Texas Rangers - Drive In

0:00I'm caught up in the game. My attention is on every play and every whistle. But what I'm missing is a signal coming from my kidneys. That signal isn't like a ref's whistle. It's more of a silent SOS which could be warning me of an increased risk for events like heart attack or stroke. And a way I can catch that signal? A simple urine test called UACR. If you have type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about the UACR test. Detect the SOS. Visit detectbsos.com to learn more. The main states and places in the following story are fictitious for obvious reasons.

1:14The events themselves are a matter of record. Beginning today and continuing all week, there are many new programs returning to the NBC schedule. And you'll find a couple of your own favorites in new time periods as well. Today, theater guild on the air returns for the fall season on NBC with a special dramatization of the Wisteria 3's. Co-starring Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton. Later, DragNet, the authentic stories of your police force and action, begins a new series of Sunday evening broadcasts. On Tuesday, NBC's on Red Skeleton returns to the fold to bring you 30 minutes of his hilarious antics. And the same day, Tuesday, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis also begin a new series on the NBC radio network. Thursday evening, you'll find proof of consequences on a new day at a new time too. So better check your local newspaper for the correct time of all these wonderful programs on this NBC station. Remember, today here both theater guild on the air co-starring Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton and DragNet for action packed listening on NBC.

2:19Now, today is Tales of the Texas Rangers. And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Drive In. It is 9.45 on a Saturday night in July 1947. At a drive-in theater three miles outside Corvelle, Texas, a boy and his late team walks between the rolls of cars on the dark and locked, and approaches an old convertible parked near the exit. And the driver seated the convertible of 15-year-old girl sits watching the movie. What's going on? Pick it up. Ready to leave? You've turned it on, I know. I got this habit. Turn it off. What can I do? Time to be watching a movie. Now you might have to start driving in the middle. They're really getting ready to leave. I don't know. You should've left 20 minutes ago. Oh, maybe they want to see the showcase. It's a good picture. Oh, sure. They're pretty private. Yeah, I have a lot of money.

3:19What do you think I picked it? How much money will you get for them? I know. You said if we used to get $100, we could get married. Yeah. Maybe if we used to get $200, we could go to Dallas for a honeymoon. Oh, yeah? Sure, baby. Because I never been in Dallas. Oh, you thought you'd come here to use them there? We could court you, yeah. But what can you do? We can't make sure everything goes good. It's time I could do any more. Yeah, sure. I do, baby. You know what? Don't let them. Yeah. I've been trying to think. This thing has to go off just right. You know what you got to do. Sure. Let them use suit them, people. Maybe. They give me a trouble. We should have to be there when we used to come. We should have to be there when we used to come. We should have to be there when we used to come. We should have to be there when we used to come. Watch in the car. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Don't forget that. Pick me up that spot I showed you. Never. Don't cry. Too close to hide. Hey, mister. Master. What's the trouble? My car's out of gas. Can you give me a ride on the new silence station? I reckon we can. All right, we're you roofing.

4:19Sure, I can. I'll be right back. Some will take you. Now, thanks, laundemi. Your glad you stopped me. My girl and me, we've been waiting 20 minutes for someone to come out. Oh. Did you like it? What? Oh, oh. Yes, ma'am. Real good. We thought so too. We all must say to see us at the time. I reckon I can turn on my headlights now. Where do they make you keep your parking lights on on these driving? I almost miss you and you stand on that. It's your luck if me, you didn't. My girl's supposed to be home early. Gosh, I feel like kicking myself, letting the car run out of gas. If we can bring you back to the film station, it might be a long time before you get a ride otherwise. Oh, you'll have to do that, miss. Oh, you'll be happy to do it. Oh, Johnny. Oh, of course you will. I remember I was my wife's fault. For always reading the ride act to me for bringing her away. We didn't have driving movies. Shut up, miss. Right. You get to the crossroad. Turn left. Wait in time. Huh? Do like I say. You don't. I'm going to put a bullet right in your head. Now, look here. Hit that talk.

5:20Uh-huh. I turn left. Oh. So you know I ain't pulling. I'm clicking his hammer back. You hear it, mister? What is it you want? You find out. You won't get away with this, son. I told you to quit talking. You're making a big mistake. Why don't you shut up? You don't act. You wouldn't do what he can, please. He's right. You won't live. You do just what I say. Now drive faster. I said faster. How much further you want me to go? I'll tell you when it's time. You have to press that gun so hard in the back of my neck. I'm keeping it right where it is. Don't argue with it. This is far enough. Stop. I don't know. I'll get now. I'll piss that later. I still got this gun cock, mister. That's where your wallet and person in the car, both of us. Throw him in. Okay.

6:20Now start walking down the road. You look back once, not for pleasure. I'll just pull on my arms. You can be alright. Keep walking. After an hour later, the couple stopped the passing trucks, which took them into the sheriff's office at Carvelli. The sheriff, who was in another part of the county, was notified. He started an all-points bulletin to be set out on the stolen car and requested the Texas Rangers to begin the investigation. Upon arrival at the sheriff's office, Ranger, a jace person began taking statements from the two victims. Now, I'd just like to go over a few things to make sure we have them straight. Mr. Hopper, you say you have $37 in your wallet. That's right, Ranger. And Ruth had five in her purse. Or five in some tunes doing what was called you to see. The boy who robbed you, all you remember about him is that he was heavy-set and not too tall.

7:21Well, I know he was shorter than Ruth, and she's five foot eight. If we could tell you more about it, it was pretty dark. The old time he was with us couldn't get a good look at his face. I'm really glad you remembered something about him. I forgot to tell you before. Don't know for the hell. Anything or help, Mrs. Hopper. Well, I didn't notice that he had a sleeves rolled up right through his shoulders like he was trying to show off his muscles. I see. Now about this girl, the fellow said he was with. Did you? Oh, how, Sheriff. How did you? Oh, sorry, I wasn't here sooner, but at least it got some good news for you. Oh, what's that, Sheriff? They found your car just a few minutes ago. Oh, that's a relief. Where'd they find it, Sheriff? A couple of miles and where the hold-up took place. Just got it on the radio, as I was driving up. I told him I'd relay the message on to you, Ferg, and someone take us out there. Well, that won't be necessary, Mr. Hopper. They're toeing it in right now. Home here? Yes, ma'am, so they won't destroy any evidence. I'm sure, Grant, we've got it back. The fellow that hails you folks up. Was he working alone? Oh, Mr. Mrs. Hopper, I think there was a girl in it with him. That's right. But like we call a ranger, we didn't see her.

8:23She probably followed and picked him up after he ditched your car. That sounds like the tow truck coming in now. Yeah, that's him. I expect we better get out there. Sure, hope that's a little right. He didn't get my typewriter. Typewriter? Yeah. I was bringing it home to do some work over Sunday. We're looking to back see to the car when Ruth picked me up to the office. I won't be long before we know if he jerked. That boy seems so nice. What is this? There's no telling about people, is there? No, ma'am. Especially that one. Back in my neck still hurts where he was pressing the gun against it. Oh, that kid's vicious. Real vicious. Do everything we can to catch him before he gets rough with anybody else. The car is right over there. Make out a receipt for it. Will you have to keep it here? Only for the night. The lab has a chance to go over it. It will see that you get a ride home, folks. All right, thank you. Let me see. I'll wait a minute, Mr. Hopper. Don't touch the door handle and hasn't been gone over for Prince yet. Oh, sorry, Ranger. It's all right. Just shine my light through the window here. Oh, that's when I was afraid of typewriters gone.

9:27I'm supposed you know the serial number. No, but I reckon I've got it at home with a guarantee. We'll alert dealers and secondhand stores in case he tries to sell it someplace. Honey, didn't you have a package in there, too? Oh, right, yes. I almost forgot about it. A couple of things. How can I part with that to me? Where'd you buy him, ma'am? Oh, good guess shop. Am I telling us the brand and the size? They were a more judge, I said in a half-know. You know if any other place in town carries that brand of stocking? No, I'm sure they don't range it. Thanks, ma'am. All right, I reckon we can let you folks go home now. Mr. Hopper, will you phone us as soon as you find out that typewriter number? Sure, we'll range it. I'll give my deputy to give you a ride. Sandy, would you take Mr. Ms. Hopper home in your car? Right. Thanks. Come on, honey. I'm sure they're going to get home soon. What do you want to do tomorrow, Jay? Check for the men who did the drive-in theater. Yeah, I'd also like to talk to the owner of the shop for those stockings we bought. Jay, I can understand why you wanted that typewriter number. But why did you want to know all about the stockings? It's just possible that the girl in that hold-up team will come in and try and exchange the stolen stockings for a different size.

10:29She wouldn't have to change even if she wears the same size as Mrs. Hopper. I don't think she does. The boy around the hopper is short. What they said about him, I doubt if he's the type who'd go with the girl taller than he is. Certainly not one as tall as Mrs. Hopper. Well, suppose the girl is short. She could still take a large stocking type. Yeah, but the ones Mrs. Hopper bought were ten and a half long. Nobody but a tall person who'd want to wear them. You could be right, Jay. I'll phone the woman who owns the best shop first thing in the morning. It's only a chance. But I believe it's worth a try. The following morning was Sunday. The lab crew had completed its work and found nothing that would help us. At 10 a.m., the sheriff called Mrs. Herga. They owner of the dress shop and asked her to come down and open up her store. She agreed to meet us in 15 minutes. We went there and waited. Main street sure is quiet. It's on the morning. Uh-huh. You'd never believe this street was chock full of cars yesterday. Mrs. Herga says she was coming right down. Sure, Jay. If you know how women are, she'll be along.

11:31Sure hopes you'll be able to locate the sale slip on those stockings. And we're lucky today's Sunday. The girl does try to exchange them. She won't be able to do it all tomorrow. Believe that's Mrs. Herga's car now. Coming on the corner. Yep, that's her. Hello, Sheriff. Well, howdy, Mrs. Herga. Excuse me for being late. Good, Aemri took off on the car and had to wait until he got back. That's all right, ma'am. That Aemri. Every time I need the car, he's done it. Sorry, we had to trouble you in the first place. Oh, no trouble. Hey, you wanted to see the sale slip I made out for Ruth Harper on those stockings. The right ranger? Yes, ma'am. Let's go in the store. Let's see, where's that key? Oh, yeah. I always forget that burglar last. See, let me get my other key and turn that thing off. Lucky I got a couple of police officers with me. Somebody had me arrested for breaking in my own store.

12:33Would you like us to wait here while you look up that slip? No, come on over to counter. Who am I taking me while to find it, seeing as how Mrs. Harper doesn't have a charge to come? And just get my sales book. She came in here about four o'clock yesterday, didn't she? I believe she said it was about five. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember now. You know what size she bought? Ten and a half long. Let me see. No, no, that's medium length. Wow, here it is. Two pairs of ten and a half long. She gave me a ten dollar bill. What's the number on the sales slip, Mrs. Herger? Five, oh four, oh. You want to take it along, Ranger? No, ma'am. We just want to remember it. A girl may come in and try to exchange those stockings. She does. We'd like you to phone us and keep her here till we come. How am I going to do that? We'll leave that up to you. But it's important that she stays in this store till we get here.

13:33When do you figure she'll show her? Maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day. Maybe not at all. You think you can handle it? Well, I never tried anything like this before. But I'll do my best. When we left Mrs. Herger's store, we went to see the manager the drive-in theater. He didn't recall seeing anyone who answered the vague description of the boy which the Harper's had given us. But he did tell us the names of a number of people who had been at the theater the night before. We questioned them and several remembered seeing a boy with his sleeves rolled up to the shoulders. He'd been with a young girl in a convertible who took statements from these witnesses. Around two o'clock on Monday afternoon, we had them come into the sheriff's office to sign their statements. Here you are, Mr. Hammer. Thank you. Sign all six copies, please. Miss Lindsay is your statement. Would you show her where to sign the chair? Sure, please. I'll get it. No. Range your person. You can visit her. I can't talk about.

14:33What is it, ma'am? There's a girl here with the same stock and I told him it is Harper. She wants to exchange him. We'll be right over. I don't know how long I can keep a range. You better hurry. There's three girls in there. Any of them could be the one we're at. Yeah. I don't see Miss Herger. There she is now. Coming toward the front of the store. Ranger? Ranger. Where is she, ma'am? Look over my shoulder straight down the counter. See the one at the end with the mouthy hair. Uh-huh. Where are the stockings she brought in? On the counter. Right next to where she's standing. Say I'll fit the bear to her. Thanks, Miss Herger. Hey, you were right about her not being tall. Yeah. I think she's got an idea we're coming after. Yeah, it's nervous. All right. I think she'll try to run for it. Hey, Eugene. One direction she can go right out this way.

15:33Excuse me, Miss. Hey! We'd like to see those stockings. They are mine. If you don't mind, we'll take a look at the sales slip. Now there it is on the counter. Gays how good? You're eating stockings alone. Sales slip checks out. 5040. It didn't even stock. Just a minute, young lady. Where'd you get them? The mine. We think they were stolen. Well, I didn't see them. Maybe not. But we'd like to hear all about how you did get them. Come on, Miss. Come on, Miss. Come on, Miss. Come on, Miss. Come on, Miss. In just a moment, we will continue with tales of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McRae as Ranger J. Pearson. We often hear the phrase, the American way. But do you ever stop to think just what that means? Of course, it means many things. Our traditions of freedom, our democratic government and our system of justice. But a fundamental part of the American way is our economic system. Our economic system is not perfect. That's a simple historical fact.

16:33But the American economic system has brought greater material means for happiness to more people than any other system the world has ever known. Especially in these critical times, all of us should work to defend and improve this system. And the best way to defend and improve our economic system is to learn how it works. You can get a free booklet explaining our economy by writing to Box 10 Times Square Station, New York City. Just write to Box 10 Times Square Station, New York City. And ask for your free copy of The Miracle of America. Now back to tales of the Texas Rangers. We continue now with tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story, Drive In. We took the girl with us. In the car, we learned that her name was Grace Maud Compton.

17:33She lived in a house in the outskirts of town with her mother who worked as a waitress in an all-night diner. When we questioned Grace Maud about Saturday night's robbery, she was sullen and denied knowing anything about it. We decided to take her out and discuss the matter with her mother. On the way, we tried to talk to her some more. Her solomess changed her hysteria. That's the didn't steal those dogs and they didn't rob nothing from no people in the car. Your boyfriend did, and you helped. I ain't got a boyfriend. Or were you Saturday night, Grace Maud? I keep telling you I was home. But you can't prove it. Why do I have to prove it? Why do you keep picking on me? Nobody's picking on you. You ain't so everybody's always picking on me. Your mother's not going to be very heavy when she finds out you're in trouble. I ain't in trouble. Besides, you can't talk to me. She's leaving. I'm afraid we'll have to wake her up. My daughter likes it. You woke up. She's starving. She's woke up before I get enough time. That's your place up ahead? Yeah. Nice little house. That's dope. Bet your mom works hard to keep it up that nice. Don't stop peaching on me. Everybody's always preaching at me.

18:34Go ahead, Grace Maud. I ain't going in there. I ain't. Come on. She's not yelling at me. She'll pick on me. Just like you're in there. Come on, let's go. Now look, Grace Maud. If you haven't done anything, you don't have to be afraid. Hey, Grace. We just have a little talk with you and your mother. And nothing she can do. We'll see about that. Come on. Don't you think you have a night afraid of yours? All right, to go in? Yeah. Go ahead, Grace Maud. Go get your mother. I didn't know she was Grace Maud. Yeah? You got there with you. But I want to talk to you. Police officers, ma'am. I'll be right up. You'll see. I'll catch you. You woke her up. I'm going to catch you. You have anything you want to tell us before your mother comes out? Take her. Go pick her up. You're getting away. All right, Grace Maud. These are the way I live. I was going out and I was sleeping. I'm sorry. We had to wake you up, ma'am. What's it all about?

19:34I didn't do nothing about that. Grace Maud. What's the problem, Ranger? We think your daughter might have had something to do with a holdup on Saturday night. She didn't. I didn't. That makes you think Grace Maud. Mixed up many things around fast. She tried to exchange a couple of pairs of stockings in the store in town today. They were stolen along with some money and a typewriter. I didn't steal it. I stole it. You'd be fine. Are you sure they were stolen? There's no doubt about it, ma'am. I tried to bring you up, right? I've been with her as much as I should be. Working like I do now. But I can't believe she'd do anything real bad. I didn't. We think she helped her boyfriend in the robbery. Boyfriends. You've been going out with that allegium. No, I thought I told you to stay away from him. I ain't seen him in a long time. I swear. What's Al's last name, Mrs. Compton? I don't know. He worked on one of the ranchers near here. I didn't ask the way he asked it with Grace Maud. He's too old for her. Been around too much while she's just a kid. I ain't a kid already growing up. You're too young to be running around with men. Will you go around men, don't you? I'll shoot you. I'll shoot you. I'll shoot you.

20:34I'll shoot you. You hear me? You hear me? You go. You're begging on me again. What's Al's last name? Grace Maud. You're lying. I'm not. I don't know his life. You know, he's been out with you. Maybe not, but you're not going out of this house again as I until I tell you. I'm not even fair. You promise me I can go on a double bitcher. I don't care what I promise you. You're not going. I'm sorry, Ranger. You wanted to ask me some questions. This is Compton. We don't want to hold your daughter if she's innocent. But she hasn't told us where she got those stockings. We hope you'd make her understand how serious this is. Grace Maud, I want you to tell me the truth. Where did you get those stockings? Where did you get them? I want the truth. I found them. Where'd you find them, Grace Maud? On this street. Outside the kitchen. Why didn't you tell us this before? Because I knew you'd think I'd fool her. You tell them the truth? Sure I'm telling the truth. I said I'd get her trying to be nice. No, I said she's talking about it. I was going to give them to you for your birthday. I found the stockings. They're so big for you.

21:34I said I'd change you for yourself. It's true. You weren't getting them for yourself. I wasn't. I was just trying to surprise you. You really have no money to buy a decent friend. But your mind is you've got a job once in a while. I was trying to do a deal. You've got a nice year for your birthday. And nobody believes in me. Grace Maud, were you really going to give me those stockings? Sure I was. Because you know you don't know. I've been looking for a job. I was looking for a job. Grace Maud. I found them stockings this morning. I've been thinking that you were going to like them. You don't have nobody stockings. You don't even believe me. I don't know, Ranger. I think she's telling the truth. I think she is too, Mrs. Compton. Looks like we could have made a mistake. No way. No one. We didn't mean to cause either of you any embarrassment. I forget it, Ranger. Grace Maud. I'm sorry. I yelled at you before. I appreciate your thinking about my birthday.

22:34I'll get you something real nice. You just wait. Ma? Yeah. Can I go get them? We'll meet you tonight. I promise I won't ask you to go. Again, until I get a job. Can I, Ma? Yeah. All right. I'll drop you out in the way to work. Thank you. Thanks, Ma. All right. Can we be going, ma'am? Come on, Sheriff. Bye, Ranger. Bye, Grace Maud. We didn't believe a word, Grace Maud had said. She cooled her mother and we wanted her to think she cooled us. We're pretty sure her plans went beyond seeing movie that night. And we hope sooner or later she'd lead us to a boyfriend. We waited near the house in our car till a little after seven that evening. Grace Maud and her mother came out and got into an old Jalope. We followed them in a town. Mrs. Compton let Grace Maud out in front of the theater. Half a block down the street and waited. Ma'am, we got ourselves a lot of time before she comes out of that picture show. Uh-huh. What if she doesn't try to get in touch with her boyfriend tonight?

23:36We'll just keep watching until she does. Maybe I could get a couple of deputies to sit. Grace? She didn't go in that movie house after all. No, she's talking down the street. And I told her that she sees this working down in the seats as far as you can. Lucky you haven't got your horse ready to hook down back where she's bought us sure. Let's just hope she doesn't see the radio aerials. I can hear her now. It sounds like she's still hitting this way now. She's got a horse on it. All right. I was sure she'd notice us or is she going? I don't know if she has turned the corner into a side street. Come on. I reckon she's going someplace to meet him now. It's hard to say. I've been thinking about this house. Mother mentioned today. Wonder if he's the one we're after. So right. I didn't want to ask too many questions about him. Watch it going around the corner, Sheriff. Okay, Grace. We're not telling the convertible it's her. They're pulling away. Stay here and watch where they go. I've got the car and picking up in a few seconds.

24:42By the time I picked up the sheriff, the convertible was out of sight. The sheriff thought they'd headed toward the main highway leading out of town. He was right. We spotted them just past the town limits. After three miles of hard driving, we began to gain on them. Five minutes later, we were 100 yards behind the convertible. They see us, Grace. He's stepping it up a little and it's just what we're going to do. Want me to try a shot at their time? I don't think so. We're full alongside of them. We're making it. Yeah. Y'all out on the pullover. Pull over you. Pull over to the side. Don't be crazy, Tyler. Watch yourself. He's going to shoot. There's that dirty little thing on the sheriff. We'll force him over. If he's making a break for that brush, stay with the girl. I'll get him. Go get him. You piece butt. Three minutes. Got the gun, you. And last night, did you run deaf? I'm warning you. If you don't want to get hurt, come out of that brush with your hands up. Shut up! Shut up! Cut me to your brain so someone won't be here now!

25:44I don't want to hurt your son. Drop that gun and come out with your hands up. It's your last chance. Yeah! Oh my God! Give me that gun. Now get up. Oh my God! Get up. Hey! Let's go. Oh, listen to that alwaysy app. It's gonna be a big mouth. Come on. You cut down real quick. And cut them together, Sheriff. I wish there was something I could do for you. I wish I had my gun. I'd put a slug right on your stupid head. Come on, Sheriff. Let's get these two back to town. In just a moment, we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard. NBC means comedy.

26:45And Tuesday's the day of this week for you to start laughing with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Red Skeleton. That's right. This Tuesday evening, you will hear both these great comedy programs when they begin the new fall season on NBC and this station. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis will have Rose Mary Clooney as I guess this Tuesday evening. And this Clooney will sing her popular version of Batchamie. Red Skeleton promises a visit from junior, the mean widow kid, and dead eye America's favorite cowpoke. Thursday evening, don't be surprised when you hear truth or consequences for this popular program has switched days, and is now a regular Thursday evening feature on the NBC radio network. And today's Sunday, there's more big news for listeners. Theatagild on the air returns today with Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton co-starred in the Theatagild production of the Wisteria Trees. Another important program note is this one. Dragnet has moved to Sunday. Yes, here Dragnet tonight on NBC. Now back to tales of the Texas Rangers.

27:52And now here are the results of the case you have just heard. A typewriter identified as the one stolen from Jim Hopper was found among out Bennett's possession. Bennett confessed to the robbing of Hopper and his wife, naming Grace Mord Compton as his accomplice. Grace Mord was sent to the state school for girls at Jamesville. How Bennett was convicted of armed robbery and is now serving a 25-year term at Huntsville, Penitentiary. Now here is an important announcement from the star of our show, Joel McRae. Folks, tonight marks the concluding performance for a while, at least, of tales of the Texas Rangers. We've really enjoyed bringing these stories to you and hope that someday we'll be back with you again. To NBC and its affiliated stations, the Colonel Homer Garrison Jr., Chief of the Texas Rangers. To Captain Empty Lone Wolf, Gonzalez, our technical advisor, and to all the Texas Rangers and members of the Department of Public Safety, are grateful thanks.

28:54And we're particularly grateful to those of you who have taken the time to send us your cards and letters. After all, they are the only sure way of telling that you liked our show. Thanks, folks. Thanks a lot. Good night. You have just heard Joel McRae and another authentic reenactment of a case from the Files of the Texas Rangers. The technical advisor was Captain Empty Lone Wolf, Gonzalez, of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Afriel, and the program was produced and directed by STC. Now give me a speaking. Tonight, attend the premiere of Theatre Guild on the Air over NBC.