This Is Your FBI: The Sinister Shakedown 07/05/1946
episode
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
29 min
9 speakers
4 chapters
transcribed 4 months ago
Transcript
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What is the introduction to 'The Sinister Shakedown' episode?
Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old-time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating at choiceclassicradio.com.
The Equitable Life Assurance Society presents This Is Your FBI. This Is Your FBI. This is your FBI, an official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and the Equitable Society's representative in your community. Are you one of the 50 million Americans covered by Social Security? If so, have you any clear idea of your rights and benefits under Social Security? Well, there may be a pleasant surprise in store for you. For in a few minutes, you'll learn from our sponsor, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, how easy it is to build Social Security into full security.
Tonight's FBI file, The Sinister Shakedown.
All crimes are crimes of passion. For all crimes are committed for the gratification of some overwhelming selfish desire, whether it be for profit, for revenge, for excitement, or for preservation against some threat of injury to pride, prejudice, or person. But not always is the person who commits a crime for one of these motives a criminal in the social sense of the word. Rather, as in tonight's case from the files of your FBI, He may be an otherwise wholly acceptable member of society who, in the face of some personal crisis, lacks the moral stamina to resolve it honorably and instead seeks a way out criminally.
The business operations of the late industrialist Thomas J. Cortland had never engaged the interest of his family. except that they fully appreciated the financial security and the firm hold on a place in metropolitan society which Cortland's labors afforded them. But at this moment, three years after his death, something has happened which demands a belated interest in Cortland's transactions. Mrs. Cortland, his widow, has summoned her children, Beverly and Perry, to join her in the breakfast room. Beverly is first to enter.
Oh, good morning, Mother. I'm afraid, my dear, it's anything but a good morning. Mother, you look as if you've seen a corpse on the living room rug. That would scarcely be more serious than what has happened. What is it? We'll wait for Perry. What on earth's the matter? Sit down, dear, and have your orange juice. Okay.
Oh, good morning, all.
Good morning, Perry. Oh, brother, dear, you look awful.
Well, that's just how I feel. Oh.
Oh.
My head.
Has anybody got a... We have something more important than your head to worry about, Perry. Huh? At this very moment, our family is threatened with utter disgrace. What do you mean? It's blackmail, of course. Sheer blackmail.
Blackmail?
And I'm sure there's not a word of truth in it. Why, I just can't believe that your father would have committed such a thing. Father?
What on earth are you talking about?
This letter. It just came this morning. You read it, Perry.
Okay. If I can see it.
Uh, what does it say?
Hmm.
Dear Mrs. Cortland, I have in my possession a document which would positively prove that your late husband, just before he died, was party to a transaction which netted him $500,000 that rightfully should have gone to his stockholders.
I don't believe it.
And unless you pay me $5,000 at once, according to the instructions below... I shall place the document in the hands of the New York State authorities. Let me warn you, if you report this to the police, someone in your family may turn up missing.
Well, what do you think of that? Mother, what do we do? Well, I don't know. What do you think, Perry?
Well, whether it's true or not, I don't think we can afford to take any chances.
What do you mean?
In a time like this, we've got to look at it practically and Frankly, we're not sure that Dad didn't do it.
Harry!
Maybe he was in a jam and had to do something like that to protect us. Oh, yes, but I don't... And if he did, gee, we can't afford to turn this letter over to the police.
Oh, that might start an investigation of your father's business dealings.
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Chapters
4 chaptersSpeakers
9 identifiedMore from Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
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