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About this Episode
https://www.solgoodmedia.com Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and ambient sounds all ad free! 'Time Traveler's Radio' explores the fascinating possibilities of time travel, from ancient history to the distant future and everything in between. Join us on a journey through time where the past, present, and future collide in unexpected ways.
Hosts & Guests
Transcript
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Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.
Infliction is killing me. But who cares? Big retailers make it record profits.
That's why we support the German Marshall Credit Card Bill.
See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.
This bill would cut the vital resources they need.
While increasing mega-store profits, they deserve it. Don't they?
Tell Congress, stop the German Marshall money grab for corporate megastores.
Paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.
The blue people.
Weeping down upon the underworld, the smash ganglin' comes a friend of the unfortunate enemy of criminals.
In a serious, powerful character with a problem to the police.
A cruel state of a law in reality, Dan Garrett, a rookie patrolman, loved by everyone but suspected by none of being the blue people.
As the blue beetle, he hides behind a strange mass 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 beetles swooping down on a group of powerful underworld characters whose racket is dope.
Will he be able to fire 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 adviser, Dr. Pran, who operates a little apothecary shop in one of the great city's side streets.
He is restlessly paving the floor in Dr. Pran's living room.
Look, quite as there have to be so much red tape in police work.
Well, Danny, every organization has to have rules and regulations. That makes for efficiency.
Yes, but the criminals and the crooks we're set to catch aren't 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 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 troman, Dan Garrett.
Well, after all, Darky, the only one who knows. Even Manigan 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 doesn't he suspect at all? No, he doesn't.
He's a good cop, but he's not very heavy above the earth.
Oh, what's that news, boy?
Something about a movie star committing suicide. Wait, I don't get it.
Hey, my boy. Give me one of those exes. Yes, please.
Hey, look at this, Dark.
Sandra Beaumont, the movie actress, committed suicide last night.
The paper says she left a note on the dressing table, which said,
dope 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, Darky? I think it's tragic, Danny.
So do I. I'm going to do something about that dope bracket right now.
So what are you going to do? I'm going to ask the commissioner to put me on special assignment to try and uncover the leaders of that dope ring in this city.
You better be careful, Dan. They'll stop at nothing.
Well, I can't uncover them as patrolman Dan Garrett.
I'll get them as the blue beetles.
As our next scene opens, the patrolman Dan Garrett, Mike Manigan and Charlie Storm,
a reporter of the York City Sun, are standing on the corner, watching a hotel suspected of being the dope ring and photos.
Huh? That's the place, all right? Somebody tiptoe off my paper.
Why don't we go in and raid the place? What just the two of us should?
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. Don't I?
Hey, look. Where? A chaply dressed man. 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.
Hi, I'm Jeffery.
Hi, I...
You got to travel fast to get away from me, brother.
Don't get him, Danny. I'll see you in class the other next piece.
He'll hit him off at the intersection.
Look, Jenny's diving for us. He's got him.
Why, that was a fly and tackle.
As you're watching.
Hey, look. That car there. There's a machine gun. Look out, Danny!
I've got to take a shot with my revolver and they pass.
Yeah. Just down behind all that, yes, Danny. I'm already done.
Missed him, but got it.
Did you get the license number that car she passed?
Yep.
CB83725. It's probably a stolen car.
It won't have out there in the dope peddler.
Who's murderous, get him?
Looks like it.
They're both sick cell machines. You fall for the ambulance.
Well, I have a roof.
Okay. I'll call my paper at the same time.
Boy, what a story.
Come on out. Come on here. Bring it up.
Bring it up, Danny. Give him where?
Let's have a look at him.
Huh?
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.
Yeah, look at him.
I hear it looks like he's dead too.
Danny. Danny. It's manning him.
How are you doing, Danny?
What happened?
What's the dope peddler?
He's dead.
You've tackled him in some trigger men in a car, machine, then you're both.
Oh, I remember now. I saw the car coming.
Are you bad, Hurt?
I don't know.
I can't feel much of number all over.
Well, here's the ambulance.
Now you'd get a swell ride to the hospital, Danny.
And maybe a citation from the commission of a bravery in action.
Well, what's the verdict, Doctor?
Will Petroman Dan Garrett leave?
Well, it's very doubtful, Commissioner.
An operation is necessary to remove the bullet.
But he's so weak from loss of blood.
No, that's tough.
He's one of my best men.
Do you have a promotion soon?
A message for you, Doctor.
Oh, thank you.
Pardon me, Commissioner.
Sure.
This should be interesting to you, Commissioner.
Read it.
No, she...
If my blood is the right type,
I would like to volunteer as a blood donor for the brave officer, Garrett.
Why does she sign by my daughter?
She's convolishing here from her accident.
Well, she's almost recovered, Commissioner.
Yes, but Doctor, she's 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.
Never sneaking suspicion, she likes young Garrett.
The Commissioner's daughter's Mary's blood prove
to be the right type and the transfusion was performed.
Later, Danny was operated upon in a machine gun
until it removed from his abdomen.
For days, he hovered between life and death.
And 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?
It's calling Dan Garrett.
I desire you, Dr. Florence, your friend.
I've got something for you.
Hello, Doc.
Now, listen, Danny.
I want you to take this capsule.
It's my secret, two X 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,
cleaner eyesight, almost superhuman mentality,
and it will give you abnormal strength.
You will be a tough hungry when you get out of there.
We'll give it to you.
Got to get out of here.
It's important work to be done.
And I've got to do it.
The next morning to the surprise of everyone,
Dan Garrett, was completely recovered.
From Mike Manigan and Mary Donnelly,
the commission'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 dynamite,
planted by the dope ring before they fled.
Dan insisted on being released from the hospital
and restored the duty.
I met 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.
Well, Doc, and no head, no Danny.
Well, my two-ex formula worked, didn't it?
It sure did.
You have a look at this.
Hmm, that's bullet, huh?
Yeah, that came out of me.
Well, let's have a look at it under the microscope.
A week-like photo shot.
Pull down the sheets.
Will you while I lock the door?
All right.
There.
Now, now we'll just give this bullet the once over
under the microscope.
Hmm?
Hmm.
Hmm. 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?
Well, that's what the soldiers in the last world war
called a certain type of punch machine gun
because they couldn't pronounce the real name.
Boy, that ought to be easy to trace.
I can't be many of those in this town.
Got any ideas?
Well, there's a French novelist
by the name of Philip Lydin, who collects
interesting firearms as a hobby.
He might know something about this gun.
How's 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.
You blue peasants!
Drop that gun right in there.
I've got you covered.
It's not you, Fredin.
Your bullet can't pierce this chain armor.
I'm wearing it.
I'm sorry to be so rough, Lydin.
But I wanted that gun of yours.
Now pick yourself up.
It's better.
I see you recognize my little calling card.
The sound of my magic ray machine
in a little beetle always signifies
the presence of the blue beetle.
To you, you frightened me, Mrs.
I fired for nervousness.
I had no desire to injure these blue beetles, I say.
As we miss each other.
What is it you desire?
I understand you have an interesting collection of firearms.
Maybe I'll be collecting unusual firearms.
You want to show your automatic machine gun?
We'll see.
You have the only one in the city I believe.
Oh, of absences.
I do not know.
I'd like to see it.
Certainly, Mrs.
It's right this way.
And no funny business, is it?
Yes.
I'm not in the mood for, uh,
what you call these, uh, funny business.
Good.
Now.
Here you are, Mrs.
This is the gun cabinet.
The, uh, so-so, she is...
She's...
She's gone, God.
We Mrs.
Always.
She is here in display.
Come on, right in your pretendant surprise sounds.
She's only to me.
I'll cut it off, Mrs.
Maybe you're on the level then again, maybe you're not.
I'll just dust this door for fingerprints and take a photograph.
Are you standing there?
Don't make it a false move.
Let me see.
Little here.
Some more here.
Several fingerprints.
Some of them yours, of course.
Bring that floor lamp over here while I photograph.
Please.
I hold it steady.
That's right.
Oh.
That's got it.
Find something.
Maybe yes and maybe no.
Now you get this straight redden.
You want to finish that novel or whatever you were typing when I came in?
Just forget you ever saw the Blue Beetle.
Oh, I assure you, Mr. Ay.
I have a wish.
If you're on the level you're safe.
If you're nuts.
Well, the next time you meet the Blue Beetle, it'll be just too bad.
Oh.
Whom will the Blue Beetle call upon next?
Whose fingerprints were on the doors of the gun case?
Is right on the French knife.
A member of the Dope Ring.
Let's look in on police headquarters.
The time is close to midnight.
Managan is holding down the desk while the sergeant is out for a bite to eat.
Oh, sure.
They wish the sergeant would get back.
They'd like me to do a thundle bed and some shirt.
Oh.
Take it easy, Managan.
You won't get hurt.
You always wanted to meet the Blue Beetle.
Well, here he is.
You know you'll stuff struggle the Blue Beetle as soon as you are.
I'll just stuff this hangage up in your mouth and then tie you up.
And I'll carry you into the room where you keep the fingerprint file.
There you are.
Now, over my shoulder, you go up, sir.
Take me.
Here we are.
Oh.
Just lie there like a good little boy.
I want to examine these files.
Let me see.
Type 27 B.
28 B.
29.
30.
31 B.
Yes, that looks like it.
Fingerprints of Joe Bugs-McGottie.
And here's his photograph.
Yes, Mr. Bugs-McGottie.
Yes, Mr. Bugs-McGottie.
Those are your fingerprints, all right?
You're the guy that stole that murder gun.
Well, Mr. Bugs-McGottie, you're going to get nipped by the Blue Beetle and nipped hard.
Reach for the ceiling, Mr. Blue Beetle.
Ah, the beautiful daughter of the police commission.
Don't move, I'll shoot if you do.
I have no intention of moving unless it's a step within the aura of such a charming person as yourself.
What are you doing here?
And why is your gagged and tied up off as a managan there?
I'm here to obtain evidence against the opium gang, your father's trying to round up.
I tied up off as a managan there to prevent his interfering.
Why didn't you admit his aid?
After all, he's working on this case.
The Blue Beetle worked alone.
But how do I know you're working for rather than against my father?
Well, if my charming captain will lower that toy revolver which he's holding an unto steady hand,
the Blue Beetle will tell us something to gladden her father's heart.
Very well, but don't try any tricks.
Not a trick, my dear young lady.
Now listen.
I promise you the before daylight your father will have the opium gang under lock and key,
together with enough evidence to convict them.
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 your Blue Beetle.
Let me stand by your side when you...
Come on.
Maybe to die alone.
No, I can't let him.
I must. I must.
I must.
Like a bloodhound on the trail once he gets the scent,
the Blue Beetle's fell on his mission.
And like the bloodhound, he'll never let off till he runs his quarry to earth.
But close on his heels, go as the commissioners daughter, determined to have a part in the round-up
of the nefarious gang of dopeheadlers.
Little did she know that close behind us, she hurried down the darkened street.
Her car was slowly following her.
There she goes.
That's the commissioners girl.
Let's never know.
Wait until she passes that speed-light.
Now, how'd she go?
Like it's not the end, keep it quiet.
Okay, boss.
Excuse me, lady.
What?
Who are you?
Don't let me go.
Come on.
Here's the car.
I'll stick this gang in the mouth.
Now open the door.
We got it, boss.
All right, show it in.
The commissioners will say it's big dough 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 ring?
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, the hard-looking men, desperate men.
Killers all.
But who is this lone occupant of the second car?
I guess it is the blue beetle.
Had looked like the car that passed me the day I was machine gun.
I'll just follow her and it may lead me to the dope peddler's hangout.
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 synchronized machine gun before they shoot away my windshield.
It'll be shadowproof grass is good, but I don't know how good.
All right, you raps.
How do you like this?
I must have got their driver.
They're cars zigzagging.
Oh, now they're speeding up.
Well, here we go again.
They're slowing down.
They're turning into my warehouse.
That's my gang.
All right.
Just the spot I was headed for.
Now Mr. Bugs must got it for the final showdown.
Closing the iron doors of the warehouse.
I'll soon blast them up on those special bombs that the brums made for me.
All right, you must don't close that door.
I'll blow you all the kingdom for you.
That's a piece of shit.
What's the other thing?
That's a blast.
Oh, I really am.
Go ahead, Joe.
And go ahead and shoot.
I recognize you.
Your bullets can't hurt the blue people.
What did I tell you?
Now it's my turn.
It goes your door.
And I'm coming right in and mop up.
Here I come.
You better drop your guns, or I'll let you have another bomb.
Here you go, dear.
This is for us without any further ado.
Relax, there's a shield.
Okay, white guy, blue beater.
Start your little bomb and blow the police commissioner's daughter to kingdom come along with us.
You've got Mary done already.
Stop bluffing, Maggadi.
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.
Come here.
You win.
Now release the commissioner's daughter.
And get those hands off.
That's more like it.
Now Miss Donnelly, get some handcuffs.
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.
It comes along.
Wait until a DA get through with you.
There'll be a few less criminals in this world.
You save my life.
These men will hold me for ransom.
My father will reward you handsomely.
The blue beetle seeks Nori Ward, Miss Donnelly.
He seeks only justice.
Justice for the underdog and safety for the citizens of this great citizen.
And you'll take this gun and keep those mocks 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 through one night.
My respect to your father, Miss Donnelly,
tell him the blue beetle will always be in his service
and running down criminals all the time.
Away in his fast motor car, spread the blue beetle,
leaving the commissioner's daughter on guard over Bugs Maguardian,
his band of criminals.
My clothes behind him speed another car.
A police car.
Will the blue beetle be overtaken and unmasked?
A head 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 safe driving?
This is the blue beetle himself.
I've been following you for a mile.
I started searching this stoplight.
Come on, me buckle.
I'll ride the running board back to the police station.
I know funny business or I'll blow your brains out.
So it's you again, Officer Managhan.
I'd love to take you for a ride.
No, no, not at us.
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 dog peddlers.
That's nice figuring, Officer Managhan.
It will be detective Managhan after I turn you in.
Now get going, Mr. Bluebeam.
It's too bad, Managhan.
We have to take that you're lonely winding road along the waterfront.
Listen, Mr. Bluebeam.
The slightest move in your view, Mr. Deathbeater.
Oh, yeah.
Listen, you're interfering with my work for Trollman, Managhan.
So are they...
Why don't the running board enter the river?
Have a nice wind, see yourself and take you cool off.
Good night, Detective Managhan.
And so the mysterious and thrilling character known as the Blue Beetle,
after rounding up a gang of criminals,
flips the way to let the police take credit for cleaning up the dope racket.
The next morning, the Trollman Dan Garrett,
raps in for a visit with Dr. Caffron.
Way to go, Mr. Bluebeam.
And so the mysterious and thrilling character known as the Blue Beetle,
after rounding up a gang of criminals,
Dr. Caffron.
Well, Lennie, I see you let the police take all the credit again.
Sure.
I can't let my buddies down.
According to newspaper reports,
your friend, Managhan, got tossed into the river by some of the gangsters
whom he had captured single-handed.
So that's his story.
That ate the way I heard it.
That's the Blue Beetle had something to do with it.
You'd win your bet.
You know, when I met him this morning, he had the sniffle.
And he said he caught a cold.
And he's been in swimming without his sweat.
And didn't he get wise to the swimming guys?
Yeah, 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 speed.
Maybe I can get him a detail to the flying field.
No, Doc.
I've got to get over the head for it.
So some nation is envious of Uncle Sam's superiority
and 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,
a men and women of today and a 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 Mystery Men comics magazines.
The Blue Beetle is on the air twice a week on the same station.
Consult the broadcast schedule in your local newspapers.
And don't forget to listen in.
