April 25, 2026 • 37 mins
Today's Adventure: A gang of bank robbers pretend to be a film crew as a cover for a robbery.
Original Radio Broadcast: May 30, 1948
Originating in New York
Starring Don McLaughlin as David Harding, Mandel Kramer as Peters
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Original Radio Broadcast: May 30, 1948
Originating in New York
Starring Don McLaughlin as David Harding, Mandel Kramer as Peters
To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/
Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://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 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
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boyse, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're
going to bring you this week's episode of Counterspot, But
first I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying
the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software.
(00:27):
And today's program is brought you in part by the
financial support of our listeners. You can support the show
on a one time basis at support dot great Detectives
dot net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters
for the last two dollars per month. Just go to
Patreon dot great Detectives dot net. From May thirtieth of
(00:50):
nineteen forty eight, Here now is the episode Camera Happy Crook.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
David Hardy counter Spot presented by the makers A Whole
and Bit of Honey Candy Bars. And today the makers
of Delicious Old Nick and Bit of Honey Candy Bars
present a special offer that means money saved for you.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
We homemakers know that slicing knives with blades that are
hollow ground usually cost two dollars and more.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
But we offer you today a thirteen inch stainless steel
slicing knife with a special process hollow ground blade for
only twenty five cents in coin with two rappers from
either Old Nick or bit of honey candy bars sent
to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York eight,
New York. We'll repeat the address and complete details later,
(01:41):
so have pencil and paper ready.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Washington calling David Hooding Counterspine. Washington calling David Harding, counter spy.
Harding counter spy calling Washington.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
David Hardy cheap United States collar spies especially appointed to
investigate and come back the enemies of our country, both
at home and abroad, and to secure for every American
the rights which are his under our constitution.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
Send mister Butler in now, please, mister Tiffin. That's why,
mister Butler, come right in. Sit down. Thank you. I
don't mind telling you that your phone call earlier this
morning aroused a great deal of curiosity. I'm glad to
hear that, mister Tiffin. It should make things easier for me.
Tell you, mister Butler, why did you come all the
way to Kelby, Pennsylvania. Why did you choose the Kelby
(02:59):
National Bank? Must be a score of other banks closer
to Hollywood which would serve you a purpose or we
could have picked any number of banks, mister Tiffin, but
none would be as authentic for this particular scene we
wanted to film. There's quite a trend, you know, and
making the so called documentary type of picture a real
people in real location. Yes, missus, Tiffan and I have
seen several pictures like that. Well, then you know the
(03:19):
realism we're looking for. We're filming the life of pretty
boy loved and oh yes, I've all his hold ups.
One of the most spectacular took place right here. I'll
never forget that day. I was standing near the telescades
when it happened. That's exactly what we want to show
you and the regular personalities bank me Asker Tiffin in
a moving picture, why not could anyone else act the
(03:41):
parts of realistically? What would this entail on the bank's part?
And when would you like to do it?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Not?
Speaker 4 (03:45):
The most to are interruption in your normal routine? Oh
is that all? That's all? We'll shoot the scene without
sound so that any extraneous noises wanted to rob the shooting,
and we'll put the sound on film later. As for
when we'd like to do it, the sooner the better,
morning if possible tomorrow. Yes, I've got my crew standing by,
and time is money in any business, mister Tiffin. Oh yes, sir,
(04:07):
wish other businesses would learn that. Of course, tomorrow's Friday,
and I imagine with payrolls and everything. Well, that's not
a problem, particularly if it will only take two hours.
Our bank is organized efficiently enough to handle its business
even with a little interruption, then tomorrow will be all right. Yes,
mister Butler, if you can finish before eleven thirty, perhaps
even before that. I see, will there be any stars
(04:27):
in this scene? No, I'm sorry, we're using doubles. These
will be long shots. We'll take close ups to the
stars back in Hollywood. I see just one thing more.
I want to arrange for a police guard to keep
curiosity seekers out of camera range. Oh yes, of course, certainly.
You see the mayor. He'll take care of you. In fact,
I'll phone him and tell him you're coming. Oh, thank you,
mister Tiffin. That'll be a big help. Good day, sir,
(04:50):
glad to do it. Goodbye, I mean, I mean lodgeant Lynn. Yep,
I'm mister Butler.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
Oh you're the fellow who's gonna turn Kelby Pie into Hollywood.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Caw, what care little joke and the abbreviation yeah. Well
side all about it.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
Commissioner called and said, the mayor said to give you
all the cooperation of the world. Well, I can't do that,
but I can give you all the cooperation in KELBYPA.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
That will be sufficient. Sergeant, Now what I will got them?
Speaker 5 (05:30):
Give you the best men on the force nine thirty
tomorrow morning. Commissioner said that right.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Yes it is. We're gonna need some folks inside the bank,
aren't you. Well, that'll be.
Speaker 5 (05:39):
My wife, Agar there's a regular depositor there. She'd be
glad to help you out. Always hankering after movies anyhow,
be true to life.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
Two sticks every said, I'm making there. I'll be happy
to have your wife and the picture. Sergeant, what time
you want her to be there at the same time
you come with the police? Right, nine thirty it is.
I'd better call her and tell her all about it.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
Give her a chance to primp up some You know
how a woman is about those things.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
I understand see you tomorrow morning.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
Then Taja right here, mister butler, A're going to start
shooting in a few minutes, gotcha, Everything's all set out here.
Got officers at both ends to the block to Girton traffic.
These men you will hold back pedestrian.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
Good, good, Now, I'll give you a picture of what's
going to happen so that none of your men can
get into a camera range. I'm listening, mister Butler. How's
haagathare doing? Agatha? Oh bye and excellent, Just the type
we need for the picture. Yeah. Now, you know we're
shooting a silent yeah, but there still may be plenty
of sound made people yelling, gun shooting, and perhaps even
the burglar alarm will be set off. I want to
(06:46):
murror the sound of the excitement and the faces of
the people in the picture. Gotcha, mister Butler. Now, first,
after the robbery, I'll back out of the door there.
Then the two camera men will come after me and
we'll all get in the first car. Right then, mister
Black and miss Smith will come out with drawn guns
and get into the second car. Argee. We'll both speed off,
and as soon as we've turned the corner, you can
(07:06):
let things go back to normal, unless, of course, we
need another take. It's all straight. One thing more. Mister
Tiffan and some of the bank employees will come out
shouting hell robbery police. Don't get between them and the camera.
I want some shots of that. You're worried. Now that
that's straight, I guess we'd better get started, see us sugeant. Well,
(07:34):
mister Tiffan, you already well, yes, yes, but I haven't
met oh, of course, mister Black, Mister Oscar Tiffan, president
of the Kelvin National Bank. Mister Black is our version
of pretty boy loved. How do you do? And this
is miss Smith, pretty boy's girlfriend? Hello, how do you do?
Haven't I seen you someplace before? It's not an original line,
mister Oh no, no, I didn't mean well that is
(07:57):
no really, I'm sure I've seen you in the picture
you perhaps baby she gets around, maybe your head. All right,
come on, let's get started, right mister Black. Uh, mister Tiffin,
will you get in back of the teller's enclosure? Certainly?
All right now, everybody, I'll be talking all through this.
React the way I want you to. Camera's ready, good,
all right, let them roll go to work. Mister Black. Okay, everybody,
(08:23):
this is a stick up a little more frightened. Please
take your hands at your side, stand still, and nobody
will get hurt. Ah, that's that's the way. Baby. Yet
the cages clean out to every son of it? Right, good, good,
be awestricken, mister Tippins, Come on, baby, step on, don't
really touch the money. You'll miss shut up, you'll hurt
the man, mister tif And I'll tell you a secret.
That gun hasn't got blanks, it's got real bullets. You see,
(08:43):
this picture is going to be the last word in realism.
We're rubbing your bank or keep what You'll notice the
camera man have guns. Also, I'm there loaded too. How
you doing, baby? You can't do this? Why not call
for the police then they're expecting it, or you could
set off the burglar line. They're waiting to hear that.
All right, big shut you out on the stage. Now
cut the hamm and I got it all okay, Now listen,
(09:08):
anybody gets wise, comes running out right after it stops
running permanently, you get it. Stick to the plan. I
go out first. Those two hoods follow me, and then
you come. Okay, okay, but step on that hand bone.
I'm getting nervous. Come on you tube, how was a going?
Mister Butler, perfect Gargeant perfick Hanger were all right, wonderful
(09:32):
in the car YouTube. Hey, remember anyone comes out here
before the car starts. Get the bullet out of this gun,
all right, Get in the bus, baby, that's.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
All right.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Let's get out of here, please, Hungary.
Speaker 5 (10:02):
He export, mister Tiffer, you want to make acting you're Brits.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Actually let us know acting, you blockhead. They really held
up the bank, all right. They weren't actors. There were troops.
They cleaned up the bank. Open a one hundred thousand
dollars and pay all money. Don't stand there like a lunkhead.
Get after them, Get after that. Yes, Peter, he's got
(10:26):
a teletype players. Mister Honeing hadn't returned bank robbery in Kelby, Pennsylvania.
Any details the amounts of a two hundred thousand dollars
two hundred thousand? Why are our nearest countress By office?
Have them send out a mobile laboratory. I'll order a plane.
You stand by for further details. We'll leave for Kelby
as soon as we can. Oh, no, guys, did you
(10:53):
ever see a look to match that banker's face when
I told him it was a real hold?
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You didn't get a load of that Damian the telewindow, Marty,
she did pass right out.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
Is agath as the sergeant's wife. I'll bet he's hearing
from her right Now's Maddy, let's not be so happy
about this. We're not out of it yet. What are
you worrying about? Guts, We switched cars, made up the poison,
still have over one hundred and fifty grand. We're heading
for New York. I won't be happy until we're there.
I don't like it at the stick. How much you
pay those guys money? Ten thousands of feet to the
highest v any cameraman ever got. Is that's a little work,
(11:20):
you know I have? We should taken pictures. I'd give
anything to see how I looked. Ah, that'd be all
we need, Dolly pictures. Stick to your driving, guys. We
want to make New York by morning. Dolly? What I did?
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Did?
Speaker 4 (11:33):
What took pictures? What's the matter with you too? Nothing? God? None?
I didn't run my dog, that's sustain Yeah, camera's load
of the film. Should have the whole thing in here,
cause he isn't gonna like that. We'll destroy it after
we see it. Trouble is, I don't know how to
get it printed. Answered it to a commercial laboratory. I
know what guy does that work next? Mone We just okay,
(11:55):
got enough on him to hang. He'd do it for
free for me. I'd like to see them. It's what
I do, not tell us until already. Anyway, what are
you too whispering A put back here? Anyhow, it's a surprise, Dad,
I don't like surprises. Why don't you get some sleep.
I'm not gonna drive this bus all night when you
will have to take over later, right, Gus, I'll get
some shut out and take over whenever you say, excuse me? Folks?
(12:19):
Will I sleep? The sleep for the idle rich.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
We'll continue our David Harding Calder spy case for old Nick.
In a moment, I wish there were some way you
could look into your radio there and see what I've
got in my hand, because if you could actually see
this stainless deal slicing knife, you'd know what a remarkable
value it is. It's guaranteed to compare with knives costing
(12:55):
seventy five cents to one dollar. Because of a new
secret process, we've been able to have this knife hollow ground,
and that's a feature usually found only in knives costing
two dollars or more, but you can have one of
these knives for only a quarter with two wrappers from
delicious Old Nake or better honey candy bars. Missus Clarendon,
(13:16):
will you describe this knife.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
For our listeners, As you homemakers probably know, a slicing
knife is long and slim adaptable for U. Seither is
a butcher knife or as a carving knife. Our stain
of steel slicing knife is nearly thirteen inches long. Because
it's stain thess steel, it's easy to clean, it keeps
its silvery luster for a lifetime. Our slicing knife is
hollow ground, which means it has an extra keen cutting
(13:40):
edge like a fine carving knife. The handle is polished
blonde hard wood, designed to fit your hand smoothly and
comfortably with a non slip grip. I know you'll find
this is one of the most useful knives you've ever
had in your home.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Friends, send today for your stainless steel slicing knife. For
each knife you want, send twenty five cents in coin
and two rappers from either Old Nick or bit of Honey.
Send to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York
eight New York, Old Nick Box one forty four, New
York eight, New York. Please use coin, do not use
(14:14):
stamps or checks. I know you'll enjoy using your stainless
deel slicing knife because many people have said it in
a second time. That proves that they like the knife
and that they think it's a remarkable value. Remember that's
two rappers from Old Nick or bit of honey candy
bars with twenty five cents in coin sent to Old
Nick Box one forty four, New York eight, New York.
(14:37):
This offer must be withdrawn very soon, so be sure
of your stainless deal slicing knife.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Now back to our old Nick.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
David Harding Cowder spy cakes.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
I don't think I'll ever be able to leave this down,
mister Harding, not heavy now, mister Tiffin, don't be too
hard on yourself. He'd taken in by such a fantastic
spell or less fantastic scheme probably wouldn't have been successful.
You've read our pranksters of open street excavations or imposters
have posed as foreign diplomats. As a matter of fact,
we have records telling how moving vans have been backed
right up to close down homes and the contents just
taken away, all in broad daylight, with no attempt a secret.
(15:18):
And I certainly had a bold plan this time. As
to hiding, we had very boldness. Did half of the
criminals work for them? I'm not sure that I wouldn't
have been taken in by this scheme myself. I wired
to the address this butler gave me and got like
a very impressive answer, Well, I'm having had address check now,
probably it's just a mail drop. The whole thing is
so incredible. I'll try to calm down. Different. See if
you can describe the people involved. This man Butler, You
(15:39):
remember what he looked like. I'll never forget. Let's have
the description then. It was five feet nine or ten,
blue eyes, bald headed, pale complexion, had little red mustache,
and very smooth talker. Yes, I can imagine. What about
the other two were supposed to be actors. They both
had makeup. Art man, I can't tell you much about it,
just impressed me as a Hollywood type gangster. No woman,
now there's some I'm sure I've seen her before you have,
(16:02):
but I can't for the life of me remember queer
or when on a trip someplace, perhaps I just don't know,
mister Harding. Well I'll forget about it for a while.
Those things can't be forced. Now, anything else you can
think of, something can happen during or before the robbery. Oh, yes,
there was one thing that struck me a little queer.
What was that? The tough the man was supposed to be?
Pretty boy lufton? He told Butler to stop hamming that
(16:23):
he wasn't on a stage. Oh, he made it sound
like Butler was the actor instead of him, and he
was because he certainly fooled me and a few other people.
Thank Heaven for that. Take some of the edge off
my stupidity, or Peter, did you get anything out of
the sergeant? Nothing but volcanic eruptions? Chief, I've never seen
a man so angry. You can hardly blame me. State
troopers just called in. They found two abandoned cars about
twenty miles out of town, one of them a station wagon.
(16:44):
Both answered the description of the cars used in the
whole one. We better get out there. Well I've got it,
mister Harding. What the girl where I saw before? Huh?
It was in a picture an actress? Well, yes, we
had a businessman's dinner about four or five months ago,
we showed some commercial pictures. She was in one of them.
Would you know where you got them?
Speaker 3 (17:00):
No?
Speaker 4 (17:00):
I don't, but the secretary of our entertainment committee would know.
I'll call him and get the address. Then stay here
and doil you hear from me. I'll get in touch
with you as soon as we look over those abandoned cars.
(17:21):
Now they switched cars here, all right. Chief Bronson from
our laboratory says, there are impressions of three different sets
of tires. You know, there's this makeup kit that interests me.
Tiffans said, the two actors wore makeup. I don't know
much about the theater, but this looks like a professional
kid to me. New York manufacturer. We can't try tracing it. Well,
what about the car stall? Yes, the station wagon belongs
(17:42):
to a New York florist. Bronson scraped off that picture
Productions label on the door of the florist's name was
underneath New York. One crook tells another to stop hamming
a makeup kit. Plenty of theater in this card. The
whole idea was theatrical and it worked. Is there a
phone in this laboratory in an institute. You can call Tiffin.
I want to find out if he's got the address
(18:03):
of the place where his club got those films. Now, operator,
this is herding Encountress by Amobile Union. Please connect me
with mister Tiffin at the Bank of Kelby one. Thank you.
That's the funny thing. When pretty boy loved and held
(18:25):
up the bank at Kelby, he got just about the
same amount of money to kim longer to do the
job though. Hello, these modern crooks with their new equipment.
Oh hello, mister Tiffan, this is Harding. Oh yes, sir,
I got that address? Good? May I have it called
Genoa fifteen thirty two North Broadway, New York. Everything's in
New York before it does, will remedy that, mister Tiffan. Yes,
can you take time off from the bank for a
(18:46):
trip to New York. David will help solve this, certainly.
I hope it will pack some clothes. You may be
a day or two now, mister Peter's now pick you
up on our way in. We'll go right out to
the airport. Flight two from Boston arriving on runway three
(19:12):
Wayne for Chicago will be delayed ten minutes. You counterspies
word class. Mister Harding. I never dreamed that bit a
Laguard airport. This evening speeds half a battle against crime.
Mister Tiffans, Have you got everything straight? Peter, yes, tid
I checked the manufacture of the makeup kit, and then
drop in on Geno one and look through his film
catalog for the girl right, and keep in touch with
(19:33):
you through Brewster of Theatrical Weekly. Fran Can we're going
to see him, mister Harding. Yes, he's one of the editors.
Theatrical Weekly probably has more pictures of actors on file
in any other place. I've asked Brewster to search through
those files and pick out every actor's picture that fits
the description you gave it. You'll have a thousand of
them to look at. At least I'm willing and able,
mister Harding. I hope you feel the same way at
the end of the night. All right, Peter, get going,
(19:54):
I'll hear from me my phone. Here you are, mister Harning.
Speaker 5 (20:06):
Eight one hundred and twenty seven pictures of actors thirty
to thirty five years old, five feet eight to five
feet eleven inches tall, including elevator shoes.
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Or miss Brewster, I said, bald.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Also, you don't know actors, mister Harding. There are no
bald ones between thirty and thirty five.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
They all wear two pays.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
Particularly when they have their pictures taken.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
More dear, I know, mister Tiffans. Do you think you
could detect some resemblance even if he is wearing it
to pay? It's possible. I'll you what you lay aside.
Any picture that looks even finger like this man Butler,
then I'll have all those retouched and you can go
over them again. Well, I'll try, mister Harding. Mister Brewster,
if you got any spot where mister Tivan might look
at these pictures undisturbed.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Next office, we will carry the pictures.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Just put them on that desk and pull up a chair.
Thank you. I'll take all the time you want, mister Tiffan,
don't overlook a single picture he might fit. I'll do
my best, mister Harding.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
Tell me, mister Harding, do you really think an actor
engineered this job?
Speaker 4 (21:09):
Well, the circumstances all point to it. Then you're in luck.
What do you mean he'll pull some boner trip himself
up somehow, and he hasn't so far. The whole scheme
have been pretty clever. He's played his part beautifully. That's
the trouble with actors. They let a good part blind
them to a bad play. He'll mess up the end
some way. Whoever he is, You don't think he'll be
very fond of actors.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Me.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
I love them, adore them.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
They're the most charming children in the world. But spare
me from their thinking.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Go on, I could use a little insight into the
psychology of an actor. Well, I have the greatest respect
in the world for them as actors as anything else.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
No.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
In fact, they should be quick frozen. What yeah, like meat.
You put them in a pot, let them play it.
Then when it's over, you put them in a quick
freezer until another part comes along. This way you don't
have to.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Pay them or feed them, and all they have to
do is act, which is all they want to do. Anyway,
is screwball. It's a novel idea at least, Yes, sir,
actors should be quick. Probably the car you were expecting,
mister Hunting, you.
Speaker 4 (22:06):
Take it all thinking, hello, mister Harding, speaking Peter cheap.
You got something, yes, but I don't believe it what
it just doesn't happen this way? Are you talking about it?
The makeup kid? Turn up anything? Makeup kid? Who cares
for that?
Speaker 1 (22:18):
Chief?
Speaker 4 (22:19):
I'm calling it from the office of Carl Jenowa. You
knew the girl. The girl look cheap. Now I have
not been drinking.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Get that clear.
Speaker 4 (22:25):
It makes some sense, Peter, I.
Speaker 5 (22:27):
Can't because I just walked in as Genera finished processing
a moving picture of the whole up.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
What that's right? They really took pictures? Oh now, I
said the same thing, cheap, and I'm holding the film
in my hand. How could anybody be so stupid? You
stay there, I'll be over right away. Don't worry. I
couldn't move now, goodbye, goodbye. Something happened, mister Hornting. They
actually took pictures of a hold up. See I knew it.
I knew he'd pull a Bonne out. So stupid.
Speaker 5 (22:53):
How can anybody's psychology, mister Harting, It's not stupidity, it's vanity.
There isn't a ham in the world would pass up
a chance to look.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
At himself acting. Yeah, well, that's one picture I am
going to see right now. All right, Genera, you're going
to tell us where the man who brought you this
picture lives. I don't know where he lives. Me to hobtie.
You just print films for anyone. He was sent by God,
I know Dully Norton. Of course you had no idea
(23:21):
that there was a bank robbery on the film. No, look,
I got nothing to do with bank robbers. I've got
my own business. I'm sure you have. What kind is
it that gives the crook such confidence in you less
my failure? You want to ask me, You've got to
prove something at the moment, I am not interested in
the films you're peddling. I'm interested in this man. Why
don't you take the picture, make blow ups, you can
put his face and never pushed off in the country.
That's the hard way. You're going to help us do
it the easy way. I don't want to get any
(23:42):
more mixed up in this than I am already. Think
you have a choice. You're going to give the picture
to the man who brought it in, just to make
sure you don't get cute. Peters is going to stay
here with you. I'll be outside Peters. If anybody picks
up that film, we tell him right, But I don't
know when he's coming. Who knows how long you'll have
to wait? That's all right, Genna. We've got plenty of time.
If you don't cooperate with us, you will get plenty
of time too. All right, Dolly, what is it? What's
(24:14):
the idea of this meeting? It's a surprise? God, what
kind of a surprise?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Wait till Marty.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
Gets to that ham? So did we have finished with
him the minute the job was over?
Speaker 3 (24:24):
There?
Speaker 2 (24:24):
Now?
Speaker 4 (24:25):
God, she got a ben It was a good idea.
Look all the dough we mad? I don't care. Ever
since we tied in with him, I've been unhappy the
way he thinks it comes at you from left field.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
Nevertheless, we still got a lot of dough.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yeah yeah, and I'd rather do a straight stick up
for less cash. That's where it's gonna be from now on.
Now what's this surprise? Well, come on, come on, Dolly,
don't be cute. All right? We got pictures of the job.
What there was film in the camera? Are you crazy?
(25:00):
Nobody'll see him? But I, oh no, you can't be
on the level your kidding, aren't you really? What did
Marty do? Take him down to the corner drug store
to be developed? Of course not. I told him about Jenna,
what he did, the job from him. It's another guy,
you know, Oh, you.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
Know general he can't see anything to anybody about anything.
Speaker 4 (25:19):
That was what I got on him. Did you know
that he was gonna do this? Dolly? Oh he told
me let him in. Hello, Dolly, I got I told
I thought he'd want to see him too. Come in here,
you spindle headed bird grain barrymore, No, na, just a minute,
give me those films before you play the best best
(25:41):
scene you ever played in your life. Oh look, this
whole this whole job was my idea. I got some rights,
and it gives you rights in the head that it's done.
At least look at the pictures and then we can
bring him what's he gonna use for eyes when I
get through with him. You've got a lot of money
from my idea, Gus, and I'll get a lot of
time too. You give me those films. They're so help me.
Gos what you're gonna you had a lady guts, put
(26:02):
it away on the floor. Yeah, we wouldn't like to shoot.
Who are you? United States Counors? Fights? Come on, guys,
droppingness now, Butler, you'll give mister Peters those films right here, Butler,
but how you don't know? You go ahead, ham boom,
get an idea for this seat. I figured something all apart.
You had a bad final act, Butler. We didn't like it,
(26:22):
so we're rewriting it right now. All right, Peters, bring
them along.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Mister Harding will return in just a moment. Here's something interesting.
We're getting lots of repeat orders for our special offer
of a stainless steel slicing knife. Yeah, a great many
people have said in a second time when they received
their first one, they were so pleased with it that
they sent in for more. Now I'm not surprised at that,
because we guarantee this stainless steel slicing knife could be
(26:57):
the equal of knives selling at seventy five cents to
one dollar.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
What's more, it has a blade that is hollow ground,
a feature usually found only in knives costing two dollars
or more.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
Yet, we offer the stainless steel slicing knife to you
or only twenty five cents in coin with two wrappers
from either Old Knick or Bitter Honey candy Bars sent
to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York eight,
New York, we can make this offer only by special
arrangement with a famous cutlery manufacturer. He is the only
(27:28):
one in the country who has this new secret process
by which long lasting stainless steel can be successfully hollow ground.
We guarantee that this stainless steel slicing knife would compare
favorably with knives costing seventy five cents to one dollar
even without the special process hollow grinding. But hollow grinding
(27:50):
gives this knife longer life, a keener edge, and greater usefulness.
So you're really getting extra value, an outstanding bargain. By
now remember the address Old Nick, Box one forty four,
New York, eight, New York. For each stameless steel slicing
knife you want, send us two rappers from either Old
Nick or fit of honey candy bars and twenty five
(28:13):
cents in coin. This offer must be withdrawn very soon,
so be sure of your quick cut slicing knife. Send
your Waughder today.
Speaker 4 (28:24):
This is David Harding. In the case you just heard,
all of parties pleaded guilty. There was nothing else they
could do, having provided the pictorial evidence themselves. They're serving
long terms in the federal penitentiary. And I understand Butler
is quite a hit as a leading man at Leavenworth.
Tune in next Sunday, same time, same station for the
case of the Man with the tattooed eye, who successfully
(28:46):
buried himself until the counter Spies had him fingered by
a woman in fight the award winning case of the
Recruited Nurse on David Harding Counter Spy. Tonight's David Harding
(29:08):
cownder Spy Case was directed by William M. Sweets and
dramatized by Palmer Thompson, with music by Jesse Crawford and
featured Don McLaughlan and Mandel Kramer. David Harding Counter Spy
is a Phillips h Lord production, originating in New York
for the makers of Old Nick and Better Honey Candy Bars.
Now a listening reminder, nobody knows for certain what is
(29:29):
going to happen, but Jill Pearson makes us astounding predictions
of news events to come here. Pearson Tonight is the ABC,
the American Broadcasting Company.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
Welcome back, Well. I love the initial plot and the
idea of effectively getting the bank president and the police
to be accessories to the crime is a hilarious premise
and I think though in a way that's not too
(30:03):
silly to take seriously. The solution may be a bit
more of an issue for some listeners because essentially the
way that the case has resolved is the story saying.
Speaker 4 (30:16):
Actors, am I right?
Speaker 1 (30:18):
However, that doesn't ruin the story for me, because well,
I think there are some stereotypes from the golden age
of radio that we can push back on the idea
that there are a lot of actors out there who
are odd and have self destructive tendencies. Is it something
(30:39):
you could really dispute when covering actors being odd and
crashing out is a multi billion dollar industry. Now, of course,
the irony of this sort of script is that everyone
performing in it is an actor, and it is written
(31:01):
by a writer who has extensive contact with the entertainment industry.
Though I think that can give it some credibility, particularly
if they don't go into farce. And I love that
theatrical agent character and that line he had where he
said that the problem with actors is that they let
(31:24):
a good part distract them from the fact that it's
a bad play, or they lack the judgment to be
able to make that distinction. Now, of course, it is
a generalization and then as now, you will find actors
who got a good head on their shoulders, make good
decisions and take care of their business. But there have
(31:47):
always also been in the other kind with almost inexplicable
poor judgment. The only other thing I questioned is that
Peters was just able to walk in and just catch
the film being played. That seemed like awful lack of
security tecularly for someone who the episode strongly implies is
(32:13):
in the business of producing smart But if they didn't
tell him what it was, as he said, and I
don't have any reason to think that they did tell him,
then he just might have been treating it like any
other job, and probably just in his back room didn't
(32:34):
hear Peters come in. He might have taken other precautions
if he was aware that he was dealing with something
that was illegal or proof of a crime. Listener comments
and feedback now and Steven messages in last week he
wondered why the Counterspies are doing basic law enforcement. If
(32:54):
the Counterspies are actually a stand in for the FBI,
then it makes sense. Seems to me that they didn't
have approval from the FBI as other shows did so
they made up an agency to tell FBI style stories
without legal issues. That's an interesting point. I'm not certain
how much legal issues there would be, because the worst
(33:21):
series that did true stories about the FBI that weren't sanctioned,
like I know this is your FBI was one that
j Edgar Hoover approved of. But the FBI and Peace
and War didn't have as far as I know, that
sort of official cooperation still worked off true files and
(33:44):
was based on a book. Probably one thing with Counterspies
to stand in is that they're a fictitious agency and
they're not bound by what's known of the FBI. And
I have to think in this era that the FBI
would be concerned about what went out on the radio
even if it was a fictional story. But if you've
(34:06):
got a fictional agency, then that doesn't become a problem.
And this is another case where you could see the
FBI becoming involved. A bank robbery is usually a case
that they can get involved in regardless. Thanks for the comment, Steven.
And then we go to YouTube and this one is
(34:27):
regarding the stolen car racket. Dan Rat's This and the
next episode about the housing market are brutal. This podcast
was a must listen to when dealing with the war.
The episodes after the war are absolutely brutal. I will
probably be skipping these going forward. Still love Dragnet and
Johnny Dollar, but I'll have to look for something else
(34:47):
to fill for my Saturday, not dog Walk. Well, Dan,
I'm sorry that Counterspy is in the doghouse. I will
say that while there were some rough episode that the
series does have some stronger episodes and also finds a
bit more of its putting. As Tom goes on, I
(35:09):
wouldn't have chosen the series if I didn't think it
was good, and certainly if every episode was like the
Housing Racket, I think I would probably have passed on
playing it. So I appreciate people have different tastes and
interest but I think that for those who give it
a bit more time, they're going to find some really
(35:32):
good episodes they'll enjoy. Jeffrey Rise interesting show. And that
commercial for Old Nick KNDy bars was interesting. Seems it
stopped being made in nineteen seventy. Good to know, and
I look into it and Bit of Honey is actually
still around. So you can't go and get some Old Nick,
(35:55):
but you can have some bit of honey, and then
we go back to the housing racket on Spotify and
Dawn says, at least they could have made it communist developers. Oh,
that would have been something to make it feel a
little bit more counterspy, although I think that maybe a
(36:17):
year or two later, the national mood might have better
suited that particular plot. But good, no thought. All right, Well,
now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of
the day, and thank you to Larry, Patreon supporter since
July twenty twenty three, currently supporting the podcasts at the
(36:40):
secret Agent level of four dollars or more per month.
Thanks so much for your support, Larry, and that will
do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please
follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure
to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from.
We'll be back here next Saturday with another episode of Counterspy.
(37:02):
On the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Join us
back here on Monday for the Saint and on the
Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio. Join us back here
Tuesday for Tarzan. In the meantime, send your comment to
Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net. From Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
Welcome to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boyse, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're
going to bring you this week's episode of Counterspot, But
first I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying
the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software.
(00:27):
And today's program is brought you in part by the
financial support of our listeners. You can support the show
on a one time basis at support dot great Detectives
dot net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters
for the last two dollars per month. Just go to
Patreon dot great Detectives dot net. From May thirtieth of
(00:50):
nineteen forty eight, Here now is the episode Camera Happy Crook.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
David Hardy counter Spot presented by the makers A Whole
and Bit of Honey Candy Bars. And today the makers
of Delicious Old Nick and Bit of Honey Candy Bars
present a special offer that means money saved for you.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
We homemakers know that slicing knives with blades that are
hollow ground usually cost two dollars and more.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
But we offer you today a thirteen inch stainless steel
slicing knife with a special process hollow ground blade for
only twenty five cents in coin with two rappers from
either Old Nick or bit of honey candy bars sent
to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York eight,
New York. We'll repeat the address and complete details later,
(01:41):
so have pencil and paper ready.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Washington calling David Hooding Counterspine. Washington calling David Harding, counter spy.
Harding counter spy calling Washington.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
David Hardy cheap United States collar spies especially appointed to
investigate and come back the enemies of our country, both
at home and abroad, and to secure for every American
the rights which are his under our constitution.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
Send mister Butler in now, please, mister Tiffin. That's why,
mister Butler, come right in. Sit down. Thank you. I
don't mind telling you that your phone call earlier this
morning aroused a great deal of curiosity. I'm glad to
hear that, mister Tiffin. It should make things easier for me.
Tell you, mister Butler, why did you come all the
way to Kelby, Pennsylvania. Why did you choose the Kelby
(02:59):
National Bank? Must be a score of other banks closer
to Hollywood which would serve you a purpose or we
could have picked any number of banks, mister Tiffin, but
none would be as authentic for this particular scene we
wanted to film. There's quite a trend, you know, and
making the so called documentary type of picture a real
people in real location. Yes, missus, Tiffan and I have
seen several pictures like that. Well, then you know the
(03:19):
realism we're looking for. We're filming the life of pretty
boy loved and oh yes, I've all his hold ups.
One of the most spectacular took place right here. I'll
never forget that day. I was standing near the telescades
when it happened. That's exactly what we want to show
you and the regular personalities bank me Asker Tiffin in
a moving picture, why not could anyone else act the
(03:41):
parts of realistically? What would this entail on the bank's part?
And when would you like to do it?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Not?
Speaker 4 (03:45):
The most to are interruption in your normal routine? Oh
is that all? That's all? We'll shoot the scene without
sound so that any extraneous noises wanted to rob the shooting,
and we'll put the sound on film later. As for
when we'd like to do it, the sooner the better,
morning if possible tomorrow. Yes, I've got my crew standing by,
and time is money in any business, mister Tiffin. Oh yes, sir,
(04:07):
wish other businesses would learn that. Of course, tomorrow's Friday,
and I imagine with payrolls and everything. Well, that's not
a problem, particularly if it will only take two hours.
Our bank is organized efficiently enough to handle its business
even with a little interruption, then tomorrow will be all right. Yes,
mister Butler, if you can finish before eleven thirty, perhaps
even before that. I see, will there be any stars
(04:27):
in this scene? No, I'm sorry, we're using doubles. These
will be long shots. We'll take close ups to the
stars back in Hollywood. I see just one thing more.
I want to arrange for a police guard to keep
curiosity seekers out of camera range. Oh yes, of course, certainly.
You see the mayor. He'll take care of you. In fact,
I'll phone him and tell him you're coming. Oh, thank you,
mister Tiffin. That'll be a big help. Good day, sir,
(04:50):
glad to do it. Goodbye, I mean, I mean lodgeant Lynn. Yep,
I'm mister Butler.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
Oh you're the fellow who's gonna turn Kelby Pie into Hollywood.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Caw, what care little joke and the abbreviation yeah. Well
side all about it.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
Commissioner called and said, the mayor said to give you
all the cooperation of the world. Well, I can't do that,
but I can give you all the cooperation in KELBYPA.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
That will be sufficient. Sergeant, Now what I will got them?
Speaker 5 (05:30):
Give you the best men on the force nine thirty
tomorrow morning. Commissioner said that right.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Yes it is. We're gonna need some folks inside the bank,
aren't you. Well, that'll be.
Speaker 5 (05:39):
My wife, Agar there's a regular depositor there. She'd be
glad to help you out. Always hankering after movies anyhow,
be true to life.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
Two sticks every said, I'm making there. I'll be happy
to have your wife and the picture. Sergeant, what time
you want her to be there at the same time
you come with the police? Right, nine thirty it is.
I'd better call her and tell her all about it.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
Give her a chance to primp up some You know
how a woman is about those things.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
I understand see you tomorrow morning.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
Then Taja right here, mister butler, A're going to start
shooting in a few minutes, gotcha, Everything's all set out here.
Got officers at both ends to the block to Girton traffic.
These men you will hold back pedestrian.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
Good, good, Now, I'll give you a picture of what's
going to happen so that none of your men can
get into a camera range. I'm listening, mister Butler. How's
haagathare doing? Agatha? Oh bye and excellent, Just the type
we need for the picture. Yeah. Now, you know we're
shooting a silent yeah, but there still may be plenty
of sound made people yelling, gun shooting, and perhaps even
the burglar alarm will be set off. I want to
(06:46):
murror the sound of the excitement and the faces of
the people in the picture. Gotcha, mister Butler. Now, first,
after the robbery, I'll back out of the door there.
Then the two camera men will come after me and
we'll all get in the first car. Right then, mister
Black and miss Smith will come out with drawn guns
and get into the second car. Argee. We'll both speed off,
and as soon as we've turned the corner, you can
(07:06):
let things go back to normal, unless, of course, we
need another take. It's all straight. One thing more. Mister
Tiffan and some of the bank employees will come out
shouting hell robbery police. Don't get between them and the camera.
I want some shots of that. You're worried. Now that
that's straight, I guess we'd better get started, see us sugeant. Well,
(07:34):
mister Tiffan, you already well, yes, yes, but I haven't
met oh, of course, mister Black, Mister Oscar Tiffan, president
of the Kelvin National Bank. Mister Black is our version
of pretty boy loved. How do you do? And this
is miss Smith, pretty boy's girlfriend? Hello, how do you do?
Haven't I seen you someplace before? It's not an original line,
mister Oh no, no, I didn't mean well that is
(07:57):
no really, I'm sure I've seen you in the picture
you perhaps baby she gets around, maybe your head. All right,
come on, let's get started, right mister Black. Uh, mister Tiffin,
will you get in back of the teller's enclosure? Certainly?
All right now, everybody, I'll be talking all through this.
React the way I want you to. Camera's ready, good,
all right, let them roll go to work. Mister Black. Okay, everybody,
(08:23):
this is a stick up a little more frightened. Please
take your hands at your side, stand still, and nobody
will get hurt. Ah, that's that's the way. Baby. Yet
the cages clean out to every son of it? Right, good, good,
be awestricken, mister Tippins, Come on, baby, step on, don't
really touch the money. You'll miss shut up, you'll hurt
the man, mister tif And I'll tell you a secret.
That gun hasn't got blanks, it's got real bullets. You see,
(08:43):
this picture is going to be the last word in realism.
We're rubbing your bank or keep what You'll notice the
camera man have guns. Also, I'm there loaded too. How
you doing, baby? You can't do this? Why not call
for the police then they're expecting it, or you could
set off the burglar line. They're waiting to hear that.
All right, big shut you out on the stage. Now
cut the hamm and I got it all okay, Now listen,
(09:08):
anybody gets wise, comes running out right after it stops
running permanently, you get it. Stick to the plan. I
go out first. Those two hoods follow me, and then
you come. Okay, okay, but step on that hand bone.
I'm getting nervous. Come on you tube, how was a going?
Mister Butler, perfect Gargeant perfick Hanger were all right, wonderful
(09:32):
in the car YouTube. Hey, remember anyone comes out here
before the car starts. Get the bullet out of this gun,
all right, Get in the bus, baby, that's.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
All right.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Let's get out of here, please, Hungary.
Speaker 5 (10:02):
He export, mister Tiffer, you want to make acting you're Brits.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Actually let us know acting, you blockhead. They really held
up the bank, all right. They weren't actors. There were troops.
They cleaned up the bank. Open a one hundred thousand
dollars and pay all money. Don't stand there like a lunkhead.
Get after them, Get after that. Yes, Peter, he's got
(10:26):
a teletype players. Mister Honeing hadn't returned bank robbery in Kelby, Pennsylvania.
Any details the amounts of a two hundred thousand dollars
two hundred thousand? Why are our nearest countress By office?
Have them send out a mobile laboratory. I'll order a plane.
You stand by for further details. We'll leave for Kelby
as soon as we can. Oh, no, guys, did you
(10:53):
ever see a look to match that banker's face when
I told him it was a real hold?
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You didn't get a load of that Damian the telewindow, Marty,
she did pass right out.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
Is agath as the sergeant's wife. I'll bet he's hearing
from her right Now's Maddy, let's not be so happy
about this. We're not out of it yet. What are
you worrying about? Guts, We switched cars, made up the poison,
still have over one hundred and fifty grand. We're heading
for New York. I won't be happy until we're there.
I don't like it at the stick. How much you
pay those guys money? Ten thousands of feet to the
highest v any cameraman ever got. Is that's a little work,
(11:20):
you know I have? We should taken pictures. I'd give
anything to see how I looked. Ah, that'd be all
we need, Dolly pictures. Stick to your driving, guys. We
want to make New York by morning. Dolly? What I did?
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Did?
Speaker 4 (11:33):
What took pictures? What's the matter with you too? Nothing? God? None?
I didn't run my dog, that's sustain Yeah, camera's load
of the film. Should have the whole thing in here,
cause he isn't gonna like that. We'll destroy it after
we see it. Trouble is, I don't know how to
get it printed. Answered it to a commercial laboratory. I
know what guy does that work next? Mone We just okay,
(11:55):
got enough on him to hang. He'd do it for
free for me. I'd like to see them. It's what
I do, not tell us until already. Anyway, what are
you too whispering A put back here? Anyhow, it's a surprise, Dad,
I don't like surprises. Why don't you get some sleep.
I'm not gonna drive this bus all night when you
will have to take over later, right, Gus, I'll get
some shut out and take over whenever you say, excuse me? Folks?
(12:19):
Will I sleep? The sleep for the idle rich.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
We'll continue our David Harding Calder spy case for old Nick.
In a moment, I wish there were some way you
could look into your radio there and see what I've
got in my hand, because if you could actually see
this stainless deal slicing knife, you'd know what a remarkable
value it is. It's guaranteed to compare with knives costing
(12:55):
seventy five cents to one dollar. Because of a new
secret process, we've been able to have this knife hollow ground,
and that's a feature usually found only in knives costing
two dollars or more, but you can have one of
these knives for only a quarter with two wrappers from
delicious Old Nake or better honey candy bars. Missus Clarendon,
(13:16):
will you describe this knife.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
For our listeners, As you homemakers probably know, a slicing
knife is long and slim adaptable for U. Seither is
a butcher knife or as a carving knife. Our stain
of steel slicing knife is nearly thirteen inches long. Because
it's stain thess steel, it's easy to clean, it keeps
its silvery luster for a lifetime. Our slicing knife is
hollow ground, which means it has an extra keen cutting
(13:40):
edge like a fine carving knife. The handle is polished
blonde hard wood, designed to fit your hand smoothly and
comfortably with a non slip grip. I know you'll find
this is one of the most useful knives you've ever
had in your home.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Friends, send today for your stainless steel slicing knife. For
each knife you want, send twenty five cents in coin
and two rappers from either Old Nick or bit of Honey.
Send to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York
eight New York, Old Nick Box one forty four, New
York eight, New York. Please use coin, do not use
(14:14):
stamps or checks. I know you'll enjoy using your stainless
deel slicing knife because many people have said it in
a second time. That proves that they like the knife
and that they think it's a remarkable value. Remember that's
two rappers from Old Nick or bit of honey candy
bars with twenty five cents in coin sent to Old
Nick Box one forty four, New York eight, New York.
(14:37):
This offer must be withdrawn very soon, so be sure
of your stainless deal slicing knife.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Now back to our old Nick.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
David Harding Cowder spy cakes.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
I don't think I'll ever be able to leave this down,
mister Harding, not heavy now, mister Tiffin, don't be too
hard on yourself. He'd taken in by such a fantastic
spell or less fantastic scheme probably wouldn't have been successful.
You've read our pranksters of open street excavations or imposters
have posed as foreign diplomats. As a matter of fact,
we have records telling how moving vans have been backed
right up to close down homes and the contents just
taken away, all in broad daylight, with no attempt a secret.
(15:18):
And I certainly had a bold plan this time. As
to hiding, we had very boldness. Did half of the
criminals work for them? I'm not sure that I wouldn't
have been taken in by this scheme myself. I wired
to the address this butler gave me and got like
a very impressive answer, Well, I'm having had address check now,
probably it's just a mail drop. The whole thing is
so incredible. I'll try to calm down. Different. See if
you can describe the people involved. This man Butler, You
(15:39):
remember what he looked like. I'll never forget. Let's have
the description then. It was five feet nine or ten,
blue eyes, bald headed, pale complexion, had little red mustache,
and very smooth talker. Yes, I can imagine. What about
the other two were supposed to be actors. They both
had makeup. Art man, I can't tell you much about it,
just impressed me as a Hollywood type gangster. No woman,
now there's some I'm sure I've seen her before you have,
(16:02):
but I can't for the life of me remember queer
or when on a trip someplace, perhaps I just don't know,
mister Harding. Well I'll forget about it for a while.
Those things can't be forced. Now, anything else you can
think of, something can happen during or before the robbery. Oh, yes,
there was one thing that struck me a little queer.
What was that? The tough the man was supposed to be?
Pretty boy lufton? He told Butler to stop hamming that
(16:23):
he wasn't on a stage. Oh, he made it sound
like Butler was the actor instead of him, and he
was because he certainly fooled me and a few other people.
Thank Heaven for that. Take some of the edge off
my stupidity, or Peter, did you get anything out of
the sergeant? Nothing but volcanic eruptions? Chief, I've never seen
a man so angry. You can hardly blame me. State
troopers just called in. They found two abandoned cars about
twenty miles out of town, one of them a station wagon.
(16:44):
Both answered the description of the cars used in the
whole one. We better get out there. Well I've got it,
mister Harding. What the girl where I saw before? Huh?
It was in a picture an actress? Well, yes, we
had a businessman's dinner about four or five months ago,
we showed some commercial pictures. She was in one of them.
Would you know where you got them?
Speaker 3 (17:00):
No?
Speaker 4 (17:00):
I don't, but the secretary of our entertainment committee would know.
I'll call him and get the address. Then stay here
and doil you hear from me. I'll get in touch
with you as soon as we look over those abandoned cars.
(17:21):
Now they switched cars here, all right. Chief Bronson from
our laboratory says, there are impressions of three different sets
of tires. You know, there's this makeup kit that interests me.
Tiffans said, the two actors wore makeup. I don't know
much about the theater, but this looks like a professional
kid to me. New York manufacturer. We can't try tracing it. Well,
what about the car stall? Yes, the station wagon belongs
(17:42):
to a New York florist. Bronson scraped off that picture
Productions label on the door of the florist's name was
underneath New York. One crook tells another to stop hamming
a makeup kit. Plenty of theater in this card. The
whole idea was theatrical and it worked. Is there a
phone in this laboratory in an institute. You can call Tiffin.
I want to find out if he's got the address
(18:03):
of the place where his club got those films. Now, operator,
this is herding Encountress by Amobile Union. Please connect me
with mister Tiffin at the Bank of Kelby one. Thank you.
That's the funny thing. When pretty boy loved and held
(18:25):
up the bank at Kelby, he got just about the
same amount of money to kim longer to do the
job though. Hello, these modern crooks with their new equipment.
Oh hello, mister Tiffan, this is Harding. Oh yes, sir,
I got that address? Good? May I have it called
Genoa fifteen thirty two North Broadway, New York. Everything's in
New York before it does, will remedy that, mister Tiffan. Yes,
can you take time off from the bank for a
(18:46):
trip to New York. David will help solve this, certainly.
I hope it will pack some clothes. You may be
a day or two now, mister Peter's now pick you
up on our way in. We'll go right out to
the airport. Flight two from Boston arriving on runway three
(19:12):
Wayne for Chicago will be delayed ten minutes. You counterspies
word class. Mister Harding. I never dreamed that bit a
Laguard airport. This evening speeds half a battle against crime.
Mister Tiffans, Have you got everything straight? Peter, yes, tid
I checked the manufacture of the makeup kit, and then
drop in on Geno one and look through his film
catalog for the girl right, and keep in touch with
(19:33):
you through Brewster of Theatrical Weekly. Fran Can we're going
to see him, mister Harding. Yes, he's one of the editors.
Theatrical Weekly probably has more pictures of actors on file
in any other place. I've asked Brewster to search through
those files and pick out every actor's picture that fits
the description you gave it. You'll have a thousand of
them to look at. At least I'm willing and able,
mister Harding. I hope you feel the same way at
the end of the night. All right, Peter, get going,
(19:54):
I'll hear from me my phone. Here you are, mister Harning.
Speaker 5 (20:06):
Eight one hundred and twenty seven pictures of actors thirty
to thirty five years old, five feet eight to five
feet eleven inches tall, including elevator shoes.
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Or miss Brewster, I said, bald.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Also, you don't know actors, mister Harding. There are no
bald ones between thirty and thirty five.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
They all wear two pays.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
Particularly when they have their pictures taken.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
More dear, I know, mister Tiffans. Do you think you
could detect some resemblance even if he is wearing it
to pay? It's possible. I'll you what you lay aside.
Any picture that looks even finger like this man Butler,
then I'll have all those retouched and you can go
over them again. Well, I'll try, mister Harding. Mister Brewster,
if you got any spot where mister Tivan might look
at these pictures undisturbed.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Next office, we will carry the pictures.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Just put them on that desk and pull up a chair.
Thank you. I'll take all the time you want, mister Tiffan,
don't overlook a single picture he might fit. I'll do
my best, mister Harding.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
Tell me, mister Harding, do you really think an actor
engineered this job?
Speaker 4 (21:09):
Well, the circumstances all point to it. Then you're in luck.
What do you mean he'll pull some boner trip himself
up somehow, and he hasn't so far. The whole scheme
have been pretty clever. He's played his part beautifully. That's
the trouble with actors. They let a good part blind
them to a bad play. He'll mess up the end
some way. Whoever he is, You don't think he'll be
very fond of actors.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Me.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
I love them, adore them.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
They're the most charming children in the world. But spare
me from their thinking.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Go on, I could use a little insight into the
psychology of an actor. Well, I have the greatest respect
in the world for them as actors as anything else.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
No.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
In fact, they should be quick frozen. What yeah, like meat.
You put them in a pot, let them play it.
Then when it's over, you put them in a quick
freezer until another part comes along. This way you don't
have to.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Pay them or feed them, and all they have to
do is act, which is all they want to do. Anyway,
is screwball. It's a novel idea at least, Yes, sir,
actors should be quick. Probably the car you were expecting,
mister Hunting, you.
Speaker 4 (22:06):
Take it all thinking, hello, mister Harding, speaking Peter cheap.
You got something, yes, but I don't believe it what
it just doesn't happen this way? Are you talking about it?
The makeup kid? Turn up anything? Makeup kid? Who cares
for that?
Speaker 1 (22:18):
Chief?
Speaker 4 (22:19):
I'm calling it from the office of Carl Jenowa. You
knew the girl. The girl look cheap. Now I have
not been drinking.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Get that clear.
Speaker 4 (22:25):
It makes some sense, Peter, I.
Speaker 5 (22:27):
Can't because I just walked in as Genera finished processing
a moving picture of the whole up.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
What that's right? They really took pictures? Oh now, I
said the same thing, cheap, and I'm holding the film
in my hand. How could anybody be so stupid? You
stay there, I'll be over right away. Don't worry. I
couldn't move now, goodbye, goodbye. Something happened, mister Hornting. They
actually took pictures of a hold up. See I knew it.
I knew he'd pull a Bonne out. So stupid.
Speaker 5 (22:53):
How can anybody's psychology, mister Harting, It's not stupidity, it's vanity.
There isn't a ham in the world would pass up
a chance to look.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
At himself acting. Yeah, well, that's one picture I am
going to see right now. All right, Genera, you're going
to tell us where the man who brought you this
picture lives. I don't know where he lives. Me to hobtie.
You just print films for anyone. He was sent by God,
I know Dully Norton. Of course you had no idea
(23:21):
that there was a bank robbery on the film. No, look,
I got nothing to do with bank robbers. I've got
my own business. I'm sure you have. What kind is
it that gives the crook such confidence in you less
my failure? You want to ask me, You've got to
prove something at the moment, I am not interested in
the films you're peddling. I'm interested in this man. Why
don't you take the picture, make blow ups, you can
put his face and never pushed off in the country.
That's the hard way. You're going to help us do
it the easy way. I don't want to get any
(23:42):
more mixed up in this than I am already. Think
you have a choice. You're going to give the picture
to the man who brought it in, just to make
sure you don't get cute. Peters is going to stay
here with you. I'll be outside Peters. If anybody picks
up that film, we tell him right, But I don't
know when he's coming. Who knows how long you'll have
to wait? That's all right, Genna. We've got plenty of time.
If you don't cooperate with us, you will get plenty
of time too. All right, Dolly, what is it? What's
(24:14):
the idea of this meeting? It's a surprise? God, what
kind of a surprise?
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Wait till Marty.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
Gets to that ham? So did we have finished with
him the minute the job was over?
Speaker 3 (24:24):
There?
Speaker 2 (24:24):
Now?
Speaker 4 (24:25):
God, she got a ben It was a good idea.
Look all the dough we mad? I don't care. Ever
since we tied in with him, I've been unhappy the
way he thinks it comes at you from left field.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
Nevertheless, we still got a lot of dough.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yeah yeah, and I'd rather do a straight stick up
for less cash. That's where it's gonna be from now on.
Now what's this surprise? Well, come on, come on, Dolly,
don't be cute. All right? We got pictures of the job.
What there was film in the camera? Are you crazy?
(25:00):
Nobody'll see him? But I, oh no, you can't be
on the level your kidding, aren't you really? What did
Marty do? Take him down to the corner drug store
to be developed? Of course not. I told him about Jenna,
what he did, the job from him. It's another guy,
you know, Oh, you.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
Know general he can't see anything to anybody about anything.
Speaker 4 (25:19):
That was what I got on him. Did you know
that he was gonna do this? Dolly? Oh he told
me let him in. Hello, Dolly, I got I told
I thought he'd want to see him too. Come in here,
you spindle headed bird grain barrymore, No, na, just a minute,
give me those films before you play the best best
(25:41):
scene you ever played in your life. Oh look, this
whole this whole job was my idea. I got some rights,
and it gives you rights in the head that it's done.
At least look at the pictures and then we can
bring him what's he gonna use for eyes when I
get through with him. You've got a lot of money
from my idea, Gus, and I'll get a lot of
time too. You give me those films. They're so help me.
Gos what you're gonna you had a lady guts, put
(26:02):
it away on the floor. Yeah, we wouldn't like to shoot.
Who are you? United States Counors? Fights? Come on, guys,
droppingness now, Butler, you'll give mister Peters those films right here, Butler,
but how you don't know? You go ahead, ham boom,
get an idea for this seat. I figured something all apart.
You had a bad final act, Butler. We didn't like it,
(26:22):
so we're rewriting it right now. All right, Peters, bring
them along.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Mister Harding will return in just a moment. Here's something interesting.
We're getting lots of repeat orders for our special offer
of a stainless steel slicing knife. Yeah, a great many
people have said in a second time when they received
their first one, they were so pleased with it that
they sent in for more. Now I'm not surprised at that,
because we guarantee this stainless steel slicing knife could be
(26:57):
the equal of knives selling at seventy five cents to
one dollar.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
What's more, it has a blade that is hollow ground,
a feature usually found only in knives costing two dollars
or more.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
Yet, we offer the stainless steel slicing knife to you
or only twenty five cents in coin with two wrappers
from either Old Knick or Bitter Honey candy Bars sent
to Old Nick Box one forty four, New York eight,
New York, we can make this offer only by special
arrangement with a famous cutlery manufacturer. He is the only
(27:28):
one in the country who has this new secret process
by which long lasting stainless steel can be successfully hollow ground.
We guarantee that this stainless steel slicing knife would compare
favorably with knives costing seventy five cents to one dollar
even without the special process hollow grinding. But hollow grinding
(27:50):
gives this knife longer life, a keener edge, and greater usefulness.
So you're really getting extra value, an outstanding bargain. By
now remember the address Old Nick, Box one forty four,
New York, eight, New York. For each stameless steel slicing
knife you want, send us two rappers from either Old
Nick or fit of honey candy bars and twenty five
(28:13):
cents in coin. This offer must be withdrawn very soon,
so be sure of your quick cut slicing knife. Send
your Waughder today.
Speaker 4 (28:24):
This is David Harding. In the case you just heard,
all of parties pleaded guilty. There was nothing else they
could do, having provided the pictorial evidence themselves. They're serving
long terms in the federal penitentiary. And I understand Butler
is quite a hit as a leading man at Leavenworth.
Tune in next Sunday, same time, same station for the
case of the Man with the tattooed eye, who successfully
(28:46):
buried himself until the counter Spies had him fingered by
a woman in fight the award winning case of the
Recruited Nurse on David Harding Counter Spy. Tonight's David Harding
(29:08):
cownder Spy Case was directed by William M. Sweets and
dramatized by Palmer Thompson, with music by Jesse Crawford and
featured Don McLaughlan and Mandel Kramer. David Harding Counter Spy
is a Phillips h Lord production, originating in New York
for the makers of Old Nick and Better Honey Candy Bars.
Now a listening reminder, nobody knows for certain what is
(29:29):
going to happen, but Jill Pearson makes us astounding predictions
of news events to come here. Pearson Tonight is the ABC,
the American Broadcasting Company.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
Welcome back, Well. I love the initial plot and the
idea of effectively getting the bank president and the police
to be accessories to the crime is a hilarious premise
and I think though in a way that's not too
(30:03):
silly to take seriously. The solution may be a bit
more of an issue for some listeners because essentially the
way that the case has resolved is the story saying.
Speaker 4 (30:16):
Actors, am I right?
Speaker 1 (30:18):
However, that doesn't ruin the story for me, because well,
I think there are some stereotypes from the golden age
of radio that we can push back on the idea
that there are a lot of actors out there who
are odd and have self destructive tendencies. Is it something
(30:39):
you could really dispute when covering actors being odd and
crashing out is a multi billion dollar industry. Now, of course,
the irony of this sort of script is that everyone
performing in it is an actor, and it is written
(31:01):
by a writer who has extensive contact with the entertainment industry.
Though I think that can give it some credibility, particularly
if they don't go into farce. And I love that
theatrical agent character and that line he had where he
said that the problem with actors is that they let
(31:24):
a good part distract them from the fact that it's
a bad play, or they lack the judgment to be
able to make that distinction. Now, of course, it is
a generalization and then as now, you will find actors
who got a good head on their shoulders, make good
decisions and take care of their business. But there have
(31:47):
always also been in the other kind with almost inexplicable
poor judgment. The only other thing I questioned is that
Peters was just able to walk in and just catch
the film being played. That seemed like awful lack of
security tecularly for someone who the episode strongly implies is
(32:13):
in the business of producing smart But if they didn't
tell him what it was, as he said, and I
don't have any reason to think that they did tell him,
then he just might have been treating it like any
other job, and probably just in his back room didn't
(32:34):
hear Peters come in. He might have taken other precautions
if he was aware that he was dealing with something
that was illegal or proof of a crime. Listener comments
and feedback now and Steven messages in last week he
wondered why the Counterspies are doing basic law enforcement. If
(32:54):
the Counterspies are actually a stand in for the FBI,
then it makes sense. Seems to me that they didn't
have approval from the FBI as other shows did so
they made up an agency to tell FBI style stories
without legal issues. That's an interesting point. I'm not certain
how much legal issues there would be, because the worst
(33:21):
series that did true stories about the FBI that weren't sanctioned,
like I know this is your FBI was one that
j Edgar Hoover approved of. But the FBI and Peace
and War didn't have as far as I know, that
sort of official cooperation still worked off true files and
(33:44):
was based on a book. Probably one thing with Counterspies
to stand in is that they're a fictitious agency and
they're not bound by what's known of the FBI. And
I have to think in this era that the FBI
would be concerned about what went out on the radio
even if it was a fictional story. But if you've
(34:06):
got a fictional agency, then that doesn't become a problem.
And this is another case where you could see the
FBI becoming involved. A bank robbery is usually a case
that they can get involved in regardless. Thanks for the comment, Steven.
And then we go to YouTube and this one is
(34:27):
regarding the stolen car racket. Dan Rat's This and the
next episode about the housing market are brutal. This podcast
was a must listen to when dealing with the war.
The episodes after the war are absolutely brutal. I will
probably be skipping these going forward. Still love Dragnet and
Johnny Dollar, but I'll have to look for something else
(34:47):
to fill for my Saturday, not dog Walk. Well, Dan,
I'm sorry that Counterspy is in the doghouse. I will
say that while there were some rough episode that the
series does have some stronger episodes and also finds a
bit more of its putting. As Tom goes on, I
(35:09):
wouldn't have chosen the series if I didn't think it
was good, and certainly if every episode was like the
Housing Racket, I think I would probably have passed on
playing it. So I appreciate people have different tastes and
interest but I think that for those who give it
a bit more time, they're going to find some really
(35:32):
good episodes they'll enjoy. Jeffrey Rise interesting show. And that
commercial for Old Nick KNDy bars was interesting. Seems it
stopped being made in nineteen seventy. Good to know, and
I look into it and Bit of Honey is actually
still around. So you can't go and get some Old Nick,
(35:55):
but you can have some bit of honey, and then
we go back to the housing racket on Spotify and
Dawn says, at least they could have made it communist developers. Oh,
that would have been something to make it feel a
little bit more counterspy, although I think that maybe a
(36:17):
year or two later, the national mood might have better
suited that particular plot. But good, no thought. All right, Well,
now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of
the day, and thank you to Larry, Patreon supporter since
July twenty twenty three, currently supporting the podcasts at the
(36:40):
secret Agent level of four dollars or more per month.
Thanks so much for your support, Larry, and that will
do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please
follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure
to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from.
We'll be back here next Saturday with another episode of Counterspy.
(37:02):
On the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Join us
back here on Monday for the Saint and on the
Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio. Join us back here
Tuesday for Tarzan. In the meantime, send your comment to
Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net. From Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
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