November 15, 2025 • 19 mins
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar was a radio drama which aired between 1949 and 1962. "The man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar". Of the eight different actors who played Johnny Dollar, Bob Bailey is likely considered the most popular. Bailey's interpretation presented a tough, streetwise character, but also sensitive and thoughtful. During it's time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman, Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Some Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar episodes were broadcast originally on the AFRS - The Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) was the chief means of providing popular radio network programs to military forces outside the United States. Begun during World War II, it later expanded to include television and continues to operate today as American Forces Network (AFN). | Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com -Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Hope you enjoy this episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Some Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar episodes were broadcast originally on the AFRS - The Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) was the chief means of providing popular radio network programs to military forces outside the United States. Begun during World War II, it later expanded to include television and continues to operate today as American Forces Network (AFN). | Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com -Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
From Hollywood. It's time all for.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Johnny Dollar. George Reed here, Oh hi George, how are
things at Floyd's of England? Very good?
Speaker 1 (00:13):
As a matter of fact, very good?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Well, now it can't all be good.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
He wouldn't be calling me well to tell the truth,
I do have a small problem.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Figures, no figures the word singular, eh, a small figure.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
A statuette belonging to missus Dora.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Harkness, Ballin, down in New York, Ballin.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, it's terribly wealthy, but a real eccentric. So what's
happened a little statue I mentioned? It's gone disappeared?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Oh what's it worth?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Insurt value is twenty six fifty twenty six dollars and
fifty cents.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Uh, twenty six bucks and a half wouldn't even cover
my expense account. How it just.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Happens that she carries hundreds of thousands of dollars worth
of personal property insurance with us, but for some reason
or other, she attaches particular value to this statuette.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Oh, I get it. You're afraid that if we don't
go through the motions of trying to find that she
might take her in insurance elsewhere. Real important to you huh,
then I take it. I won't have to be Chinsey
with the old expense account Wow Cocates George help Me
in Touch.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Bob Bailey and the Intriguing Adventures of a Man with
the action packed expense account. America's Fabulous Freelance Insurance Investigator
whose Truly Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
No act one of yours truly Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar the Floyd's
of England, North American Office, Hartford Connecticuts. Following is an
account of expense isn't During my investigation of the dolting
Dowager matter expense account IDAM one seven ninety Taxi trained
(02:13):
Fair and Incidental's Hartford to New York idem to a
dollar even for a camp from Grand Central Station to
the address of missus Dora Harkness ballin Over on East
seventy third Street. It turned out to be one of
New York's famous old brownstone houses, well preserved and reeking
of an era long gone by. A uniform butler rushed
(02:35):
me into a large, high ceiling drawing room, and I
canighly believe my minds or eight pre Victorian furnishings, heavy
red velvet draperies, huge lamps and crystal chandeliers, oil paintings
all over the place and gilded mirrors. Pretty fabulous. If
you will be kind enough to wait here, mister Dollar,
rational till Missus Ballin that you have arrived. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
I know that you'll want to see you.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
Oh it gives me a mouf to.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Herald it's all right? Uh has the uh the mayo?
Would you like me to check? Ye, that's a good idea.
You know how Dora likes to see at the minute
it get here. Yes, yes, the common every day. You're
here to see missus Ballin. That's right. I'm Johnny Dollar
now I'm hall Winter is her nephew? Phi Uh say
(03:22):
tell me something? Yes about this little statue that's missing?
You mean that little chunk of pop metal that's disappeared.
Oh yes, just a piece of junk. But a couple
of months ago at Dora decided it looked like her
grandfather when he was a general back in the Civil War.
Oh why does she value it so highly? I expect
the general was the only Ballon who had guts enough
(03:42):
to do anything on his own. What do you mean,
I mean instead of just living off the family shipping fortune.
So when she suddenly decided the statue looked like the General,
Johnny Dollar, did you say that's right? The insurance investigated. Yes. Well,
now why should she bother you with it? I don't know, truly,
(04:05):
mister Dollar. It's not worth it. If I were you,
i'd forget it. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'd
better see if the morning mail has arrived. Hell? Uh,
just when did the statue disappear? And from where Conna
discovered it missing? From the reception room yesterday morning? Now,
if you'll pardon me, was the house broken into? Possibly,
but there was no sign of it. How about guests, No,
we haven't had guests for a week or more. How
(04:25):
many servants are there? Uh, mister Dollar, Perhaps there's something
i'd better tell you about that statue, the statue of
the General.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
I tell you, mister Dollar. You are mister Dollar, aren't you?
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yes, ma'am?
Speaker 7 (04:38):
I tell you that if you don't find out who's
stolen and get it back, I'll cancel every bit of
my insurance. Sit down, thank you, harold.
Speaker 6 (04:47):
My dear ring for Higgins, and have him see if
the morning nail has come.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
I was about to go out and look for it myself.
Speaker 6 (04:52):
Taler, lets Higgins do it.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
It's quite all right.
Speaker 6 (04:54):
I don't mind, I said, let Higgins do it?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Well, all right, but if you'll excuse me now? Oh
why why I'd like to walk to my room for
a moment to.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Call up that that girlfriend of yours again?
Speaker 5 (05:10):
Sit down?
Speaker 7 (05:12):
Yes, Tanah, you and that girl, that Nancy Gavin. She'd
like to take you away from.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Me, wouldn't say, at Dora?
Speaker 6 (05:19):
Where would you go? What would you live on? And
what will I do?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Darling?
Speaker 7 (05:23):
I hardly think this is the much as I like
Nancy Gavin, I see no reason why I should let
her take you away from me?
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Do you, uh, missus ballin about the statue?
Speaker 6 (05:36):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (05:37):
Yes, of course, mister Dalla. You are to leave no
stone unturned. Tell me, oh, Higgins, why do you sneak.
Speaker 6 (05:46):
In on us this way?
Speaker 5 (05:48):
Well?
Speaker 1 (05:48):
What is this? Male?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Just arrived and knowing you'd want to see it, give
it to Harold. Yes you're taking care of it?
Speaker 6 (05:56):
Well what letter?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
No postmark?
Speaker 1 (05:59):
But and it's so badly scruel and pencil?
Speaker 8 (06:02):
Well, don't bother at Dora with it now, personal sir,
then let me have it Tata, you may go now, okay, here, Tara,
I suppose you let me see what it's all about.
Speaker 6 (06:13):
The quiet harrow. Now, mister Dollar, Well.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
First of all, I'd like to tell me what's the matter,
missus bow.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
Dora.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
What is it this.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
Lesson?
Speaker 7 (06:27):
Yes, it's it's a ransom note ransom for the return
of a statuette the General.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
They want seventy five thousand dollars.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
What act two of yours? Truly, Johnny Dollar? In a moment.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
This letter, mister Dollar, maybe you better let me see it,
Missus Ballin.
Speaker 7 (07:13):
It's a ransom demanding seventy five thousand dollars for the
return of my statuette of the.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
General seventy five thousand dollars. Yes, Oh, they can't be serious.
Is that little piece of partner? They must be out
of them?
Speaker 7 (07:27):
Why I sag your pardon? What that statue means everything
to me. It happens to be a memento of my grandfather,
the famous General Horace Arkneth Fallon.
Speaker 6 (07:39):
At least it looks like him.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
But good heavens, Aunt Dora, seventy five thousand.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Oh do you object because it will mean that much
less for you when I die Harold, of course not.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I wasn't even thinking of such a thing.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
Well don't, at your age, with your lack of experience
and getting along on your own money like that would
only do you harm, would it. Yes, you'd probably leave me,
strike out on your own, perhaps even marry, and heaven
only knows what would happen missus Ballin?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Are you really serious about paying this this ransom?
Speaker 7 (08:11):
I have the money, I have it right here in
the safe, and if it will bring back the general, look,
why don't you let me see what I can do
about it first and.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
Have it destroyed?
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Destroyed?
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Well?
Speaker 6 (08:22):
Here read the letter.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
It was the usual sort of thing, poorly written on
sheep paper and scribble and pencil, and it simply said
that the money in unmarked bills was to be turned
over to her nephew Harold, that instructions for its delivery
would be given to him later secretly. If he then
devosed a place and manner in which he was to
make the payment, his life would be in danger, don't
you see.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Mister Dollah.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
If we don't do as they say, they.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
Might kill him.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It further said that if the police were brought in,
the statue would be destroyed.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
I have no choice, mister Dollah. I'll pay the ransom Tata.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
Harold.
Speaker 7 (08:58):
You will take it to them who they are when
you receive their instructions. They've threatened me only if we
don't obey instruction.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
All right, now, look, Missus Ballin, he gets try to
listen to mister Dollar.
Speaker 6 (09:09):
I have told you I must have the General back
at any cost.
Speaker 7 (09:14):
Very well, no one is to leave this post except Harold,
of course, when he is told to by the kidnappers.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Missus Ballin, I won't let you do this. You what,
It's utter nonsense for you to consider paying out that
kind of money for a cheap little piece of junk
that can't possibly be worth anything or whoever took it,
except perhaps for its effect on you.
Speaker 7 (09:34):
I told you, young man, it's the one priceless manento
I have of the Great General Ballot.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah, you told me very well.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
You are here on my orders, are you not?
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Well?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (09:46):
All right, then you will remain subject to my orders.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Very well. Now, Why everybody, Nancy?
Speaker 5 (09:55):
What everybody looking so dumb about?
Speaker 7 (09:58):
Hi?
Speaker 5 (09:58):
Sweetie?
Speaker 7 (10:00):
Oh missus van Miss Gavner, mister Dollar, This is Nancy Gavin,
a friend of Harold.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Johnny Dowey.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Why, hey, I know about you, Nancy Dear.
Speaker 7 (10:12):
You come to find that wretch mccalloth, Missus it was
stolen okay stone, and the kidnappers are demanding seventy five
thousand dollars ransom.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
Is that easy? Pay it?
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I shall, And Nancy, you are to stay right here
in this until this whole thing is.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
Over with Auntie. I don't mind that a bit, do
we have? Seriously, Auntie, but are you going to let
hel marry me get out on his own and leave me?
Speaker 6 (10:41):
Do you think for one minute that my precious Harold
would do that?
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Why don't you answer that?
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Hell, mister Dollar, this is none of your business. It
has nothing whatsoever to do with the reason for your
being here.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
You know something, Missus Ballan, I'm beginning to think you're wrong.
You came here to find the stack that was stolen
from me, that's right, and maybe I'm on the track
of it now. So how about it? How would you
leave your aunt if you could? It was a wild guess,
but the more I thought about it, the more I
(11:15):
decided that Harold Winner's answer might solve this case for me. Yeah,
and that Missus Ballen would be pretty shocked when I
put my finger on the thief, the writer of that
ransom note.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
But you know something, I was dead wrong. Act three
of yours, truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment No, Act
three of yours, truly Johnny Dollar, and the doting dollarg
you matter.
Speaker 7 (11:54):
This is none of your business. It has nothing whatsoever
to do with the reason for your being here.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
You know, something, says fell And I'm beginning to think
you're wrong. So answer the question, how would you leave
your aunt if you could? Yes, yes I would.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
What you bet he would, Aunt Dora? You know he
would if you just break down, admit he's no longer
a child to be tied to your apron string. Give
him a break and enough money to get buy for
a week or two, and he'll show you. Don't you
want him to amount to anything?
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Of course I do.
Speaker 5 (12:28):
Well, he can't as long as you keep him tied
up to you this way.
Speaker 6 (12:31):
But he needs me, does he?
Speaker 5 (12:33):
Maybe he needs somebody like me, somebody who loved him
and will help him get somewhere, help him to accomplish
the things he can accomplish.
Speaker 6 (12:43):
You do love him, don't you?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
You bet I do?
Speaker 6 (12:47):
But so do I and he loves me.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
He'd love you a lot more if he weren't so
tied down to you.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
H It's true, Aunt Dora, I never knew you.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Even thought about leaving me, about going out on your own, as.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
You put, because you never gave me a chance, because
you never thought of anyone but yourself. I'm sorry, mister Dollar.
What I mean that you've had to become involved in
a family fight. Well, I'm not because now I think
I know where to look for that statuette. Oh well,
I wish you luck. Come, Nancy. I want to talk
(13:27):
to you.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
I want to talk to you.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
Now wait just a minute now, mister Dollar, let them go,
because I want to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Oh look, isn't it pretty obvious? I knew that something
was wrong when I first got here. Hal hadn't known
you were going to call me in, so that when
he saw me here, you didn't know it.
Speaker 6 (13:49):
Was my kind thoughtful. But the Higgins who called your
insurance company, and he shouldn't.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Have the fact remains that when Hale saw me here,
he tried to stop that ransom note he planted. And
you wait now about that ransom note. It was badly written,
much too badly written by someone who was trying to
hide his identity. I'll wager that paper was scribbled on
came from right here in this house. And I'll bet
that if I accuse him of it, how will break
down and admit that he wrote it?
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Wait, mister dollar, Yeah, I devoted many years to the
care and upbringing of my Netli.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
I realized that.
Speaker 7 (14:22):
In the hope that he would someday go out on
his own accomplish something himself. Well, now, listen, I know
perhaps over the years I made him too dependently.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
I'd say yes to that, but.
Speaker 7 (14:33):
That's because I am as I am, and I aren't change.
But I kept hoping that he would change that somehow,
sometime he would make just one desperate move to break
away from me, but it would have to be of
his own doing.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
So.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
For years, people have called me eccentric, and I've enjoyed
the reputation. So I made a fuss over that cheap
little statuette that I picked up in Coney Island one
I am as a child.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
Of course, that was the only sentimental value I'd had.
Speaker 7 (15:05):
But according to Herod, now should I have picked one
of the valuable artworks paintings or sculptures that I really
care about in my selfish way for.
Speaker 6 (15:13):
This little experiment.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
So you gave the worthless statuette the big builder.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Yes, and he fell for it.
Speaker 7 (15:21):
He believed that if it were stolen, I'd give almost
anything to get it back.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
And then finally he got up enough nerve to do
something about it.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Not just a minute, just a minute. What you're telling
me is that your tickled pink that you've made a
thief on him.
Speaker 7 (15:35):
I am tickled pink that he's finally shown some guts
and gumption. And you can't call him a thief over
that piece of jump.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
But it has a price of seventy five thousand on it.
That's what he'll be stealing if you give him that
money and let him walk out of here with it.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
No, no, he won't.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
What else can you call it?
Speaker 7 (15:50):
I like to be eccentric, remember, oh, miss, the note
island clothes with it? You know, when he tells me
he's received instructions about where and how it's to be delivered,
what no in it? I'll say, dear Harold, the best
of luck to you and Nancy. I hope you'll be
tremendously happy. And I hope that now and then you'll
drop in on your loving and.
Speaker 6 (16:10):
Now someone loves some aunt, Dora.
Speaker 7 (16:14):
I see, and I think i'll enclose a few extra
thousands just in case.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
And it's a kind of extra wedding.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
Press, extra wedding present, of course, the statuette.
Speaker 6 (16:25):
I certainly don't want them to bring that atrocity back here.
Oh no, wait, yes, dear.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I just wondered if mister Doller has decided how he
wants to proceed with his investigation.
Speaker 6 (16:39):
Well, mister Dollar, hell, after.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Getting what information I could from your aunt, what little
information I could. Yes, well, I've decided to give up
the case.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
Yes, Harold, you may as well show mister Doner to
the door.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Whatever you say, Tom, Yeah, goodbye, missus ballin. Oh and
maybe you'd better phone the insurance company about the extra
fee I'm to get on this case.
Speaker 6 (17:10):
No, I did, right after Higgins told me he'd called them.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
But if he's giving up the case, dear, so enter
the door. Yes, this waams the dollar. Yeah, thanks, now
you listen. Now, I can tell by your look that
you've learned something, mister Dollar, I have, perhaps even more
than I know. So look here, h do you think
(17:36):
this will do for the sequel to the ransom note?
What you know all the instructions about where I'm to
take the money? Oh, I'll wait a minute. You mean
to say, you mean you knew? Are you kidding? That's
why I try to discourage you in the beginning. But
will somebody please tell me? Tell me why Tata just
(17:58):
being herself? You don't think for a minute you'd have
just handed me the money, would have admitted she wants
Nancy and me to get hitched. Don't you see? That
would spoil her reputation for being an eccentric. Oh and
if you like, I'll send you the statuette when this
is all over as a souvenir. Follow me. Believe me,
(18:19):
I've handled some pretty wanky cases over the years, but
this was, by long odds the wankiest. And yet why
complain one? It's a good living expense account total including
all the incidentals I could think of, and fair back
to Hydrid. What seventeen dollars and eighty cents? Amy, yours truly,
(18:40):
Johnny Da.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
Our star will return in just a moment for Star
to tell you about next week's story.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Well, if you've ever read.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
The personal columns of your newspaper. You'll surely want to
hear it. Join us, won't you? Yours truly? Channey Dollar,
(19:28):
yours truly.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
Johnny Dollars, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written,
produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast
were Virginia, greg Eleanor Audley, G. Stanley Jones, Eric Snowden
and Sam Edwards. Be sure to join us next week
From Hollywood. It's time all for.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Johnny Dollar. George Reed here, Oh hi George, how are
things at Floyd's of England? Very good?
Speaker 1 (00:13):
As a matter of fact, very good?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Well, now it can't all be good.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
He wouldn't be calling me well to tell the truth,
I do have a small problem.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Figures, no figures the word singular, eh, a small figure.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
A statuette belonging to missus Dora.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Harkness, Ballin, down in New York, Ballin.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, it's terribly wealthy, but a real eccentric. So what's
happened a little statue I mentioned? It's gone disappeared?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Oh what's it worth?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Insurt value is twenty six fifty twenty six dollars and
fifty cents.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Uh, twenty six bucks and a half wouldn't even cover
my expense account. How it just.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Happens that she carries hundreds of thousands of dollars worth
of personal property insurance with us, but for some reason
or other, she attaches particular value to this statuette.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Oh, I get it. You're afraid that if we don't
go through the motions of trying to find that she
might take her in insurance elsewhere. Real important to you huh,
then I take it. I won't have to be Chinsey
with the old expense account Wow Cocates George help Me
in Touch.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Bob Bailey and the Intriguing Adventures of a Man with
the action packed expense account. America's Fabulous Freelance Insurance Investigator
whose Truly Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
No act one of yours truly Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar the Floyd's
of England, North American Office, Hartford Connecticuts. Following is an
account of expense isn't During my investigation of the dolting
Dowager matter expense account IDAM one seven ninety Taxi trained
(02:13):
Fair and Incidental's Hartford to New York idem to a
dollar even for a camp from Grand Central Station to
the address of missus Dora Harkness ballin Over on East
seventy third Street. It turned out to be one of
New York's famous old brownstone houses, well preserved and reeking
of an era long gone by. A uniform butler rushed
(02:35):
me into a large, high ceiling drawing room, and I
canighly believe my minds or eight pre Victorian furnishings, heavy
red velvet draperies, huge lamps and crystal chandeliers, oil paintings
all over the place and gilded mirrors. Pretty fabulous. If
you will be kind enough to wait here, mister Dollar,
rational till Missus Ballin that you have arrived. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
I know that you'll want to see you.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
Oh it gives me a mouf to.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Herald it's all right? Uh has the uh the mayo?
Would you like me to check? Ye, that's a good idea.
You know how Dora likes to see at the minute
it get here. Yes, yes, the common every day. You're
here to see missus Ballin. That's right. I'm Johnny Dollar
now I'm hall Winter is her nephew? Phi Uh say
(03:22):
tell me something? Yes about this little statue that's missing?
You mean that little chunk of pop metal that's disappeared.
Oh yes, just a piece of junk. But a couple
of months ago at Dora decided it looked like her
grandfather when he was a general back in the Civil War.
Oh why does she value it so highly? I expect
the general was the only Ballon who had guts enough
(03:42):
to do anything on his own. What do you mean,
I mean instead of just living off the family shipping fortune.
So when she suddenly decided the statue looked like the General,
Johnny Dollar, did you say that's right? The insurance investigated. Yes. Well,
now why should she bother you with it? I don't know, truly,
(04:05):
mister Dollar. It's not worth it. If I were you,
i'd forget it. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'd
better see if the morning mail has arrived. Hell? Uh,
just when did the statue disappear? And from where Conna
discovered it missing? From the reception room yesterday morning? Now,
if you'll pardon me, was the house broken into? Possibly,
but there was no sign of it. How about guests, No,
we haven't had guests for a week or more. How
(04:25):
many servants are there? Uh, mister Dollar, Perhaps there's something
i'd better tell you about that statue, the statue of
the General.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
I tell you, mister Dollar. You are mister Dollar, aren't you?
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yes, ma'am?
Speaker 7 (04:38):
I tell you that if you don't find out who's
stolen and get it back, I'll cancel every bit of
my insurance. Sit down, thank you, harold.
Speaker 6 (04:47):
My dear ring for Higgins, and have him see if
the morning nail has come.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
I was about to go out and look for it myself.
Speaker 6 (04:52):
Taler, lets Higgins do it.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
It's quite all right.
Speaker 6 (04:54):
I don't mind, I said, let Higgins do it?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Well, all right, but if you'll excuse me now? Oh
why why I'd like to walk to my room for
a moment to.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Call up that that girlfriend of yours again?
Speaker 5 (05:10):
Sit down?
Speaker 7 (05:12):
Yes, Tanah, you and that girl, that Nancy Gavin. She'd
like to take you away from.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Me, wouldn't say, at Dora?
Speaker 6 (05:19):
Where would you go? What would you live on? And
what will I do?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Darling?
Speaker 7 (05:23):
I hardly think this is the much as I like
Nancy Gavin, I see no reason why I should let
her take you away from me?
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Do you, uh, missus ballin about the statue?
Speaker 6 (05:36):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (05:37):
Yes, of course, mister Dalla. You are to leave no
stone unturned. Tell me, oh, Higgins, why do you sneak.
Speaker 6 (05:46):
In on us this way?
Speaker 5 (05:48):
Well?
Speaker 1 (05:48):
What is this? Male?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Just arrived and knowing you'd want to see it, give
it to Harold. Yes you're taking care of it?
Speaker 6 (05:56):
Well what letter?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
No postmark?
Speaker 1 (05:59):
But and it's so badly scruel and pencil?
Speaker 8 (06:02):
Well, don't bother at Dora with it now, personal sir,
then let me have it Tata, you may go now, okay, here, Tara,
I suppose you let me see what it's all about.
Speaker 6 (06:13):
The quiet harrow. Now, mister Dollar, Well.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
First of all, I'd like to tell me what's the matter,
missus bow.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
Dora.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
What is it this.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
Lesson?
Speaker 7 (06:27):
Yes, it's it's a ransom note ransom for the return
of a statuette the General.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
They want seventy five thousand dollars.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
What act two of yours? Truly, Johnny Dollar? In a moment.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
This letter, mister Dollar, maybe you better let me see it,
Missus Ballin.
Speaker 7 (07:13):
It's a ransom demanding seventy five thousand dollars for the
return of my statuette of the.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
General seventy five thousand dollars. Yes, Oh, they can't be serious.
Is that little piece of partner? They must be out
of them?
Speaker 7 (07:27):
Why I sag your pardon? What that statue means everything
to me. It happens to be a memento of my grandfather,
the famous General Horace Arkneth Fallon.
Speaker 6 (07:39):
At least it looks like him.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
But good heavens, Aunt Dora, seventy five thousand.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Oh do you object because it will mean that much
less for you when I die Harold, of course not.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I wasn't even thinking of such a thing.
Speaker 7 (07:53):
Well don't, at your age, with your lack of experience
and getting along on your own money like that would
only do you harm, would it. Yes, you'd probably leave me,
strike out on your own, perhaps even marry, and heaven
only knows what would happen missus Ballin?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Are you really serious about paying this this ransom?
Speaker 7 (08:11):
I have the money, I have it right here in
the safe, and if it will bring back the general, look,
why don't you let me see what I can do
about it first and.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
Have it destroyed?
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Destroyed?
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Well?
Speaker 6 (08:22):
Here read the letter.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
It was the usual sort of thing, poorly written on
sheep paper and scribble and pencil, and it simply said
that the money in unmarked bills was to be turned
over to her nephew Harold, that instructions for its delivery
would be given to him later secretly. If he then
devosed a place and manner in which he was to
make the payment, his life would be in danger, don't
you see.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Mister Dollah.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
If we don't do as they say, they.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
Might kill him.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It further said that if the police were brought in,
the statue would be destroyed.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
I have no choice, mister Dollah. I'll pay the ransom Tata.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
Harold.
Speaker 7 (08:58):
You will take it to them who they are when
you receive their instructions. They've threatened me only if we
don't obey instruction.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
All right, now, look, Missus Ballin, he gets try to
listen to mister Dollar.
Speaker 6 (09:09):
I have told you I must have the General back
at any cost.
Speaker 7 (09:14):
Very well, no one is to leave this post except Harold,
of course, when he is told to by the kidnappers.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Missus Ballin, I won't let you do this. You what,
It's utter nonsense for you to consider paying out that
kind of money for a cheap little piece of junk
that can't possibly be worth anything or whoever took it,
except perhaps for its effect on you.
Speaker 7 (09:34):
I told you, young man, it's the one priceless manento
I have of the Great General Ballot.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah, you told me very well.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
You are here on my orders, are you not?
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Well?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (09:46):
All right, then you will remain subject to my orders.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Very well. Now, Why everybody, Nancy?
Speaker 5 (09:55):
What everybody looking so dumb about?
Speaker 7 (09:58):
Hi?
Speaker 5 (09:58):
Sweetie?
Speaker 7 (10:00):
Oh missus van Miss Gavner, mister Dollar, This is Nancy Gavin,
a friend of Harold.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Johnny Dowey.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Why, hey, I know about you, Nancy Dear.
Speaker 7 (10:12):
You come to find that wretch mccalloth, Missus it was
stolen okay stone, and the kidnappers are demanding seventy five
thousand dollars ransom.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
Is that easy? Pay it?
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I shall, And Nancy, you are to stay right here
in this until this whole thing is.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
Over with Auntie. I don't mind that a bit, do
we have? Seriously, Auntie, but are you going to let
hel marry me get out on his own and leave me?
Speaker 6 (10:41):
Do you think for one minute that my precious Harold
would do that?
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Why don't you answer that?
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Hell, mister Dollar, this is none of your business. It
has nothing whatsoever to do with the reason for your
being here.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
You know something, Missus Ballan, I'm beginning to think you're wrong.
You came here to find the stack that was stolen
from me, that's right, and maybe I'm on the track
of it now. So how about it? How would you
leave your aunt if you could? It was a wild guess,
but the more I thought about it, the more I
(11:15):
decided that Harold Winner's answer might solve this case for me. Yeah,
and that Missus Ballen would be pretty shocked when I
put my finger on the thief, the writer of that
ransom note.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
But you know something, I was dead wrong. Act three
of yours, truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment No, Act
three of yours, truly Johnny Dollar, and the doting dollarg
you matter.
Speaker 7 (11:54):
This is none of your business. It has nothing whatsoever
to do with the reason for your being here.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
You know, something, says fell And I'm beginning to think
you're wrong. So answer the question, how would you leave
your aunt if you could? Yes, yes I would.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
What you bet he would, Aunt Dora? You know he
would if you just break down, admit he's no longer
a child to be tied to your apron string. Give
him a break and enough money to get buy for
a week or two, and he'll show you. Don't you
want him to amount to anything?
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Of course I do.
Speaker 5 (12:28):
Well, he can't as long as you keep him tied
up to you this way.
Speaker 6 (12:31):
But he needs me, does he?
Speaker 5 (12:33):
Maybe he needs somebody like me, somebody who loved him
and will help him get somewhere, help him to accomplish
the things he can accomplish.
Speaker 6 (12:43):
You do love him, don't you?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
You bet I do?
Speaker 6 (12:47):
But so do I and he loves me.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
He'd love you a lot more if he weren't so
tied down to you.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
H It's true, Aunt Dora, I never knew you.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Even thought about leaving me, about going out on your own, as.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
You put, because you never gave me a chance, because
you never thought of anyone but yourself. I'm sorry, mister Dollar.
What I mean that you've had to become involved in
a family fight. Well, I'm not because now I think
I know where to look for that statuette. Oh well,
I wish you luck. Come, Nancy. I want to talk
(13:27):
to you.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
I want to talk to you.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
Now wait just a minute now, mister Dollar, let them go,
because I want to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Oh look, isn't it pretty obvious? I knew that something
was wrong when I first got here. Hal hadn't known
you were going to call me in, so that when
he saw me here, you didn't know it.
Speaker 6 (13:49):
Was my kind thoughtful. But the Higgins who called your
insurance company, and he shouldn't.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Have the fact remains that when Hale saw me here,
he tried to stop that ransom note he planted. And
you wait now about that ransom note. It was badly written,
much too badly written by someone who was trying to
hide his identity. I'll wager that paper was scribbled on
came from right here in this house. And I'll bet
that if I accuse him of it, how will break
down and admit that he wrote it?
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Wait, mister dollar, Yeah, I devoted many years to the
care and upbringing of my Netli.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
I realized that.
Speaker 7 (14:22):
In the hope that he would someday go out on
his own accomplish something himself. Well, now, listen, I know
perhaps over the years I made him too dependently.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
I'd say yes to that, but.
Speaker 7 (14:33):
That's because I am as I am, and I aren't change.
But I kept hoping that he would change that somehow,
sometime he would make just one desperate move to break
away from me, but it would have to be of
his own doing.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
So.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
For years, people have called me eccentric, and I've enjoyed
the reputation. So I made a fuss over that cheap
little statuette that I picked up in Coney Island one
I am as a child.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
Of course, that was the only sentimental value I'd had.
Speaker 7 (15:05):
But according to Herod, now should I have picked one
of the valuable artworks paintings or sculptures that I really
care about in my selfish way for.
Speaker 6 (15:13):
This little experiment.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
So you gave the worthless statuette the big builder.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Yes, and he fell for it.
Speaker 7 (15:21):
He believed that if it were stolen, I'd give almost
anything to get it back.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
And then finally he got up enough nerve to do
something about it.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Not just a minute, just a minute. What you're telling
me is that your tickled pink that you've made a
thief on him.
Speaker 7 (15:35):
I am tickled pink that he's finally shown some guts
and gumption. And you can't call him a thief over
that piece of jump.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
But it has a price of seventy five thousand on it.
That's what he'll be stealing if you give him that
money and let him walk out of here with it.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
No, no, he won't.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
What else can you call it?
Speaker 7 (15:50):
I like to be eccentric, remember, oh, miss, the note
island clothes with it? You know, when he tells me
he's received instructions about where and how it's to be delivered,
what no in it? I'll say, dear Harold, the best
of luck to you and Nancy. I hope you'll be
tremendously happy. And I hope that now and then you'll
drop in on your loving and.
Speaker 6 (16:10):
Now someone loves some aunt, Dora.
Speaker 7 (16:14):
I see, and I think i'll enclose a few extra
thousands just in case.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
And it's a kind of extra wedding.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
Press, extra wedding present, of course, the statuette.
Speaker 6 (16:25):
I certainly don't want them to bring that atrocity back here.
Oh no, wait, yes, dear.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I just wondered if mister Doller has decided how he
wants to proceed with his investigation.
Speaker 6 (16:39):
Well, mister Dollar, hell, after.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Getting what information I could from your aunt, what little
information I could. Yes, well, I've decided to give up
the case.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
Yes, Harold, you may as well show mister Doner to
the door.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Whatever you say, Tom, Yeah, goodbye, missus ballin. Oh and
maybe you'd better phone the insurance company about the extra
fee I'm to get on this case.
Speaker 6 (17:10):
No, I did, right after Higgins told me he'd called them.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
But if he's giving up the case, dear, so enter
the door. Yes, this waams the dollar. Yeah, thanks, now
you listen. Now, I can tell by your look that
you've learned something, mister Dollar, I have, perhaps even more
than I know. So look here, h do you think
(17:36):
this will do for the sequel to the ransom note?
What you know all the instructions about where I'm to
take the money? Oh, I'll wait a minute. You mean
to say, you mean you knew? Are you kidding? That's
why I try to discourage you in the beginning. But
will somebody please tell me? Tell me why Tata just
(17:58):
being herself? You don't think for a minute you'd have
just handed me the money, would have admitted she wants
Nancy and me to get hitched. Don't you see? That
would spoil her reputation for being an eccentric. Oh and
if you like, I'll send you the statuette when this
is all over as a souvenir. Follow me. Believe me,
(18:19):
I've handled some pretty wanky cases over the years, but
this was, by long odds the wankiest. And yet why
complain one? It's a good living expense account total including
all the incidentals I could think of, and fair back
to Hydrid. What seventeen dollars and eighty cents? Amy, yours truly,
(18:40):
Johnny Da.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
Our star will return in just a moment for Star
to tell you about next week's story.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Well, if you've ever read.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
The personal columns of your newspaper. You'll surely want to
hear it. Join us, won't you? Yours truly? Channey Dollar,
(19:28):
yours truly.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
Johnny Dollars, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written,
produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast
were Virginia, greg Eleanor Audley, G. Stanley Jones, Eric Snowden
and Sam Edwards. Be sure to join us next week
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