(MUSIC: INTRODUCTION .. OUT ON CUE...)

 

ANNOUNCER:

The Rubsam & Horrman Brewing Company, brewers of R & H Beer and ale, the beer and ale with a barrel of quality in every glass - presents - BOSTON BLACKIE - starring Dick Kollmar.

(MUSIC: INTRODUCTION)

 

MYRA:

John - who was that man who just left?

JOHN:

(FADES ON) Boston Blackie, Myra. I wanted him to look at the diamond I'm buying tomorrow.

MYRA:

Oh, John - you shouldn't have done that.

JOHN:

But why? Boston Blackie is a diamond expert. I want to be sure I'm getting the real thing. After all -- I don't want to put seventy-five thousand dollars in a piece of glass.

MYRA:

But, John, you shouldn't have let anyone know you have the diamond until you can put it in the vault.

JOHN:

Boston Blackie can be trusted, Myra, and besides I had this in my pocket all the time.

MYRA:

Please put that gun away, John. It scares me.

JOHN:

All right, dear. But don't worry about anything. Blackie is the only one in town who knows the diamond is here.

MYRA:

I don't know why you trust him. I still wish you had...

(OFF) (TELEPHONE RINGS)

 

MYRA:

Oh - that's probably Carolyn on the phone. Shall I tell her we'll join them for dinner tomorrow night?

JOHN:

Yes - why not. (MOVING OFF) Tell her we'll be glad to - and while you're talking I'll make out a list of people I might turn this diamond over to.

MYRA:

All right, dear.

(DOOR OPENS .. CLOSES)

 

(TELEPHONE RINGING) (ON MIKE)

 

(TELEPHONE RECEIVER OFF HOOK)

 

MYRA:

Hello?

CAROLYN:

(ON FILTER) Hello -- Myra?

MYRA:

Yes, Carolyn. I was expecting you to call.

CAROLYN:

Sorry it had to be so late. But Frank and I just got back from the country.

MYRA:

How was it?

CAROLYN:

Wonderful, Myra. Now about tomorrow...

(OFF...BEYOND CLOSED DOOR)

 

(SEVERAL SHOTS)

 

MYRA:

Oh, Carolyn -- those were shots!

(RECEIVER DOWN ON TABLE)

 

(DOOR OPENS)

 

MYRA:

John -- John -- Oh John darling -- What's the matter?

JOHN:

(OFF...GROANS)

MYRA:

John - John - what's the --

JOHN:

(MOVES ON) (GROANING)

MYRA:

(BEGINNING TO SOB) Oh, John - you're hurt.

JOHN:

He came in the door -- for the diamond. I shot him in the shoulder. I shot him first. Then - he - shot - me.

MYRA:

Who was it, John - Boston Blackie?

JOHN:

(DYING) Yes - it had to be him - (DIES)

(MUSIC: CURTAIN)

 

ANNOUNCER:

Well, wait until Inspector Faraday hears about this! Blackie will have to do some tall talking to "get in the clear!" (PAUSE) But right now...we'll do a little tall talking of our own...about a real friend to your thirst...good old R and H Beer. It's tops when you want a refresher...yes, sir, it's so light, mellow, and truly satisfying. Treat yourself to a creamy glass of good old R and H Beer! Just as sure as you like good beer, you'll go for its smoothness...and for its fine hearty flavor! So, friends, next time you have a longing for a glass of beer that really is beer....sing out for R and H! Remember the name -- you'll never forget the taste! R - for refreshing! (BING) ...H for hearty? (BONG) That's it -- R and H ... a barrel of quality in every glass.

(MUSIC: ...)

 

ANNOUNCER:

And now - meet Dick Kollmar as Boston Blackie -- enemy to those who make him an enemy - friend to those who have no friend.

(MUSIC: INTRODUCTION)

 

(WATER DRIPPING FROM SQUEEZED RAG INTO PAN OF WATER)

 

SHORTY:

Gee, Blackie - it's a good thing that bullet went clean through your shoulder - or you'd have to see a doc. Who did it to you, Boss?

BLACKIE:

Skip it, Shorty. Hey, don't pull the bandage that tight.

SHORTY:

Sorry, boss. This better?

BLACKIE:

Ah - that's more like it. Shorty - you should have been a doctor.

SHORTY:

Here - I'll help you on with your shirt.

BLACKIE:

No - I can do it, Shorty. There - that isn't too bad for an invalid, is it?

SHORTY:

What tie you want to wear, boss?

BLACKIE:

You pick it out.

SHORTY:

(MOVING OFF) Okay - I'll get you that green one Miss Wesley give you. That ought to -

(OFF) (DOOR BELL RINGS)

 

BLACKIE:

That should be Inspector Faraday.

SHORTY:

(MOVING ON) Wanna do a scrammola, boss?

BLACKIE:

No. (CALLING) Come in, Faraday - the door isn't locked.

(DOOR OPENS) (OFF)

 

FARADAY:

(OFF) (CHEERFULLY) Well - good morning, Blackie.

BLACKIE:

It was a good morning until you came along, Inspector. Pull up a strait-jacket and make yourself at home.

(DOOR CLOSES) (OFF)

 

FARADAY:

(MOVING ON) Very good, Blackie. How are you feeling?

BLACKIE:

Fine - you'll be sorry to hear.

FARADAY:

Really? Hmmm - say what's the pan of water for?

BLACKIE:

Goldfish. I'm going to give them a bath.

FARADAY:

What's the towel there for?

BLACKIE:

To dry them. You think I want my goldfish to catch cold?

FARADAY:

(SUDDENLY GETS TOUGH) All right, Blackie - I'm taking you to headquarters for the murder of John Richards.

BLACKIE:

Same old Faraday - same old routine. The only thing that changes is the corpse - and your apologies afterward.

FARADAY:

You're not going to wisecrack your way out of this one, Blackie. I know you were at Richards' house - I know you stole a diamond from him - and I know he shot you before you shot him. Because Richards talked before he died. He told his wife he put a slug in his killer.

BLACKIE:

Very interesting.

FARADAY:

Where did he hit you, Blackie?

BLACKIE:

He didn't.

FARADAY:

Oh well - I thought I could bluff you. Congratulations, Blackie. Mind if I pat you on the back? There.

(PAT)

 

BLACKIE:

Ow! That's my shoulder!

FARADAY:

Sure it is -- and you jumped just now because you were shot in it last night. That gunshot wound in your shoulder is all the proof I need. Come on.

BLACKIE:

All right - so I DO have a bullet wound in my shoulder. But not because Richards shot me.

FARADAY:

I suppose you shot yourself.

BLACKIE:

As a matter of fact - I did. I was up at Charlie Kingston's apartment last night. I was cleaning one of his guns. It went off accidentally.

FARADAY:

That's a lie, Blackie. Stop stalling and let's go.

BLACKIE:

Look, Faraday - don't be a sap. If I had killed John Richards - would I be here in my apartment where you could find me?

FARADAY:

Well - maybe not. But I'm going to check on that story about how you got shot.

BLACKIE:

Go ahead - Kingston will back me up.

FARADAY:

(MOVING OFF) He'd better - or I'm going to back up a Paddy Wagon - and tuck you to sleep in a cell.

(DOOR OPENS) (OFF)

 

BLACKIE:

So long, inspector.

FARADAY:

(OFF) Yeah - but maybe not for long.

(DOOR CLOSES) (OFF)

 

SHORTY:

Gee, Blackie, why didn't you tell ME that.

BLACKIE:

Tell you WHAT, Shorty?

SHORTY:

That you got shot cleaning a gun at Charle Kingston's.

BLACKIE:

Because I don't lie to you, Shorty.

SHORTY:

Huh? Well, gosh, Blackie - Inspector Faraday's going to check with Kingston...maybe right away.

BLACKIE:

I know that - that's why I'm going to 'phone Charlie - right away.

(TELEPHONE RECEIVER OFF HOOK)

 

BLACKIE:

Mabel - get me Trafalgar 1-9928, will you, like a good girl - or do it any way you like, as long as I get the number.

SHORTY:

Oh, I get it, Blackie - you're going to tell Charlie Kingston what to say, huh?

BLACKIE:

Shorty - you're brilliant.

SHORTY:

I am?

(TELEPHONE BUZZER)

 

(CLICK)

 

KINGSTON:

(ON FILTER) Hello?

BLACKIE:

Charlie - this is Blackie. Listen, Inspector Faraday is on his way up to see you.

KINGSTON:

What for?

BLACKIE:

He's going to ask you how I got a bullet wound in the shoulder. I want you to tell him I got it cleaning a gun in your apartment last night.

KINGSTON:

But, Blackie - you weren't up here last night. How did you -

FARADAY:

(ON FILTER) Thanks, Kingston. Blackie - don't hang up.

KINGSTON:

Blackie - who was that?

FARADAY:

I thought you were lying to me, Blackie.

KINGSTON:

Blackie - who's -

BLACKIE:

That's Inspector Faraday - Charlie - never mind about the alibi now. Hang up.

KINGSTON:

All right. But call me back.

(CLICK)

 

FARADAY:

Thought you could pull a fast one, huh, Blackie?

BLACKIE:

Faraday - you're getting positively brilliant. Where are you?

FARADAY:

Still in the building, pal. I thought you'd call Kingston to frame that phoney alibi - so I cut in on your line from the switchboard down here. Stay where you are.

BLACKIE:

Oh sure, Inspector.

FARADAY:

I'm coming up there to get you. (BOARD FADE) And don't try to duck out on me - because I have two men right here in the lobby...(OUT)

(PAUSE)

 

(CUE) (BOARD FADE-IN) (POUNDING ON DOOR)

 

FARADAY:

Open up .. open up, Blackie.

SHORTY:

(OFF) I'm coming, Inspector Faraday.

(UNLOCKING DOOR...ON)

 

(DOOR OPENS...ON)

 

FARADAY:

Shorty - where's Blackie?

SHORTY:

Blackie - who's Blackie?

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

FARADAY:

Oh fine..what's that trail of blood doing on the floor?

SHORTY:

What blood? I don't see any blood.

FARADAY:

It's going toward the kitchen - and the back door.

SHORTY:

Is it?

FARADAY:

(MOVING OFF) He can't get very far with that wound. I'll get him before he can reach the street.

(OFF) (DOOR OPENS)

 

(OFF) (DOOR CLOSES)

 

(SLIGHT PAUSE)

 

SHORTY:

Hey, Blackie - you can come outa the closet now.

(JUST OFF MIKE) (DOOR OPENS)

 

BLACKIE:

(JUST OFF) Nice work, Shorty.

SHORTY:

I didn't do nothing, boss - just didn't tell him that was ketchup on the floor...not blood.

BLACKIE:

(CHUCKLES) (MOVES ON) Poor old Faraday. I think I'd better go hide out at Mary's for a while, though.

(TELEPHONE BELL RINGS)

 

BLACKIE:

O-o - now what?

SHORTY:

Now it's the telephone.

BLACKIE:

I know that much.

(RECEIVER OFF HOOK)

 

BLACKIE:

Hello?

MARY:

(ON FILTER) Blackie - this is Mary.

BLACKIE:

Oh, Mary, I'm glad you called. You'll have to give me a hand. The police are after me.

MARY:

Blackie - you'll have to give me a hand. Meet me [-- I'll be in a cab] at Washington Road & 45th Street. The Police are after ME, too.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(TRAFFIC NOISES IN B.G.)

 

(MAYBE TAXI METER IN MOTION)

 

([TAXI] DOOR CLOSES)

 

BLACKIE:

Have I kept you waiting long, Mary?

MARY:

Thirty cents and three grey hairs worth, Blackie.

BLACKIE:

Wait a second. I want to close this window between the driver and us ..

(WINDOW ROLLED UP)

 

BLACKIE:

There. Now we can talk ..

MARY:

Blackie - why are the police after you?

BLACKIE:

First let's hear why they're after you.

MARY:

It's because of Mutsy here.

BLACKIE:

Mutsy. Nice little pooch - come up here.

MARY:

No, Blackie - he'd better stay on the floor.

BLACKIE:

What's Mutsy done? Turned a corner without holding out his tail?

MARY:

He bit a man last night and he'd bitten people twice before I got him. The State Law says if a dog bites people three times - it has to be destroyed. And, Blackie - I just can't let them do that to Mutsy.

BLACKIE:

Do you know who put in the complaint about being bitten?

MARY:

Yes - a man named Robert Washburn. He said Mutsy bit him last night. But - Blackie - wasn't Mutsy with you last night?

BLACKIE:

For a while. I took him with me when I went to see John Richards.

MARY:

I heard over the radio this morning that John Richards was murdered last night.

BLACKIE:

That's why the police are looking for me.

MARY:

Oh, Blackie.

BLACKIE:

Oh, Blackie is right. The police are looking for a guy with a bullet wound in his shoulder - and I'm the guy.

MARY:

Blackie - you've been shot?

BLACKIE:

Yes, but don't ask me how. Right after I got outside Richards' house - somebody slugged me.

MARY:

Was Mutsy with you then?

BLACKIE:

Yes - and he's a fine watchdog. He watched all right. He watched me get hit over the head....when I came to - I found out I'd been shot in the shoulder.

MARY:

But - how - and who shot you?

BLACKIE:

I don't know - unless I walked around in a daze after I was slugged - actually did try to rob Richards - and was shot then.

MARY:

Well, I guess I'd better worry about the dog myself. You have more of a problem than I have.

BLACKIE:

Oh, no, we can't let Mutsy down. We'll go see this Washburn and try to get him to withdraw the charge.

MARY:

But what will we do with Mutsy? I can't let a policeman see him.

BLACKIE:

There's a dog show at the Stadium. Take him down there and enter him. Nobody will think of looking for him there. Mutsy's a dog, isn't he?

MARY:

To tell you the truth, Blackie - sometimes I'm not so sure.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(DOOR BUZZER)

 

(DOOR OPENS)

 

BUTLER:

Yes?

BLACKIE:

I'd like to see Robert Washburn.

BUTLER:

Who's calling?

BLACKIE:

Miss Wesley - and Boston Blackie.

BUTLER:

I'll see if he's in.

BLACKIE:

It's about the dog that bit him.

BUTLER:

Oh, yes. Won't you come in?

MARY:

Thank you.

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

BUTLER:

Right this way.

MARY:

Was Mr. Washburn bitten badly? Do you know?

BUTLER:

(JUST OFF) I couldn't say, Miss. All I know is he was bitten. You know the dog?

MARY:

He's MY dog.

BUTLER:

Oh - I'm sorry. You can see Mr. Washburn in the library. Here.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

 

WASHBURN:

(INSIDE) Yes.

(DOOR OPENS)

 

BUTLER:

(WAIT FOR DOOR) The owner of that dog is here to see you, Mr. Washburn.

WASHBURN:

(OFF) Oh - yes have him come in.

BUTLER:

Go right in.

BLACKIE:

Thanks. Go ahead, Mary.

MARY:

Thanks.

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

WASHBURN:

(MOVING ON) Oh - two of you. Uh .. which one of you..uh -

MARY:

It's MY dog, Mr. Washburn.

WASHBURN:

Oh. Sorry I had a run-in with him, Miss uh ..

MARY:

Wesley. Mary Wesley. And this is Boston Blackie.

(THEY EXCHANGE GREETINGS)

 

WASHBURN:

Oh, yes - Boston Blackie. I've heard of you.

BLACKIE:

We were wondering if you'd withdraw your charge against Miss Wesley's dog. You see the dog has bitten people twice before, Mr. Washburn. If you won't withdraw the charge, the law of the state says he has to be destroyed.

WASHBURN:

Oh, I'm awfully sorry. If I'd known that - I certainly wouldn't have complained. But I DID get a rather nasty bite as you can see by the size of the bandage and I do use my right hand a lot.

MARY:

I'm sorry about that, Mr. Washburn.

WASHBURN:

(NICER) I'm sorry too - Miss Wesley - but I'm afraid the damage is done. The complaint went right to the police. If I had only known.

BLACKIE:

(CUTTING IN) I'm afraid Mr. Washburn is right, Mary. There isn't anything he can do now.

MARY:

I guess not.

WASHBURN:

No hard feelings?

BLACKIE:

None, Washburn. And we'll shake on that.

WASHBURN:

Good enough.

(DOOR OPENS..ON)

 

WASHBURN:

Well, goodbye.

BLACKIE:

Goodbye.

MARY:

Goodbye.

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

MARY:

Well, I guess that's that.

BLACKIE:

Mary, did you notice when I shook hands with Washburn - he gave me his bandaged hand?

MARY:

So?

BLACKIE:

So I squeezed it as hard as I could - and he didn't wince. That means Mutsy never bit him.

MARY:

But - that doesn't make sense.

BLACKIE:

It may make a lot of sense - if we can find out why Washburn wants Mutsy killed. Look - you go back to the dog show and I'll meet you there. I'm going to see Mrs. Richards and find out who might have been after her husband's diamond. Then maybe I'll know how I got shot - when I got shot - and who shot me.

(MUSIC: CURTAIN)

 

ANNOUNCER:

Hmmm ... so Blackie's paying a call on Mrs. Richards. Well, we hope they have a sociable chat. (PAUSE) And speaking of things sociable ... when friends drop in for a get-together at your house, you can make the occasion extra enjoyable by treating [them] to sparkling glasses of light, refreshing R and H Beer! Yes, people who know good beer really
appreciate the hearty, satisfying flavor of good old R and H! That's been true for over three-quarters of a century ... for, thanks to the skill and care of expert brewmasters, the quality of R and H Beer has remained constant since 1868! And today, this grand old beer is more popular than ever! So, join the thousands of satisfied beer drinkers who call for R and H Beer! Order it in bottles at your favorite food store, delicatessen or super market. Or enjoy R and H Beer on tap at popular taverns and restaurants! (PAUSE) And now - back to Boston Blackie -

(MUSIC: INTRODUCTION)

 

ANNCR:

Boston Blackie has been shot in the shoulder. How, he doesn't know. What's more, Mary Wesley has a problem, too. Her dog Mutsy is in trouble with the law for biting a man who, it is discovered later, has not been bitten. Unable to find the answer to either of these two puzzling problems, Blackie has sent Mary to hide Mutsy at the dog show - and has gone to see Mrs. John Richards, wife of a man killed and robbed of a valuable diamond last night. As we continue our story, Blackie is at the door of the Richards home.

(MUSIC: INTRODUCTION)

 

(DOOR BUZZER)

 

(DOOR OPENS)

 

MAID:

Yes?

BLACKIE:

I'd like to speak to Mrs. Richards.

MAID:

I'm sorry - she's not seeing anyone.

BLACKIE:

Tell her Boston Blackie is here. In fact, tell her the two of us are here - me and this gun.

MAID:

(GASPS)

BLACKIE:

It's all right if I come in now, isn't it?

MAID:

Yes ... yes ... of course.

BLACKIE:

This is better.

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

BLACKIE:

Where's Mrs. Richards?

MAID:

She's in the den - there.

BLACKIE:

Thanks - and you stay right over there. Don't move and don't scream - and you won't be hurt. Now stay way over there - and be quiet!

(DOOR OPENS SOFTLY)

 

MYRA:

(OFF) Hazel, how dare you open a door without - (GASPS)

BLACKIE:

In case you don't know me, Mrs. Richards - I'm Boston Blackie.

MYRA:

What do you want?

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

BLACKIE:

I did want to ask you a few questions - but I think they're already answered. That's a very lovely diamond you have in your hand, Mrs. Richards.

MYRA:

(MOVES ON) I don't know what you're talking about.

BLACKIE:

Oh yes you do. I got a glimpse of it. Open up your hand.

MYRA:

I will not.

BLACKIE:

Then - I'll - just - have - to - do it - myself. There. That's better.

(DOOR OPEN)

 

FARADAY:

Drop that gun, Blackie. Drop it.

BLACKIE:

Farraday.

(GUN DROPS TO FLOOR)

 

BLACKIE:

Okay. Happy now, Faraday?

FARADAY:

You don't KNOW how happy.

MYRA:

Oh - Inspector Faraday - I'm so glad you got here when you did. This is the man who killed my husband.

FARADAY:

I know it, Mrs. Richards.

MYRA:

And now he has the nerve to come here and try to sell me my husband's diamond. See - he has it in his hand.

BLACKIE:

Faraday, I can explain everything now. This -

FARADAY:

(CUTTING IN) Blackie - I knew the day would come when I really had you cold. And this is it. I'll take the diamond and I'll have one of my men take you - [down to headquarters!] Well, where's your sense of humor, Blackie? No joke about the electric chair?

BLACKIE:

Sure - a very funny joke, inspector. It's killing me.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(HUNDREDS OF DOGS YAPPING, BARKING)

 

BLACKIE:

Well, I made it here, Mary. But I had to slip out of a pair of handcuffs and away from one of Faraday's cops who was taking me to headquarters. How's the Dog Show, Mary?

MARY:

I don't know, Blackie. I haven't had a chance to see it.

BLACKIE:

They OUGHT to let you see it. You have a dog in it, don't you?

MARY:

That's just it. They wouldn't let Mutsy in. I hid him in a trash basket ... Blackie - I found out something about Mr. Washburn. The reason he knew he could have Mutsy killed - is that the doorman at my apartment house told him Mutsy had already bitten two people.

BLACKIE:

Well - that explains plenty. Come on - let's get Mutsy and take him with us.

MARY:

Where are we going now?

BLACKIE:

Well - I went to see our friend Mrs. Richards - and that charming lady turned out to have the diamond she reported stolen from her husband.

MARY:

You don't suppose Mrs. Richards killed her husband, do you?

BLACKIE:

I don't know. Her husband had that diamond on approval only. It wasn't paid for yet. She may have tried to steal it from him - and had to kill him when she was caught. It's worth a lot of money.

MARY:

Here's where Mutsy's hidden. Reach down under the papers and you'll find him.

(RUSTLE OF PAPERS)

 

BLACKIE:

I have him. (STRAINS LIGHTLY) Out you come, Mutsy.

MARY:

What a sweet puppy - not a bark out of you - ever ... and Mr. Washburn said you nipped him.

BLACKIE:

What do you expect, Mary - don't you know a biting dog never barks?

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(AUTOMOBILE IN MOTION)

 

(LIGHT TRAFFIC NOISES IN B.G.)

 

MARY:

Blackie - you haven't said a word for five minutes. Can't you talk while you drive?

BLACKIE:

Sure I can, but I'm thinking...About what a crazy mess this is, Mary.

MARY:

It is strange - everything about it. Sit still, Mutsy - stop jumping around.

BLACKIE:

I wish this case would hold still for a minute. First I get hit on the head by someone I never see. Then I wake up with a bullet wound in my shoulder. Then someone wants your dog killed when he did absolutely nothing.

MARY:

And let's not forget Mrs. Richards' turning up with a diamond supposedly stolen.

BLACKIE:

I'm hoping to clear THAT little matter up right now. The Richards' house is just a few more blocks away -

(CAR)

 

BLACKIE:

Hey - hey Mutsy!

MARY:

Oh, Blackie - he jumped out the window.

BLACKIE:

I saw him go - but too late to stop him.

MARY:

Blackie - he's running down that other road. We can catch him.

(CAR SPEEDS UP A LITTLE ... TURNS)

 

BLACKIE:

Let's not catch him, Mary - let's follow him.

MARY:

Follow him? Why?

BLACKIE:

I won't know why until Mutsy gets where he's going. And then maybe I'll get somewhere on this case myself.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(FOOTSTEPS)

 

(NOISES IN WOODS)

 

MARY:

Mutsy went into the woods right here, Blackie. (RUNNING THROUGH LEAVES, UNDERBRUSH) And there he is - Look, Blackie - Mutsy's digging.

BLACKIE:

I hope he hasn't been reading those phoney stories about buried treasure.

(DIGGING, SCRATCHING)

 

MARY:

(MOVING ON) Blackie - he IS digging. Mutsy - what are you digging for?

BLACKIE:

Don't make him stop to answer questions now. He's doing all right.

(DIGGING STOPS)

 

MARY:

Blackie - look - he's pulling something out of that hole.

BLACKIE:

Well - I'll be a - Mary - it's a man's jacket.

MARY:

Here Mutsy - here Mutsy - give it to me.

BLACKIE:

Nice boy, Mutsy (OFF ... ON) - and MAYBE - nice going.

MARY:

Blackie - there's blood on it - look.

BLACKIE:

And a bullet hole in the left shoulder - in just about the same spot I was shot. Let's see what else. Hmmmmm. No labels or identification in this jacket anywhere. I should have expected that. But - wait - here's something in the sleeve.

MARY:

It looks like a dry cleaners' tag.

BLACKIE:

It is.

MARY:

What good is THAT to us, Blackie? The police are the only ones who can trace cleaners' marks without going all over town.

BLACKIE:

I know, but Faraday can use his files and find whose mark this is in 30 minutes ... And - Mary - this is ONE time I'm going to be glad to let Faraday take me to the cleaners.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(CUT)

 

(KNOCK ON DOOR) (OFF)

 

FARADAY:

Come in.

(DOOR OPENS) (OFF)

 

ARLEN:

I've been waiting for you to get back to the office, Inspector Faraday.

FARADAY:

Any trace of Blackie yet?

(DOOR CLOSES) (OFF)

 

ARLEN:

(MOVES ON) No - but a half hour ago a boy brought this package and note - The note says - here, read it.

FARADAY:

(READING) "This will give you absolute proof that Boston Blackie killed John Richards." [(TO ARLEN)] What's in the package?

ARLEN:

A bloodstained jacket - with a bullet hole in the left shoulder. Only identification is a cleaners' tag.

FARADAY:

Well, take the cleaners' tag to the files - and check it.

ARLEN:

I already did, inspector. It's from the Johnson Tailor Shop - 1157 West Main Street.

FARADAY:

Okay, Arlen - thanks. If anyone's looking for me for the next hour - I'll be at the Johnson Tailor Shop - pressing my case against Blackie.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

(LIGHT TRAFFIC NOISES IN BG)

 

FARADAY:

(TO HIMSELF) Hmmm - this must be it. - Johnson Cleaners - 1157 West Main.

BLACKIE:

Don't move, Faraday. I have a gun in your back.

FARADAY:

Blackie - where did YOU come from?

BLACKIE:

I've been following you all the way from headquarters. Thanks for finding the cleaners for me. Without your help - it would have taken me weeks.

FARADAY:

Smart guy - aren't you? - You'll be behind bars by morning.

BLACKIE:

Maybe, but I'm behind a gun right now. You'll come inside the cleaners with me - but I'm doing the talking. Understand?

FARADAY:

Okay ... okay...

BLACKIE:

All right, come on.

(DOOR OPENS)

 

BLACKIE:

Go inside and behave yourself.

FARADAY:

So help me, Blackie - I'll -

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

BLACKIE:

I'm doing the talking, pal...remember.

MAN:

(MOVING ON) Something I can do for you gentlemen?

BLACKIE:

Yes - there is, Mr. Johnson. I'm Inspector Faraday of the police.

FARADAY:

Why you - - (CLEARS THROAT)

MAN:

Oh, the police - oh, yes.

BLACKIE:

And this is my assistant - Plainclothesman Jones. Isn't that right, Jones?

FARADAY:

Yes.

BLACKIE:

Say yessir, Jones.

FARADAY:

(HE'S BURNING) Uh ... yes ... uh ... sir.

BLACKIE:

We've traced a possible murder clue to your store here. This jacket... Isn't that right, Jones?

FARADAY:

Yes.

BLACKIE:

What?

FARADAY:

Uh ... yes SIR!

MAN:

Why - yes - that jacket was cleaned by us - I remember now. I ... I can check on who brought it in - but I'll have to look in my book.

BLACKIE:

Well, look fast. We don't have much time.

MAN:

It's ... it's right here. Yes ... yes... yes .. here it is. The address is 915 Brookville Road.

BLACKIE:

The name?

MAN:

Oh, yes - uh - Robert Washburn.

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

BLACKIE:

Look, Faraday, I've given you my gun. Now let me go to Washburn's with you.

FARADAY:

So you can mess things up there? Not a chance, Blackie.

BLACKIE:

Mess things up? I'm the only one that can straighten this out. I know the whole story now.

FARADAY:

Tell it to me sometime when I can't sleep.

BLACKIE:

Faraday, get this. Washburn slugged me as I was leaving Richards' house last night. Then he tried to rob Richards - only Richards didn't want to be robbed and shot first.

FARADAY:

Who did he shoot ... himself? He's dead. Remember?

BLACKIE:

He shot Washburn...and then Washburn shot and killed HIM. He didn't wait to grab the diamond he came for...he just scrammed.

FARADAY:

Leaving the diamond?

BLACKIE:

Sure...that's how Mrs. Richards happened to have it. It wasn't paid for yet so she thought she'd just keep it and report it stolen. That's not important though.

FARADAY:

Tell me what is.

BLACKIE:

The fact that Washburn came out of the house, found me unconscious and fired a bullet into MY shoulder...just in case Richards had lived long enough to say he had shot his murderer. Only Washburn didn't figure on Mutsy.

FARADAY:

Whoever he is.

BLACKIE:

He's a dog and he was with me last night. Chances are he followed Richards after he went out to bury that jacket Mr. Johnson just identified...Richards must have tried to kill the dog then, but couldn't and so decided on having the state do the job for him.

FARADAY:

In other words, I'm supposed to find a bullet wound on Washburn.

BLACKIE:

That's right.

FARADAY:

Okay...but I'm going up there alone. You wait in your apartment with two of my men...and if Washburn isn't wounded...believe me your pride is going to be!

(MUSIC: BRIDGE)

 

MARY:

Blackie - shouldn't the inspector have seen Mr. Washburn by now?

BLACKIE:

I should think so. He said he'd call as soon as he finished with him.

MARY:

I wonder if your theory is right?

BLACKIE:

It has to be right -- and Faraday HAS to find that bullet wound in Washburn's shoulder. I'm sure of it.

(TELEPHONE BELL RINGS)

 

MARY:

Maybe this is the inspector.

BLACKIE:

I hope so.

(TELEPHONE RECEIVER OFF HOOK)

 

BLACKIE:

Hello.

FARADAY:

(ON FILTER) Blackie -- this is Faraday.

BLACKIE:

Well - shall I tell your police guard it can go home now?

FARADAY:

No.

BLACKIE:

What's the matter? Can't you find Washburn?

FARADAY:

I found Washburn all right. Maybe his hand IS bandaged but there's not a mark on him -- much less a bullet wound. Blackie - I'm going to --

BLACKIE:

(CUTTING IN) Wait a minute, Faraday -- is the man you saw - short - fat and a little bald?

FARADAY:

Sure. The butler took me in to see him.

BLACKIE:

You dope -- you didn't talk to Washburn. You saw his butler. Washburn switched with him. Grab the guy pretending to be the butler and you'll have Washburn - bullet wound and all.

FARADAY:

Hey -- are you kidding?

BLACKIE:

The butler -- tall - dark - mustache?

FARADAY:

Yeah.

BLACKIE:

Grab him - that's Washburn. - I'll hold the 'phone.

FARADAY:

O.K.

MARY:

Oh, Blackie -- for a minute I was too scared to breathe.

BLACKIE:

I wasn't exactly relaxed myself. Lucky I remembered that butler -- or Faraday's visit would have tipped Washburn we were wise to him -- and he'd have skipped.

MARY:

But, Blackie -- what if WASHBURN doesn't have a bullet wound either.

BLACKIE:

Oh -- you WOULD think of that.

MARY:

Want me to pack a few things for you?

BLACKIE:

No thanks. The State is very nice about providing clothing.

FARADAY:

(ON FILTER) Blackie - this is Faraday.

BLACKIE:

Well?

FARADAY:

I grabbed the butler.

BLACKIE:

Well?

FARADAY:

It was Washburn all right. I grabbed him fast -- and he talked fast. It happened just the way you said it did. Sorry, Blackie.

BLACKIE:

Sorry, Faraday -- about what?

FARADAY:

Sorry it wasn't you. I really had all the evidence I needed.

BLACKIE:

Yes, I know, Faraday - but -- don't forget -- as usual -- it was all wrong. Goodbye, Inspector.

(RECEIVER BACK ON HOOK)

 

MARY:

Oh, Blackie -- I'm so happy.

BLACKIE:

Think I'm not?

(SCRATCHING ON FLOOR) (OFF)

 

MARY:

Mutsy -- Mutsy -- don't scratch the floor like that.

BLACKIE:

(CHUCKLES) I think he's trying to dig for something again, Mary. Last time he dug -- he got a bone as his reward.

MARY:

Well -- stop digging, Mutsy -- and I'll buy you a steak.

(SCRATCHING STOPS)

 

BLACKIE:

Good boy, Mutsy -- we'll make a BIG steak.

MARY:

Oh - not that big, Blackie. Steak's awfully expensive.

BLACKIE:

Yes -- but after what he's done for us - we're going to see that tonight Mutsy is one dog who is going to put on the dog.

(MUSIC: CURTAIN)

 

ANNCR:

Blackie will return in just a few seconds to tell us about next week's adventure. (PAUSE) But first - how many of you football fans remember when nose guards and shin protectors were in fashion and "flying wedge" formations rolled up the score? Sounds unbelievable, doesn't it, compared to today's streamlined teams? Well, time changes many things...but there's one thing that hasn't changed since 1868.....that's the quality of R and H Beer! Yes, the lightness .... smoothness ... and hearty, satisfying flavor of R and H Beer have remained constant for over seventy-seven years! So, remember the name -- you'll never forget the taste! R for refreshing! (BING) . . . H for hearty! (BONG) That's it - R and H_ ..... a barrel of quality in every glass!

(MUSIC: .....)

 

ANNCR:

Well, Blackie, how about an idea of what happens next Thursday night.

BLACKIE:

Quite a bit happens, Glenn. First of all, a farm is supposed to represent something peaceful and quiet, doesn't it?

ANNCR:

That's the general impression.

BLACKIE:

Well, next week we visit a certain farmhouse and find a service man who's been swindled; a broker who's been murdered; a criminal hunted by the police, and Mary working as a hired girl.

ANNCR:

Mary working as a hired girl. THAT sounds like the worst crime of all.

BLACKIE:

Mary doesn't mind.....until she gets kidnapped, that is.

ANNCR:

It sounds to me like you have a tough chore straightening out all that, Blackie. Tell me off the record....do you do it?

BLACKIE:

I don't know. I won't know until next Thursday at 7:30. See you then, Glenn.

(MUSIC: TAG)

 

ANNCR:

Thanks, Blackie - - we'll all join you again Thursday, November 1 - at 7:30 over WJZ -- for the further adventures of BOSTON BLACKIE - presented by the brewers of that famed R & H Staten Island Beer and Ale. You can see Boston Blackie's latest Columbia Picture -- BOSTON BLACKIE'S RENDEZVOUS - starring Chester Morris, at your favorite motion picture theatre. (PAUSE) All characters and situations depicted on this program were fictional and no resemblance is intended to any real person.

(MUSIC: THEME UP AND OUT)

 

NATIONAL WAR FUND ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNCR:
The guns are silent and the war is won....but the great work of rehabilitation is still to be done. That's why it's so urgent for all of us to give and give generously to the National War Fund. Contributions will help support twenty-one separate agencies; such as the U. S. O., the United Seamen's Service, War Prisoners' Aid, Allied War Relief and many other of local importance to you. Help answer the needs of our armies of occupation, our returning veterans, and our war-stricken allies.....by supporting your local Community Fund
representing the National War Fund. Make your gift tomorrow....and make it a big one. (PAUSE) And now -- this is Glenn Riggs saying good night and good cheer, with good R and H Beer!