The Avenger - The Blue Pearls

0:00The Avenger. The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay. The Avenger.

1:00The Avenger. The Avenger. Sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Branden, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Branden has perfected two inventions to aid him, his crusade against crime as the Avenger. The telepathic indicator by which he is able to pick up thought flashes and the secret diffusion capsule, which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Branden's assistant, the beautiful fern collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger.

2:06And now, the Avenger and the Blue Pearls. Inspector White is addressing a group of detectives that head for us. Human have been selected for this emergency detail because we've got to put a stop to these hit-run accidents. During the past few weeks, eight people in a city have died and twice as many have been injured because of reckless driving and unnecessary speeding. It's up to you men to ferret out these reckless drivers and get them off the road. I'll see that they're apprehended. We've got to get out and put the brakes on this situation even if we have to revoke half the licenses in this city. Reckless driving is a crime against public safety. Jim, is this road a shortcut to the beast?

3:06I know, fern, but it gets us out of that heavy traffic on the main highway. I'm glad you came this way. Maybe we could enjoy the drive. Fern, look at that car ahead of us. Why it's weaving all over the road? What's driving? Maybe there's something wrong with the car. Or she must be crazy, she's speeding up. Jim, she's sure to have an accident. Can't we do something? We'll try. Hold tight, fern. I'll catch up with her. Jim, she's driving off the road. She's going to hit that train. Oh, Jim, she's crashed. Come on, fern. We've got to get her out of there. We're car bursting into flames, Jim. Stay back a little, fern. We can't listen. The horse on fire. Yeah, it's okay. I've got her. Is your wife? I don't know. She's unconscious. Hey, put it down here, Jim. Oh, she's in pretty bad shape, fern. Go back to our car and radio headquarters. Tell them to send an ambulance. Russian. In the meantime, I'll wrap this coat around her and try to bring it to you. You're all right, now. Miss, you're safe.

4:08My... My pearl. Never mind your pearl, young lady. We've got to worry about getting you to a hospital. My... Fern. Fern, tell them the hurry of that ambulance. I got the message from Jim. It'll be here in a few minutes. That'll be too late, I'm afraid. This woman's dying. Jim, you must be mistaken. We've been through every scrap of this wreckage and there's no sign of any pearls here. I'm not mistaken, Inspector. That girl's dying thought was of a pearl. They must have been valuable, Inspector. She didn't have the morn, so they must have been in the car. Well, they're not here now, Fern. I'll vouch for that. Jim, as soon as my men finish here, I won't be able to get you to the hospital. I'm not mistaken, Inspector. That girl's dying thought was of a pearl. Jim, as soon as my men finish here, I want you to come down to headquarters and make a full report on this accident. At least we know this wasn't one of those hit run affairs, Inspector. No, this was even more serious than that. What are you talking about, Jim? I thought you said that this was... Yes, technically it wasn't an accident, Inspector. But it wasn't caused by a callousness. That woman was doked.

5:22Gast Jim, this club rendezvous is lovely, but a very disillusioning thought just struck me. Oh, what's that, Fern? I think we're here on business, not pleasure. Sometimes your hunches are uncanny. Well, let me in on the big secret, Jim. What clues are you tracking down on this expensive man? I did a little checking this afternoon, Fern. Discovered that several persons who have figured an automobile accident lately were known to frequent this club. Well, here we go again. I know the inspector thinks it's impossible for a dope peddler to be operating in the city, but I'm not so sure. But why don't you let the narcotics squad take care of it, Jim? Because there's very little to go on so far, Fern. And besides, to get the kind of evidence we need will require the utmost caution. Well, Mr. Prandt, the dinner is delicious and the atmosphere is elegant. I don't mind proceeding with caution this evening. I think we'll call it a night, Fern. It's almost closing time.

6:24I had a grand time, Jim. Let's have one more dance before we leave. Call her right, Fern. I wouldn't mind if all our blind trails were as pleasant as this. I'm afraid there's a little of a butterfly in you young lady. Oh, my pearl that broke in them. Help me pick them up. Oh, be careful, Jim. There's one right beside your foot. Waiter! Waiter, help me find my pearls. Yes, Miss. We'll find them all. Would you be so kind that you want to put the pearl you find here on this plate, please? I found two, Jim. How many do you have? Three. Don't put them on the plate, Fern. Why, Jim? I'll explain later. Just keep them. I think they're all here now, Miss. Just a moment. I'll count them, brother. There were forty. Oh, Jim. The heaven's sakes will be arrested as thieves. I don't think so, Fern. Are they all there, Miss? Yes, Brigrito. Thank you very much. Thank you, everyone. Jim, you didn't even miss her. Come back to the table, Fern. All right. Now, would you mind explaining? I don't get this at all.

7:24Fern, those pearls are absolutely worthless. The whole string could be bought for ten cents. Then why did she make such a fuss about getting them back? Just an act. She didn't really count those pearls on the plate. She just pretended to. That means she broke the pearls on purpose and expected some of them to be missing. Before she'd do that, Jim. I would be an extremely clever way to deliver a pearl or two that contained no puttin' it. All the customer has to do is pick up the right pearl and put it in his pocket. But how would you know which pearl it was, Jim? Well, probably a slightly different color. Oh, I see. When that particular pearl isn't put back on the plate, she knows it has been delivered to the proper parties. That's it, Fern. What are we going to do, Jim? Do we follow that girl? Oh, we can't. She's already gone. We'll check on her later. I want to get a line on her set up here. She must have an accomplice. That way, then, maybe. Yes, I think so. She's calling by name. Well, I'll soon find out. Oh, there he is now, Jim. Yes. Fredrico! Yes, sir? Fredrico, while you're clearing off this table, I want to ask you a few questions.

8:28Yes, sir. What's the name of the girl who broke her pearls? Well, I do not know a question. Fredrico, I'm Jim Brandon of the Police Department. You prefer to talk here or at headquarters? Oh, I'm a charge. Aiding and a vetting and the traffic of neurocotics. Oh, no, no. I do nothing like that, honest. I just do what is part of my job. I need the tips. We'll see. What is that girl's name? Uh, she is Brenda Clay. She started coming here two months ago. How many times has she broken her pearls here? Uh, four to five times. And you always help her to get them back? Yes, I ask people to put them on the plate and that is all. She tips me well and I ask no questions. And she always gets all the pearls back. Uh, why, yes, of course, she counts them always. How do you explain these five pearls I have here in my hand? She didn't get these back? Why, I don't know. She counted them, she said... I heard what she said. No, do you know where Brenda Clay lives?

9:30No, I know nothing of her, but her name and what I have told you. Maybe the door man, do you want me to ask... Never mind, I'll ask them. Frederico, I don't believe you'll mix stuff in this, but you're going to have to prove it. How? How can I prove it? By keeping quiet about this little talk we've had. And by following any future orders I may give you. Well, I'll do whatever you say, Mr. Brenda. All right. Go about your business as usual. Hey, yes, sir. I'll get back to my station. Well, Jim, I have to hand it to you. You've certainly hit on something here. Fern, we don't take a chance on Frederico. Go call Inspector White and tell him to send someone down here to trail him right away. Yes, sir. Hurry, Fern. Because we're going to call on Brenda Clay tonight. I tell you, Smoky, that's the last time I'm going to deliver the pearls of the club run the booth. It's not safe. Shut up, Brenda. You do what I say. Not anymore. I'm not making enough out of this to take a rap.

10:32Oh, so it's the dough you're gripping about. I thought so. Yes, it's the dough. I take all the chances in this ragged and you and the Countess get the grade. Shut up. You do what I tell you and take what I pay you. Maybe you forgot. I got to send you to send you to college for life. That goes double, Smoky. Why if I wanted to turn state evidence and expose this snowstorm your stern up here? Shut up, I said. There's more where that came from if you don't keep your trap shut. You hit me for the last turn. I'm going to see that you get the book. I don't care what they do to me. You wouldn't dare squeal to the cops. Wouldn't I? I've had this on my mind for a long time. Stop that phone, Brenda. That rod doesn't scare me. You don't have what it takes to pull a trigger. You're yellow, Smoky. Hello? Police headquarters. I want to turn myself in and make a comparison. All right, Brenda. This is for you. Why, Jim? How did you get here so soon? Who tipped you off to this shooting? What shooting inspector? Fred and I came here looking for Brenda Clegg.

11:33Yes. This is where she lives, isn't it? You're a little late. Brent Clegg was shot half an hour ago. Two bullets in the heart. Oh, no. That means it's murder. Any leads inspector? One or two. She was on the phone to my office when somebody was in the hospital. I was looking for Brenda Clegg. Yes. This is where she lives, isn't it? You're a little late. Brent Clegg was shot half an hour ago. Two bullets in the heart. My office when somebody shot her up. Well, I'll pick up the trail, all right. Maybe this information will help you. I find good reason to believe that Greg's peddling dope at the club rendezvous tonight. Yeah? Listen, inspector. We can kill two birds with one stone. If we handle this right. What do you mean, Jim? Keep Brenda Clegg's death a secret for a few days. Now, Jim. 24 hours, then, inspector. We've got to give this dope ring a chance to keep operating. If we want to pull in the whole mob. Well, I guess you're right at that, Jim. A public murder investigation might drive the Monday cover for months. You're a reasonable man, inspector. Meantime, I'll put everything in this apartment through the city. Right. I'll check with you first thing in the morning. Okay. Come on, friend. I've got to get you home. I'll have a big job for you to handle tomorrow.

12:33Now, friend, when you get to the club rendezvous, you'll be seated at the table where Brenda sat last night. Fred Rico will see to that. Yes, Jim. But I doubt if any of Brenda's gang will show up tonight. Well, they might. If they don't know Brenda's dead. And I have a feeling that our murderer isn't doing anything. Well, let's hope you're right. Now, let me go over this again. Posing as a friend of Brenda's, on to try to find out how and where this dope ring operates. That's right. We found a key in Brenda's apartment that we believe to be a motorboat key. Now, that might mean that the dope is picked up from a ship, or it may merely mean that it's hidden somewhere off the mainland. Try to find that out. All right, Jim. I'll do my best. The inspector will have men stationed outside the club. And Fred Rico will keep an eye on you while you're inside. Now, put on your pearls, and you're ready to go.

14:20And now, back to the Avenger and the Blue Pearl. Young lady, there must be some mistake. His table is reserved. Yes, I know. I have an appointment with Brenda Kai here. Oh, I see. And then I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I also have an appointment with Brenda. And a therapist, Cal Stroke. Oh, how do you do? My name's Karen Kaya. It's a pleasure. I don't believe I've ever seen you with Brenda. Do you know her well? Oh, yes. You've had my previous year's project, but there's a sort of credential. Would you mind telling me Brenda's address? Take a minute. It's one of five. You've got three. Three. Huh? Brenda, not me, too, careful. My eye is down-counted. Perhaps you could also be interested in knowing that Brenda and I have a mutual promise, but Brenda is.

15:22I so... And we've taken several tricks in her mind. Really? To the island? Yes. I am surprised. I was not aware that Brenda had ever taken anyone to La Cale Island. I wonder what could be keeping Brenda. She's late. I'm getting worried. Don't nervous, Miss Kaya. Well, I hope Brenda will get me down. We can't be afraid blue pearls. We do not feel it. And a friend that doesn't show up... I don't know what I'll do. Don't worry, my dear. I can help you. You can? Yes. I have some blue pearls of my own. I would be willing to serve you for a fair price. But we will wait for another half-hour Brenda may show up by then. Can you suppose something could have gone wrong, Kaya? I don't think so. However, we will not wait for Brenda any longer. Come with me. May I ask for a while going? Surely you do not think such a body goes in your apartment? No. Nothing my home. I have another place. Come, my dear. Just a moment. I'll take care of the check.

16:23For a vehicle? Yes, miss. Check please for a vehicle. I'll sign. Of course. Sign on the bottom line, please. Yes. There you are. Or for a vehicle. Yes, miss. Brenda Kaya comes in later. Tell her I left with Countess Talsberg. Good night. Miss Kaya, keep your eye on that black sedan behind us. I think we are being followed. Oh, surely now, Countess. Why should we be now? I don't know. But in this business, one can never tell. Yes, I'm sure of it now that Car is following us. What is going to do? Listen carefully. In a moment I'll put on speed and turn up the lift mount avenue. I pull it quickly in front of a certain small apartment house there. We get Indy Lobby, help me press all the doorbells there. And someone is certain to push the door buzzer to let us in. Got that please.

17:23But whoever is following us will know where we went. Your car will be outside the house. There's a back door at the end of the hole in that apartment house. We go straight through, come out in the alley in the back, turn left, and run for a taxi on the other side of the block. Take a make a king get away if we are lucky. Here we are. Hurry. We press all these bells. Yes. What if no one answers? Hey, open the door. I did not tell you. Run for the door in the back. Oh, it's not. It never is. Hurry. Don't see me giving them this slip. Now for a taxi. Come on. Smoky. What in the world are you doing here? I'd not, Countess. I'd hang out. What for? I'll take the cabs on to us. Hold it a minute. Who's your girlfriend, Countess? A friend of Brenda's. She wants to buy some bloopers. That's why. Yeah?

18:23Smoky. Put that done away. What's the matter with you? This damn no friend of Brenda's. How do you know she says she's been to the island with Brenda? That's a lie. Brenda never went to the island except when I took her. This damn no snow bird. She's a plant. This one, why do you settle this? Why don't you call Brenda an after? Because Brenda can't answer and you know it. You're from the cops and you know Brenda's dead. Hyundai's dead. Smoky, what are you saying? Countess, I killed Brenda last night. I said she was going to turn us all in. You're very fool, Smoky. You have won, never. And as shut up, Countess, you haven't made such a good showing tonight yourself. Well, what are we going to do? A snow boat is scheduled to pull in at the island early tomorrow morning to deliver a shipment. We just hop a board and get out of the country. What about this bearer? What will we do with her? I'll take care of her right now. No, no Smoky, you can't suit her here. Use your head. Well, he could just as easy dropper in a bay on a way to the island. That's it. Tie her up and dad her. No, no, don't. Take the gun, Countess. Keep her covered while I tie her up nice and tidy.

19:23Hurry, Smoky. I'm a start for the island right away. Have you got your motorboat key, Countess? I forgot mine at Brenda's place. That's why I couldn't hit for the island last night. Yes, I have mine in my purse. And I have a car in the basement garage. Okay. We're as good as out of the country right now. Well, Inspector, what do you then report? Well, let me know, Jim. We know that Perrin and the Countess went straight through that apartment house on Lake Mahabana. But they left the cold trail after that. Keep trying, Inspector. Don't worry, Jim, I will. I have the whole force working on this. I'll just come from the rendezvous club. And Fred Rico gave me a lead and I'm going to work on right now. Can I help you, Jim? Yes, Inspector. Give me that key you found in Brenda's Clack's apartment. The one we thought might be a motorboat key. Sure, Jim. I've got that stuff here in the safe. I'll get it. What's some of my men to go with you? No, Inspector. I'll handle this myself. Be careful, Jim. Don't do anything crazy.

20:25We'll find Perrin all the way. I should never have let her go to that club, Inspector. This whole thing is my fault. No, no. My men bought the roof back, Jim. And I'm willing to admit it. They weren't tied up to the fix of that council. Well, I asked for 24 hours to wrap up this case, Inspector. I've still got two hours to go on that. Oh, there's a key, Jim. Well, thanks, Inspector. Stay close to the phone for the next two hours. We'll... I'm going to try to close this case on schedule. Well, we made it, Countess. Yes. Wait a minute, Smoky. What are we going to do about this car? We can't leave it here. They've released what's spotted before morning. Hey, I never thought of that. This car would show a tip of mouth to where we went, all right? Now, it starts thinking what can we do with it? I got it. I'll send it over the end of the pier. The water out there is deep enough to cover it. Good idea. All right, get out. We'll put this dam in the motorboat. Fricin. Come on, sister. This is the end of the line for you.

21:26Is the boat Smoky? What are you? This dam is a wild cat. She's kicking like a stag. I'll be glad when we're rid of her. No, send that car over quick. Not so fast, Countess. I'll take the key to the boat, if you don't mind. You do not trust me, Smoky. No, after the things I've seen you, Foe. I know you're cotton on me, pulling out and leaving me here, waving on the dock. I'm going to try to get you to the boat. I'm going to try to get you to the boat. I'll be right back. I'll get rid of this car in a minute. Stupid fool. I'll think of a way to get rid of you later. Well, that's that. Now we're ready. Smoky, what's that noise? I don't know, but I'm not investigating. Let's get the motor running. I don't think you'll take that little trip to La Coyle and Smoky. Huh?

22:26Who said that? Where did that voice come from? There's no one in the boat. Full out, creep. Well, you take this gun, Countess. You see anybody on that dock? Don't stop shooting until it's empty. There's nobody there, Smoky. I hear Countess. And there go your gun into the water. Who is this? Who are you? But do you want? I'm the Avenger, Countess. The Avenger? Take the wheel, Countess. I'll find him. Yes. Yes, Smoky, the voice came from the back of the boat. Well, throw him over, Board. Nobody's going to stop us now. I'm going to stop you, Smoky. Like this. Oh! Smoky. Smoky, get up. He's out cold, Countess. Now turn the boat around and make for the dock, unless you prefer to swim back. No. No, I will do as you say. And make it fast. We've got a deadline to meet.

23:48We've got a deadline to meet.

24:49Well, Jim, did that boat pull into Locke Island on schedule this morning? It certainly did, Furn. Now the whole narcotics squad was there to meet it. I suppose the inspectors having a wonderful time down at headquarters, bringing charges against everybody. Well, that's right, Furn. You can't blame them. This is quite a feather in his cap. How long had that doping ring been operating in this city, Jim? Only two months, Furn. And the inspectors got the whole tribe in jail. That's fast work. I don't forget Smoky. There's a charge of murder against him. And don't worry. The Countess isn't letting him forget it. She's talking your head off. I thought she would. Well, Furn, since you risked your life to crack this case, I thought you might like to take a look at Exhibit A. Hey, Jim. A blue pearl. Yes. Here. Look. The shell of the bead is made of wax and tinted blue, just enough coloring for a discerning eye to distinguish it from an ordinary pearl. Then this bead was strung on a necklace with other cheat pills of the same size.

25:50Exactly. Then it could be delivered at a certain time and place, merely by breaking the beads. Brenda Clay broke up Pearls just once too often. Yes. Brenda was the weak link in this chain of crime. Jim, what about Fred Rico, the waiter? Will he be prosecuted? You know, I really owe my life to him. If he hadn't delivered my message to you, I'd be at the bottom of the bay now. All the help he gave us will be considered when his case comes up. By the way, I want to congratulate you on the way you got that message to me, Fern. Signing Long Island instead of your name on that check in the club was quick thinking. Thanks, Jim. Maybe if I stick around long enough, you'll make a real detector round it. I don't know whether I'd like that or not, Fern. Real detectives are supposed to have long noses and big ears. They are? And you're an imposter, Mr. Brandon. Your ears may be a little big, but you've got an awful pretty nose. Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!

26:51Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no! All characters, names, places, and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.