BLACK ACE EPISODE 67:
March 17, 1939
RECORDING:
"Skyward"
ANNOUNCER:
The Black Ace -- Defender of Justice!
RECORDING:
"Skyward" ...Fade
ANNOUNCER:
Out of the night sky looms the shrouded form of a Black super-plane with a hooded figure at the controls. The plane is a miracle of advanced aviation science with rocket-power for super speed -- and embodies new and secret developments which permit amazing maneuvres. The hooded figure is a mysterious crusader of the skies, who, with his speechless ally, "Whistler," makes his own laws in pursuing wrongdoers who slip through the dragnet of justice. Known only as 'The Black Ace,' this daring adventurer baffles all efforts to reveal his identity. Even Niles Hunter, famous private investigator especially commissioned to solve the problem has failed to answer the question, "Who is the Black Ace?"
SOUND:
WHISTLE ON FISHING BOAT
CREAK OF HAWWSERS BEING TIGHTENED AS BOAT IS MADE FAST
CROWD:
DOCK HANDS ETC. OFF MIKE... GENERAL BABBLE
ANNOUNCER:
Tonight's Black Ace drama opens on the waterfront where a small fleet of fishing boats has just arrived. As the boats are made fast, and crews prepare to come ashore, two onlookers on the wharf speak in guarded tones ...
CROWD:
FF MIKE: BABBLE OF VOICES
KAIN:
So we sign up Jed Powers' fleet today, do we?
BOWMAN:
It may not be so easy, Kain. Powers is an old timer.
KAIN:
Well, the others were old timers too, weren't they?
BOWMAN:
Yeah -- but Powers is different. He won't be easy to scare.
KAIN:
No? Wait'll I have a talk with him.
BOWMAN:
He's a pretty tough sailor, Kain.
KAIN:
That's fine. The tougher they are---
BOWMAN:
Wait! There he is now.
KAIN:
Just coming ashore?
BOWMAN:
Yeah.
KAIN:
Come on.
BOWMAN:
(SOTTO VOCE) He's givin' us the once-over already.
KAIN:
(SOTTO VOCE) Sure. He's probably heard what's goin' on around here. And that's all the better. He knows I don't fool. Let me do the talkin'.
BOWMAN:
(SOTTO VOCE) Sure---sure.
KAIN:
Hello, Powers!
POWERS:
(FADING IN) Speaking to me?
KAIN:
You're Powers, aren't you?
POWERS:
I am, but I don't remember meeting you.
KAIN:
Well, maybe that's your loss, Powers. My name's Kain.
POWERS:
I Know that. I've heard all about you -- and about Bowman here, too.
KAIN:
Yeah? (CHUCKLES) Then maybe you know why we're here.
POWERS:
I've got a good idea.
KAIN:
Well now, we think we've got a good idea, too, Powers. I guess you've heard about the Association we're forming?
POWERS:
I've heard about the racket you're trying to put across!
KAIN:
That's pretty strong language, Powers!
POWERS:
Listen, Kain! And you too, Bowman! May-be you can scare a few fleet owners into paying you off, but you'll never get Jed Powers, understand? Now clear out of here!
BOWMAN:
Yeah? Who's gonna clear us outta here?
KAIN:
I'll handle this, Bowman. Now suppose you listen to me, Powers, I don't like trouble any more than you do. That's why I'm signing everybody up in the Association. You see, there might be a lot of trouble for those who don't join.
POWERS:
I've been fishing these waters for years, and I've always been able to take care of trouble as it comes.
KAIN:
Times have changed, Powers. I'm warning you. You'd better join the association.
POWERS:
And I'm warning you! Stay away from here---both of you, or I'll break you in two! I'm not paying you a cent---now or ever. I know your rotten racket, and I'll break it up if I have to do it single-handed! Now clear out!
KAIN:
Alright. Powers. You've made your choice. Come on, Bowman.
BOWMAN:
O.K.
POWERS:
(FADING) Remember what I told you, Kain! You keep that lilly-livered gang of yours clear of the water-front or I'll smash 'em to a pulp!
KAIN:
Powers seems to be a little ruffled, don't he?
BOWMAN:
Listen Kain! He'll do what he says! And he carries a lot of weight with the other fleet-owners. When they find out he called our bluff---
KAIN:
Our "bluff?" I don't bluff, Bowman!
BOWMAN:
You're gonna -- "fix him up?"
KAIN:
What did you think I'd do--let him get away with it? (CHUCKLES) Maybe it's a good thing that he got tough -- it gives us a chance to show all these fishermen we mean business. Come on! We're gonna make plans for some of that "trouble" we promised Powers!
MUSIC:
SUSPENSE
SOUND:
OFF MIKE...DISTANT APPROACHING STANDARD PLANE MOTOR
BOWMAN:
Well, Kain? What's up?
KAIN:
You just got here in time. Bowman ..
BOWMAN:
One of the boys told me you wanted to see me -- down here at the cove. I couldn't figure what was up. We ain't been usin' the cottage here lately. And we ain't got a boat---
KAIN:
Oh, haven't we? (CHUCKLES) But we have got a ship.
BOWMAN:
Huh? I don't see any.
KAIN:
It's coming in right now.
BOWMAN:
Where? I don't see any.
KAIN:
It isn't on the water yet.. Look UP, you dope!
BOWMAN:
Oh! That--that plane!?
KAIN:
Yeah. Just coming in. The boys are trying it out.
BOWMAN:
They're setting it down on the water now!
SOUND:
OFF MIKE.. PLANE SKIMS ALONG WATER, APPROACHES SHORE
KAIN:
They'll bring it right over here. See the blind we got fixed?
BOWMAN:
Blind! Well I'll be -- ! Branches over the top -- those little trees and weeds at the sides --
KAIN:
Sure. Pretty hard to spot. But take a look at the plane!
SOUND:
PLANE IN CLOSE..CUT MOTOR. LAP OF WATER AS FEW SMALL WAVES HIT SHORE
BOWMAN:
Looks like a honey!
KAIN:
It is -- and it's all equipped to cause plenty of "trouble."
BOWMAN:
You mean you're going to use it on Powers' fleet?
KAIN:
His -- and anybody else's that needs it.
BOWMAN:
What an idea! No way to catch us! We can get 'em while they're out at sea!
KAIN:
Sure.
BOWMAN:
But say, Kain! You got this plane painted black! Won't that be kinda easy to identify?
KAIN:
I hope so.
BOWMAN:
Huh? Whatta you mean?
KAIN:
Are you gonna be dumb all your life?
BOWMAN:
I don't get you, boss.
KAIN:
Listen! When we drop firecrackers on a fishing fleet, the chances are a couple of guys are gonna get back to shore to tell about a plane bombing 'em, aren't they?
BOWMAN:
But that's just what I meant! And with this black plane, they'll tell everybody---
KAIN:
They'll tell everybody a black plane pulled the job. That lets us out.
BOWMAN:
How does it leave us out? We got a black plane there ain't we?
K!IN:
We have, but nobody knows it. They're gonna think it's THE
black plane.
BOWMAN:
Whatta you mean?
KAIN:
Especially when I send one of these to old man Powers.
BOWMAN:
An Ace of Spades! You mean---!
MUSIC:
BLACK ACE MYSTERIOSO
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE MOTOR
ANNOUNCER:
Strangely enough, the hooded figure whose symbol is being discussed, flies his trim black wonder-plane high in the skies -- not far from the cove where Kain's black plane bas pulled in. With his speechless ally, The Whistler, the mysterious defender of Justice has witnessed a strange sight, and now, as they return to their hidden hangar, the hooded figure speaks - - -
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE MOTOR
HUNTER:
Black seems to be a popular color for planes these days, Whistler.
WISTLR:
WHISTLES TWICE
HUNTER:
Very unusual, wasn't it? A new plane--painted black---landing in that small cove up the shore. Most unusual because with our glasses we spotted guns mounted on that ship.
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TO INDICATE "YEAH"
HUNTER:
Now wouldn't it be strange if we've tumbled onto something concerning the fishing-fleet racket? I didn't think we'd spot anything on this little jaunt today, but now -- I'm not so sure! A guy like Kain would be just the type to figure out a trick like this.
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TO INDICATE "THE BLACK ACE"
HUNTER:
The Black Ace. Yes, Whistler. It would be a natural for him to use a black plane--and put the suspicion on us. We'll know more about it if he tips his hand in some way. Suppose you find out whether Kain has any property along that cove, and try to pick up any information you can around the docks. See if Kain has made any new threats. If we find out that Kain wants the Black Ace involved in his racket, we might accommodate him!
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE SOARS AWAY
MUSIC:
AGITATO
SOUND:
KNOCK ON DOOR
POWERS:
Come in!
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
JENNINGS:
(FADING IN) Morning, skipper!
POWERS:
Oh, it's you, Jenkins! Come in, Matey! Have a chair.
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
JENNINGS:
Here's something a kid handed me on the dock.
POWERS:
Hmm? A note?
JENNINGS:
Don't know who it's from, skipper. The kid was askin' where to find Jed Powers, so I told him I'd give it to you.
SOUND:
TEARING OPEN ENVELOPE
POWERS:
Humph. Wonder who sent this, and what---!
JENNINGS:
That's funny! Nothin' in it but that playin' card?
POWERS:
Yeah. But it ain't so funny, maybe. It's an ace of spades.
JENNINGS:
An ace of spades! That means bad luck, and--
POWERS:
And somethin' else, I'm thinkin'. Yeah! This might be one way that rat, Kain, could try to ruin us! A plane could--
JENNINGS:
A plane! The Black Ace!
POWERS:
Yeah.. If Kain hired him to get us--at sea---!
JENNINGS:
We wouldn't have a chance!
POWERS:
Maybe not, but we ain't gonna be scared off! If that scum gets away with this, there'll be no stoppin' his racket!
JENNINGS:
We can get the Coast Guard to send planes along to protect the fleet!
POWERS:
Yes, we'll do that--and that ain't all! I told that rat I'd smash him and I will--Black Ace or no Black Ace!
JENNINGS:
What else are you gonna do, skipper?
POWERS:
I'm going to hire the investigator who knows all bout this hooded flier. Come on! I'm going ashore to look up Niles Hunter!
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
JENNINGS:
Wait a minute, skipper!
POWEHS:
Huh?
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
JENNINGS:
(SOTTO VOCE) Thought I saw somebody duck out of sight around the cabin. Might have been listening to what we were saying.
POWERS:
Somebody snoopin' around here? Let's take a look!
JENNINGS:
Hmmm. Don't see anybody now but--. (CHUCKLES) False alarm! I guess it was this old coat, flapping around in the breeze.
POWERS:
Oh. (FADING) Well, come on, let's get to town.
JENNINGS:
(OFF MIKE AND FADING FARTHER) Do you know where this Niles Hunter lives, skipper?
POWERS:
(FAR OFF MIKE) We'll find out quick enough, you can lay to that.
WHISTLER:
APPROACHES WHISTLING TUNE
MUSIC:
THREATENING.. IMPENDING DANGER...
POWERS:
(FADING IN) So that's the whole story, Mr. Hunter. Soon as I found out where you lived I came here. If you'll take the case, you can name your own price. (BITTERLY) I'm out to smash Kain and his cut-throat gang, and I'm going to do it!
HUNTER:
I'd almost be willing to work on the case for nothing, Mr. Powers. Not only because of the vicious racket involved, but on the theory that it will give me another chance to match wits with the Black Ace.
HARDY:
Yeah! That guy!
HUNTER:
There's only one thing, Mr. Powers---as my assistant, Mr. Hardy here, will testify--
POWERS:
What's that, Hunter?
HUNTER:
It's easy enough to match wits with the Ace, but it's no easy matter to OUTwit him!
POWERS:
I ain't askin' for miracles, Hunter, and I know the cards seem to be stacked against us, but I like the cut of your jaw, an' the sound of your talk.
HUNTER:
And I, yours, Mr. Powers. If you're determined to take a chance and set out with your fleet tomorrow, we'll do our best to protect you.
POWERS:
Good! Then I'll be gettin' along--back to the dock. You'll get in touch with the Coast Guard, then?
HUNTER:
We'll take care of everything, Mr. Powers.
POWERS:
Then let Kain send that hooded bat! We'll take care of 'im! Goodbye, Hunter.
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
HUNTER:
Goodbye, Mr. Powers, and good luck !
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
HUNTER:(MUSING) I wonder if we can "take care of 'im?"
HARDY:
It ain't gonna be easy, Niles!
HUNTER:
No. I'm afraid not.
HARDY:
If we could only find the Ace's hide-out! If we could only get to that guy before he gets in the air! Once that ship of his is up---well, we might as well come down.
HUNTER:
Yes. There is one chance in this case though--
HARDY:
For finding out where his bide-out is?
HUNTER:
Possibly. At least we can be reasonably sure that the Ace is working for Kain.
HARDY:
Yeah?
HUNTER:
Well--you and Maxie can shadow Kain, can't you?
HARDY:
And find the Ace through him! Sure! We'll find this guy Kain alright. Maxie knows every waterfront dive there is, and every guy who hangs around down there.
HUNTER:
Then get on it at once. I'll be on Power's boat if you want me this evening. Where's Maxie?
HARDY:
He oughtta be showin' up soon. He's been gone a couple of hours and--
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
MAXIE:
(FADINGIN) Hi, Niles! Hi, Hardy!
HARDY:
Here he is now!
MAXIE:
I just been down to the movie house on the corner. You guys oughtta see that pitcher! Chapter 13 of "The Sky Racer!" There's a plane battle at sea, get it? This one plane is gonna bomb a ship, see?
HARDY:
And what happens?
MAXIE:
I don't know -- 'till next week, the bomb was half way down when it said, "continued in Chapter Fourteen." Hey! (FADING) Wait! What's the idea, Hardy?
HARDY:
Chapter Fourteen is startin' right now, and you're in it! Come on!
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
MUSIC:
FADE IN PLAYER PIANO..OLD TIME TUNE..KEEP IT IN THRU:
CROWD:
SAILORS .. ETC. AT WATERFRONT BAR
MABEL:
(SENTIMENTAL.. HALF CRYING IN HER BEER)..(SIGHS) No, Maxie, sailors ain't like they used to be! Why, in the old days they'd have smashed this joint up twice by this time of night.
MAXIE:
Uh---yeah. Sorry I missed the fun.
MABEL:
This old tune kinda brings it all back to me!
MAXIE:
I can see that. I guess they never fixed the piano after them smashups, huh?
MABEL:
(HARDLY HEARING HIM) You're a good scout, Maxie. I always liked you, you Know? Good old Maxie, I always say. You know?
MAXIE:
I know. You want another schuper. Listen, Mabel, you was gonna tell me about Kain.
MABEL:
(SIGHS) Yea. We used to raise Cain in the old days, Maxie, we used to come in here and---
MUSIC:
CUT PIANO
MAXIE:
I don't care who raised him. Where is he? You said you knew the guy, and that he'd be in here before long.
MABEL:
I do know him! (ARGUMENTIVE) Anybody who says I don't know him is lying, see? Who says I don't know Kain? Why, 1---
MAXIE:
Take it easy, Mabel. All I want you to do is show him to me. Listen -- I gotta see a pal of mine for a minute. Take a gander around the joint, and see if Kain's here, will you?
MABEL:
(FADING) I know him! Anybody who says I don't, is lying!
HARDY:
(FADING IN) Well, how many more kegs of suds do you have to buy for your girl-friend there? Thought she was going to spot Kain for you?
MAXIE:
Yeah, yeah. She will, too. Only I had to listen to her tell how she used to wow 'em in an ariel act in the old days.
HARDY:
We can't stay here all night!
MAXIE:
She'll come through alright. She's up to the lingo about how this joint used to be twenty years ago, and that's about the curtain line.
HARDY:
O.K. But I ain't waitin' much longer, see? (FADING) I'll be in the car--out front.
MAXIE:
Yeah. Yeah. O.K. (MUMBLING TO SELF) How the heck am I gonna get the dope from her? (SIGHS) Well, back to the "old days," Maxie! (LOUDER) How goes it, Mabel?
MABEL:
(FADING IN) Hello, Maxie! Oh, it ain't like it was in --
MABEL & MAXIE:
--the old days--
MAXIE:
I know. That was the wrong feed line. Uh, listen, Mabel, that's Kain comin' in the door now, ain't it?
MABEL:
Hmm? Him? Naw! That ain't Kain!
MAXIE:
(SOTTO VOCE) I didn't think so.
MABEL:
Not Kain at all! That's only Bowman, his--side-kick.
MAXIE:
Mightta known it wasn't anybody I---! Huh? Kain's side-kick?
MABEL:
Yeah.
MAXIE:
(SOTTO VOCE) He's comin' this way! To the table right over there!
MABEL:
Sure. He always meets Kain here. He's gonna talk to him about their racket, prob'ly. He---
MAXIE:
Y'mean the guy sittin' at that table--been sittin' there ever since I been here---is Kain!?
MABEL:
Sure that's Kain! Did I say it wasn't? I know Kain! I know--
MAXIE:
Of all the---! I gotta catch part of their chatter!
MABEL:
(FADING) Wait a minute! Where you goin', Maxie?
MAXIE:
See you later, Mabel!
CROWD:
FEW SECONDS BABBLE
BOWMAN:
(FADING IN) Hello, Kain!
KAIN:
It's about time you got here! Where you been?
BOWWMAN:
I had to get the firecrackers, didn't I?
KAIN:
You got 'em alright. didn't you?
BOWMAN:
Just what we wanted! And when we drop one of 'em on one of those boats tomorrow--
SOUND:
TRY CRASHES TO FLOOR
KAIN:
What the--!
MAXIE:
Sorry, pal! Here, I'll help you pick it up!
BOWMAN:
(CHUCKLES) A guy bumped into a waiter with a tray of drinks.
KAIN:
Ummm. Well, come on. Let's get out of here. We've gotta take that stuff to the cove.
BOWMAN:
(FADING) And get 'em in the plane, huh?
KAIN:
(OFF MIKE) Shut up! Come on, let's go!
SOUND:
OFF MIKE DOOR OPENS
MAXIE:
(SOTTO VOCE) Oh-oh! Do we get the breaks, or do we?
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
MAXIE:
(MUTTERING) Gotta wait'll they're outta range. They're goin' to that car parked across the street. Let's see. A coup. I can spot it!
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
CROWD:
FADES OUT AND CUTS WITH:
SOUUD:
DOOR CLOSES
OFF MIKE:
CAR STARTS.. GEARSSHIFT
MAXIE:
They're started already!
HARDY:
(FADES IN) Well, sonny boy? Learn anything, or did you run out of beer money for that dame?
MAXIE:
Get this stonecrusher started! They're in that car!
HARDY:
Huh? Kain?
MAXIE:
And his side-kick, Bowman! I heard them mention a cove---and a plane!
SOUND:
CAR STARTS .. GEARS SHIFT
HARDY:
Get in! We're on our way!
SOUND:
DOOR SLAMS .. CAR ROARS AWAY
MUSIC:
HURRY
SOUND:
CAR SLOWS DOWN
MAXIE:
They turned down this lane. Take it easy, Hardy!
HARDY:
Yeah. We'll pull up here.
SOUND:
CAR STOPS..CUT MOTOR
MAXIE:
It's a cottage. See it?
HARDY:
Yeah! What about the plane?
MAXIE:
Must be out in the cove near here.
HARDY:
Hmmm. Getting dark now. Tell you what. We'll go back down the road to the place that rents boats, and come back--along the shore in a boat, after it's dark.
MAXIE:
Good idea!
MUSIC:
MYSTERIOSO
ANNOUNCER:
As darkness falls, another craft makes its way along the shore of the cove---a trim, phantom shape that has dropped from the skies and now floats noiselessly toward shore some distance from Kain's cottage. Two figures emerge, and cautiously make their way along the weed-covered shore...
SOUND:
LAP OF WATER .. TWO MEN STALKING THRU HIGH WEEDS
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES LOW
HUNTER:
(SOTTO VOCE) Yes. Easy now, Whistler. The cottage is just ahead, and that plane must be housed around here someplace. There's no boathouse or-- Wait! Right ahead!
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES SEVERAL TIMES
HUNTER:
The plane! Hidden by a sort of blind! Come on!
SOUND:
ROW-BOAT OARS SQUEAK.. APPROACHING
WHISTLER:
ONE LOW WARNING WHISTLE
SOUND:
CUT FOOTSTEPS
HUNTER:
(SOTTO VOCE) Yes, I hear it, Whistler! A row-boat---pulling in here! Duck down! We'll stay right here and see what happens!
SOUND:
ROWBOAT CLOSER .. SCRAPE OF BOAT ON SHORE
MAXIE:
(SOTTO VOCE) There's the cottage up there, Hardy!
HARDY:
(SOTTO VOCE) Yeah! And there's somethin' right up here. Come on, let's take a look. I could see a shape of some kind while we were coming in. Might be a boathouse.
MAXIE:
Naw. Nothing but a clump of trees. No soap.
HARDY:
Wait a minute! I ain't so sure! Looks like something just the other side.
MAXIE:
Here's the flashlight.
HARDY:
Take it easy with that! Wait 'till we get on the other side of the trees!
MAXIE:
O.K.
HARDY:
Alright. Shade it with your hand, and give it a flash or two. If anybody sees it they'll think it's a reflection.
MAXIE:
Right. Here goes.
HARDY:
Stumbled right on it!
MAXIE:
The plane! The Ace must be here now!
SOUND:
OFF MIKE DOOR CLOSES
HARDY:
Somebody's come out of the cottage! Come on! Quick! We don't know how many of 'em are around here, and besides, we don't want to let 'em know we been here! Get back in the boat!
MAXIE:
Hop in. I'll shove off.
HARDY:
(FADING) O.K. Don't make any more noise than you have to!
MAXIE:
(FADING) Right. I got it, Get in!
SOUND:
OFF MIKE WAVES LAPPING ON BOAT AS HARDY STEPS IN
MAXIE:
(OFF MIKE) Go!
SOUND:
SQUEAK OF OARLOCKS OFF MIKE AND FADING
(PAUSE)
SOUND:
FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING THROUGH WEEDS
HUNTER:
(SOTTO VOCE) Look, Whistler! A flashlight signal! Somebody was standing near the place where their rowboat landed! Heard everything they said!
WHISTLER:
LOW WHISTLE
KAIN:
(APPROACHING) What's up, Bowman?
BOWMAN:
(SLIGHTLY OFF MIKE) Kain! I nearly dropped! I was just coming back to the cottage after stowing the fireworks aboard the plane---
KAIN:
Yeah--?
BOWMAN:
---when I heard some oarlocks on a boat. I ducked, and two guys pull up -- get out -- and spot the plane!
KAIN:
What!?
BOWMAN:
and that's what they was lookin' for! I heard 'em talkin' about it!
KAIN:
Where'd they go?
BOWMAN:
Can't be far!
KAIN:
Come on: Get our boat! (FADING) We've got to follow 'em!
BOWMAN:
(FADING) I couldn't get a glimpse of 'em, but they got the dope on us! They must've tailed us here someway.
RAIN:
(OFF MIKE) Yeah? We can do a little tailing ourselves! Come on!
MUSIC:
SUSPENSE
HARDY:
(FADING IN) So Niles hasn't been here tonight, Mr. Powers?
POWERS:
Not yet, Hardy. Said he'd be here though, soon as he made arrangements at the Coast Guard for the planes tomorrow.
MAXIE:
Yeah. And we got somethin' hot to tell him--right now!
JENNINGS:
(OUTSIDE CABIN) Just a minute, there! Where are you going?
HUNTER:
(OUTSIDE CABIN) Mr. Powers is expecting me. I'm Niles Hunter.
JENNINGS:
(OUTSIDE CABIN) Oh yes, Mr. Hunter. Go right in the cabin!
POWERS:
Sounds like your man now.
HARDY:
Yeah
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
HUNTER:
Hello, Vic. What's news?
HARDY:
Plenty! We tailed Kain to a cottage in a little cove up the shore.
MAXIE:
And we finds a black plane hidden there!
HARDY:
Just as we spotted it, somebody came out of the cottage and headed to where we were, so we beat it quick.
MAXIE:
We didn't know how man there might be around there, and we didn't want to muff anything by tryin' to nab anybody then~
HUNTER:
That's smart.
HARDY:
The only thing now is, we're afraid they spotted US!
HUWEER:
You think they did?
MAXIE:
Could have easy enough! We beat it, but they could at least spot the boat pullin' away!
HUNTER:
In that case, they'll be extra careful tonight!
HARDY:
Yeah!
HUNTER:
About all we can do is have planes and boats in the vicinity. Then, as soon as it's light tomorrow, we can close in.
HARDY:
What do you want Maxie and me to do right now, Niles?
HUNTER:
Go to the coast guard station as soon as you can and get in a plane. Then go back to the cove as quick as you can get there. Be near enough to close in at dawn!
HARDY:
Right.
HUNTER:
In the meantime, I'll make arrangements to cover that cottage from shore.
HARDY:
Swell! We'll get Kain--and we'll get the Ace, before he has a chance to take-off!
HUNTER:
Let's hope so! In case he does slip through our trap, we'll have Mr. Power's fleet covered anyway.
HARDY:
And we'll follow! Come on, Maxie. It'll take us over an hour to get back there in that plane.
MUSIC:
SUSPENSE
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
KAIN:
(FADES IN) So they think they'll have us trapped, huh?
BOMAN:
Good thing we tailed those guys, Kain! Niles Hunter's men! And a coast guard trap!
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
KAIN:
Yeah! We just saved our necks, that's all!
BOWMAN:
Not yet! They'll be back here, and close in on us--find that plane with the bombs aboard, and---
KAIN:
They'll find nothing! What kind of a sucker do you take me for?
BOWMAN:
Whatta you mean? What'll we do?
KAIN:
What do you suppose I came back to the cottage for? We'll let 'em go through with their little trap -- just like they planned. Only when they close in--the plane won't be here -- and we won't be here.
BOWMAN:
Move the plane---now?
KAIN:
Right away! We'll take it way up the shore.
BOWMAN:
And then?
KAIN:
Then? Why, then, we let Hunter's men and the Coast Guard hang around here and watch -- and watch.
BOWMAN:
(CHUCKLES) That's rich!
KAIN:
As for Powers' fleet of fishing boats -- we'll fix them up later--when the heat is off. Come on, let's move that plane!
MUSIC:
AGITATO
SOUND:
OFF MIKE PLANE MOTOR
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES SEVERAL TIMES
HUNTER:
Yes, they're starting their plane now, Whistler. So you heard them say they were going to take it up the coast, and spoil the trap being laid for them?
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TWICE
HUNTER:
Well, we may be able to make a few alterations in their plans.
SOUND:
OFF MlKE .. PLANE TAKES OFF FROM WATER .. FADES
HUNTER:
There they go, Whistler. And we're going to follow them! We can start our motor now.
SOUND:
BLACK ACE MOTOR STARTS ...
HUNTER:
O.K. Whistler! Follow them!
SOUND:
BLACK ACE MOTOR TAKES OFF
MUSIC:
SUGGESTING FLIGHT OF PLANE
SOUND:
OFF MIKE BLACK ACE PLANE MOTOR
KAIN:
Swell! This does it!
BOWMAN:
Hey! That's funny!
KAIN:
What?
BOWMAN:
Listen!
SOUND:
CUT BLACK ACE PLANE MOTOR
KAIN:
Well? I am listening.
BOWMAN:
I could have sworn I heard another plane!
KAIN:
You got a buzz in your head!
BOWMAN:
I mean it! Close too! Like they cut off the motor and set her down on the water near here!
KAIN:
Yeah? You're screwy!
SOUND:
WAVES RIPPLE ON SHORE
BOWMAN:
Listen! Something's putting in for shore near here. Get these waves washing in? Up that way! Come on! I saw something up there!
KAIN:
Maybe you're right! (SOTTO VOCE) Come on!
SOUND:
FOOTSTEPS ON BEACH
BOWMAN:
(SOTTO VOCE) It is a plane! Look!
KAIN:
I can hardly make it out in the dark, but--come on!
BOWMAN:
What'll we do--rush the ship? They might be ashore by this time.
KAIN:
Wait'll we get closer, and we'll figure it out.
WHISTLER:
(OFF MIKE) WHISTLES ALA BIRD CALL
BOWMAN:
What's that!?
KAIN:
A bird of some kind. Come on!
BOWMAN:
But, Kain--! I just happened to think! There's a flier who whistles--and he's the ally of--Umph! (AS WHISTLER GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND)
KAIN:
What the--!
HUNTER:
And he travels with me---yeah! Drop that rod, Kain! Hang onto Bowman, Whistler.
KAIN:
Who are you? Get that light out of my eyes!
HUNTER:
Now let's not get off on the wrong foot, Kain. I'm supposed to be pulling a job for you at dawn tomorrow. I'm just reporting for duty.
KAIN:
What do you mean?! That hood! You're the---!
HUNTER:
The real article, yeah. It's O.K. with me if you want to cut me in---but I don't like to be cut out, see?
KAIN:
What---what do you mean?
HUNTER:
I mean I'll pull that job on the fishing fleet. You didn't need to paint a plane black and try to play my part.
KAIN:
But---
BUNTER:
Well? Is it O.K. or do I---
KAIN:
Wait! Don't shoot!
BOWMAN:
But--they've got a trap set for you!
HUNTER:
(CHUCKLES) Yeah? That makes it more interesting! Let 'em try to catch me!
KAIN:
Well---if---you want to do the job, why---
HUNTER:
Why, it's O.K., isn't it, Kain?
KAIN:
Why--sure, sure!
HUNTER:
Alright. Come on!
KAIN:
What?
BOWMAN:
Wait a minute! Where are you taking us?
HUNTER:
Back to that blind in front of your cottage, of course.
KAlN:
Back there!? But they'll be watching--
HUNTER:
Of course! I wouldn't miss the fun of their trap! Come on! I can fly out of there without getting touched!
KAIN:
Well---go ahead. We'll---we'Il meet you someplace--later.
BOWMAN:
Yeah!
HUNTER:
No! You boys are going along with Whistler and me, and you're staying with us while we take on the Coast Guard and Hunter's men.
KAIN:
No!
BOWMAN:
It's--suicide!
HUNTER:
Not for me! Have they ever caught me?
BOWMAN:
No--but this time--
HUNTER:
(CHUCKLES) Come on! We'll make 'em look silly!
KAIN:
Wait! Why do we have to go along?
HUNTER:
To make sure you don't double-cross us, see? Now, come on! Get moving! It'll be dawn soon, and we're taking off from that blind in front of your cottage--just when our friends are about to close in on us!
MUSIC:
SUSPENSE
SOUND:
STANDARD PLANE MOTOR
HARDY:
It's getting light! We oughtta be getting a radio call to close in pretty soon, Maxie!
MAXIE:
We can drop down in a hurry when it comes. They won't be takin' off before that fishing fleet does, and that won't be for ten or fifteen minutes.
HARDY:
Yeah, I guess we'll be all set to--Holy mackeral!
MAXIE:
Huh? The Ace! He's comin' outta the blind!
HARDY:
Dive, pilot! Dive! Get that guy before he takes off! I'll send out a call!
SOUND:
PLANE IN DIVE
MAXIE:
Cant' this thing drop any faster? He'll slip away!
HARDY:
Calling patrol unit X---calling patrol X (FADING) Black Ace trying to take off from cove! We are trying to prevent him from getting away!
MUSIC:
HURRY ..
SOUND:
BLACK ACE MOTOR
HARDY:
(FILTER) We are diving to prevent the Ace from getting into the air! All planes rush! All---
SOUND:
CLICK OF RADIO
KAIN:
They've got us!
BOWMAN:
They're right over us! We ain't got a chance!
HUNTER:
No? (CHUCKLES) Watch this! Rocket power. Whistler!
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TWICE
SOUND:
LEVER CLANKS. ROCKET SENDS SHIP SHOOTING THROUGHT THE AIR
KAIN:
(CATCHING BREATH) What--what happened~
HUNTER:
Take a look below.
KAIN:
Be--low?
HUNTER:
Yeah. That's where the plane is that was over us.
BOWMAN:
We're--we're clear!
HUNTER:
I told you it would be fun to slip through their trap! Now for that little job you wanted done, Kain.
KAIN:
But--it'll be different trying to bomb those ships! We were figuring on hand-thrown bombs from close over---
HUNTER:
And that's what we'll use.
KAIN:
But, they'll have planes over the fleet, and these planes following! You can't dive through and get away with it!
HUNTER:
No? What do you think about it, Whistler?
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TO INDICATE "EASY, EASY"
BOWMAN:
I--I don't know, Kain! They can do almost anything in this plane! Look at the way he shot up past that other plane back there!
KAIN:
Yeah--but--well--!
HUNTER:
I thought you were a tough guy, Kain! You going soft on us? Give her the gun, Whistler! We'll pick up that fleet in a couple of seconds. And then, we'll have some real fun!
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE ZOOMS OFF
MUSIC:
AGITATO
SOUND:
STANDARD PLANE MOTOR
HARDY:
Shot right by us like a comet!
MAXIE:
I don't know what we're tailin' the gµy for! We got about as much chance stoppin' him from bombing those ships as we have of chasin' him with a butterfly net!
HARDY:
We gotta try. Maxie! And it's gonna be different when he tries to bomb those fishing boats! We got planes all set for him, and we'll be closing in.
MAXIE:
We was all set for him too--back there.
HARDY:
Well, anyway, he's got to dive down low to bomb those ships. He can't aim any big boys from high up with all of us circling around him.
MAXIE:
We gotta chance of keepin' him away--or makin' him miss, but that's about all. We'll never catch him!
HARDY:
Guess you're right. I'll be satisfied--for now--to keep those fishing boats safe. But at the same time--don't forget--
MAXIE:
Don't forget what?
HARDY:
Don't forget that there'l1 be plenty of lead flyin' when we start closin' in on him. And even the Ace might pick up a stray shot that'll send him down!
MAXIE:
I'll believe it when I see it. I still don't know whether he's a ghost or not!
HARDY:
We'll soon know! Look! There's the fleet!
MAXIE:
And the other planes!
HARDY:
And they're all set for him!
MUSIC:
SUGGESTING CONFLICT
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE MOTOR
HUNTER:
Well, well! They're all set for us--regular little battle formation, eh, Whistler?
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TWICE
HUNTER:
Let's see. One---two, and another one, plus the one following. Hmm! Four planes to outmaneuvre. (CHUCKLES) What's the matter, Kain? You haven't said much. And you, Bowman---you look pale.
BOWMAN:
Listen! Call it off, Kain!
KAIN:
Yeah! Beat it! Just beat it! Nevermind those boats! We'll get 'em later.
HUNTER:
Yeah? We'll get 'em now! And you'll pay for the job!
KAIN:
Don't try it! They're on us now!
HUNTER:
Hang on, Kain! We're diving past them!
BOVMAN:
Good Lord!
SOUND:
BLACK ACE PLANE DIVES FADING BY...MACHINE GUN FROM OTHER PLANE
KAIn:
(HYSTERICAL) They'll get us! There's another one right an our tail!
BOWMAN:
They're firing now!
HUNTER:
(CHUCKLES) Never touched us! I was just diving by for better position. Now we'll go for that fleet of boats and--- (SNIFFS) What's that, Whistler!?
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES SEVERAL TIMES
BOWMAN:
Good Lord! Kain! Look!
KAIN:
Smoke! We're on fire!
BOWMAN:
They got us!
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES EXCITEDLY
HUNTER:
(EXCITEDLY) She's going into a spin, Whistler! Straighten her out, or we'll crash!
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TO INDICATE "CAN'T"
HUNTER:
Then we'll----Looks like the end, boys!
KAIN:
You fool! You got us into this!
BOWMAN:
We'll die like rats!
HUNTER:
That'll be the right way for you to die!
SOUND:
PLANE RIGHTS ITSELF
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES SEVRAL TIMES
HUNTER:
Good boy, Whistler! You got her out of the spin, anyway! The plane's done for, but we've- got a chance to save our lives, anyway! Grab some of these life-preservers! It's every man for himself when we hit the water!
KAIN:
Give me one!
BOWMAN:
Get in 'em quick!
HUNTER:
Will she set down alright, Whistler?
WHISTLER:
WHISTLES TWICE
HUNTER:
Yeah. Looks that way! Hang on! Here she comes!
SOUND:
PLANE THUMPS TO HARD LANDING ON SEA
KAIN:
That smoke's still rolling out! Hurry! Get out of here! It'll explode any second!
BOWMAN:
Yea! Quick! Somebody'll pick us up---from the boats--We'll be O.K. if we get out of here!
HUNTER:
(COUGHS) O.K. I'll slide this visor back. You get out first, and we'll follow.
KAIN:
I'll go first, Bowman! (COUGHS)
MUSIC:
HURRY
SOUND:
STANDARD PLANE MOTOR
MAXIE:
Whoopie! I still don't believe it -- but we got him! There they are--gettin' out now! Set this thing down so we can pick 'em up!
HARDY:
Yeah! What a day! Got the Ace at last!
SOUND:
SETS DOWN ON WATER
MAXIE:
Swell! They're paddlin' this way! Open that door, Hardy! We'll be floatin' up to 'em in a second!
HARDY:
And am I gonna love this! Gimme that rope and life-preserver.
MAXIE:
Here you are!
SOUND:
CABIN DOOR OPEN
MAXIE:
And here they are!
KAIN:
(OFF MIKE) Help! Throw us a line!
MAXIE:
Huh! So the Ace is yellin' for help!
HARDY:
Wait a second! It ain't the Ace!
MAXIE:
Huh?
HARDY:
It's Kain -- and Bowman!
MAXIE:
Then they was in the plane with him! The Ace and Whistler are still in the plane! If it blows up, they'll---
SOUND:
OFF MIKE ROCKET SENDS BLACK ACE PLANE TO SKY
HARDY:
How do you like that?
MAXIE:
Huh? It---couldn't--but it did! It was on fire!
HARDY:
Fire my eye! It was a trick! They've cut off the smoke now! Look!
MAXIE:
And tore up almost out of sight--with that rocket power!
HARDY:
Well I'll be---!
HUNTER:
(AS HUNTER) (FILTER) Calling Vic Hardy in Coast Guard plane! Calling Vic Hardy in Coast guard plane!
MAXIE:
It's your headset, Hardy.
HARDY:
I'll take it. Get these mugs aboard.
MAXIE:
O.K.
HARDY:
This is Hardy in the coast guard plane. Go ahead!
HUNTER:
(FILTER) It's Niles, Vic. I'm on my way in another plane. What happened after they gave us the slip at the cove?
HARDY:
Kain and Bowman were with him. We fired at 'em. They set down on the water after shooting out smoke all the way down. Kain and Bowman got out and swam over here. We're just hauling 'em aboard now.
HUNTER: (FILTER) And -- "that guy?"
HARDY:
(SNORTS) He oughtta be pinched for turning a false alarm!
HUNTER:
Where is he now, Vic?
HARDY:
Headin' for the opposite of where I'd like to see him!
MUSIC:
THEME
ANNOUNCER:
The Black Ace returns to the air each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at this same time -- defending justice and baffling those who seek to answer the question, "Who is the Black Ace?" The characters and events enacted in these stories are fictitious and any similarity to real persons or events is pure coincident. 'The Black Ace' is a presentation of WWJ -- The Detroit News.