Vintage Sci-Fi Radio

The Falcon - The Case of the Happy Hoodlum

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Duration:: 28m
Broadcast on:: 02 Jul 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

Hey guys, it is Ryan. I'm not sure if you know this about me, but I'm a bit of a fun fanatic when I can, right? I like to work, but I like fun, too. And now I can tell you about my favorite place to have fun. Shumba Casino. They have hundreds of social casino style games to choose from, with new games released each week. You can play for free, and each day brings a new chance to collect daily bonuses. So join me and the fun. Sign up now at ShumbaCasino.com. Sponsored by Shumba Casino, no purchase necessary, VGW Group. Void, we're prohibited by law, 18-plus terms and conditions apply. Hey there, listeners. Are you ready to unlock a world of captivating stories, soothing sounds, and enlightening lectures? At Salka Media, we believe in the power of audio to enrich your life. And now we're offering you a chance to experience it all for free. For a limited time, you can get a one-month free trial to our premium, ad-free service. Imagine having unlimited access to over 500 audiobooks, meditative sounds, and exclusive shows, all at your fingertips. Just head over to Salka Media.com and sign up to start your free trial today. No ads, no interruptions, just pure, immersive audio content. Don't miss out. Transform your listening experience with Salka Media. Visit Salka Media.com and start your free trial now. We can't wait for you to join our audio community. Happy listening. Hello? Yes, this is the fork, and speaking. Oh, Nancy, you'll have to include me out tonight, Angel. Some boys are planning a surprise party for me, and I'll be hanged if I don't show up. Then again, I may be hanged if I do. Once again, the adventures of the falcon, dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard-hitting detectives who like Mike Waring risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the falcon solves the case of a happy hudlem. It's early evening in New York. And at Novak's, a smart gambling spot on New York's east side, the proprietor steps out of his office and surveys his domain. Obviously, what he sees doesn't please him. Bloody. Yes, Mr. Novak? I'd like to see you. Sure. Harry, take the stick while you, the boss and I got business to discuss. What's on your mind, Mr. Novak? Sit down. Thanks. Drink? You know I'm working. Is that what they call it? Huh? Take a look at these. That's last month's take. Three, seventy-four, fourteen, and fifty-five, and that's good. Well, that's the understatement of the year, Politi. We're fourteen grand off April. When I gave you the job as manager. I guaranteed I could double the take. Uh-huh. Well, you've got to understand, Mr. Novak, things have changed. I couldn't figure on Lasker opening his joint just two blocks away. Well, what do you intend to do about it? What can I do? Of course, if this was the old days in Chicago, I could handle it easy enough. Like I once told Al, you know, Al Capone, there's only one way to deal with a character like Lasker. Take care of him. Take care of him? You know what I mean. And you do that for me? That's nothing. If I thought it would help, I'd cut off my right arm. I'm touched. I mean it. I'm not much for talking, but you've been real swell. All you've got to do is say the word. All right, Larry, I'm saying it. Take care of Lasker. What? Aren't those the right words? Well, now look, Mr. Novak. What's the trouble? You just said you'd do anything in the world for me. Well, uh, well, suppose I talked to Lasker first. There's been too much talk already. I think a little action is indicated. You got a gunplity or would you use mine? Is that your mounting? Yes, again, Lasker. Who are you? Honey polity. Maybe you heard of me. I can't say I have. I work for Frank Novak. How would you get in here? Never mind. I'm here. That's all it counts. You may have a point there. They do pay off on results, don't they? However, Mr. polity, I'd advise you. Get away from that buzzer. Get away, Lasker. I'll plug you. I mean it. You're kind of new at this, aren't you? Huh? What's the trouble? Could Novak find a more qualified man? I'm doing all right. I got in here, didn't I? There must be an answer for that. Don't escape Smith a moment. What's on your mind? You ought to know. Novak warned you to shove up shop. Let me ask you something, Blede. How much does Novak pay you? What difference does that make? You look like a bright boy. How would you like to go to work for me? Right? You could start right now. Well, look, Lasker, if you think you'll come buy me off, I'll pay $5,000 for that gun. $5,000? I know Vak would never know. You're crazy. He'd find out in ten minutes. He didn't. Tell him you couldn't get to me. I don't like those kind of jokes, Lasker. I'm not joking. He said, "Ten grand?" I said, "Five." Where's the dough? In my desk. I'll get it. It's in the top drawer. You'll find $12,000, $1,000 bills in an envelope. Just leave the other seven there. Wouldn't that be a chump to do that? All right, Lasker. Well, you take it. Don't be fooled, Blede. You didn't really think you were going to buy away out of this? I certainly did. You couldn't walk out if you were alive. I'd like to see someone stop me. That would be fairly simple. You see, there's a recorder in the basement. It's taking down every word of this dialogue. When you get downstairs, you'll find a couple of boys ready to assure you out. You're lying. I think so. I'd be glad to show you the microphone. It isn't it. Looks like a cigarette box, doesn't it? Why, you dirty-- Now there's no reason to be annoyed, Blede. I'm still willing to stand by my end of the bargain. Keep $5,000 and let me have the gun. How do I know you will never be knocked off? You have my word. That's a hot one. Naturally, you wouldn't understand. But a gentleman's word is his bond. In any event, you have no choice. No back ever finds out he'll kill me. You should have thought of that before. Now may I have the gun, please? Thank you. Yes, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this proves a wonderful arrangement. You won't be sorry, Lasker. I'm the kind of guy if you ask me to cut off my right arm. I may, at that. All right, Blede. Keep in touch. I'll have something for you real soon. But don't call us. We'll call you. [MUSIC PLAYING] That you, Blede? No. He hasn't come back yet, Mr. Novak. That's funny, Red. Did he call in? Not that I know of. What time you got? Quarter pass seven. Better check his hotel. He should have-- Well, will you again? I'll get it. Yes? I'd like to talk to Frank Novak, please. This is Novak speaking. You got a Tony Paledi working for you? Why? I just thought you might be interested. He sold you out to Lasker. Come again? Lasker bought him off. Paid him $5. Who is this? Well, let's just say I'm a troublemaker. You wouldn't care to leave your name. No, I don't think so. I just wanted to show my gratitude. Well, that's all right, Novak. I'll get my kicks reading the papers. He hung up. Did you hear that, Red? Yeah. What do you think? I think I made him a mistaken Paledi. I never should have dealt with an amateur. Wear a bracket and detroit and ask him to send us an export. On second thought, ask him to send a couple. We'll find enough work to keep him busy. [MUSIC PLAYING] Where's it? Mike Waring. It's happened. Hello, Marie. Hello. Suppose you want to see Tony. As in. Sit down. Thanks. Tony, you got a visitor. Wizard, honey. Come out and say. Well, Mike, wearing your old so-and-so. What are you doing here? Well, I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd drop by. Well, if you're not a sight for sore eyes, hey, Marie. Put up a pot of coffee, will you, sweetie? No, I don't bother. It's no bother at all, right, honey? One of you have it been wrong. Oh, what a girl. Oh, he's got a come by. So I've noticed. Hey, Mike, you remember that night around on. I'm when you, me and Irving Fox, went out on that patrol and Irving brought in that prisoner? Yeah, only he turned out to be a chicken colonel from the 76th Division. Oh, that was a night. I was just saying to Marie the other night, I haven't seen you or Irving in-- she seems like years. Not to me. Get her. Always clowning. Yeah, that's me. Nelton Burl. If you'll move, I'll set the table. Please don't trouble yourself. I just stopped by to see if everything's under control. Why shouldn't it be? Well, I don't know whether you've heard, soldier, but you've got a namesake in town. There's another Tony Politi. You call that news? According to a phone book, there are 11 of them in New York. Yeah, well, the one I had in mind works for a gambler named Frank Novak. So? So I got a rumble that a couple of hoods just moved in from Detroit looking for him. What's that got to do with me? Nothing, I hope. But these boys are kind of a trigger happy. I'd like to see him make a mistake. Listen, Marie, ain't he the limit. Mistakes have happened before, Tony. That's how they finally caught up with murder incorporated. I got the wrong man. What do you think he should do? Well, I've already called the police. And if you people have no objection, I'd like to stick close for a couple of days. You're out of your mind. Why? I think it makes sense. Now, look, honey, there's nothing to worry about. What do you mean there's nothing to worry about? Didn't you just hear him say? Well, Mike was always a great warrior. You should have seen him at Remagen. Well, just the same Tony, if you don't mind. I do mind. The day I need a nursemate, I'll be ready for the old soldier's home. Now, come on, Captain, drink your coffee. We're going to fight the Battle of the Bulge all over again. 86th Precinct Corbett. Hello, Sergeant. Mike Waring. Oh, I knew my luck couldn't hold out. The minute I woke up this morning, I read my horoscope and it said beware. You know, if someone tapped his phone, they wouldn't realize how much you loved me. I hide it real well, don't I? What's on your mind? What's the latest in that Tony polotti mess? No, we still don't know who's behind it. But from what I hear now, the boys who were imported for the job went back to Detroit. Where did you pick that up? Some stoolie. And he claims they left without finding polotti? Yeah. Doesn't make sense. Now, look, Mike. They wouldn't leave without doing their job, not pros. What's your interest in this, anyway? I told you I've got a buddy with the same handle. I'd hate for any accidents to happen. Oh, and that you're getting to be a real old lady. I'm serious, Corbett. Yeah, so am I. All you need is a rocking chair and you could pose for Whistler's mother. Maybe I'll get you one for Christmas. Taxi. Taxi. That's him, Dave. Let's go. Hey, Cap. Oh, no. Going our way, fella, we'd be glad to give you a lift. No, thanks. What's the matter? You're bashful? Who are you? Oh, that's unimportant. Question is, are you Tony polotti? Yeah, that's right. I was just telling Dave here. I thought I'd recognize you. Remember me? No. Harry Froman. We did a hitch in the Navy together in the Pacific. Well, that's a good trick, because I was with the Army in the Atlantic for Civic. What's the difference? It's all one world. Get in. Oh, you got the wrong polotti. I don't think so. I tell you, you're making a mistake. We'll soon find out. Let's go. No. OK, sucker. Then take it here. [MUSIC PLAYING] 45 minutes have passed, since Tony polotti was shot down on a street corner. Now we find Mike wearing down at the morgue, an answer to Sergeant Corbett's call. All right, Jim. What's the idea? If you think spending a Sunday afternoon here is my idea of fun, you're crazy. Well, I want you to identify a party. Who's? Well, that's for you to decide. All right, ask him. Oh, no. You know him. You know I know him. It's Tony polotti. I warned you about this. I had a hard time. I know, Mike, but what could we do? You refuse police protection. Wouldn't even let you hang around. How did that happen? Well, there were like 8,000 eyewitnesses, so we got 8,000 different versions. The best we've been able to put together is your friend was waiting on the corner of Amsterdam in 73rd when this blue Nash pulled up. The driver got out, let him have it, took off. Anybody get the license number? Yeah, yeah. Stolen from a doctor in Brooklyn. He left the keys in the car. Seen enough? Yes, too much. Well, I ordered a pickup on the other Tony polotti. He ought to know who was responsible. But until you find him, you're stymied. Well, you aren't. Somebody's got to break the news to his wife. Well, what, you mean Marie hasn't been told you? No. Looks like you're elected. Oh, now listen, call me. Served in your outfit, Mike. That's the least you're in. Now hop to it like a good kid. [MUSIC PLAYING] [INAUDIBLE] Hello, Marie. You're looking for Tony isn't home. Will you mind if I come in? You want to wait? It's all right with me. I don't know why I put up with it. He has no consideration. Promised to be home at five. Probably met a couple of boys. Started to fight the war over again. Yeah, well, listen, Marie, there's something I've got to tell you. What did he do? He didn't do anything. Don't kid me. I know Tony. Got himself in a mess and he sent you here to square it. Well, you can tell him for me. No, no, no, you don't understand. Tony's been hurt. Where is he? Where is he? I want to see him. You can't. I can't. No, he's dead. No. No. I'm sorry, Marie. I don't believe it. It's not true. Yes, I'm afraid it is. I identified him for the police. No, there must be some mistake. It was. They got the wrong Tony Politi. Would you get me some water? Yeah, sure. And maybe you'd like something a little stronger? No, I'll be all right. Here you are. Thanks. Nobody could tell him anything. Well, actually, who could figure this would happen? You did. You warned him just a couple of days ago, but he was too smart to listen. He knew everything. Look, aren't you being a little hard on him? I think it's going to be easy for me. No, I suppose not. Well, look, have you got any family we can notify you? Family. There's some friend or relative who could stay with you. Well, I got a brother in Newark. I suppose we get him over here, huh? If you let me have his phone-- I'll call him myself. Listen, Marie, I promise you one thing. I'll get the party who was responsible. Makes you feel better. Go ahead. To me, it makes no difference. Won't bring Tony back, but you do what you like. [MUSIC PLAYING] Homicide Corbin. It's me, Sergeant. Oh, how are you, Mike? Did you see Mrs. Politi? Yep. How'd she take it? Just the way I expected. Carry on, much? No, not Marie. She's your pioneer type. What's the news at your end? We just picked up Tony Politi. Oh, you mean the genuine article? Yeah. I want to talk to him. Well, I haven't had a crack out of myself, but if you hurry, you can join the party. I'll try and make it real soon. [MUSIC PLAYING] You fellas ain't going to get away with this. Don't think you are. I know my rights. Anyone abusing him, Politi? Where do you come off pulling me in? I told you you could go as soon as you answer a few questions. And I told you I'm not doing any talk. Hal, listen, you. I'll take it easy, Corbin. He's right. What? If you won't cooperate, there's nothing you can do. Now you're being smart. You think so. Well, I can book you as a material witness. I wouldn't. No. What would you do, Mr. Waring? I would let him go. Now you talk, shut up. So you'd let him go. Yeah. Of course, you can't help it if the boys catch up with him. What are you talking about? Yeah, those hoods from Detroit who gunned the other Tony Politi. I guess they must have discovered their mistake by now. Yeah. All right, Politi, beat him. Well, you've been complaining you wanted to leave. But don't come crying to us when you get a half a dozen slugs in your belly. Well, what are you waiting for? No. No, I don't want to go. This ain't a boarding house. You've got to protect me. That's the law. It's your job to see nothing happens. What could happen? You know there have to be. Oh, I don't know. Come on, Politi, who was it? I tell you, I don't know. What do you think, Mike? Well, the man's obviously suffering from a persecution complex. Oh, well, then jail certainly isn't a place for him. Oh, definitely not. I'd get him out on the street as soon as possible. No, no. I'll tell you. It's Frank Novak. Why is Novak after you? He got some screwy ID. I sold him out. Did you? You take me for a rat? Yes. Who does Novak think you made the deal with? Gerald Lasker. Gerald Lasker, huh? Well, that ought to give us enough to go on. All right, Politi, you can go. No, you said I could stay. You promised. They kill me if they get me outside. OK, OK. Haskell, we're holding Politi in protective custody. Give him the royal suite. All right, go on, they'll take care of you. Thanks, Sergeant. You won't be sorry. Don't give orders. Nice boy. What do you think tried to get him? Sounds like Novak. Mm-hmm, could be Lasker too. Yeah, it could be. Well, you take one, I'll take the other. Let's hope that between us, we wind up with the killer in the middle. [MUSIC PLAYING] Looking for someone, friend? Eh, what does Frank Novak keep himself? Who? You heard me, you're just trying to pair it, you're part. Is that his office? Wait a minute, Buster. Mr. Novak is busy. I think you'll make time for me. OK, I told you something. Hello, Novak. Well, if it isn't that high-flying bird, the falcon. I think he needs his wings clipped. Have you other boy to do it? Maybe I am. That's enough, Red. Mr. Waring's an old friend of mine. Well, I wouldn't say that. Look, too. It's all right, Red. I can handle this, and I'll get back to the floor. I'll be seeing you, Mr.. You got a date? I don't think he likes you, Mike. On the other hand, who does? You've got a point there. Well, what brings you here? Tony Paletti. Huh? Not the one who worked for you, but the one who was murdered this afternoon. I got a feeling you were responsible and don't be silly. I didn't even know the man. Neither did the killers. It was the trouble they meant to get the other one. Where'd you pick that up from the original? He told you I was sore at him? Weren't you? Of course not. Just between us, I think the man's crazy. Look, Novak, Tony Paletti was my friend. And naturally, you want to avenge his murder. I'm going to. You know, Mike, I like your attitude. I'm not clowning. Neither am I. Is that all you've got to say? No, I've got lots more. I don't have to keep. I just remember it. I got a call to make. But drop around again when you're in the neighborhood. Only. Give us a little notice. Next time, I'd like to be ready for you. [MUSIC PLAYING] Come on, Tarold. I'll answer it. Hello, Lasker. Oh, take it easy. This is a peaceful mission. I may be permitted my doubts. OK. Have your boy frisked me. It's exactly what I had in mind. He's not the talkative type, is he? I prefer it that way. Sit down. Thank you. Drink? Why not? Was Mike wearing around to see you? No. Well, he will be. I just spoke with him. He's investigating the Tony-Feletti murder. Tony-Feletti? Seems there are a couple of them. This one was killed by mistake. I wonder who could have blundered? Me too. Wearing thinks it was one of us. Oh, absurd. That's what I said, but he didn't seem too convinced. I think he ought to be straightened out. I'm not sure I understand you know that. This guy wearing can get into more here than the new Tony. If he gets into ours, the least they'll do is to close us up. That would be a pity. Yeah. Now, I know a couple of boys in Detroit. I know things. What's the matter? Your Detroit friends don't seem to be too effective. I prefer the local product. Got someone in mind? Harold. You mean the dummy? As you pointed out, Harold isn't given to talk. But he is a craftsman. It's a tools, Harold. And give Mr. Novak a demonstration. [MUSIC PLAYING] 20 minutes have passed since Mr. Lasker's boy, Harold, was instructed to give Mike wearing a demonstration of his talents. Now, as the unwilling subject and Sergeant Corbett, get out of the elevator, they compare notes. So your talk to Novak got nowhere, huh? Well, you admit you didn't do any better with Lasker? No, I can't say as I did. Now, let's go in and hold a cup. Hey, your mouth's open. What do you make of these scratches? Huh? Near the lock. Someone used a gimmick there. Must have company? Yeah. By turn. Uh-huh. Wait a little, I get ready. OK, kick it open. Get down it. All right, Mike? Yeah. The flash came from behind the sofa. All right, you come on. Throw your gun in the middle of the floor. I'm going in after I don't make like a hero. Your last chance, fella. I'm going to count the three of you. I think you've got him. Don't move. He's awful quiet. Come on me while I hit the lights. You've got him. Yeah, it looks like. Turn him over. Well, what do you know? You recognize him? Yeah, they call him a dummy. His name is Harold Plant. I don't know what he had against me. You were trying to find Tony Politi's killer. You think this is our boy? Well, he worked for Lasker. But I didn't see Lasker. But I bet Novak did. If I ever get you 10, they plan this little surprise together. Yeah, you're probably right. Get him out of here, William. Hey, where are you going? Over to see Mrs. Politi. Just make sure you don't leave the place in a mess. [MUSIC PLAYING] [DRAMATIC MUSIC] [RINGING] Hello, Marie. It's you. Yeah, I just dropped by to report the latest. Come on in, Mom. Thanks. Are you alone? No, my brother's here from Newark. He just stepped out to get a paper. Mm-hmm. Did you make any arrangements for Tony's funeral? You don't have to be afraid to say the word. It's going to be Tuesday, you coming? Of course. You think of anybody else that should be notified? Let me know. Yeah, I call the boys myself. They almost had a double head in. What do you mean? Some hood was waiting for me in my apartment. Luckily, Sergeant Corbett proved a better shot. Who was it? A boy they call the dummy. He works for Lasker. Do you think he was the one that killed Tony? No, I don't think so. For one thing, the eyewitnesses who saw the murders that Tony talked to the man who shot him, this boy was a mute. Maybe he was the one driving the car. I doubt it. Well, it's not important. As a matter of fact, it's very important. How did you know there were two men involved in Tony's murder? You said so. I don't see how I could have. I didn't know it myself. According to the reports, there was only one. So I made a mistake? Yes, you did, Angel, a bad one. What are you talking about? You were responsible for Tony's murder. You feel all right? And you heard me tell him his namesake was in trouble to give you ideas. You're crazy. You must have figured it was too good an opportunity to miss. Why did you do it, Marie? He loved you. You know, you can be pretty dull. Well, if you think I am, wait until you get a load of sergeant corporate. Get your coat. What for? We're going on headquarters. OK, if it'll make you happy. Hold it. Just leave your bag right there. You wouldn't expect me to go out with a good-looking man without powdering my nose. I said drop it. There you go. Come on, Marie, drop it. I'll break your arm. Thankfully, after your little stunt, I don't even need that much excuse. [MUSIC PLAYING] Well, just goes to show you. Whatever a thunk this was just a case of a dame trying to get rid of her husband. And I would have if I'd had any brains. The signs were there all along, Corbett. They don't see where. You told me those hoods from Detroit left town without finding the other Tony poletti. That should have been the tip off. Oh, my information could have been wrong. Why'd she do it anyway? Well, that's what got me. Then I realized her brother from Newark must have supplied them motives, huh? He wasn't her brother. You mean the two of us? You suppose Tony knew? No, he was the trusting type. I can't help thinking it's all my fault. Ah, don't be a sap. Well, if I hadn't told him a lot, the other Tony poletti being hot, the stunt might never have occurred to Marie. Ah, don't kid yourself. When a dame like Mrs. Poletti makes up her mind about something, that's it. She didn't need anyone to give her ideas. She had plenty of her own. And her last one was murder. Well, good night, Sergeant. [MUSIC PLAYING] Hey, everyone, it is Ryan C. Crest here. Ready to heat up your summer vacation? 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