The Philadelphia Matter - Johnny Dollar (AFRS) | 07/30/1961 (Ep751)

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1:00Johnny Darwin. This is George Caldwell, Mr. Dalai. Caldwell? That's right. I'm in charge of the Office of Amalgamated Life Association here in Meridian, Mississippi. Oh, I see. Yes, sir. And I'm certainly glad to caught you. What can I do for you, Mr. Caldwell? I understand that you've been given top security clearance. That's right, sir. I have. Good. Our client was certain you have, and that's why he asked that you be called in on this problem of his. Who is the client? His name is Dr. Emmett Meltzer. Yes? Yes. He is head of the Meltzer Laboratories here in Meridian. He does a great deal of work for the government. I see. And he's most anxious that you lose no time in getting down here to see him. Sounds pretty important. I'm certain it is. What's it all about, Mr. Caldwell? No. What? The only thing I'm sure of is that whatever it is, it's top secret.

2:00All right. I'll get there as quickly as possible. The CBS Radio Network brings you Mandel Kramer in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense accounts. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to a Malgamated Life Association, Meridian Office. Following his account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Philadelphia Army. The Philadelphia Miss Matter. Expense account item 1, 8160, cabbed of Bradley Field and plain fare to pretty in Mississippi.

3:04Making connections wasn't as easy as I'd hoped. I had a stop over in New York, another in Atlanta, Georgia. So it was nearly 7 p.m. by the time I landed in the busy railroad and manufacturing center with its stockyards and business in cotton tobacco farms. And I hope that Caldwell might still be waiting for me in his office and I grabbed a taxi. That's item 2, a bucket of 5. OK, 40, we're too high. You know the address of the amalgamated life building? Are you getting 40, I know it's time like the back of my hand. Would you say you want to go? Amalgamated Life Association. Say it again, I just was more. Amalgamated Life. I know it, I know it, the minute you open the yet for your higher journey. Drawing your... I don't get it. You mean you don't recognize me? I'm afraid not. You kidding? I drove you halfway all over New York City one night when I was working up there. Oh, I see. Yeah, it was a couple years ago. You was chasing some crook from all the way down to P27 all the way up to the Bronx.

4:07That's my old hometown. Sure, you're a journey dollar. Remember, remember how much help I was helping you run down that crook that time? My name is Poignade York and just call me Poignie. All right, Poignie. Yeah, Poignie. I sure remember that big fat sip you give me that night. Hey, kept me eating steak for a week. And are you listening, Johnny? Yes, Poignie. You need any more help. I mean down here, you just give me the buzz. Now you do that, Johnny. All right, sure. Yeah, I mean, I talk to Poignie, but when it comes to using the old noodle, a New York boy like me has it all over the yokus for many other parts of the country, and that's a fact. So, what kind of case you got down here, huh? I haven't the least idea. Oh, I know. Don't give me that, Johnny. No, it's a fact. Okay, okay. You keep it a secret if you want. I don't blame it. I guess it's part of your business. But I'll try and keep an eye on you, Johnny. And when you need my help, you just let me know. Okay. Okay, Bernie. Okay. George Coldwell was still in his office,

5:09and we got to the point right away. Yes, I checked the airline schedule, Mr. Dollar. I found out how late you were to arrive, and here I had better stay around. Well, tell me, have you found out anymore about what's bothering Mr. Melcher? Well, I phoned the laboratories to tell him you were on your way, but it seems he was suddenly called to Washington and may not be back until quite late tonight. However, his secretary, Ms. Mona Little Wolf, said that she would wait for her. Little Wolf? Yes, she's a Philadelphia girl. Part Indian, I understand. Oh, I see. Well, I suppose I better grab a taxi and get on out to the laboratories. I would think it's advisable. And the man behind the wheel of the taxi to just have it to be waiting out from? My pal, Bernie again. Melcher Laboratory, eh? Must be real a boy, Johnny. I wouldn't know. Well, I do. And he got more government secrets going out at that place,

6:10you know, man and space and all that paper. Oh? Hey, is that what you've come down here to investigate something like that? Bernie, I told you I wouldn't know. Okay, okay, okay. But when you need me, Johnny, you just holler up and you're wrong. I'm sure you will. That secretary, Mona Little Wolf, who's worth the trip to Meridian, about five, three or four, with jet black hair and an olive complexion that was out of this world. Dark eyes, it didn't miss a thing, but it's a plenty. And when you talk about two people who click on the spot, brother, this was it. Here was first names right off the bat, and I felt perfectly willing to forget about Dr. Melcher and all his problems and give my time to her. And then I thought, you're kind of getting the reason I think she felt the same. Oh, now, stop. Flatterer. Well, how do you keep that beautiful tan sitting around in an office all day? I told you. I'm thought Indian. One of the few 1000% Americans left around here. Hmm.

7:10That explains the last name, Little Wolf. Uh-huh. And you're sure your name isn't real? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. And you're sure your name isn't really Johnny Big Wolf? Oh, Mona, you cut me to the quake. Uh, tell me, uh, when will Dr. Melcher be back? Well, his last wire, it came in about an hour ago, said not until morning, that I should tell you to wait for you. You know what it is that he wants to see me about? You know something? What? I am his own private personal secretary, but I don't even know what goes on around this place. What is developing or working on or anything? The eeriest thing working here, and not knowing what it's all about? Well, I'm sorry I had to keep you waiting, though. I'm not. Johnny. You know something? I'm not easy. Good. You know the trouble is I'm going on vacation tomorrow.

8:11I'm going to be tied down here with your boss. Oh, no. Look, uh, long as I haven't told Morning before he gets back. Well, the cat's away? Why not? Must be all sorts of which to spend a pleasant evening here in Meridium. With you along? Why not? I fully expected Powell Bernie in his taxi was still waiting outside, and, uh, after some high comments on how fast I work and how well I pick him, he drove us back to town. I dropped her off at her apartment, then registered at the Lamar Hotel, showered, shaved, then picked her up and we proceeded to do the time. This time, by some miracle, without Bernie around. There's something after three o'clock in the morning by the time one and I hope to close up the last night for a runner list, then went out to the Nilly-Vacon Street to look for a cab. A taxi? No.

9:11Oh, what a wonderful evening, Johnny darling. Mona, have you looked? It's morning. Remember morning's wonderful? Yours. Everything is one. Oh, Mona, are you sure you want to go away on that vacation? But I'm afraid I'm better. But why? Truth, Johnny? The truth. You? I'd better kind of get away and think about you. Mona, another day or two. You want a taxi, mister? Oh, yeah. Sure. You didn't want to disturb you and the lady, but he asked him. All right, thank you. Yes. Get away, mister, I'll help her in. Get away, lady. Just a minute. And stay in there and shut up. Oh, you don't. Oh, no. And just to make sure, mister? Yes.

10:15A number of years ago, it was said that, in spite of the large population of this planet, men and women remain the most inaccessible things on it. Today, we see this lack of understanding among people that the world reflected in headline stories. But it isn't because the people of the world are enemies. All people want to be friends. Long before the termination of World War II, Reverend Eugene Wood, a Methodist minister from Oceanside, California, went into a Scottsdale Arizona camp where German prisoners of war were interned and offered his services to the imprisoned men. Among other things, Reverend Wood taught the men English, and he taught them about the United States of America. During the following years, after the men had been repatriated to their native Germany, nearly half of the internies corresponded frequently with Reverend Wood. Those men expressed a unique understanding of the people and the country of the United States of America. This great feeling of friendship and understanding

11:16prompted the minister to make a pilgrimage to Europe. To seek out the men he had befriended in the prisoner of war camp in Arizona. This gesture on Reverend Wood's part gained him a fantastic welcome everywhere he went. In all the places he visited, he spread the gospel of love and friendship and had it returned to him. There were no enemies. Only men with the love of freedom, the right of all men, everywhere. At Amika Insurance, we know it's not just about where you're going, but who you go with. That's why we work even harder to protect what matters most. And as a mutual insurance company, we're built for our customers and prioritize your needs. Amika, empathy is our best quality. Visit amika.com and get a quote today.

12:21Whether it's slots or live dealers, SpinQuest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with SpinQuest exclusives, blackjack, roulette, rockeraw, and even live dice with craps and bubble craps. The games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get $30 coin packs for just $10. Play now at SpinQuest.com. SpinQuest is a free to play social casino. Boydware prohibited. Visit SpinQuest.com for more details. I can't do it in my own bed at the Mar Hotel. I'm working over me with a wet towel in one hand and a bottle of bourbon in the other. That's Bernie the cabbie. Boy, Charlie, pal, you're coming around all okay. Bernie. Hey, you want another slug I see now, baby? No, no, thanks, Bernie. Why are you always going to need my help around his baby? Boy, you're lucky I was cruising around late last night. I've seen you laying there front of that fancy salon. Boy, was you a call like a fish? Bernie, what time is it? It's almost 9 a.m. in the morning.

13:22Now, you lay still? I'll call. I have some breakfast sprung up. No, no, no. And some good strong coffee, boy. Thank you, Paul. What? Now, listen, Charlie, pal, you better just relax. Hello. Hello. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. Hello, operator. The call was to Mona's apartment. I'll answer. But why that attack on us? And the kidnapping of Mona. The few nice jewels she'd been wearing? Hardly. I asked Bernie if he'd seen the text. Well, I seen a couple in a way, Charlie, but no taxi. Well, now that you mention it, maybe it wasn't. Yeah, short tour up the street, getting away, too, and, Johnny. It looks to me like somebody got wise to your being here, or whatever kind of a job you're working on. And they figured they'd better stop your clock. You may be right, but why carry off, Mona? Well, because they maybe thought she was working with you. And now they know you don't dare make a move if you don't want her getting hurt. That makes sense, I guess. So maybe I better call up the police. What about him? He's in our Johnny.

14:22He'll just lay there and let me open it. You've got a gun. Yeah. Yeah. Right here. OK, you keep me covered. You ready? Ready. Yeah. I've had that for a while. That's right. Are you excited, buddy? It's time to talk and who are you? Hey, the start's long. Wait a minute, Bernie. Are you Mr. Dalai? That's right. Thank goodness. I am Dr. Melcher. Oh, say, Zack, I'm sorry. But what is going on here? Well, that's exactly what I'd like to know, Doctor. What has happened to you, Mr. Dalai? Bernie. Yeah, Johnny. Don't call in the police, not yet. Anything you say, Johnny. See if you can find somehow what happened to the girl, what happened to him? Morning. If anything really did, check with all your driver-pals all over town. If anybody's likely to see you, they are. You're right, Johnny. Your hockey is better than all the cops in town when it comes to town. Right. I'll go ahead, circulate around, put it on your meter, and I'll pay the bill. If I get a lead on it, should I bring her here? No. Don't even let her know. Just call me. If I'm not here, I'll be at the doctor's laboratory.

15:24I'll go ahead. Yes, sir, Johnny. You leave it to me. All right, now, Doctor. Tell me what it is that you wanted me down here for. But it is too late. It has already been stolen. And stolen? What has? I'll tell you what I can about it. You see, it is highly classified. I'll tell you in a moment. What have you said? The point is that for some days now, I've suspected that someone was trying to get hold of it. Yes? It's the vault. The temperature controlled vault in which I've kept it. You see, no one else has worked at this formula. What mean? For me, for what? I found the vault had been tampered with. I didn't dare to call the police because of the secrecy involved. But it's better that I should have called in the FBI. But I sent for you, because I knew that you... I hope that you are too late now, Mr. Dollar. When I got back from Washington, I... I got there this morning. It was gone. The formula. No, no, no, no. The product itself, and unless it is found,

16:26it would in two or three days at the most. But now, I suppose I... I'd better tell you what it is. Yes, Doctor. I think maybe you'd better. I think maybe you'd better. I think what Dr. Melchior told me is classified. I can only tell you what else to do with... Well, a sort of experimental fuel he's been working on. What's now, Mr. Dollar, this... This substance is not only very powerful, but extremely unstable, unless carefully controlled temperature and pressure are maintained, constantly... No, no, no, no. Nothing like that. A most devastating explosion would take place. Not only disperfected, you understand, or that is what I am working on, but in its present form, the form in which it was stolen. Why would it be stolen? A full knowledge of it could be worth millions. You mean to a foreign power? To anyone, anyone working in this field. But don't you see, whoever stole it,

17:27there's not no doubt that Stanley, he took his incomplete, disimperfect, this terribly, terribly dangerous within the matter of the day or two. You simply got to find it, Mr. Dollar. Listen, did you tell anyone that I was coming here? No, no one. Except, of course, Mr. Colbert, that the insurance company... But no one else. That's absolutely no one. But she told me she had orders to wait around for me. Yes, Mona. But... Oops, I... So, obviously, the attack on her was only a fake. A cover-up. Oh, no, Mr. Dollar, I have a sneaking suspicion that when we find her, we'll find this... what we're looking for. Oh, but I can't believe it. Mona! You said it's worth a million dollars, didn't you? Millions. All right, she knew I was coming because Colbert phoned your office yesterday. And she must have figured out why. That girl's got a brain doctor. She knew then that she'd have to act fast. She and whoever's working with her, they're like the man who tried to kill me last night. Try to kill you? Yes, it was her idea to go to that particular nightclub. It was a rendezvous with that goon. Now, at all. Stop. Hello?

18:27It's the way down at, Johnny. Yes, Bernie. I got her from one of the drivers, weights the depot on a bus station. Yes? By the way, he's known her name for years. Yes, Bernie, go on. I mean, he's seen her around. He tried her for a fifth, but it's no mistake about her. Where is she? Took her off on a bus with a heavy suitcase with her. Took her off to where? What a ticket to fall down for you. That's right. But not you. All right, Bernie. Thanks. Oh, well, said she came here from the hotel. Doctor, I'll see you later. Where are you going, Mr. Dollar? The airport. That's right. Over there, I'm afraid. I don't know, but you must understand the danger, Mr. Dollar. If that substance is not found. No time to talk about it, Doctor. I've got to get out to that airport and fast. Democracy that has always provided the greatest opportunity for every man to have an equal chance to work where he wishes doing the kind of work he can do best. There is opportunity in a democracy for every man if he wants to work hard enough to advance professionally and socially in many facets of a complex and interesting life.

19:34There is also opportunity in a democracy for every man to worship his God in his own way. Democracy is opportunity. And free opportunity in a democracy gives mankind its greatest legacy of freedom. Expense account item 4. $2 for a cab. Not Bernie's couldn't wait for him. A cab to the airport. Item 5. 30.45. Clean ticket to Philadelphia, PA. But before taking off, I called the office of the bus line, talked to the manager and gave him specific instructions about a check-up on all passengers who have cleared for the city of brotherly love that morning about where and how to contact me. Then I jumped aboard the plane and we took off. When I got to Philadelphia, I enlisted the aid of my old pal Lieutenant Harry Langley of the police department. He went to work immediately, but then nearly 24 hours later, nothing Johnny, nothing.

20:39I checked that bus line from Stem to Stern at every station between Rydian and Miss in here. Well, it's the Philadelphia Miss I'm interested in. I don't forget when that bus line manager called you here, he said he had no record of any long trip ticket and he moaned a little wolf to begin with. Well, then you must use another name. When he said the only true ticket to here was bought by a man. Well, maybe by that henchman of hers, the cab driver back there meant the ticket was bought for her. And Johnny, I've had good men at the railroad stations in the airport to adjust in case. All of them were the perfect description of her. I don't think she's coming here. Lieutenant, can you think of a better place to hide out than a big city like this? Some out of the way is small town. I suppose so. Of course, the tickets. Of course, Philadelphia was pretty small when I was born in it. You know, only a couple of hundred people. What's the gag? No, gag. When I was born in Philadelphia, that's exactly what the population was, about 200.

21:41Why? That was in Philadelphia, Indiana. What'd you say? Sure, my old hometown, Philly, Indiana. Wait a minute, Lieutenant. We've seen things that right here in PA was the only Philadelphia. Lieutenant, if there's one more Philadelphia, maybe there's more than one more. I wouldn't know. There's only a handful of maps and atlas, anything. And the other one? The third Philadelphia in these United States? Not 40 miles north of where I'd started from north of Meridian, Mississippi. And that's where Mona had gone with that deadly explosive weather. Airfare backed Meridian 3045 and 50 bucks deposit there on a rental car. I raced north and west on Route 19 up in the Shova County, part of Mississippi's Indian country. Where Mona Little Wolf could be sure of finding protection among her friends.

22:42On a side road, a couple miles short of Philadelphia parked a hundred yards in front of what was apparently an abandoned farmhouse. Bernie, slump down, sound asleep behind the wheel of his taxi. Bernie, wake up. What goes on here? Bernie, holy, Mona, what took you so long? What are you doing here? I told you, didn't I? My palsy in a biopus ticket up here in Philadelphia. Where you been? Don't ask. Well, listen, when you didn't show, I come on up here myself. Good boy. And I found out that her and that goon, his name is Willie Picktooth. These are bad ones. They're inside it as busted down old farmhouse. See it? They're inside. Yeah, and me, I've been sitting here watching it so they couldn't make a break until you got here. But a solid day of it, Johnny, when I'm taking butt shots at me now. Woo! You see what I mean? Come on. Get around the other side of the cab. No way, Ken. But I'm glad he's a lousy shot. Here she is. Mona. Mona, little wolf. Do you hear me? She hears you all right.

23:42Go away, Johnny. Go on away. You and that crazy cab driver. No, listen to me, Mona. That stuff you stole from the lab. Leave it there and get out, Mona. It'll kill you. Sorry, Johnny. I've loved like that. Won't work. And not fluffy, Mona. That stuff is explosive. I'll leave it. Get away from there before it's too late. Too late for watch, Johnny. You don't realize the danger and the stuff you have there. All I know is it's worth a fortune, Johnny, Johnny. Mona, listen to me. And if you think we can't get out of here after dark. She's right, Johnny. You're forgetting. We have Indian glad in us. Get out of there, Mona. Get away. Yes, Johnny. Get away from watch. Oh, it's so late.

24:48Any comments on this case? Why bother? Expense account total. Including a Mittful for Good Old Faithful Bernie. 485.75. Yours truly. Johnny Dollar. Yours truly. Johnny Dollar. Is written by Jack John Stone. Produced and directed by Bruno Zorado Jr.

25:48Musical Supervision by Ethel Hubert. Johnny Dollar is played by Mandel Kramer. Also featured in our cast where Mason Adams is Bernie. Arthur Cole is Dr. Melcher. Rita Lloyd, as Mona Little Wolf. Martin Blaine. As Lieutenant Langley. Be sure to join us next week. Same time, same station. For another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Stuart Metz speaking. Johnny Dollar has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. At Amica Insurance, your time and peace of mind matter.

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