CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER: HOLIDAY (NOVEMBER 25, 1948)

Casey, Crime Photographer was a CBS radio mystery program that ran from July 7, 1943 until November 6, 1950, and was then revived for sixteen months a little more than three years later, from January 13, 1954 to April 22, 1955, for a total of 434 episodes -- most of which are lost.  Over the length of the series, the show's title changed several times, from Flashgun Casey to Casey, Press Photographer to Crime Photographer to Casey, Crime Photographer, then back to Crime Photographer.  The role of Casey was originated by Matt Crowley, but Staats Cotsworth took over the role in February 1944.  Jim Bsckus also played Casey, briefly.. 

Created by mystery writer George Harmon Coxe, Jack "Flashgun" Casey was a crime photographer for The Morning Express, often accompanied by reporter Ann Williams.  Casey hung out at the Blue Note Cafe and often related his experiences to Ethelbert the bartender.

The "Holiday" in this episode is Thanksgiving, and Casey and Ann have plans:  first a movie, then Thanksgiving dinner at the Ritz, followed by a play.  Before taking in the movie, they stop by the Blue Note, where Casey runs into Biff Connors, an old acquaintance.  Biff had been one of the best safecrackers in the business, but had gone completely straight after his last jail term.  Biff is being pressured by a couple of hoods to crack a safe for then, offering Biff first $5000, and when he refused, $10,000.  After Biff refused a second time, they let him known that they could frame him for a parole violation and send him back to jail.  From Biff's description, Casey recognizes the pair as agents of Nick Reynolds, the "Big Boss" of the city's underworld, one who thus far has proved untouchable to law enforcement.  Because Biff was offered a specific sum and not part of the loot, Casey figures that the safe does not contain valuables; rather, it must contain incriminating evidence against Reynolds, most likely from Monty Summers, who is rumored to have the goods on Reynolds .  Casey tells Biff to try to get as much information abut the job as possible, and then get back to him.  Casey and Ann would skip the movie, and if Biff did not get back to him before their scheduled dinner at the Ritz, Casey would get back to Biff in the morning.  Biff got back to Casey early; he had to do the safecracking job that evening at midnight or his wife and kid would be harmed.  there goes Casey and Ann's plans for a relaxing holiday.

This episode was directed by John Dietz and written by Alonzo Deen Cole.  Jan Miner (best remembered as Madge the Manicurist from the Palmolive soap commercials of the 60's and 70's) played Ann Williams; also featured was John Gibson as Ethelbert.  Bill Cullen was the announcer, who managed to insert himself into the script to shill for Toni home permanents and Toni shampoo in a conversation with Ethelbert.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and may it be free of safecrackers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G75S9WkzPCg