October 19, 2025 • 30 mins
https://www.solgoodmedia.com - Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and ambient sounds all ad free! Dive into the thrilling world of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Daily," a podcast that breathes new life into the classic radio detective series. Each episode features daily adventures of Johnny Dollar, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Immerse yourself in intriguing mysteries and complex insurance frauds solved with wit and grit. Ideal for fans of vintage radio shows and detective stories.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:10):
The Columbia Broadcasting System presents Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. The
next half hour has its baggage pack to take a
trip with America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar. At
(00:33):
Insurance Investigation. He is just an expert at making out
his expense account. He is an absolute genius.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Expense account submitted by special Investigator Johnny Dollar. Two home Office,
American Continental Life Insurance Company.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hartford, Connecticut.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
The following is an accounting of my expenditures fulfilling your
assignment as a bodyguard, the body being that of your
late policy holder, Robert W.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Perry.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Expense account at them one fair on night train Hartford
to New York three dollars and eighty cents Spenser account
at him two a dollar ready taxi to Lower Manhattan.
The following morning, two offices Perry and Van Bruton importers,
arriving as promised at exactly nine am.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
I help you.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Yeah, my name is Johnny Dollar. I have an appointment
with mister Perry for nine o'clock.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Oh yes, from the insurance company. Well you're right on time.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
They told me i'd better be.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Mister Perry just came in. He's alone and waiting for you.
I'll buzz in that you're here.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Thanks.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
What was left of your policy holder, Mister Perry was
just sliding out of his swivel chair as I hit
the room. At the top of his desk get erupted
and split the mahogan. He pointed their sharp fingers.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Upward through lazy circles of smoke swirling toward the ceiling.
The buzzer from his secretary's desk had been rigged to
a booby trap. No, mister Parris, they away from him.
There's nothing you can do for him. He's dead.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
What happened, What happened? Whatever happened?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Come on, let's look it back out of here. Hey, Irna,
sit down, I'll get you a drink of water. Here
you are, just drink this turn.
Speaker 7 (02:44):
In the lars.
Speaker 8 (02:45):
Everybody heard as a doctor in the third floortion. I
call him.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Never mind the doctor, call the police, and nobody gets
in here until they arrived. And the rest of you
go on, feed it, run along and turn off that alarm.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Okay, miss just take it easy.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
He was also sudden. What happened?
Speaker 3 (03:04):
That's not too hard to figure out.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Somebody wanted to give your boss mister Perry a shortcut
through life. So whoever, it was figured out that the
secretary would never buzzer a boss unless he was at
his desk. They rigged up a bomb somewhere in his desk.
It would go off when you buzzed him.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
I like you, I wait a.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Minute, Wait a minute. Don't get hysterical on me. There's
excitement enough around here. There'll be plenty more when the
police get here.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Keep cool.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
But I did you saw me do it?
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Look the way you put it.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
I killed him by coming in here and giving you
my name, So you buzz him?
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Drop it, will you?
Speaker 5 (03:36):
I'm sorry?
Speaker 8 (03:38):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:39):
What about yesterday? Was he here? Yes?
Speaker 9 (03:42):
All day?
Speaker 3 (03:43):
What time was it when you last used the buzzer?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
Right up to the last minute? About five point thirty?
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Who left the office first? You or Perry?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Mister Perry, he always leaves first. And I lock up.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Looks of things. You should have used more locks last night?
Somebody got in here to do some wiring. Oh I
forgot that fire alarm, haul that equipment and no fire
Look before the police arrived. Do you know why I
was sent here?
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (04:09):
Mister Perry recently felt that his life was endangered. He
thought that, well, one hundred thousand dollar policy, the insurance
company would do everything they could to help keep him alive.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Well, we didn't have much of a chance to be
What was he afraid of?
Speaker 5 (04:21):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Okay. Why were his other appointments for today?
Speaker 5 (04:25):
He only had two, his partner, mister van Bruton at
eleven and the.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
One at a time. Now, van Bruton, anything special about
that meeting?
Speaker 5 (04:34):
Yes, mister van Bruton arrived just yesterday from Holland.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
You mean there was a branch of this firm in Holland.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Yes, mister Perry was buying out Van Bruton's interest. They
had their final meeting at Van Bruton's hotel last night. Oh,
van Bruton was coming by this morning to pick up
his money.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Uh cash, No, cashier's checked. The bank is to delivered
here at ten thirty.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Now quick. Perry's other appointment? Who was that?
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Christine? His wife?
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Yeah, now Christine the beneficiary, Yes, but.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
She wouldn't have been the beneficiary in another two weeks.
They were getting a divorce.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Thanks for the motive. You don't like her?
Speaker 5 (05:08):
I didn't mean it that way.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
How about Perry? Did you like him? Okay? Well, here's
an easy one.
Speaker 9 (05:17):
What's your name, Susan, Susan Gates?
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Now, isn't it about it?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now? Okay, Susan, you'd better save your voice during the
next few hours. You're going to have a lot of
talking to do.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Oh, here come the fireman, and we haven't even got
a child who asked them to save.
Speaker 8 (05:32):
Where's the fire? I'm looking for a fire.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Just stick around when the cops get here. Somebody will
get burned. The fireman should have stuck around, because the
cops arrived in a blaze of glory.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
It was a very high class investigation to lieutenants.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Finally, after about an hour, the police photographer ran out
of flashboats, the office of the deceased ran out of fingerprints,
and the lieutenants ran out of question so they on
the scene phase of the investigation was closed out about
five minutes of eleven. I left the police to pack
up their notebooks, their clues, and the body and went
into the outer office. Susan looked like she could use
(06:12):
a big broad shoulder to weep on, but unfortunately I
was worrying my light gray suit about. Then a dark
blue suit and a deep green voice entered the room
from the car door.
Speaker 10 (06:22):
Say there's some fella out here, says he belongs here.
Speaker 8 (06:25):
His name is Ben Bruton.
Speaker 10 (06:27):
Shall I let him in?
Speaker 3 (06:28):
What do you think his name is on the door
you just open? Oh?
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Indeed, now, well, my name happens to be Murphy and
it's on beds all over the country.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
But that don't mean I'm stuck with feathers.
Speaker 5 (06:38):
Does it?
Speaker 3 (06:39):
As he'll teacher Johnny Dada and never to cross tongues
with an irishman. Okay, sentiment officer.
Speaker 8 (06:45):
Yeah, all right, you confirm.
Speaker 10 (06:49):
The policeman out there is a tubble here or I'm
Bremavan Bruton. Where's mister Perry? He's waiting for me.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
No, no, look my appointment he's not keeping He's dead.
Speaker 10 (07:02):
This isn't possible. Last night I saw him, he was well.
What happened?
Speaker 3 (07:06):
He was hit by a buzzbond?
Speaker 10 (07:08):
A buzz bomb?
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Please?
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Uh sorry, I forgot other people aren't used to these things.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
You mean that was foul play, very foul. Please? May
I sit down?
Speaker 10 (07:19):
My first visit in all these years, since before the war,
it was to be so happy. Now tragedy like this.
He was a good man, a good partner.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
I understand that as of last night you were no
longer partners.
Speaker 10 (07:34):
Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that. I realize, of course,
that it is indelicate to speak of such things as
money at a time like this. That is why I'm
here to receive my payment.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Oh just because Perry got hiss. There's no reason for
you not getting yours. Huh.
Speaker 10 (07:49):
But you misunderstand me. I am deeply grieved. Since a
transaction was consummated, what they there to do? A delay
would be in needless waste of money. I have already
faithful passage back to Amsterdam tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (08:05):
Who you are.
Speaker 8 (08:06):
Thank you.
Speaker 10 (08:08):
In all my years of business, this is indeed the
saddest moment.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Yeah, yeah, those are very kind words, Van Bruton, and
I'd believe them if your eyes would stop counting all
the zeros on that check expense account. It him three
ninety cents phone call to.
Speaker 9 (08:27):
Your company American counted in a life insurance company. Good morning.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Oh well that's a matter of opinion. This is Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Put me through to mister Gordon, will you, sir? Mister
look Connee, this is Johnny Dollar. I want to speak
to Gordon. Oh and while I'm telling him what I've
got to tell him maybe you'd better sit in his
lap with some smelling salts.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
I'm not that type of the secretary.
Speaker 9 (08:51):
And besides, he doesn't have a laugh.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Hello, dollar, how are you making out out about one
hundred thousand dollars?
Speaker 10 (08:59):
What's that?
Speaker 8 (08:59):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Somebody tell mister Perry into a firecracker. He's dead news
A big policy. Yeah. Look, what I want to know
is shall I stay on the case?
Speaker 8 (09:09):
Certainly? By all mean? By the way, is there is
there a chance of proving suicide?
Speaker 3 (09:18):
There's a non.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Payment clause to make this one a suicide? That have
to be a Santa clause. Nobody could hate himself enough
to do it this way?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
What are the possibilities? Only fair?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
As an estrange wife, she's the beneficiary, but she wouldn't
have been in a couple of weeks. Divorce coming up,
I'll start with her, all right.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Turner, good luck. But watch those expenses. I godon, I'm surprised.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
I think an insurance man would be the first to
want to see a fellow live a little expense account
item free camp fair two eighty cents, tip the driver
one dollar. Christine perry apartment was on Sutton Place, overlooking
the river, and from what the dormant told me all
(10:05):
of the proprieties. I took the elevator up to the
twenty fourth floor, and there I discovered that our garden
fresh widow was living high in more ways than one.
Everything about the place was French. The maid that led
me into the living room, the decorps, and the perfume,
which reminds you that breathing can be fun. I looked
up from enjoying my nose to see Missus Perry looking
(10:27):
down her.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Mister Dollard or Missus Perry.
Speaker 9 (10:29):
I believe we can dispense with any getting acquated.
Speaker 11 (10:33):
You're an insurance investigator interested in the death of my husband,
the natural.
Speaker 9 (10:37):
You're here because you've jumped to the conclusion that I
killed him.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Oh you're the one that's jumping the conclusions, lady.
Speaker 9 (10:43):
And what do you want the policies in order the
premium of the polipaid.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I'm not quite sure.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
I know that you've got a great motive so far,
the only motive I've found.
Speaker 9 (10:53):
You haven't had much time to look Chack.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
This is my first thought. Maybe you can help me.
I know anyone who would be happier with your husband
out of the way.
Speaker 11 (11:03):
I know very little about my husband's friends or for
that matter, his activities for the past six months.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's when I left him. Uh huh, Well, that's not
my help for either of us. Oh, that's someone else
to suspect. I may just have to concentrate.
Speaker 9 (11:18):
On you, mister Dollar.
Speaker 5 (11:19):
I picked him in.
Speaker 9 (11:20):
I want to concentrate on me.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Well.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
I hope he is long on alibis as you are
short on your temper.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Where were you last night for.
Speaker 11 (11:27):
A friend, al Donovan for a while? I think as
my husband was, and I've witnesses to prove who was
with him.
Speaker 9 (11:35):
Anybody at the club, the priest can tell you.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
We'll save me a trip. I can't afford the prices
they get there. Certainly pleasure.
Speaker 11 (11:42):
My husband was with his beautiful little secretary of Susan
Yates wore.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
I wouldn't be more surprised if your late husband walked
through the door and said that all right, Master, that
siy else.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
Yeah, how much time?
Speaker 7 (11:54):
I am a big guy, baby, six foot four, and
I've got big years.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
Come back, please, mister Donovan, your companion of last evening,
I'm getting you out of here.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
Christine, you do what you say you lie to me?
Speaker 3 (12:05):
How can I help you? If you lie to me?
You call me stupid.
Speaker 8 (12:08):
The way you're playing this, you'll all of you. I'm
right into herself. I'm getting you out of here.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
What are you doing in the idea creates?
Speaker 3 (12:14):
She's right, you are stupid, Donovan. She was doing just
fine until you dropped in. Mister You've been asking a
lot of questions.
Speaker 8 (12:21):
Now I'll give you one answer.
Speaker 7 (12:26):
All right, Christine, So much for the wise guy. Now
about you and your alibi. You wasn't with me at
the club cup Priest last night, And if it's always
did approve, your husband was there with his secretary, who
were you there with? You told me you were going
with your husband talking divorce.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Remember when Ill measured me for that swing, I measured
my chances with him. To me, he looked like one
of the corporate assets of Murder Incorporated. So I rolled
over the punch, hit the floor, and stayed there with
my eyes closed and my ears open. What I heard
was Christine's alibi flying out the window, mister Donovan giving
her a few loving cuffs, and finally the pair of
them flying out the door. I allowed myself the luxury
(13:08):
of a twenty second massage and the new lump on
my jaw, and then I got up and started.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Out after them. This case was becoming interesting.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
In just a moment, we'll return to the second act
of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 8 (13:34):
But first this important message.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Sixty million dollars is what the Red Cross needs to
carry on it's great work in nineteen forty nine. If
this seems like a lot, just try to review briefly
the various activities of the Red Cross. It can't be
done briefly. Red Cross services extend into every area of
our lives, bringing care, comfort and recreation to the men
of the armed forces, bringing first aid training programs, nursing services,
(14:01):
blood banks to our own communities.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
And all the.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Time, as these activities go on uninterrupted, the Red Cross
is holding itself ready to spring into instant action in
case of disaster, fire, but explosion, any sort of catastrophe
finds the Red Cross on the scene with food, clothing,
and medical care. Sixty million isn't so much in the
light of such activity. We can make it. With each
of us contributing. We're giving to our own safety, security
(14:28):
and peace of mind, and to our neighbors too. So
let's give generously to our own red Cross. Now back
to the second act of yours, truly, Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
I hit the street just in time to see Donmond
pushing Christine Perry into a cream colored convertible. When they
got rolling, I file into a cab and followed them,
and the chase was on. At fifty seventh and Broadway,
things got complicated. My cab was three cars behind theirs
when a red light flashed into a stop. Then the
(15:07):
door of their convertible flew open. Christine jumped out, dashed
across the street and down to the subway. Since Donovan
didn't follow her, I followed him. When he finally pulled
to a stop, he took two chances. He parked in
a no parking zone and walked straight into the building
beside it a police station.
Speaker 8 (15:30):
This is mister Doll, Lieutenant. He's been waiting for you.
Speaker 10 (15:33):
For some time.
Speaker 8 (15:35):
Well, you can wait outside sat.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
CA, sir.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
My name is Johnny Della, Lieutenant. There are my credentials.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
Insurance. Eh.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Yeah, the Perry murder in particular, You've.
Speaker 8 (15:49):
Come to the right place. Dollar.
Speaker 12 (15:52):
A man named Donovan just walked in here and made
a full confession.
Speaker 8 (15:55):
He what that's right, right, clicks, just typing it up.
Speaker 12 (15:59):
In the meantime, the gentleman is down in the tank
having a bite of lunch on the city he confessed.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
Does his story add up?
Speaker 12 (16:06):
As far as I know, I haven't heard too much
about the case myself.
Speaker 8 (16:10):
It's met in my precinct.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
What did he use for a motive?
Speaker 8 (16:14):
Jealousy? Says he's in love, wanted to marry Perry's wife.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Did he say how he manages it?
Speaker 12 (16:20):
Yeah, he's still the key to the office from the
wife's apartment, entered the building last night and wired a
bomb to the buzzer system.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Well, guys do a lot of strange things the name
of love.
Speaker 8 (16:31):
Yeah, it looks like Donovan did.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Ah.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
He either killed a man or he's trying to cover
up for someone who dead a Listen, don't execute him
for a couple of days.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Hollows and I.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Spent the rest of the afternoon downtown in the offices
of Perry and Van Bruton, importers. The partner's correspondence told
me two things. They had been extremely friendly and Van
Bruton was extremely Perry had been sending him two pays
from a famous Hollywood makeup firm at four point thirty,
I opened the drawer marked employment files. They rocked me
(17:09):
with two minor explosions of their own. The folder marked Donovan.
Albert J. Told me that he'd been employed as Perry's
bodyguard over a period of years, and that he was
canned the day before the murder. Before I received blast
number two from the folder of Perry's secretary Susan Gates, the.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Office door opened behind me. Well, mister dollar.
Speaker 11 (17:30):
They were supplied with a search warrant, just the one
I was born with, Missus Perry, the kind they say
kills cats.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
You know, curiosity? What are you looking for? I found it?
How about you? What are you doing here? Why?
Speaker 11 (17:46):
I'm tired of dueling with you? I'm here because I
want to Well, I've got to talk to someone. I
called your hotel.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You what's there?
Speaker 11 (17:56):
I tried to locate Susan, but I couldn't, so I thought,
maybe you'll be down here.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
What's the basis of our sudden friendship?
Speaker 9 (18:04):
You should know al Donovan's confession.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
The newspapers have it already is but there's not a.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
Word of truth, and that he didn't kill my husband.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
How do you know that?
Speaker 9 (18:11):
Because what it's impossible.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
That's all.
Speaker 6 (18:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
It was a little hard for me to swallow too
when the police told me about it, But since then
it's become a little more digestible. What do you mean,
I just learned that he was your husband's bodyguard.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
He was fired yesterday.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
That same day, your husband calls his insurance when he's
screaming for another body God, Now.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
How would that head up for you? A beef? Maybe?
Speaker 11 (18:37):
Al Donovan's a fool, never thinks. He just rushes in
and says it does whatever's on his mind. He told
my husband if he didn't.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Divorce me, that.
Speaker 9 (18:46):
How he threatened him.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Now you came in here saying that Diamond's confession was
no good, and you spend your time making it sound
better and better.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
What do you want anyway?
Speaker 11 (18:56):
I can't help it. I've got to tell you the teeth.
I know it doesn't sound like I'm trying to help.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Al, but what can I Do You really want me
to answer that here? If you want to help out,
phone the police, tell them Donovan made that phony confession
to cover up for you. It's simple, not as simple
as dead. You don't need the gun, Christine, hang up
the phone.
Speaker 11 (19:21):
Sure, I hope you don't mind my version being held
for murder myself.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Well, that's a commoner version. I'm in no hurry to
see you behind bars, but don't forget. When the cops
want to pick you up, they'll.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
Do it now.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Don't spoil the rest of the afternoon. Take that gun
someplace else. I've got things to do the first time.
Speaker 9 (19:40):
Imagine we'll need to call that.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
I wouldn't man, not necessarily.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
If it'll make you feel any better, we'll just put
this phone out of order.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Satisfying, of course not.
Speaker 9 (19:52):
But don't get me wrong, mister Dalla, I wish you nothing.
Speaker 10 (19:56):
But success in your investigation.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
I puzzled over that exit line for a few seconds
after she'd gone, and then I went back to the
company's employment file, namely the application for employment as secretary
of Susan Gates.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
It informed me that during.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
The war she had worked in the munitions planned a
specialty wiring bomb fuses.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
When Miss Susan Gates.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Reached home at eight thirty that evening, she found a
visitor me, how did you get in here?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Professional secret Oh?
Speaker 5 (20:42):
You scared me? What do you want? Why did you
come here?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
I wanted to bring you the good news.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
I heard on the radio that al Donovan confessed to
Perry's murder.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
El I can't believe it.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Why not? Who do you like for the spot?
Speaker 5 (20:58):
Why Christine? Alice covering up for.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
I'd like to agree with you if it turns out
that Christine wound up her husband's life with a bang.
The company that hired me saves a hundred thousand dollars,
But I don't know. She claims she has all kinds
of alibis. One of them is you me? Ah, did
you see her at the club Caprice last night? Why?
Speaker 5 (21:21):
Who? Yes?
Speaker 3 (21:22):
I know who you were with your boss.
Speaker 5 (21:24):
There's nothing wrong with that.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
I am not preaching it, Sirma. I want to know who
she was with.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
I don't know, man, I'd never seen before mister Perry,
knew him, but he wouldn't tell me who he was.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Why not?
Speaker 5 (21:33):
I don't know? He said, I might get the wrong
idea about what. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
We didn't sit there and talk about it all night.
Why should we sit here and talk about it all night?
Speaker 3 (21:41):
All right? All right? When a census taker shows up
and asks a lot of questions, people answer them.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
When an investigator tries to do his job. They make
the proverbial clam look like a blabbermouth.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
Look, mister dor believe me, this has been a greater
shock to me than anyone else.
Speaker 3 (21:56):
The shifting. Of course, you're a late employer, mister Perry.
How long did you work for him?
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Four years?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
And where'd you worked before? Then?
Speaker 2 (22:04):
H Let me help you bombs, wiring fuses? Remember all right?
Speaker 5 (22:14):
I remember?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Good?
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Then maybe you'll remember a little bit more. Let's go
back to last night, guy with Christine Perry?
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Who was he?
Speaker 5 (22:22):
I tell you, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
Was it Van Bruden? I don't know, you don't know.
I mean, I'll get that.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
No, I'll go.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
You make sure you just don't keep going Susan. When
Susan snapped the spring locks, who opened the door?
Speaker 2 (22:39):
The gun outside opened up the first slug quarter on
the left shoulder, spinning her out of the way of
the rest of them. It was getting them knotts. Every
time a buzzer went off, things started booming. Susan was
sprawled out on the floor and from the door, and
to open it, I had a mover. By the time
I did, the hallway outside was empty. Okay, my ticketies,
(23:00):
it won't start hurting for a couple of minutes. We'll
have a doctor here by then he'll give her something.
I just try and keep going. Yeah, I'll throw my
coat over you. Try not to move, trying to ruin
this rug? Never mind the rug. But we want to
worry about is who tried to ruin you?
Speaker 5 (23:19):
What'll they do to me?
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Well? Who do to you?
Speaker 5 (23:22):
They'll arrest me?
Speaker 2 (23:23):
No, they don't arrest people beginning shot. Do you have
any idea who it was that.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Man in the office this morning?
Speaker 3 (23:31):
One picked up the check man Bruton?
Speaker 5 (23:34):
No, No, he wasn't.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Then Bruton he was a phony? Yep, and you still
gave him that check.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Yes, well, I won't ask you why, but apparently you
gave him the money and then try to blackmail him.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Is that right?
Speaker 5 (23:46):
He'll have me.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
I wouldn't be a bit surprised. Who is this guy?
Where can I find him? Come on, I don't pass
out on me. Now his name?
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Quick?
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Then?
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Where does he lived?
Speaker 5 (24:00):
Nelson?
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Who did under his own name? I don't blame you.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I could use a few moments of unconsciousness myself. The
Nelson hotel didn't have a Dutch name on the register,
so I got a hold of the housekeeper and found
out how many rooms his staff hadn't been able to
make up all day because of do not disturb signs
(24:29):
and their doors. I want to calling at these particular rooms.
On the ninth floor I awakened one old maid. On
the seventh I startled a bunch of poker players who
thought they were being raided. On the fifth I blushed
my way out of the bridal suite, and on the
fourth I struck the door of four twenty seven and
the jackpots.
Speaker 10 (24:47):
Who's there? Don't you see the sign I do not
miss to be disturbed?
Speaker 3 (24:52):
Oh sorry, I must have the wrong room.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
I started up the hall after the fire acte, but
when I got to it, I changed my mind. One
of the few things I had learned about this guy,
Van Sant was and he loved to murder people through doors,
So I decided against trying to chop his down. Then
I remember the way those people came pouring out of
those offices earlier in the day when they heard that
fire alarm. So I picked up the little red hammer
next to the big red fire axe, broke the little
(25:15):
glass window, pulled the little brass hook, and set off
a big brassy noise.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Then I rushed back to four twenty seven. Fire, Fire, fire,
where's the fire right here?
Speaker 6 (25:27):
In my eyes?
Speaker 3 (25:28):
Sweethet?
Speaker 10 (25:33):
Why you come here?
Speaker 2 (25:34):
You wish you hadn't to remind addresser you're through shooting
guns for the day. Well you think the him sense
you want to try some more?
Speaker 10 (25:44):
You kind of make me stay here.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
The fire we all died and.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
It looked good barbecued. But I'll make a deal with you.
You talk. If I like what I hear, I'll show
you how to get out of here alive.
Speaker 10 (25:54):
How do I know this?
Speaker 2 (25:55):
Well, you don't think I'm gonna stay here in Friday.
And if you don't start flapping that tongue in a hurry,
I'll probably I just tie you to a chair and run.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
First was Van Bruton.
Speaker 10 (26:03):
You will find him in the bedroom.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
You've gotta be alive. He's out cold. What's the matter
with it?
Speaker 8 (26:11):
People? Be all right?
Speaker 10 (26:13):
He's on the sedatives.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
What did this identity switch start? You better hurry up.
I smell smoke.
Speaker 10 (26:19):
I knew Van Bruton in Amsterdam. I knew about to
say of his interest, and I knew that the girl
in the office here had never seen Van Bruton. What
let's go now.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
I don't get up. I can't feel it getting warm
in here.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
The firefies. You will be safe, and don't be too sure.
They always started the top floor and work their way down.
Come on, I can hear those flames crying.
Speaker 10 (26:40):
You know the rest. Last night, when the transaction was
all finished with Parry, I gave to Van Bruton someb
sedative and his cocoa.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
You set up that bomb, so Perry get it before
you showed up to pick up the check. Y'all.
Speaker 10 (26:51):
I told you that then it happened. That girl didn't
know I was an impostor. I don't know how.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Let me tell you.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
She's been sending old Van Bruton and they had two
pays for the last four years. Gray Ones, my redheaded friend.
Speaker 10 (27:05):
Oh yeah, let's get out of you.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Know, yeah, out fo.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
Her expense account Item four a dollar forty night letter
informing you the American Continental would have to meet payment
of claim to missus Christine Ferry, innocent widow of the insured.
Speaker 3 (27:29):
The only thing she was guilty.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
Of was trying to stay on the right side of
a hot tempered boyfriend. She lied about who she was
with at the club Caprice, not to fix herself an alibi,
but to keep al Donovan from learning that she'd been
out with another guy, that guy being the real mister
van Bruton, who had only taken her out to try
to targument a reconciling with his friend her husband. Item
(27:51):
five sixty dollars silver chafing dish wedding present for Christine
and her new husband, al Donovan. That was at least
she could do for the guy who had confessed to
a murder he thought she had committed. Item six eight
dollars flowers for Susan Gates Prison Hospital. Item seven fine
for turning in false alarm. One thousand dollars and no cents.
(28:15):
And that's what I think I'm beginning to get by
getting into this racket.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
No sense.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Expense account total twelve and sixty three dollars yours, truly,
Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
In just a moment, we'll tell you about next week
Johnny Adventure.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
But first this reminder.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Just a little earlier tonight on CBS, Jack Bennet turned
dractic actor on the Ford Theater. But this Sunday he'll
be back again on his own show with a special
treat for the Jack Benny fans. After the last broadcast
on which the Ronald Coleman's appeared, thousands of letters came
in from fans asking the Jack and Ronnie and Benita
back again.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
Soon the Walkeagan Wit did, and Ronnie.
Speaker 1 (29:15):
And Benita, by popular demand, returned the Jack Benny programmed
this Sunday in what should result in one of the
most hilarious broadcasts of the year. So be sure to
listen to mister and Missus Ronald Coleman on The Jack
Benny Show, which is heard on all CBS stations this Sunday.
(29:45):
Listening again next week when CBS brings You Yours Truly
Johnny Dollar with Charles Russell as Johnny. Yours Truly Johnny
Dollar is written by Paul Dudley and gildowd with music
by Mark Warnow, and is produced and directed by Richard
sand Bill for CBS look Up and Be a Broadcasting System.
Speaker 6 (30:05):
Mhm m m m m mmmmmmmmm
The Columbia Broadcasting System presents Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. The
next half hour has its baggage pack to take a
trip with America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar. At
(00:33):
Insurance Investigation. He is just an expert at making out
his expense account. He is an absolute genius.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Expense account submitted by special Investigator Johnny Dollar. Two home Office,
American Continental Life Insurance Company.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hartford, Connecticut.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
The following is an accounting of my expenditures fulfilling your
assignment as a bodyguard, the body being that of your
late policy holder, Robert W.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Perry.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Expense account at them one fair on night train Hartford
to New York three dollars and eighty cents Spenser account
at him two a dollar ready taxi to Lower Manhattan.
The following morning, two offices Perry and Van Bruton importers,
arriving as promised at exactly nine am.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
I help you.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Yeah, my name is Johnny Dollar. I have an appointment
with mister Perry for nine o'clock.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Oh yes, from the insurance company. Well you're right on time.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
They told me i'd better be.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Mister Perry just came in. He's alone and waiting for you.
I'll buzz in that you're here.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Thanks.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
What was left of your policy holder, Mister Perry was
just sliding out of his swivel chair as I hit
the room. At the top of his desk get erupted
and split the mahogan. He pointed their sharp fingers.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Upward through lazy circles of smoke swirling toward the ceiling.
The buzzer from his secretary's desk had been rigged to
a booby trap. No, mister Parris, they away from him.
There's nothing you can do for him. He's dead.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
What happened, What happened? Whatever happened?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Come on, let's look it back out of here. Hey, Irna,
sit down, I'll get you a drink of water. Here
you are, just drink this turn.
Speaker 7 (02:44):
In the lars.
Speaker 8 (02:45):
Everybody heard as a doctor in the third floortion. I
call him.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Never mind the doctor, call the police, and nobody gets
in here until they arrived. And the rest of you
go on, feed it, run along and turn off that alarm.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Okay, miss just take it easy.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
He was also sudden. What happened?
Speaker 3 (03:04):
That's not too hard to figure out.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Somebody wanted to give your boss mister Perry a shortcut
through life. So whoever, it was figured out that the
secretary would never buzzer a boss unless he was at
his desk. They rigged up a bomb somewhere in his desk.
It would go off when you buzzed him.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
I like you, I wait a.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Minute, Wait a minute. Don't get hysterical on me. There's
excitement enough around here. There'll be plenty more when the
police get here.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Keep cool.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
But I did you saw me do it?
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Look the way you put it.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
I killed him by coming in here and giving you
my name, So you buzz him?
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Drop it, will you?
Speaker 5 (03:36):
I'm sorry?
Speaker 8 (03:38):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:39):
What about yesterday? Was he here? Yes?
Speaker 9 (03:42):
All day?
Speaker 3 (03:43):
What time was it when you last used the buzzer?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
Right up to the last minute? About five point thirty?
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Who left the office first? You or Perry?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Mister Perry, he always leaves first. And I lock up.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Looks of things. You should have used more locks last night?
Somebody got in here to do some wiring. Oh I
forgot that fire alarm, haul that equipment and no fire
Look before the police arrived. Do you know why I
was sent here?
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (04:09):
Mister Perry recently felt that his life was endangered. He
thought that, well, one hundred thousand dollar policy, the insurance
company would do everything they could to help keep him alive.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Well, we didn't have much of a chance to be
What was he afraid of?
Speaker 5 (04:21):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Okay. Why were his other appointments for today?
Speaker 5 (04:25):
He only had two, his partner, mister van Bruton at
eleven and the.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
One at a time. Now, van Bruton, anything special about
that meeting?
Speaker 5 (04:34):
Yes, mister van Bruton arrived just yesterday from Holland.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
You mean there was a branch of this firm in Holland.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Yes, mister Perry was buying out Van Bruton's interest. They
had their final meeting at Van Bruton's hotel last night. Oh,
van Bruton was coming by this morning to pick up
his money.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Uh cash, No, cashier's checked. The bank is to delivered
here at ten thirty.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Now quick. Perry's other appointment? Who was that?
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Christine? His wife?
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Yeah, now Christine the beneficiary, Yes, but.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
She wouldn't have been the beneficiary in another two weeks.
They were getting a divorce.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Thanks for the motive. You don't like her?
Speaker 5 (05:08):
I didn't mean it that way.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
How about Perry? Did you like him? Okay? Well, here's
an easy one.
Speaker 9 (05:17):
What's your name, Susan, Susan Gates?
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Now, isn't it about it?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now? Okay, Susan, you'd better save your voice during the
next few hours. You're going to have a lot of
talking to do.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Oh, here come the fireman, and we haven't even got
a child who asked them to save.
Speaker 8 (05:32):
Where's the fire? I'm looking for a fire.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Just stick around when the cops get here. Somebody will
get burned. The fireman should have stuck around, because the
cops arrived in a blaze of glory.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
It was a very high class investigation to lieutenants.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Finally, after about an hour, the police photographer ran out
of flashboats, the office of the deceased ran out of fingerprints,
and the lieutenants ran out of question so they on
the scene phase of the investigation was closed out about
five minutes of eleven. I left the police to pack
up their notebooks, their clues, and the body and went
into the outer office. Susan looked like she could use
(06:12):
a big broad shoulder to weep on, but unfortunately I
was worrying my light gray suit about. Then a dark
blue suit and a deep green voice entered the room
from the car door.
Speaker 10 (06:22):
Say there's some fella out here, says he belongs here.
Speaker 8 (06:25):
His name is Ben Bruton.
Speaker 10 (06:27):
Shall I let him in?
Speaker 3 (06:28):
What do you think his name is on the door
you just open? Oh?
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Indeed, now, well, my name happens to be Murphy and
it's on beds all over the country.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
But that don't mean I'm stuck with feathers.
Speaker 5 (06:38):
Does it?
Speaker 3 (06:39):
As he'll teacher Johnny Dada and never to cross tongues
with an irishman. Okay, sentiment officer.
Speaker 8 (06:45):
Yeah, all right, you confirm.
Speaker 10 (06:49):
The policeman out there is a tubble here or I'm
Bremavan Bruton. Where's mister Perry? He's waiting for me.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
No, no, look my appointment he's not keeping He's dead.
Speaker 10 (07:02):
This isn't possible. Last night I saw him, he was well.
What happened?
Speaker 3 (07:06):
He was hit by a buzzbond?
Speaker 10 (07:08):
A buzz bomb?
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Please?
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Uh sorry, I forgot other people aren't used to these things.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
You mean that was foul play, very foul. Please? May
I sit down?
Speaker 10 (07:19):
My first visit in all these years, since before the war,
it was to be so happy. Now tragedy like this.
He was a good man, a good partner.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
I understand that as of last night you were no
longer partners.
Speaker 10 (07:34):
Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that. I realize, of course,
that it is indelicate to speak of such things as
money at a time like this. That is why I'm
here to receive my payment.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Oh just because Perry got hiss. There's no reason for
you not getting yours. Huh.
Speaker 10 (07:49):
But you misunderstand me. I am deeply grieved. Since a
transaction was consummated, what they there to do? A delay
would be in needless waste of money. I have already
faithful passage back to Amsterdam tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (08:05):
Who you are.
Speaker 8 (08:06):
Thank you.
Speaker 10 (08:08):
In all my years of business, this is indeed the
saddest moment.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Yeah, yeah, those are very kind words, Van Bruton, and
I'd believe them if your eyes would stop counting all
the zeros on that check expense account. It him three
ninety cents phone call to.
Speaker 9 (08:27):
Your company American counted in a life insurance company. Good morning.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Oh well that's a matter of opinion. This is Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Put me through to mister Gordon, will you, sir? Mister
look Connee, this is Johnny Dollar. I want to speak
to Gordon. Oh and while I'm telling him what I've
got to tell him maybe you'd better sit in his
lap with some smelling salts.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
I'm not that type of the secretary.
Speaker 9 (08:51):
And besides, he doesn't have a laugh.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Hello, dollar, how are you making out out about one
hundred thousand dollars?
Speaker 10 (08:59):
What's that?
Speaker 8 (08:59):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Somebody tell mister Perry into a firecracker. He's dead news
A big policy. Yeah. Look, what I want to know
is shall I stay on the case?
Speaker 8 (09:09):
Certainly? By all mean? By the way, is there is
there a chance of proving suicide?
Speaker 3 (09:18):
There's a non.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Payment clause to make this one a suicide? That have
to be a Santa clause. Nobody could hate himself enough
to do it this way?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
What are the possibilities? Only fair?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
As an estrange wife, she's the beneficiary, but she wouldn't
have been in a couple of weeks. Divorce coming up,
I'll start with her, all right.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Turner, good luck. But watch those expenses. I godon, I'm surprised.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
I think an insurance man would be the first to
want to see a fellow live a little expense account
item free camp fair two eighty cents, tip the driver
one dollar. Christine perry apartment was on Sutton Place, overlooking
the river, and from what the dormant told me all
(10:05):
of the proprieties. I took the elevator up to the
twenty fourth floor, and there I discovered that our garden
fresh widow was living high in more ways than one.
Everything about the place was French. The maid that led
me into the living room, the decorps, and the perfume,
which reminds you that breathing can be fun. I looked
up from enjoying my nose to see Missus Perry looking
(10:27):
down her.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Mister Dollard or Missus Perry.
Speaker 9 (10:29):
I believe we can dispense with any getting acquated.
Speaker 11 (10:33):
You're an insurance investigator interested in the death of my husband,
the natural.
Speaker 9 (10:37):
You're here because you've jumped to the conclusion that I
killed him.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Oh you're the one that's jumping the conclusions, lady.
Speaker 9 (10:43):
And what do you want the policies in order the
premium of the polipaid.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I'm not quite sure.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
I know that you've got a great motive so far,
the only motive I've found.
Speaker 9 (10:53):
You haven't had much time to look Chack.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
This is my first thought. Maybe you can help me.
I know anyone who would be happier with your husband
out of the way.
Speaker 11 (11:03):
I know very little about my husband's friends or for
that matter, his activities for the past six months.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's when I left him. Uh huh, Well, that's not
my help for either of us. Oh, that's someone else
to suspect. I may just have to concentrate.
Speaker 9 (11:18):
On you, mister Dollar.
Speaker 5 (11:19):
I picked him in.
Speaker 9 (11:20):
I want to concentrate on me.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Well.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
I hope he is long on alibis as you are
short on your temper.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Where were you last night for.
Speaker 11 (11:27):
A friend, al Donovan for a while? I think as
my husband was, and I've witnesses to prove who was
with him.
Speaker 9 (11:35):
Anybody at the club, the priest can tell you.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
We'll save me a trip. I can't afford the prices
they get there. Certainly pleasure.
Speaker 11 (11:42):
My husband was with his beautiful little secretary of Susan
Yates wore.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
I wouldn't be more surprised if your late husband walked
through the door and said that all right, Master, that
siy else.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
Yeah, how much time?
Speaker 7 (11:54):
I am a big guy, baby, six foot four, and
I've got big years.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
Come back, please, mister Donovan, your companion of last evening,
I'm getting you out of here.
Speaker 8 (12:03):
Christine, you do what you say you lie to me?
Speaker 3 (12:05):
How can I help you? If you lie to me?
You call me stupid.
Speaker 8 (12:08):
The way you're playing this, you'll all of you. I'm
right into herself. I'm getting you out of here.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
What are you doing in the idea creates?
Speaker 3 (12:14):
She's right, you are stupid, Donovan. She was doing just
fine until you dropped in. Mister You've been asking a
lot of questions.
Speaker 8 (12:21):
Now I'll give you one answer.
Speaker 7 (12:26):
All right, Christine, So much for the wise guy. Now
about you and your alibi. You wasn't with me at
the club cup Priest last night, And if it's always
did approve, your husband was there with his secretary, who
were you there with? You told me you were going
with your husband talking divorce.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Remember when Ill measured me for that swing, I measured
my chances with him. To me, he looked like one
of the corporate assets of Murder Incorporated. So I rolled
over the punch, hit the floor, and stayed there with
my eyes closed and my ears open. What I heard
was Christine's alibi flying out the window, mister Donovan giving
her a few loving cuffs, and finally the pair of
them flying out the door. I allowed myself the luxury
(13:08):
of a twenty second massage and the new lump on
my jaw, and then I got up and started.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
Out after them. This case was becoming interesting.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
In just a moment, we'll return to the second act
of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 8 (13:34):
But first this important message.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Sixty million dollars is what the Red Cross needs to
carry on it's great work in nineteen forty nine. If
this seems like a lot, just try to review briefly
the various activities of the Red Cross. It can't be
done briefly. Red Cross services extend into every area of
our lives, bringing care, comfort and recreation to the men
of the armed forces, bringing first aid training programs, nursing services,
(14:01):
blood banks to our own communities.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
And all the.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Time, as these activities go on uninterrupted, the Red Cross
is holding itself ready to spring into instant action in
case of disaster, fire, but explosion, any sort of catastrophe
finds the Red Cross on the scene with food, clothing,
and medical care. Sixty million isn't so much in the
light of such activity. We can make it. With each
of us contributing. We're giving to our own safety, security
(14:28):
and peace of mind, and to our neighbors too. So
let's give generously to our own red Cross. Now back
to the second act of yours, truly, Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
I hit the street just in time to see Donmond
pushing Christine Perry into a cream colored convertible. When they
got rolling, I file into a cab and followed them,
and the chase was on. At fifty seventh and Broadway,
things got complicated. My cab was three cars behind theirs
when a red light flashed into a stop. Then the
(15:07):
door of their convertible flew open. Christine jumped out, dashed
across the street and down to the subway. Since Donovan
didn't follow her, I followed him. When he finally pulled
to a stop, he took two chances. He parked in
a no parking zone and walked straight into the building
beside it a police station.
Speaker 8 (15:30):
This is mister Doll, Lieutenant. He's been waiting for you.
Speaker 10 (15:33):
For some time.
Speaker 8 (15:35):
Well, you can wait outside sat.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
CA, sir.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
My name is Johnny Della, Lieutenant. There are my credentials.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
Insurance. Eh.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Yeah, the Perry murder in particular, You've.
Speaker 8 (15:49):
Come to the right place. Dollar.
Speaker 12 (15:52):
A man named Donovan just walked in here and made
a full confession.
Speaker 8 (15:55):
He what that's right, right, clicks, just typing it up.
Speaker 12 (15:59):
In the meantime, the gentleman is down in the tank
having a bite of lunch on the city he confessed.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
Does his story add up?
Speaker 12 (16:06):
As far as I know, I haven't heard too much
about the case myself.
Speaker 8 (16:10):
It's met in my precinct.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
What did he use for a motive?
Speaker 8 (16:14):
Jealousy? Says he's in love, wanted to marry Perry's wife.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
Did he say how he manages it?
Speaker 12 (16:20):
Yeah, he's still the key to the office from the
wife's apartment, entered the building last night and wired a
bomb to the buzzer system.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
Well, guys do a lot of strange things the name
of love.
Speaker 8 (16:31):
Yeah, it looks like Donovan did.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Ah.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
He either killed a man or he's trying to cover
up for someone who dead a Listen, don't execute him
for a couple of days.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Hollows and I.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Spent the rest of the afternoon downtown in the offices
of Perry and Van Bruton, importers. The partner's correspondence told
me two things. They had been extremely friendly and Van
Bruton was extremely Perry had been sending him two pays
from a famous Hollywood makeup firm at four point thirty,
I opened the drawer marked employment files. They rocked me
(17:09):
with two minor explosions of their own. The folder marked Donovan.
Albert J. Told me that he'd been employed as Perry's
bodyguard over a period of years, and that he was
canned the day before the murder. Before I received blast
number two from the folder of Perry's secretary Susan Gates, the.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Office door opened behind me. Well, mister dollar.
Speaker 11 (17:30):
They were supplied with a search warrant, just the one
I was born with, Missus Perry, the kind they say
kills cats.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
You know, curiosity? What are you looking for? I found it?
How about you? What are you doing here? Why?
Speaker 11 (17:46):
I'm tired of dueling with you? I'm here because I
want to Well, I've got to talk to someone. I
called your hotel.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You what's there?
Speaker 11 (17:56):
I tried to locate Susan, but I couldn't, so I thought,
maybe you'll be down here.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
What's the basis of our sudden friendship?
Speaker 9 (18:04):
You should know al Donovan's confession.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
The newspapers have it already is but there's not a.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
Word of truth, and that he didn't kill my husband.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
How do you know that?
Speaker 9 (18:11):
Because what it's impossible.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
That's all.
Speaker 6 (18:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
It was a little hard for me to swallow too
when the police told me about it, But since then
it's become a little more digestible. What do you mean,
I just learned that he was your husband's bodyguard.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
He was fired yesterday.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
That same day, your husband calls his insurance when he's
screaming for another body God, Now.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
How would that head up for you? A beef? Maybe?
Speaker 11 (18:37):
Al Donovan's a fool, never thinks. He just rushes in
and says it does whatever's on his mind. He told
my husband if he didn't.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Divorce me, that.
Speaker 9 (18:46):
How he threatened him.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Now you came in here saying that Diamond's confession was
no good, and you spend your time making it sound
better and better.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
What do you want anyway?
Speaker 11 (18:56):
I can't help it. I've got to tell you the teeth.
I know it doesn't sound like I'm trying to help.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Al, but what can I Do You really want me
to answer that here? If you want to help out,
phone the police, tell them Donovan made that phony confession
to cover up for you. It's simple, not as simple
as dead. You don't need the gun, Christine, hang up
the phone.
Speaker 11 (19:21):
Sure, I hope you don't mind my version being held
for murder myself.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Well, that's a commoner version. I'm in no hurry to
see you behind bars, but don't forget. When the cops
want to pick you up, they'll.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
Do it now.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Don't spoil the rest of the afternoon. Take that gun
someplace else. I've got things to do the first time.
Speaker 9 (19:40):
Imagine we'll need to call that.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
I wouldn't man, not necessarily.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
If it'll make you feel any better, we'll just put
this phone out of order.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Satisfying, of course not.
Speaker 9 (19:52):
But don't get me wrong, mister Dalla, I wish you nothing.
Speaker 10 (19:56):
But success in your investigation.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
I puzzled over that exit line for a few seconds
after she'd gone, and then I went back to the
company's employment file, namely the application for employment as secretary
of Susan Gates.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
It informed me that during.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
The war she had worked in the munitions planned a
specialty wiring bomb fuses.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
When Miss Susan Gates.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Reached home at eight thirty that evening, she found a
visitor me, how did you get in here?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Professional secret Oh?
Speaker 5 (20:42):
You scared me? What do you want? Why did you
come here?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
I wanted to bring you the good news.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
I heard on the radio that al Donovan confessed to
Perry's murder.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
El I can't believe it.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Why not? Who do you like for the spot?
Speaker 5 (20:58):
Why Christine? Alice covering up for.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
I'd like to agree with you if it turns out
that Christine wound up her husband's life with a bang.
The company that hired me saves a hundred thousand dollars,
But I don't know. She claims she has all kinds
of alibis. One of them is you me? Ah, did
you see her at the club Caprice last night? Why?
Speaker 5 (21:21):
Who? Yes?
Speaker 3 (21:22):
I know who you were with your boss.
Speaker 5 (21:24):
There's nothing wrong with that.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
I am not preaching it, Sirma. I want to know who
she was with.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
I don't know, man, I'd never seen before mister Perry,
knew him, but he wouldn't tell me who he was.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Why not?
Speaker 5 (21:33):
I don't know? He said, I might get the wrong
idea about what. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
We didn't sit there and talk about it all night.
Why should we sit here and talk about it all night?
Speaker 3 (21:41):
All right? All right? When a census taker shows up
and asks a lot of questions, people answer them.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
When an investigator tries to do his job. They make
the proverbial clam look like a blabbermouth.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
Look, mister dor believe me, this has been a greater
shock to me than anyone else.
Speaker 3 (21:56):
The shifting. Of course, you're a late employer, mister Perry.
How long did you work for him?
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Four years?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
And where'd you worked before? Then?
Speaker 2 (22:04):
H Let me help you bombs, wiring fuses? Remember all right?
Speaker 5 (22:14):
I remember?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Good?
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Then maybe you'll remember a little bit more. Let's go
back to last night, guy with Christine Perry?
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Who was he?
Speaker 5 (22:22):
I tell you, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
Was it Van Bruden? I don't know, you don't know.
I mean, I'll get that.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
No, I'll go.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
You make sure you just don't keep going Susan. When
Susan snapped the spring locks, who opened the door?
Speaker 2 (22:39):
The gun outside opened up the first slug quarter on
the left shoulder, spinning her out of the way of
the rest of them. It was getting them knotts. Every
time a buzzer went off, things started booming. Susan was
sprawled out on the floor and from the door, and
to open it, I had a mover. By the time
I did, the hallway outside was empty. Okay, my ticketies,
(23:00):
it won't start hurting for a couple of minutes. We'll
have a doctor here by then he'll give her something.
I just try and keep going. Yeah, I'll throw my
coat over you. Try not to move, trying to ruin
this rug? Never mind the rug. But we want to
worry about is who tried to ruin you?
Speaker 5 (23:19):
What'll they do to me?
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Well? Who do to you?
Speaker 5 (23:22):
They'll arrest me?
Speaker 2 (23:23):
No, they don't arrest people beginning shot. Do you have
any idea who it was that.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Man in the office this morning?
Speaker 3 (23:31):
One picked up the check man Bruton?
Speaker 5 (23:34):
No, No, he wasn't.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Then Bruton he was a phony? Yep, and you still
gave him that check.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Yes, well, I won't ask you why, but apparently you
gave him the money and then try to blackmail him.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Is that right?
Speaker 5 (23:46):
He'll have me.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
I wouldn't be a bit surprised. Who is this guy?
Where can I find him? Come on, I don't pass
out on me. Now his name?
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Quick?
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Then?
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Where does he lived?
Speaker 5 (24:00):
Nelson?
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Who did under his own name? I don't blame you.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I could use a few moments of unconsciousness myself. The
Nelson hotel didn't have a Dutch name on the register,
so I got a hold of the housekeeper and found
out how many rooms his staff hadn't been able to
make up all day because of do not disturb signs
(24:29):
and their doors. I want to calling at these particular rooms.
On the ninth floor I awakened one old maid. On
the seventh I startled a bunch of poker players who
thought they were being raided. On the fifth I blushed
my way out of the bridal suite, and on the
fourth I struck the door of four twenty seven and
the jackpots.
Speaker 10 (24:47):
Who's there? Don't you see the sign I do not
miss to be disturbed?
Speaker 3 (24:52):
Oh sorry, I must have the wrong room.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
I started up the hall after the fire acte, but
when I got to it, I changed my mind. One
of the few things I had learned about this guy,
Van Sant was and he loved to murder people through doors,
So I decided against trying to chop his down. Then
I remember the way those people came pouring out of
those offices earlier in the day when they heard that
fire alarm. So I picked up the little red hammer
next to the big red fire axe, broke the little
(25:15):
glass window, pulled the little brass hook, and set off
a big brassy noise.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Then I rushed back to four twenty seven. Fire, Fire, fire,
where's the fire right here?
Speaker 6 (25:27):
In my eyes?
Speaker 3 (25:28):
Sweethet?
Speaker 10 (25:33):
Why you come here?
Speaker 2 (25:34):
You wish you hadn't to remind addresser you're through shooting
guns for the day. Well you think the him sense
you want to try some more?
Speaker 10 (25:44):
You kind of make me stay here.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
The fire we all died and.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
It looked good barbecued. But I'll make a deal with you.
You talk. If I like what I hear, I'll show
you how to get out of here alive.
Speaker 10 (25:54):
How do I know this?
Speaker 2 (25:55):
Well, you don't think I'm gonna stay here in Friday.
And if you don't start flapping that tongue in a hurry,
I'll probably I just tie you to a chair and run.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
First was Van Bruton.
Speaker 10 (26:03):
You will find him in the bedroom.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
You've gotta be alive. He's out cold. What's the matter
with it?
Speaker 8 (26:11):
People? Be all right?
Speaker 10 (26:13):
He's on the sedatives.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
What did this identity switch start? You better hurry up.
I smell smoke.
Speaker 10 (26:19):
I knew Van Bruton in Amsterdam. I knew about to
say of his interest, and I knew that the girl
in the office here had never seen Van Bruton. What
let's go now.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
I don't get up. I can't feel it getting warm
in here.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
The firefies. You will be safe, and don't be too sure.
They always started the top floor and work their way down.
Come on, I can hear those flames crying.
Speaker 10 (26:40):
You know the rest. Last night, when the transaction was
all finished with Parry, I gave to Van Bruton someb
sedative and his cocoa.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
You set up that bomb, so Perry get it before
you showed up to pick up the check. Y'all.
Speaker 10 (26:51):
I told you that then it happened. That girl didn't
know I was an impostor. I don't know how.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Let me tell you.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
She's been sending old Van Bruton and they had two
pays for the last four years. Gray Ones, my redheaded friend.
Speaker 10 (27:05):
Oh yeah, let's get out of you.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Know, yeah, out fo.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
Her expense account Item four a dollar forty night letter
informing you the American Continental would have to meet payment
of claim to missus Christine Ferry, innocent widow of the insured.
Speaker 3 (27:29):
The only thing she was guilty.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
Of was trying to stay on the right side of
a hot tempered boyfriend. She lied about who she was
with at the club Caprice, not to fix herself an alibi,
but to keep al Donovan from learning that she'd been
out with another guy, that guy being the real mister
van Bruton, who had only taken her out to try
to targument a reconciling with his friend her husband. Item
(27:51):
five sixty dollars silver chafing dish wedding present for Christine
and her new husband, al Donovan. That was at least
she could do for the guy who had confessed to
a murder he thought she had committed. Item six eight
dollars flowers for Susan Gates Prison Hospital. Item seven fine
for turning in false alarm. One thousand dollars and no cents.
(28:15):
And that's what I think I'm beginning to get by
getting into this racket.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
No sense.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Expense account total twelve and sixty three dollars yours, truly,
Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
In just a moment, we'll tell you about next week
Johnny Adventure.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
But first this reminder.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Just a little earlier tonight on CBS, Jack Bennet turned
dractic actor on the Ford Theater. But this Sunday he'll
be back again on his own show with a special
treat for the Jack Benny fans. After the last broadcast
on which the Ronald Coleman's appeared, thousands of letters came
in from fans asking the Jack and Ronnie and Benita
back again.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
Soon the Walkeagan Wit did, and Ronnie.
Speaker 1 (29:15):
And Benita, by popular demand, returned the Jack Benny programmed
this Sunday in what should result in one of the
most hilarious broadcasts of the year. So be sure to
listen to mister and Missus Ronald Coleman on The Jack
Benny Show, which is heard on all CBS stations this Sunday.
(29:45):
Listening again next week when CBS brings You Yours Truly
Johnny Dollar with Charles Russell as Johnny. Yours Truly Johnny
Dollar is written by Paul Dudley and gildowd with music
by Mark Warnow, and is produced and directed by Richard
sand Bill for CBS look Up and Be a Broadcasting System.
Speaker 6 (30:05):
Mhm m m m m mmmmmmmmm
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