for?
Maybe I forgot my lawnmower last summer. All right, funny man,
march into the house, call the police and you can
have a detective as a street Just a minute, let
me show you don't reach for anything. I'm only getting
my identification here s you've Grainger licensed private investigator. That's
(12:44):
all little about Why are you here? You know the
Playfields on Michael Grant, doctor Playfield, the system. I had
a man watching this place. He seems to have disappeared.
Came in that cab up the streets. Have you seen him?
So I'm standing by the kebs time ago. How'd you
happen to come on outside? We were playing cards after
(13:05):
Playfield went into the kitchen to make a drink.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
If I got the card game and talked.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
I wanted the breath of fresh air or I heard somebody.
I wonder where Frankie could have gone to its light
enough to look for tracks. I'll be clear in the snow.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
I want to make a try.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Man, here's something that don't belong to us. Yeah, yeah,
that lean over that way. Look the tracks go around
the back of the house. Yeah. Did you hear that? Yeah?
(13:48):
I hear and that's what I think it is. Then
somebody's gonna have to pay for it. And plenty that
groans sounding on the winter night, one chill feeling. If
anything had happened to Frankie Smith, there was gonna be
a mighty big blow up. And I was feeling like
just the boy to press the switch. In just a minute,
(14:10):
I'll bring you the climax of the case. When we
heard the groan coming from the back of the playfield house,
Michael Grant and Eye crunched fast through the snow. All
the time, I couldn't help a feeling of apprehension. And
then we saw it, the figure behind the wood box.
As we raced up, I recognized Frankie Smith trying hard
(14:32):
to raise himself onto his feet. Frankie, you are right.
Oh my god, hit you got I got eyes in
the back of my head. They came up from behind you.
Oh yeah, well, come on, I gotta get you to
a doctor. Granton eyehloaded Frankie in. It was his cab
and I drove into a doctor. While the medico was
(14:52):
making his check up, I called Cal Hendrix. Hi, se,
how's the name Muram? Save the comedy for the newspaper, pals.
Will you wastn't cal call the FBI for me when you?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Stevie?
Speaker 3 (15:02):
What just ask for Pete and asked him to run
a quick check on a man named Michael Grant. He's
a sort of assistant to doctor Robert Playfield. Yeah, yeah, Look,
do you have to ask so many questions? I know
how you make a living, my friend out of my
sweat and tears. I get myself beaten up regularly, and
you get the story. Well, one of us is to
come out with some get onto the FBI, cal and
(15:25):
tell him to call you back. I'll drop by and
find out what I tell you. Okay, Stevie, one thing? Yeah,
tell me too careful? In doc ellies, will you give
an even break? I don't eat this week? I hung
up and went back to the doc who was patching
up Frankie Smith. Cabby was okay, so we got back
(15:46):
into his taxi and he dropped me off at my place.
The following morning, I was in my office bright and early.
I checked with Cal Hendricks, found the FBI had given
Michael Grant a clean bill of health. Then I got
my first surprise of the day. Doctor Robert Playfield walked
in and started talking without preamble. You are Steve Granger,
are you not? I am, doctor Playfield. Mister Granger, my
(16:09):
wife has told me about employing you. At first, I
was inclined to be angry at her interference, but when
I remembered what happened.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Last night, I agreed with her.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Oh what happened last night? It was at our place
in Long Island. First I noticed the taxi parked up
the street. The driver was watching the house. Oh later,
Michael Grant went outside. He was gone for some time.
When he returned, he was quite evasive. Michael Grant. He's
been my laboratory assistant lately. However, just recently, I've begun
(16:39):
to distrust him.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Why.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Well, I can't tell you precisely. It's just a feeling
he's too curious about my work. He snoops around, he
gets into things that are confidential. Frankly, my work is
highly secret. If this invention would have fallen into the
wrong hands, it would be disastrous. And do you want
me to accompany you to the laboratory? Oh, that won't
be necessary. My wife is giving a costume party tonight,
(17:03):
one she's planned for months in spite of being extremely busy.
I have agreed to be there. I want you there too,
or what time the party gets under way? At eight?
I'll be there's sudding. Oh you agreed you?
Speaker 2 (17:23):
What'd you phone me for?
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Go to a party? Frankie, my boy party? It's right
down my alley, so doctor Playfield's house.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Oh, i'd better wear an iron skullcat, You are going
as a clown as a costume a clown? Hey, don't
cat hafee? And I'm going as one two and hurry up.
We haven't got much time. Hey, I don't get this
business about both of us wearing the same costume. Hey,
do I have to wear the mask that goes with it?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
You certainly do.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Might be a time during the evening when I'd like
to have somebody think you were me. Uh, oh, I
just know I'm gonna get it in the head again.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Mister Granger. I'm so glad you could come.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Your name, Missus Playfield. May I present Frankie Smith.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
How do you do Hi?
Speaker 3 (18:08):
He's acting as masters.
Speaker 4 (18:10):
Oh, we'll come in, please, darling. Mister Granger's here.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Oh glad to have you, Granger.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Granger. My suspicions regarding Grant are becoming stronger every minute.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Please be very alert.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
This year, Doctor Robin Playfield was a tide and a
fake suit of armor that added a grotesque note to
the conversation. The guests began arriving eighteen in all. Grant
was there in costume. Also a girl I'd seen at
this house the right before. Her name was Linda Miller.
Her job Playfield's private secretary. A while later, Doctor Playfield
(18:46):
motioned to me and I followed him.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
What's wrong, Doctor Clay, close the door please.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
This morning I told you that I'd been working on
a very hush hush device for the government. It happens
to be an improvement on the prison guided missile. Huh.
I have developed a new electronic follower, the performance of
which has amazed everybody there. Go on What I didn't
tell you this morning is that I have been approached
several times by other interests. How were these approaches made?
(19:19):
Telephone calls, letters, and so forth. Recently, these people, whoever
they are, have become more than insistent. This is the
latest threat. I just found it on my desk. Huh,
you have one hour in which to make up your mind.
You found us on the desk, you know how it
got there. All I'm afraid, Doctor Playfield, that this is
(19:42):
out of my hands. I'm telephoning the FBI. I told
Playfield to rejoin his guests and say nothing, and I
suited my action to my words. It took me almost
a half hour to find Pete, a federal man, and
make my report. I barely hung up when I heard it.
Out of that studying into the living room, quicker than
a dog after a bone.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
All right, it's a granger. Any alcohol?
Speaker 3 (20:08):
A guy in.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
Doctor Playfield.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Stabbed is? He doesn't seen him any puffs? Let me
lift his advisor.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
My good grade.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
Yeah? And how did he get into your husband's costume?
Speaker 1 (20:31):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
Robert was wearing it when he was here a little
while ago.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
I heard a lot of commotion in here.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Granger, what's going on?
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Ranky? Where are you being? What's the matter with you?
I feel awful, sleepy, Granger, awful sleepy. I've been drinking
with home a nice girl, loom the miller, awful, nice girl.
She gave you this drink. Yeh, you lie down hardly.
Somebody gave him a mickey.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
You mean knockout? Drops?
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now look heard these guests into the other room. Nobody
is to leave the house. I'll put frank down this couch,
and Missus Playfield, yes, tell your husband. I want to
see him right away. Missus Playfield did as I asked.
I hoisted the unconscious Frankie Smith out of a couch.
This room, like most of the others, had a telephone.
(21:23):
I called the local police first, the FBI. Second, I
just hung up. When I saw a figure outside the
house holding up a tree, I slipped out the back door.
All right, put up your hands. Now listen here and
still well. If it isn't Bill Walker recently of the Bowery,
(21:44):
you kept me wrong, Oh no, I haven't. You're worrying
about a suit of clothes and a nice a Robacoat
those eyes, I couldn't miss you wrong. No, I'm just
to play it safe walking in that garage. I gotta
tie you up for safe keeping until law shows up here.
Not doing anything of a time, I think not. I
(22:08):
dragged Bill Walker into the garage, found a length of clothesline,
and tied him up. Then I went back to the
house looking for two missing people, Linda Miller, the doctor's secretary,
and Robert Playfield himself. Granger, Well, doctor Playfield, where have
you been? I went downstairs for a few more bottles.
(22:32):
Grace just told me about poor Michael.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
This is terrible.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Whoever killed him must have thought he was me. How'd
you happen to change costumes? Well, we were going to
play a little joke on Grace and my wife. How
about a drink? I could use one, so could I.
But first, where's your secretary? Of Linda Miller in the room?
Were the other people the way she was when the
knife thing took place in the cellar with me? They see,
(22:58):
let's go into my study right here. Do you have
any suspicions about.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Who did the killing?
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Not at the moment. Here, take this drink.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
I'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
I want to see how Grace is feeling. I took
a swig of the drink. Play feel ahead of me
as he left the room, but didn't swallow it. I
got rid of it in the flower pot. Win singer
that as I tasted the drug in it. Then I
decided to play along. See what went on?
Speaker 4 (23:32):
That's mister Granger. Is he one of them too?
Speaker 2 (23:35):
Yes he is, Linda.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
I found out that he and that Frankie Smith are
after my invention.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
They're both spies. What are you going to do?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Tell them over to the police when they arrived. Now,
run along very well and don't say a word to anyone,
all right. I am a semi recumbent position, pretending to
be unconscious. Doctor Playfield with a long second, and pulled
a revolver out of his pocket and looked towards me.
(24:04):
He held a gun and a towel to deaden the sound.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
Doctor Playfield, I wanted to tell you that what are you.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
Doing with that gun? He might come too and get violent. Now, now,
please stay out of here.
Speaker 4 (24:16):
You're going to shoot you, weren't you.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
I'm going on to Dodo. You're cheaping that pretty mouth
shut crazy.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
I thought you weren't.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Sorry to disappoint you.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
Why you order Playfield?
Speaker 5 (24:31):
Huh?
Speaker 3 (24:32):
I'm call some federal Borough of investigation. You're under arrest
for the murder of a federal agent. No, well, friends,
that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the
case in just a minute. A man in the doorway
(24:53):
was the same one who had been guarding Robert Playfield's
laboratory in downtown New York. His brother took the doctor
through the shoulder. After medical treatment, Playfield was taken in
the city for booking. The FBI. N Carlson filed in
matters pony. We couldn't afford to have you know the truth, Granger.
We're being suspicious of Playfield.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
For a long time.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
We planned a grand him a lab to keep an
eye on him. Granted found out the Playfield was dealing
with a subversive group. That's why Playfield killed him. And
what about those threatening letters? Playfield planted those himself. He
was due for a big payoff tomorrow when he was
gonna disappear. And his secretary in the Miller and Playfield
fool that she's innocent. You know, she dedfeat Frankie Smith
knock out drops and I guess there wasn't much of help, Mitchell,
(25:35):
were Granger?
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Well, missus Playfield employed he was a guard. It brought
matters the way ahead.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
At least that's a minor comfort. I imagine it was
Playfield has slugged Frankie the night before. It must have
been oh what is that? Well, there's only one more thing,
but one of our undercover men was a sign to
watch this house.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
He's disappeared.
Speaker 3 (25:57):
Say would he be the guy I spotted in front
of Playfield's the guy whose name should be Bill Walker?
You know what? I discovered him on the prov outside.
I thought he was one of aspiring. When he got tough,
I slugged him, dragged him into the guy I and
tied him up. Walker brother, is that funny look? I'll
see you later, won't you hurry? I just don't want
(26:20):
to be around when he won't tie him. Steve Granger again,
you just had one of the most interesting cases in
my files. I'll have another one for you, so be
next time.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
Welcome back. A decent mystery, though the scientist's final act
wasn't really the sign of a brilliant mind. Was trying
to drug our hero after also having drugged the sidekick,
and I really also appreciated the of this. It was
very snappy, very quick, but feeling like a complete story
(27:05):
despite a little bit of an audio skip. So overall
just a really fun first episode. If this was indeed
the first again, this is still a confusing story. Now.
I discovered this series was broadcast over mutual and mutual
stations found ads for it in nineteen fifty six, and
(27:28):
I thought that's settled it. This was an American production.
It was something that Hart mcgunt wire made when he
returned to the States. But I actually have to credit
a man, and I have no clue if he listens
to this podcast. But if you know Trip Wiggins, you
can tell him that his research was really helpful in
(27:49):
helping me understand this series because he was researching another
series called Peril and found some information very relevant. Peril,
just like this series, was produced by Harry S. Goodman.
Now longtime listeners may recognize the name of the man
who syndicated left George do It to a Canadian audience
(28:14):
as well as to Upstate New York, taking the standard
oil commercials out of old episode so they could be
replayed anywhere. Goodman decided to produce detective and mystery dramas
in Australia for syndication in the United States as opposed
to Australia. He started doing this in nineteen fifty four,
or at least he was talking about it to a magazine,
(28:37):
and this really would address a problem. As radio dramas
became less profitable, many aspects of their production remained just
as expensive thanks to the contract with the union AFTRA.
When the deal was struck for paying radio actors, it
(28:57):
was a boon to radio actors who could often make
serious money, you know, taking half an hour to an
hour appearing on multiple shows in the same day, and
they got paid really well, and certainly with the advertising
money the network could afford to do that and still
be quite profitable. But the economics of radio had changed
(29:19):
which made radio drama too expensive, particularly when you could
easily filled time with news and recorded music. And so
Goodman's idea was to produce all of these audio dramas
in Australia away from the AFTR and outside that and
(29:42):
then sell them to stations in the United States. And
for these productions, Goodman used a much higher percentage of
US born expats then you typically heard in your average
Australian radio drama, even if it was supposed to be
set in the United States so that it would sound
(30:02):
a little less foreign to American ears. Goodman had claimed
to have over a thousand episodes that he would be
able to sell, and he sold two hundred and sixty
comprising five episodes to Mutual and delivered one hundred and
fifty three and received partial payment, and then the Union
(30:26):
raised a stink with Mutual. Mutual decided not to take
delivery of the rest of the order and Goodman ended
up suing them in court. Goodman's radio dramas did continue
in syndication at some stations across the country. The latest
that Wiggins could find was in nineteen sixty at a
(30:49):
station in South Carolina. Now, Danger with Granger was one
of those five series that was recorded, and Option to
Mutual would have been completed while McGuire was still in Australia,
and not necessarily in nineteen fifty six when it aired.
It could have been completed in nineteen fifty four or
(31:11):
fifty five. Now, the information that mister Wagan's found regarding
the series Danger with Granger does require me to revise
some of my thoughts on some other series because they
also identified it's a crime. Mister Collins and The Crime
(31:33):
Files of Lamont. Now in old time radio circles, it
had been talked about that there was an American version
of its a Crime, Mister Collins, and I kind of
questioned that at this point, knowing that the version of
It's a Crime, Mister Collins that was aired over Mutual
(31:56):
would have actually originated in Australia. I'm not entirely sure
that they would have had two separate productions with two
different groups of actors to bring the same set of
scripts to life for both the United States and Australia.
I mean, we do technically speak the same language, although
(32:20):
some people might challenge me on that assertion, so I
really am not certain there was ever a separate Australian
version different from the one that aired in the States,
or different from the one we played back during season eleven.
And also this does explain why there was something a
(32:40):
bit odd about the last few episodes of The Crime
Files of Lemont and those that were dated nineteen fifty
six were likely made in Australia, although the original episodes
of the series from the nineteen forties were of course
still made in Chicago. Some very interesting discoveries and I've
(33:05):
got a good idea I think of where Danger with
Granger fits and no specific air dates for episodes, but
we're kind of just going off the best order of
episodes we can find.
Speaker 2 (33:21):
All right.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of
the day, and I want to thank Shauna, Patreon supporter
since June twenty nineteen, currently supporting the podcast at the
Detective Sergeant level of seven dollars and fourteen cents or
more per month. Thanks so much for your support, SHAWNA.
That'll do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast,
please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be
(33:44):
sure to rate and review the podcast using your favorite
podcast software. We'll be back next Monday with another episode
of Danger with Granger, but join us back here tomorrow
for Charlie Chan.
Speaker 5 (33:58):
Where sorry to have alarmed. I am inspected chain of
Honolulu Police and this is my number one son, Lee Chan.
Speaker 4 (34:07):
Highway people, but what are you doing here? I we
didn't even hear you come.
Speaker 5 (34:12):
Aboard bug at sea blankets ears as well as eyes,
so that even great help of men like self seems
to walk on a pussy cat feet. Was the road
here from police boat in totally inadequate dinghy by number one. Son.
You should have seen Papola way over. He was just
as comfortable as he would have been the merry go
round with sant paper seats. This is no time for levity,
(34:35):
my son. You are miss Bromfield. Please, yes, yes, I am.
But how did you remember of cruise so informed me
when he directed me here?
Speaker 2 (34:46):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (34:47):
And you, sir, this is dartenheavy inspector. He he's my fiancee.
Speaker 2 (34:55):
Then you have not yet informed Barton's my decision.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
I hope you'll be with us then in the meantime,
send your comments to Box thirteen at Greatdetectives dot net.
Follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives. Check us out
on Instagram, Instagram, dot com, slash Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we
are going to get into today's first episode of Danger
with Granger. But first I do want to encourage you.
If you are enjoying podcasts, please follow us using your
(00:49):
favorite podcast software, and today's program is brought to you
in part by the financial support of our listeners. You
can support the show on a one time basis over
at support dot Great Detectives dot net and become one
of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as two
dollars per month at Patreon dot great Detectives dot net. Today,
(01:15):
I'm bringing you one of the most confusing series to
figure out even its basic origin that I've ever dealt
with for many years, I thought Danger with Granger originated
in South African and so we couldn't play it. But
that turned out to be incorrect, and that just brought
(01:36):
us question was it Australian or American? I thought I
found definitive proof that it was an American show, But
then a bit of a twist, and I'll talk a
bit more about that. If I try to go into
all of that will be five minutes before getting into
the first episode, so I'll just briefly introduce the series.
(01:57):
Danger with Granger stars Harp McGuire as a private detective
in New York named Steve Granger. Now. McGuire was an
American born actor who spent many years in Australia. He
played the police spoil character Lieutenant Brooks in the Mister
(02:21):
Malone series, which was adapted from American scripts. And if
you grew up listening to Australian old time radio, Randy
Stone was not Frank Lovejoy, he was Harp McGuire. However,
McGuire did return to the United States and spent the
last part of his acting career working in many television
(02:43):
programs and movies, which is part of what led to
my confusion. But we'll get to all that after today's broadcast.
We don't have firm air dates, but these would have
originally played in either nineteen fifty six or nineteen fifty seven.
And here's today's episode, the FBI and the scientist.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Danger. Where's Granger?
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Is that? You're darling?
Speaker 4 (03:27):
You're home early?
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Yes, I know Grace has been already.
Speaker 4 (03:30):
I must seat quickly and get back to the laboratory,
Robert Playfield, you've been at that laboratory every night for
the past two weeks.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Well, it can't be helped. I'm working on a very
important project.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What is this important project?
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I can't tell you.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
It's an extremely secret matter.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
May I go over to the laboratory with you.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
No, that's impossible.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
I'll be back around minute, Robert. Now what is it?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
I've told you all, I'm going to this note.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
I found it crumpled up in the waste paper basket
in your room.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Grace, have you been snooping through my things?
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Yes, I have, and I think I'm entitled to an explanation.
Just why would anyone write you or letters threaten to
kill you?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Mister Steve Granger, private detective for the story about a
well known scientist, the FBI and a worried wife, a
combination which had me going dizzy And just a moment,
I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases,
Missus Granger. It was late afternoon when a woman walked
(04:31):
into my office and identified herself as missus Robert Playfield.
She was a very beautiful woman in her middle thirties,
and she was also very worried mister.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
Granger, I'm here because of my husband, Robert Playfield. You
may have heard of him. He's the electronics expert.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yes, yes, seems to me I've read about him in
the papers, a lot of development work for the government.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
That's right, mister Granger. I have reason to believe that
someone intends to kill my husband. Friend of mine. I
recommended you as a capable man. I thought you could
handle this matter.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
If I did, the first thing who would be to
check the FBI and.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Mister Granger, I don't care how you handle this. I
simply want my husband protected at any cost. Do I
make myself playing?
Speaker 3 (05:16):
You certainly do, and I'll be glad to help.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
But mister Grainger, there's one thing to remember. My husband
is to know nothing about this. You understand nothing.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
As soon as missus Playfield left, I picked up the
phone and called a contact of mine with the FBI.
This is Steve Granger, says Peter around. Thanks, Hi have Pete.
What have you got in Robert Playfield, electronics expert? Uh,
(05:48):
I see you keeping an eye on him. Of course
I've got a reason for asking. His wife was just
in here. She hired me to see it didn't get hurt.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Uh uh sure, sure, yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I'll be roun. I hung up, got on my coat
and beat it over to take a look at doctor
Playfield's laboratory. His research spots was on the Lower West Side,
located on an inconspicuous side street. It was as gloomy
as the Morgue. Even at this hour of the day.
(06:23):
The street was deserted, except for a derelict who moved
up to me. Hey, Mystery, what do you want?
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Can you spare two bits for something to eat?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Two bits?
Speaker 3 (06:33):
What are you doing in this neighborhood? Looks like pretty
poor pickings for a handout. I just happened to be here,
that's so Yeah, two bits? He thinks, Mystery, you're a
real pal. I watched him shuffle off. He might have
been a derelict, but I had a glimpse of sharp
brown eyes peering at me from a decrepit old hat.
(06:57):
I decided to check further on him. Hey, you wait,
what do you want? Come back here? H wey west Maynord. Okay,
I'll get this and a licensed private eye. They're not
your pockets. I want to find out.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
Who you are.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I ain't done a lease. Turn out those pockets or
I'll do it for you. Sure shoe, mister, it's a second.
I haven't got a gun at least me. Yeah, I
wouldn't know what to do with again mine, get going
with the pockets. Oh here, mister, half a loaf of bread.
I got some sausage too. Got a wallet? What would
(07:34):
neither with a wallet? All I got is this though,
sixty cents. What's your name, Bill Walk Where do you live?
The Senator Hotel in the bar? Okay, let's go. Never
mind the questions, let's go. I held on, tied to
the guy and called the FBI, told him I'd found
(07:55):
a character they're hiding suspiciously hanging around Playfield's laboratory, that
I wait until they showed up and took the direct
off for questioning. I went back to patrolling the street
where doctor Playfield had his laboratory, to the point where
my toes began to resemble frosterday Claire's. Then I had
an idea for men to relieve me a taxicab drive
(08:16):
A pal of mine named Frankie Smith. I used him
occasionally on steakhouts of this kind. I got the hecky
down to the corner of eleventh Avenue and twelfth Street
told him what I wanted, after which I went up,
turning my office and draped my lower extremities over a radiator.
Three hours went by and the door opened. What are
(08:41):
you doing up here, Frankie? I told you to keep
an eye on doctor Playfield. Grain Git, you're looking at
what I term an abject for you. What happened? Well?
Like you tell me too. I watched Playfield's laboratory. I
parked my heck on the corner, and when things get chilly,
I claim inside touched my tortom. Mind up, build up?
What happened while I'm sitting in the car, like I said,
all of a sudden, this man Playfield walks out his
(09:02):
front door. He beats it down the street towards me. Well,
I'm lost. If I follow him, I have to leave
my cat or you follow him in the cab. No,
because when he gets to my corner, he motions me over.
Now this looks good to me, So I accept this call.
He tells me fifty fifth Street and six seven old rank.
He cut the verbosity. How did you lose, doctor Playfield?
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Simple?
Speaker 3 (09:22):
He climbs out of fifty to fifth and six seven. Ou,
I run the cabin hextan and take out after him.
I stayed glued to him the coin of foot. Yeah yeah,
go on, only I become unstuck. He walks into a
drug store through the only door. I wait outside. He
comes charging her like a cat with a turbentine tail
and brushes me off my feet. So by the time
I recover, he is but glaw. Well, that's just great.
(09:47):
As a watchdog. You're about as useful as a four
week old kitten. I didn't like the son of it.
If Frankie Smith hadn't been able to keep on doctor
Playfield's tail, there was something peculiar going on, because Frankie
(10:08):
was a good tale man. I just added the check
dial the doctor's number. He answered the phone himself, I'm
out of wrong number and hung up. So he's home. Huh, well,
you should get yourself in no panic for nothings up.
You lit my fancy friend here. This is Playfield's address
out on Long Island. Get out there and keep an
eye on a place all evening. I'll relave you at
(10:31):
ten o'clock here to sit you watch with mine. Get
out there, I said, ok, s, Simon'll agree, I'm going
Frankie left the office. I grabbed myself a quick bite
of food at the ConA Beanery, went back towards eleventh
Avenue and twelfth Street in a half gloom of early dust.
The laboratory looked even worse than during the daytime. I
(10:53):
stopped at one of the windows, but the black paint
on it eliminated any chance of looking inside. Then suddenly there.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Was a voice behind me. What's your name? Why what
are you doing down here?
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Why?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Federal Bureau of Investigation? Oh, pardon me.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Here is my card? Yeah, Steve Granger, license number two
for eighty six.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Okay, Grange Gyms. You know how it is.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Forget it. What happened with that litt walker? Had you
fellas take downtown? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Peter was still interviewing him when I left.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
Anything's staring around here, nothing except the wind.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I wish I had died down.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
This was ten o'clock. I don't know. Time to relieve Frankie.
On watch. I've got a cab ride out to the
Playfield Place, a large house set back from the street,
looming like a white ghost in the night. Frankie's cab
was down the street and been snowing. There was a
kind of hush quiet about the place. I circumnavigated the
(11:56):
entire house looking for him. Through one win though I
could see missus Playfield, plus a beautiful young girl, plus
a man who must have been doctor Playfield himself, but
no sign of Frankie Smith. Okay, mister, that far enough,
put up your hands for you. What's the idea of
(12:17):
the gun? I'll ask the questions. What are you looking for?
Maybe I forgot my lawnmower last summer. All right, funny man,
march into the house, call the police and you can
have a detective as a street Just a minute, let
me show you don't reach for anything. I'm only getting
my identification here s you've Grainger licensed private investigator. That's
(12:44):
all little about Why are you here? You know the
Playfields on Michael Grant, doctor Playfield, the system. I had
a man watching this place. He seems to have disappeared.
Came in that cab up the streets. Have you seen him?
So I'm standing by the kebs time ago. How'd you
happen to come on outside? We were playing cards after
(13:05):
Playfield went into the kitchen to make a drink.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
If I got the card game and talked.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
I wanted the breath of fresh air or I heard somebody.
I wonder where Frankie could have gone to its light
enough to look for tracks. I'll be clear in the snow.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
I want to make a try.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Man, here's something that don't belong to us. Yeah, yeah,
that lean over that way. Look the tracks go around
the back of the house. Yeah. Did you hear that? Yeah?
(13:48):
I hear and that's what I think it is. Then
somebody's gonna have to pay for it. And plenty that
groans sounding on the winter night, one chill feeling. If
anything had happened to Frankie Smith, there was gonna be
a mighty big blow up. And I was feeling like
just the boy to press the switch. In just a minute,
(14:10):
I'll bring you the climax of the case. When we
heard the groan coming from the back of the playfield house,
Michael Grant and Eye crunched fast through the snow. All
the time, I couldn't help a feeling of apprehension. And
then we saw it, the figure behind the wood box.
As we raced up, I recognized Frankie Smith trying hard
(14:32):
to raise himself onto his feet. Frankie, you are right.
Oh my god, hit you got I got eyes in
the back of my head. They came up from behind you.
Oh yeah, well, come on, I gotta get you to
a doctor. Granton eyehloaded Frankie in. It was his cab
and I drove into a doctor. While the medico was
(14:52):
making his check up, I called Cal Hendrix. Hi, se,
how's the name Muram? Save the comedy for the newspaper, pals.
Will you wastn't cal call the FBI for me when you?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Stevie?
Speaker 3 (15:02):
What just ask for Pete and asked him to run
a quick check on a man named Michael Grant. He's
a sort of assistant to doctor Robert Playfield. Yeah, yeah, Look,
do you have to ask so many questions? I know
how you make a living, my friend out of my
sweat and tears. I get myself beaten up regularly, and
you get the story. Well, one of us is to
come out with some get onto the FBI, cal and
(15:25):
tell him to call you back. I'll drop by and
find out what I tell you. Okay, Stevie, one thing? Yeah,
tell me too careful? In doc ellies, will you give
an even break? I don't eat this week? I hung
up and went back to the doc who was patching
up Frankie Smith. Cabby was okay, so we got back
(15:46):
into his taxi and he dropped me off at my place.
The following morning, I was in my office bright and early.
I checked with Cal Hendricks, found the FBI had given
Michael Grant a clean bill of health. Then I got
my first surprise of the day. Doctor Robert Playfield walked
in and started talking without preamble. You are Steve Granger,
are you not? I am, doctor Playfield. Mister Granger, my
(16:09):
wife has told me about employing you. At first, I
was inclined to be angry at her interference, but when
I remembered what happened.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Last night, I agreed with her.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Oh what happened last night? It was at our place
in Long Island. First I noticed the taxi parked up
the street. The driver was watching the house. Oh later,
Michael Grant went outside. He was gone for some time.
When he returned, he was quite evasive. Michael Grant. He's
been my laboratory assistant lately. However, just recently, I've begun
(16:39):
to distrust him.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Why.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Well, I can't tell you precisely. It's just a feeling
he's too curious about my work. He snoops around, he
gets into things that are confidential. Frankly, my work is
highly secret. If this invention would have fallen into the
wrong hands, it would be disastrous. And do you want
me to accompany you to the laboratory? Oh, that won't
be necessary. My wife is giving a costume party tonight,
(17:03):
one she's planned for months in spite of being extremely busy.
I have agreed to be there. I want you there too,
or what time the party gets under way? At eight?
I'll be there's sudding. Oh you agreed you?
Speaker 2 (17:23):
What'd you phone me for?
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Go to a party? Frankie, my boy party? It's right
down my alley, so doctor Playfield's house.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Oh, i'd better wear an iron skullcat, You are going
as a clown as a costume a clown? Hey, don't
cat hafee? And I'm going as one two and hurry up.
We haven't got much time. Hey, I don't get this
business about both of us wearing the same costume. Hey,
do I have to wear the mask that goes with it?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
You certainly do.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Might be a time during the evening when I'd like
to have somebody think you were me. Uh, oh, I
just know I'm gonna get it in the head again.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Mister Granger. I'm so glad you could come.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Your name, Missus Playfield. May I present Frankie Smith.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
How do you do Hi?
Speaker 3 (18:08):
He's acting as masters.
Speaker 4 (18:10):
Oh, we'll come in, please, darling. Mister Granger's here.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Oh glad to have you, Granger.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Granger. My suspicions regarding Grant are becoming stronger every minute.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Please be very alert.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
This year, Doctor Robin Playfield was a tide and a
fake suit of armor that added a grotesque note to
the conversation. The guests began arriving eighteen in all. Grant
was there in costume. Also a girl I'd seen at
this house the right before. Her name was Linda Miller.
Her job Playfield's private secretary. A while later, Doctor Playfield
(18:46):
motioned to me and I followed him.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
What's wrong, Doctor Clay, close the door please.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
This morning I told you that I'd been working on
a very hush hush device for the government. It happens
to be an improvement on the prison guided missile. Huh.
I have developed a new electronic follower, the performance of
which has amazed everybody there. Go on What I didn't
tell you this morning is that I have been approached
several times by other interests. How were these approaches made?
(19:19):
Telephone calls, letters, and so forth. Recently, these people, whoever
they are, have become more than insistent. This is the
latest threat. I just found it on my desk. Huh,
you have one hour in which to make up your mind.
You found us on the desk, you know how it
got there. All I'm afraid, Doctor Playfield, that this is
(19:42):
out of my hands. I'm telephoning the FBI. I told
Playfield to rejoin his guests and say nothing, and I
suited my action to my words. It took me almost
a half hour to find Pete, a federal man, and
make my report. I barely hung up when I heard it.
Out of that studying into the living room, quicker than
a dog after a bone.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
All right, it's a granger. Any alcohol?
Speaker 3 (20:08):
A guy in.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
Doctor Playfield.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Stabbed is? He doesn't seen him any puffs? Let me
lift his advisor.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
My good grade.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
Yeah? And how did he get into your husband's costume?
Speaker 1 (20:31):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
Robert was wearing it when he was here a little
while ago.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
I heard a lot of commotion in here.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Granger, what's going on?
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Ranky? Where are you being? What's the matter with you?
I feel awful, sleepy, Granger, awful sleepy. I've been drinking
with home a nice girl, loom the miller, awful, nice girl.
She gave you this drink. Yeh, you lie down hardly.
Somebody gave him a mickey.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
You mean knockout? Drops?
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now look heard these guests into the other room. Nobody
is to leave the house. I'll put frank down this couch,
and Missus Playfield, yes, tell your husband. I want to
see him right away. Missus Playfield did as I asked.
I hoisted the unconscious Frankie Smith out of a couch.
This room, like most of the others, had a telephone.
(21:23):
I called the local police first, the FBI. Second, I
just hung up. When I saw a figure outside the
house holding up a tree, I slipped out the back door.
All right, put up your hands. Now listen here and
still well. If it isn't Bill Walker recently of the Bowery,
(21:44):
you kept me wrong, Oh no, I haven't. You're worrying
about a suit of clothes and a nice a Robacoat
those eyes, I couldn't miss you wrong. No, I'm just
to play it safe walking in that garage. I gotta
tie you up for safe keeping until law shows up here.
Not doing anything of a time, I think not. I
(22:08):
dragged Bill Walker into the garage, found a length of clothesline,
and tied him up. Then I went back to the
house looking for two missing people, Linda Miller, the doctor's secretary,
and Robert Playfield himself. Granger, Well, doctor Playfield, where have
you been? I went downstairs for a few more bottles.
(22:32):
Grace just told me about poor Michael.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
This is terrible.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Whoever killed him must have thought he was me. How'd
you happen to change costumes? Well, we were going to
play a little joke on Grace and my wife. How
about a drink? I could use one, so could I.
But first, where's your secretary? Of Linda Miller in the room?
Were the other people the way she was when the
knife thing took place in the cellar with me? They see,
(22:58):
let's go into my study right here. Do you have
any suspicions about.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Who did the killing?
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Not at the moment. Here, take this drink.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
I'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
I want to see how Grace is feeling. I took
a swig of the drink. Play feel ahead of me
as he left the room, but didn't swallow it. I
got rid of it in the flower pot. Win singer
that as I tasted the drug in it. Then I
decided to play along. See what went on?
Speaker 4 (23:32):
That's mister Granger. Is he one of them too?
Speaker 2 (23:35):
Yes he is, Linda.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
I found out that he and that Frankie Smith are
after my invention.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
They're both spies. What are you going to do?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Tell them over to the police when they arrived. Now,
run along very well and don't say a word to anyone,
all right. I am a semi recumbent position, pretending to
be unconscious. Doctor Playfield with a long second, and pulled
a revolver out of his pocket and looked towards me.
(24:04):
He held a gun and a towel to deaden the sound.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
Doctor Playfield, I wanted to tell you that what are you.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
Doing with that gun? He might come too and get violent. Now, now,
please stay out of here.
Speaker 4 (24:16):
You're going to shoot you, weren't you.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
I'm going on to Dodo. You're cheaping that pretty mouth
shut crazy.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
I thought you weren't.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Sorry to disappoint you.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
Why you order Playfield?
Speaker 5 (24:31):
Huh?
Speaker 3 (24:32):
I'm call some federal Borough of investigation. You're under arrest
for the murder of a federal agent. No, well, friends,
that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the
case in just a minute. A man in the doorway
(24:53):
was the same one who had been guarding Robert Playfield's
laboratory in downtown New York. His brother took the doctor
through the shoulder. After medical treatment, Playfield was taken in
the city for booking. The FBI. N Carlson filed in
matters pony. We couldn't afford to have you know the truth, Granger.
We're being suspicious of Playfield.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
For a long time.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
We planned a grand him a lab to keep an
eye on him. Granted found out the Playfield was dealing
with a subversive group. That's why Playfield killed him. And
what about those threatening letters? Playfield planted those himself. He
was due for a big payoff tomorrow when he was
gonna disappear. And his secretary in the Miller and Playfield
fool that she's innocent. You know, she dedfeat Frankie Smith
knock out drops and I guess there wasn't much of help, Mitchell,
(25:35):
were Granger?
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Well, missus Playfield employed he was a guard. It brought
matters the way ahead.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
At least that's a minor comfort. I imagine it was
Playfield has slugged Frankie the night before. It must have
been oh what is that? Well, there's only one more thing,
but one of our undercover men was a sign to
watch this house.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
He's disappeared.
Speaker 3 (25:57):
Say would he be the guy I spotted in front
of Playfield's the guy whose name should be Bill Walker?
You know what? I discovered him on the prov outside.
I thought he was one of aspiring. When he got tough,
I slugged him, dragged him into the guy I and
tied him up. Walker brother, is that funny look? I'll
see you later, won't you hurry? I just don't want
(26:20):
to be around when he won't tie him. Steve Granger again,
you just had one of the most interesting cases in
my files. I'll have another one for you, so be
next time.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
Welcome back. A decent mystery, though the scientist's final act
wasn't really the sign of a brilliant mind. Was trying
to drug our hero after also having drugged the sidekick,
and I really also appreciated the of this. It was
very snappy, very quick, but feeling like a complete story
(27:05):
despite a little bit of an audio skip. So overall
just a really fun first episode. If this was indeed
the first again, this is still a confusing story. Now.
I discovered this series was broadcast over mutual and mutual
stations found ads for it in nineteen fifty six, and
(27:28):
I thought that's settled it. This was an American production.
It was something that Hart mcgunt wire made when he
returned to the States. But I actually have to credit
a man, and I have no clue if he listens
to this podcast. But if you know Trip Wiggins, you
can tell him that his research was really helpful in
(27:49):
helping me understand this series because he was researching another
series called Peril and found some information very relevant. Peril,
just like this series, was produced by Harry S. Goodman.
Now longtime listeners may recognize the name of the man
who syndicated left George do It to a Canadian audience
(28:14):
as well as to Upstate New York, taking the standard
oil commercials out of old episode so they could be
replayed anywhere. Goodman decided to produce detective and mystery dramas
in Australia for syndication in the United States as opposed
to Australia. He started doing this in nineteen fifty four,
or at least he was talking about it to a magazine,
(28:37):
and this really would address a problem. As radio dramas
became less profitable, many aspects of their production remained just
as expensive thanks to the contract with the union AFTRA.
When the deal was struck for paying radio actors, it
(28:57):
was a boon to radio actors who could often make
serious money, you know, taking half an hour to an
hour appearing on multiple shows in the same day, and
they got paid really well, and certainly with the advertising
money the network could afford to do that and still
be quite profitable. But the economics of radio had changed
(29:19):
which made radio drama too expensive, particularly when you could
easily filled time with news and recorded music. And so
Goodman's idea was to produce all of these audio dramas
in Australia away from the AFTR and outside that and
(29:42):
then sell them to stations in the United States. And
for these productions, Goodman used a much higher percentage of
US born expats then you typically heard in your average
Australian radio drama, even if it was supposed to be
set in the United States so that it would sound
(30:02):
a little less foreign to American ears. Goodman had claimed
to have over a thousand episodes that he would be
able to sell, and he sold two hundred and sixty
comprising five episodes to Mutual and delivered one hundred and
fifty three and received partial payment, and then the Union
(30:26):
raised a stink with Mutual. Mutual decided not to take
delivery of the rest of the order and Goodman ended
up suing them in court. Goodman's radio dramas did continue
in syndication at some stations across the country. The latest
that Wiggins could find was in nineteen sixty at a
(30:49):
station in South Carolina. Now, Danger with Granger was one
of those five series that was recorded, and Option to
Mutual would have been completed while McGuire was still in Australia,
and not necessarily in nineteen fifty six when it aired.
It could have been completed in nineteen fifty four or
(31:11):
fifty five. Now, the information that mister Wagan's found regarding
the series Danger with Granger does require me to revise
some of my thoughts on some other series because they
also identified it's a crime. Mister Collins and The Crime
(31:33):
Files of Lamont. Now in old time radio circles, it
had been talked about that there was an American version
of its a Crime, Mister Collins, and I kind of
questioned that at this point, knowing that the version of
It's a Crime, Mister Collins that was aired over Mutual
(31:56):
would have actually originated in Australia. I'm not entirely sure
that they would have had two separate productions with two
different groups of actors to bring the same set of
scripts to life for both the United States and Australia.
I mean, we do technically speak the same language, although
(32:20):
some people might challenge me on that assertion, so I
really am not certain there was ever a separate Australian
version different from the one that aired in the States,
or different from the one we played back during season eleven.
And also this does explain why there was something a
(32:40):
bit odd about the last few episodes of The Crime
Files of Lemont and those that were dated nineteen fifty
six were likely made in Australia, although the original episodes
of the series from the nineteen forties were of course
still made in Chicago. Some very interesting discoveries and I've
(33:05):
got a good idea I think of where Danger with
Granger fits and no specific air dates for episodes, but
we're kind of just going off the best order of
episodes we can find.
Speaker 2 (33:21):
All right.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of
the day, and I want to thank Shauna, Patreon supporter
since June twenty nineteen, currently supporting the podcast at the
Detective Sergeant level of seven dollars and fourteen cents or
more per month. Thanks so much for your support, SHAWNA.
That'll do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast,
please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be
(33:44):
sure to rate and review the podcast using your favorite
podcast software. We'll be back next Monday with another episode
of Danger with Granger, but join us back here tomorrow
for Charlie Chan.
Speaker 5 (33:58):
Where sorry to have alarmed. I am inspected chain of
Honolulu Police and this is my number one son, Lee Chan.
Speaker 4 (34:07):
Highway people, but what are you doing here? I we
didn't even hear you come.
Speaker 5 (34:12):
Aboard bug at sea blankets ears as well as eyes,
so that even great help of men like self seems
to walk on a pussy cat feet. Was the road
here from police boat in totally inadequate dinghy by number one. Son.
You should have seen Papola way over. He was just
as comfortable as he would have been the merry go
round with sant paper seats. This is no time for levity,
(34:35):
my son. You are miss Bromfield. Please, yes, yes, I am.
But how did you remember of cruise so informed me
when he directed me here?
Speaker 2 (34:46):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (34:47):
And you, sir, this is dartenheavy inspector. He he's my fiancee.
Speaker 2 (34:55):
Then you have not yet informed Barton's my decision.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
I hope you'll be with us then in the meantime,
send your comments to Box thirteen at Greatdetectives dot net.
Follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives. Check us out
on Instagram, Instagram, dot com, slash Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
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