Vintage Sci-Fi Radio

Blue Beetle - The Opium Gang

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Duration:: 28m
Broadcast on:: 29 Jun 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

I'm Victoria Cash. Thanks for calling the Lucky Land Hotline. If you feel like you do the same thing every day, press 1. If you're ready to have some serious fun, for the chance to redeem some serious prizes, press 2. We heard you loud and clear, so go to luckylandslots.com right now and play over 100 social casino style games for free. Get lucky today. At luckylandslots.com No purchase necessary. VGW Group, void, prohibited by law. 18+ terms of condition supply. What's the easiest choice you can make? Window instead of middle seat? Picking a vendor who sends a great gift basket. Outsourcing business tasks you hate. What about selling with Shopify? Whether you're selling a little or a lot, Shopify helps you do your thing. However you chaching, Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. From the launch your online shop stage to the first real life store stage, all the way to the did we just hit a million orders stage? Shopify is there to help you grow. Whether you're selling scented soap or offering outdoor outfits, Shopify helps you sell wherever and whatever you're selling. Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at Shopify.com/try. Go to Shopify.com/try now to grow your business. No matter what stage you're in, Shopify.com/try. Weeping down upon the underworld to smash gangland comes... A friend of the unfortunate enemy of criminals! In this period our powerful character was a problem to the police! A crusader for law, in reality Dan Garrett, a rookie patrolman, loved by everyone but suspected by none of being the blue beetle. As the blue beetle he hides behind a strange mask and a suit of impenetrable blue chain armor. Flexible as silk but stronger than steel. Today's episode of the blue beetle sends the blue beetle swooping down on a group of powerful underworld characters whose racket is dope. Will he be able to ferret them out? Can he hope to cope with this mysterious ring of ruthless men single-handed? Can he discover their leader and bring him to justice? As our story opens our hero Dan Garrett is visiting his friend and secret advisor Dr. Franz who operates a little apothecary shop in one of the great cities side streets. He is restlessly painting the floor in Dr. Franz living room. Look, quite as there have to be so much red tape in police work. Where's Danny? Every organization has to have rules and regulations that makes for efficiency. Yes, but the criminals and the crooks were set to catch on, bound up in rules and regulations. You know, I like police work but I also crave action. You seem to get plenty of it as the blue beetle. I worry about you Danny, the terrible risks you take. These crooks and gangsters are vicious cold-blooded killers. They'd have no mercy on you if they caught you. I can take care of myself. Besides that suit of blue chain army who made me in that mask or a great protection, I hope they never catch you without it. Or ever discover who the blue beetle really is. I'm afraid it would mean the end of the Roman Dan Garrett. Well, after all, Dr. the only one who knows, even mannequin is always saying what he'd do if he caught the blue beetle. Hmm, he's the officer on the beat next to yours, isn't he? Yes, he was my father's pal. I see. He got me on the police force after my father was killed by a gangster's bullet. And, uh, doesn't he suspect at all? No, he doesn't. He's a good cop, but he's not very heavy above the ears. Uh, what's that news, boy? Something about a movie star committing suicide. Wait, I'm gonna get a picture. Hey, my boy, give me one of those pictures. Yes, keep by him. Hey, look at this, Doc. Sandra Bormont, the movie actress, committed suicide last night. The paper says she left a note on a dressing table which said, "Dolce has become my master. No longer can I live without it. This is the end. Let my fate be a warning to all." What do you think of that, Doc? I think it's tragic, Danny. So do I. I'm gonna do something about that dope racket right now. So what are you going to do? I'm gonna ask the Commissioner to put me on special assignment to try and uncover the leaders of that dope ring in this city. Uh, you'd better be careful, Dan. They'll stop, but nothing. Well, I can't uncover them as the Trowman Dan Garrett. I'll get them as the Blue Beatles. As our next scene opens, the Trowman Dan Garrett, Mike Manigan and Charlie Storm, each reporter of the York City Sun, are standing on the corner watching a hotel suspected of being the dope ring headquarter. Uh-huh, that's the place, all right. Somebody tipped off my paper. Why don't we go in and raid the place? What's just the two of us? Sure. Don't be silly, we've got no evidence. The Commissioner wants evidence. That's our job. To watch everybody that goes in and comes out of that place. Me? I like action. Go to I. Hey, look. Where? A chabbily dressed man there. He just came out of that side entrance and gave a cigarette to that kid standing there. So what? Looks like the kid gave him some money for it. He's a dope peddler. He's selling dope cigarettes, marijuana. Marijuana. Boy, here's where I make a pinch. Hey, you guys, I want to talk to you. Try my chair, please, Software. Hi, ah. You got to travel fast to get away from me, brother. Well, get him, Danny. I'll single-class you on the next beat. He'll head him off at the intersection. Look, Danny's diving for him. He's got him. Boy, that was a flying tackle. How's your what? Hey, look. That car there is a machine gun. Look out, Danny. I'm going to take a shot with my revolver and they pass. Yeah. Look down behind those ashes, Danny. I'm already done. Listen, but got it. Did you get the license number of that car she passed? Yep. CB83725. It's probably a stolen car. Yeah, what about Dan and the dope peddler? Those murderers get him? Looks like it. They both stepped out, let's see. You pawn for the ambulance. Well, I have a look. OK. I'll pawn my paper at the same time. Boy, what a story. Come on, now. Come on here. Break it up. Break it up, Danny. Give him there. Then let's have a look at him. Oh, they sure got this guy. He looks like a sieve. Sure, and he'll never sell no more dope cigarettes to kids. He's dead. Yeah, he's dead. Look at the blood. What are you talking about? Man, look at him. That guy here looks like he's dead too. Danny. Danny. It's mannegan. How are you doing, Danny? What happened? What's the dope peddler? He's dead. You tackle them in some trigger, man, in a car, machine, done you both. Oh, I remember. Now I saw the car coming. Are you bad hurt? I don't know. I can't feel much of numb all over. Well, here's the ambulance. Oh, you'd get a swell ride to the hospital, Danny. And maybe a citation from the commissioner for bravery and action. [MUSIC PLAYING] You know, what's the verdict, Doctor? Will Potomondane Garrett leave? Well, it's very doubtful, Commissioner. An operation is necessary to remove the bullet. What? He's so weak from loss of blood and health. That's tough. He's one of my best men. Do for promotion soon. That's for you, Doctor. Oh, thank you. Potomondane, Commissioner. Yes, sir. This would be interesting to you, Commissioner. Read it. No, I'm sorry. If my blood is the right type, I would like to volunteer as a blood donor for the brave Officer Garrett. Why, this is signed by my daughter. Side sex. She's convalescing here from her accident. Well, she's almost recovered, Commissioner. Yes, but, Doctor, is she strong enough? I think so. Then, by all means, let her do it. I'm fond as well as proud of Dan Garrett. He's a fine boy, like his dad before him. It'll also make my daughter very happy. I have her sneaking suspicion. She likes young Garrett. [MUSIC PLAYING] The Commissioner, daughter of Mary's blood proved to be the right type and the transfusion was performed. Later, Danny was operated upon a machine gun until it removed from his abdomen. For days, he hovered between life and death. Then one night, when all was quiet, a strange man slipped by the nurse and stood beside Dan's bed. Dan? Dan Garrett. Who is it? Calling Dan Garrett, I desire Dr. Franz, your friends. I've got something for you. Hello, Doc. Now, listen, Danny. I want you to take this capsule. It's my secret 2X formula. It will bring you a speedy recovery. Sure, I'm positive. My formula will save your life. We store you to help in 24 hours. It will also give you greater vitality. Teener eyesight, almost superhuman mentality, and it will give you abnormal strength. You will be a tauphombre when you get out of the air. You'll give it to me. It's tough to get out of here. It's important work to be done, and I've got to do it. [MUSIC PLAYING] The next morning to the surprise of everyone Dan Garrett was completely recovered. From Mike Manigan and Mary Donnelly, the commissioner's daughter who came to visit him, he learned that the commissioner had ordered extensive raids on all opium dens in the city. At one place, they told him, the police had been blown to bits by dynamites planted by the dope ring before they fled. Dan insisted on being released from the hospital and restored the duty. By mid-afternoon, he's back on his beat, fully recovered, to health and strength by Dr. Fran's magic formula. At night, he visits the little apothecary shop of Dr. Fran. Oh, gosh, no, no, Danny. Well, my two eggs formula worked, didn't it? Sure did. Hey, have a look at this. Mm, that bullet, huh? Yeah, that came out of me. Well, let's have a look at it under the microscope, with like those up shop. Pull down the shades, will you, while I lock the door? All right. There. Now, we'll just give this bullet the one sober under the microscope. Mm, mm, mm, very interesting, very interesting indeed. What is it, Doc, have you got something? I think so. This bullet was fired from a show show. A show show? What's that? That's what the soldiers in the last World War called a certain type of French machine done because they couldn't pronounce the real name. Boy, that ought to be easy to trace. There can't be many of those in this town. Got any ideas? Well, there's a French novelist by the name of Philip Leiden, who collects interesting firearms as a hobby. He might know something about this guy. [MUSIC PLAYING] Out into the night when Dan Garrett on the trail of the murder gun. What a change, Dan Garrett. No longer is he in the blue uniform of the city's finest. He wears blue, but it's the blue chain armor of the blue beetle. [MUSIC PLAYING] The blue beetle's got that gun right, and that got you covered. It's not your thread. Your bullet can't pierce this chain armor I'm wearing. [MUSIC PLAYING] I'm sorry to be so rough, Leiden. I wanted that gun of yours. Now, pick yourself up. It's better. I see you'll recognize my little calling card. The sound of my magic ray machine in a little beetle always signifies the presence of the blue beetle. You frightened me, Mr. I fired for nervousness. I had no desire to injure these blue beetles. I see, as we miss it. What is it you desire? I understand you have an interesting collection of firearms. I'll make the orbit of collecting unusual firearms. Do you want to show show automatic machine guns with this? You have the only one in the city, I believe. Oh, absolutely. I do not know. I'd like to see it. Just in the machine, right this way. And no funny business, is he? I am not in the mood for what you call these funny business. Good. Now, see you are missing. This is the gun cabinet. The, uh, show show, she is-- Would you? She is gone, God. We miss it. Always, he is here in display. Come on, Raiden, your pretended surprise sounds funny to me. I'll cut it off for three. Maybe you're on the level, then again, maybe you're not. I'll just dust this door for fingerprints and take a photograph. And you'll stand over there and don't make any false moves. Let me see. A little here, some more here. Several fingerprints. Some of them yours, of course. Bring that floor lamp over here while I photograph it. I'll hold it steady. That's right. Oh. That's got to find something. Maybe yes and maybe no. Now, you get this straight, Raiden. You want to finish that novel or whatever you were typing when I came in. Just forget you ever saw the blue people. Oh, yes. Sure you, Missy, I-- I have the wish-- God. If you're on the level, you're safe. If you're not. Well, the next time you'll meet the blue beetle, it'll be just too bad. Boom, will the blue beetle call upon next? Whose fingerprints were on the doors of the gun case? Is Raiden on the French novelist a member of the dope ring? Let's look in on police headquarters. The time is close to midnight. Mannegan is holding down the desk while the sergeant is out for a bite to eat. Oh, sir. Surely they wish the sergeant would get back. They'd like me a little fun little bed and some short eye. Take it easy, Mannegan. You'll get hurt. You always wanted to meet the blue beetle. Well, here he is. No use to struggle the blue beetle is stronger than you are. I'll just stop this hanger from your mouth and then tie you up. And I'll carry you into the room where you keep the fingerprint file. No, there you are. Now, over my shoulder you go up the busy. Here we are. Now, just lie there like a good little boy. I want to examine his files. Let me do this. Type 27b, 38b, 29, 30, 31b. And as that looks like it, fingerprint of Joe Bugsmagotti in his photograph. Yes, Mr. Bugsmagotti, those are your fingerprints, all right? You're the guy that stole that murder gun. Well, Mr. Bugsmagotti, you're going to get nipped by the blue beetle and nipped hard. Thanks for the feeling, Mr. Blue Beetle. Ah, the beautiful daughter of the police commissioner. Don't move, I'll shoot if you do. I have no intention of moving unless it's to step within the aura of such a charming person as your substance. What are you doing here? And why is your gag been tied up off of the mannequin there? I'm here to obtain evidence against the opium gang your father is trying to round up. I tied up over the mannequin there to prevent his interfering. Why didn't you admit his aid? After all, he's working on this case. The blue beetle works alone. How do I know you're working for rather than against my father? Well, if my charming capital will lower that toy revolver, which he's holding an un-too steady hand, the blue beetle will tell her something to flatten her father's heart. Very well, but don't try any tricks. Not a trick, my day, young lady. Now, listen, I promise you that before daylight, your father will have the opium gang under lock and key, together with enough evidence to convict him. How do I know you'll keep your promise? Let this seal my promise. Good night, my sweet. I'd like to linger after that kiss, but the blue beetle has a duty to perform. Take me with you, blue beetle. Let me stand by your side, will you? You are. Maybe to die alone. No, I can't let him. I must. I must. Like a bloodhound on the trail once he gets the scent, the blue beetle's fed on his mission. And like the bloodhound, he'll never let up till he runs his quarry to earth. But close on his heels goes the commissioner's daughter, determined to have a part in the roundup of an nefarious gang of dope peddlers. Little did she know that close behind, as she hurried down the darkened street, a car was slowly following her. There she goes. That's the commissioner, Cheryl. Let's never. No, wait. Wait till she passes her street lights. Now, how'd you go? Make it not be empty but quiet. Okay, boy. Excuse me, lady. What? Who are you? Damn it! Come on, let me talk about it! Come on, let me talk about it! Here's the car. I'll stick the car in the mouth. Now open the door. We got it, boy. Come on, let me talk about it. The commissioner will pay Big Dole to get his darling daughter back alive. Where is the blue beetle? Will the blue beetle be able to rescue the beautiful daughter of the police commissioner? Will he locate the hideout of the dope rings? Will he be able to collect enough evidence to convict them? Through the silent night, down by the waterfront, two powerful cars are speeding along. The first car is full of men, hard-looking men, desperate men, killers all. But who is this low knock if under the second car? Ah, yes. It is the blue beetle. That looks like the car that passed me the day it was machine guns. I'll just follow her. It may lead me to the dope peddlers' hangouts. They suspect me. They've got a machine gun pointing out of the rear. There it goes. I better give them a ruffle with my centralized machines on before they shoot away my windshield. I hope a shadowproof glass is good, but I don't know how good. All right, you rat. How do you like this? I must have got that driver, their car's zig-zagging. Well, now they're speeding up. Well, here we go again. They're slowing down. They're turning in about warehouse. That's my gang, all right. Just the spot I was headed for. Now, Mr. Buck's much gunny for the final showdown. Ha! Closing the iron door to the warehouse. I'll still glance them up on those special bombs that the bombs made for me. All right, your mugs, don't close that door. I'll blow you all the kingdom. Oh, Jesus! What's your return? That's a bomb. Oh, really? Go ahead, Joe McGaudy. Go ahead and shoot. I recognize you. Your bullets can't hurt the blue one. Oh, what did I tell you? Now it's my turn. Here goes your door. And I'm coming right in and then mop up. Here I come. You better drop your guns or I'll let you have another bomb. Get the job, yeah. This year's board. Put that in front of us. Right, there's a shield. Okay, white guy, blue beater. Toss your little bomb and load it. Pull each commission and start it. The kingdom comes. Along with us. They've got Mary Donnelly. Stop bluffing, McGaudy. You can't fool me. She's not the commissioner's daughter. She's one of your mob and she goes with you. I'll give you three seconds to drop your guns. One. Two. Okay, computer. You win. Now release the commissioner's daughter. And get those hands up. He needs double crochet. That's more like it. Now, Miss Donnelly, get some hands up. Flip them on those gangsters and bring me their guns. All right. That's better. Now, Miss Donnelly, you keep those men covered while I have a look around. That's a nice collection of dope you've gotten these cans here. Here comes the law. Wait until the DA gets through with you. There'll be a few less criminals in this world. Blue beater, you saved my life. These men were holding me for ransom. My father will reward you handsomely. The blue beetle takes no reward, Miss Donnelly. He seeks only justice. Justice for the underdog and safety for the citizens of this great citizen. You'll take this gun and keep those mugs covered. The police will be here any minute. I have no desire to meet them. But who are you? Please tell me. I can only tell you this. I'm the man who kissed you twice one night. Oh. My respect to your father, Miss Donnelly. Tell him the blue beetle will always be at his service and running down criminals the long time. Away in his fast motor car sped the blue beetle, leaving the commissioner's daughter on guard over Bugs McGarty and his band of criminals. The close behind him feeds another car, a police car. Will the blue beetle be overtaken and unmasked? Ahead of stoplight is changing from green to red. Will the blue beetle defy the traffic regulations to avoid discovery? Or will he obey the rules of state driving? This blue beetle himself has been following you for a mile. I thought I'd touch you at this stoplight. Come on, me bucko. I'll ride the run and board back to the police station. I know a funny business around blow your brains off. So it's you again off of the mannegan. I'd love to take you for a ride. No, no, no to that. It's me that's taken you for a ride. I saw you drive out of that warehouse back there, so you were in with those dope peddlers. That's nice figuring officer mannegan. It'll be detective mannegan after I turn you in. Now get going, Mr. Bluebie. It's too bad, mannegan. We have to take such a lonely winding road along the waterfront. Listen, Mr. Bluebie, this is the slightest move when you'll be Mr. Jet Beater. Oh, yeah. Listen, you're interfering with my work patrol mannegan. So there you go. Why don't the running board into the river? Absolutely. Have a nice swim for yourself until you cool off. Good night, detective mannegan. And so the mysterious and thrilling character known as the Bluebie Tools, after rounding up a gang of criminals, flip the way to let the police take credit for cleaning up the dope racket. The next morning, patrolman Dan Garrett dropped in for a visit with Dr. Fran. Well, Eddie, I see you let the police take all the credit again. Sure. I can't let my bodies down. According to newspaper reports, your friend mannegan got tossed into the river by some of the gangsters who he had captured single-handed. So that is story. That ain't the way I heard it. That's the bluebie who had something to do with it. Well, you'd win your best. You know, when I met him this morning, he had to snip him. And he said he caught a cold. So I asked him if he'd been in swimming without his sweater. And didn't he get wise to the swimming gang? After a minute. He wanted to know how I knew he'd been in the water. I told him I heard it from one of the boys. Hey, Doc, have you heard the latest news? I know. No, what is it? Well, the authorities have got wind of a plot to sabotage that new army pursuit plane that's being tested tomorrow out of the flying field. Sabotage? That's my feed. Maybe I can get him at the tail of the flying field. So, Tom, Doc, I gotta get over to headquarters. Though some nation is envious of Uncle Sam's superiority in the manufacture of aircraft. What will happen at the airfield? Will the Blue Beetle be able to uncover this plot in time? Will he be able to run the criminals to earth? Those are all questions which will be answered in the next edition of the Blue Beetle. And now here's the Blue Beetle himself to say a few words. Folks, the story you've just heard should teach you the value of never giving up. Sometimes things are pretty tough, but don't ever be discouraged. Whether it's a business task or a school chore, the men and women of today and the men and women of tomorrow should stick to their jobs. You will always find a way out. Something will always turn up, or a friend will lend a helping hand, like Dr. Franz, in my case. So just keep trying. The Blue Beetle is a Fox feature appearing in misty men comics magazines. The Blue Beetle is on the air twice a week on this same station. Consult the broadcast schedule in your local newspapers, and don't forget to listen in. ♪ It's time for today's Lucky Land horoscope with Victoria Cash. Life's gotten mundane, so shake up the daily routine and be adventurous with a trip to Lucky Land. You know what they say. Your chance to win starts with a spin, so go to luckylandslots.com to play over a hundred social casino-style games for free for your chance to redeem some serious prizes. Get lucky today. At luckylandslots.com No purchase necessary, VGW group void were prohibited by law, 18-plus terms of conditions apply. Hey there, listeners. Are you ready to unlock a world of captivating stories, soothing sounds, and enlightening lectures? At Sall Good 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 sallgoodmedia.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 Sall Good Media. Visit sallgoodmedia.com and start your free trial now. We can't wait for you to join our audio community. Happy listening. (gentle music)