In this thrilling episode, we dive into a world of intrigue and deception, where appearances can be deceiving and trust is a rare commodity. We follow the story of Meg Brodie, a captivating woman who seeks the services of a male escort for an evening at the opera, all under the watchful eye of her notorious gangster husband, Sammy Brodie. As the plot unfolds, we meet Joan Darling, another woman entangled in a web of lies and secrets, whose husband, Fingers Darling, is a wanted criminal believed to be hiding in South America. However, as the night progresses, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, and the characters find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
With a backdrop of high society and criminal underworlds colliding, the episode takes listeners on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the characters navigate their complicated relationships and hidden agendas, they must confront the consequences of their actions. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation that reveals the true nature of loyalty and betrayal, leaving listeners questioning who can truly be trusted in a world where everyone has something to hide.
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the post. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
Darling, I don't look now but heaven has just entered the side entrance by the gents headstone. I know. I saw him first. It would be unladylike to call you a liar so I restrict myself to a simple phooey. And anyway, we can only have escorts that our husbands approve of. That gorgeous hunk of masculinity makes Rock Hudson look like Frankenstein. So, what chance do you think you'll have me darling? Are you insinuating that my husband's jealous? Yes. You're right. Then I suggest that you forget all about him and leave him to me. You're wrong.
[00:01:05] Unknown:
I happen to know that that fabulous man works for an offbeat company that specialises in doing odd jobs of this nature. Gigolo? Oh. Oh, they're rough and tough but it makes his court in this case sort of official. So my dear spouse, Sammy Bodie, will, I'm sure, have no objections to that man being my partner at the opera especially since he'll charge a fee.
[00:01:27] Unknown:
Are there any more like him in this, company? Of course. Tell me quick where is it? An office on 33
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:02:02] Unknown:
Sammy Brodie's magnum opus. Clients don't often arrive without a previous telephone call and, well, I wondered if Mrs Brodie wasn't perhaps an old client whose name had eluded me for the moment. However, when she was ushered in, I was quite sure I'd never seen her before. She was what Sam Goldwyn must dream about when his nights are peaceful a tall willowy blonde with soft creamy skin stretched over a perfect figure draped exquisitely by a priceless couturier. Her hair swept down to her shoulders in rivulets of spun gold and her eyes flashed a deep blue smile at me as her red lips parted to reveal even white teeth in a healthy grin. Meg Brodie didn't have to be a mind reader to know what I was thinking. She spoke and The tension snapped. I I expelled my breath like a harpoon squid.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Hello. Do I disturb you? Well,
[00:03:08] Unknown:
well, I've never quite seen anyone like you before. Not close-up, that is.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Is that meant to be a compliment, Mr Mason? Oh yes.
[00:03:16] Unknown:
Well, no. Well, yes, I suppose so. Do forgive me, Mrs Brodie. I I was a little taken aback. Won't you have a chair? Thank you. Tea?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
No, thank you, Mr Mason. Not tea.
[00:03:33] Unknown:
Well, well, well Yeah. A cocktail perhaps. Or or is it a little early for you? 09:00 in the morning. Early.
[00:03:41] Unknown:
It's never too early for cocktails. Can you mix a clover club? Yes. I think so.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Gin, white of an egg, dash of bitters, half a tot of grenadine, crushed ice. How's that? Fine. Oh, I won't be a sec. Perhaps you'd care to tell me the purpose of your visit while I mix the drink? Certainly.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
I'm looking for an escort. A male escort.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
What sort of escort?
[00:04:07] Unknown:
I just told
[00:04:09] Unknown:
you. A male one. Now what I mean is,
[00:04:12] Unknown:
well, where is he to escort you to? The opera for a start. Tonight. Gavin Garden. The Barber of Seville.
[00:04:20] Unknown:
With Gallioni in the lead, though I'd like very much to escort you myself, Mrs Brodie.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
You're not quite what I had in mind.
[00:04:29] Unknown:
Never. Well, whom did you have in mind then, madam?
[00:04:32] Unknown:
Dirk Dyer.
[00:04:33] Unknown:
One of my operators. So I've been reliably informed. I see him.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Well, tell me, have you met Dirk Dyer before?
[00:04:43] Unknown:
No, but I've seen him. Oh, that will do perfectly. Thank you. Cheers.
[00:04:50] Unknown:
Cheers. You know, I should warn you that Dirk Dyer is no patron of the arts.
[00:04:58] Unknown:
I want a man, not a maestro.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
Oh, well, in that case you've probably chosen wisely. Dirk Dyer is certainly a man. Of course, all my operators have the right to refuse any assignment. What I mean is Dyer might not be too happy about the opera. He'll be coming with me. 'Yes, of course. Oh, you you can rest assured that there'll be no complications as far as Dahl is concerned.
[00:05:22] Unknown:
Tell him I I have a private box.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
I rather fancy that he'll require no more inducement than that supplied by his big brown eyes. What time and where, Mrs Brodie?
[00:05:34] Unknown:
'Call me Meg. Everyone does. Even my husband.'
[00:05:39] Unknown:
'Yes, your your husband. You are still, well, what I mean to say is ' 'Yes.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
I'm still married. I have my husband's permission to gauge an escort preferably a professional one which is why I came to you. My husband never goes to the opera you say 'Were you introduced to us, Mrs Brodie?
[00:05:57] Unknown:
'Nah, Meg, I, I don't recollect ever having worked for your husband before.' oh, I should hope not.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
My husband, Mr Mason, is the infamous Sammy Brodie, notorious muscle man and international gunster.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
I should have guessed it the moment this fair weather came through on the intercom. Triumph hardly ever arrived without a prior telephone call. It was her perfume that first held Miss Spellbound. That and the fact that her hair was as jet black as Meg Bodie's had been golden yellow. She smiled without showing her teeth. A low sigh breathed in her throat as her green eyes swept over me. For some reason my tongue clung to the roof of my mouth and I suddenly knew that Marc Anthony just couldn't have helped himself. Men hasn't devised a defence against this.
As she melted into the chair she spoke slowly and evenly so that I mistook the meaning of her first remark.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
'Joan Darling.'
[00:07:17] Unknown:
Oh oh, hello 'You're Robbery Mason?' Yes, that's right. And you're Joan? 'Darling.' oh, Joan Darling. Oh yes, of course. Joan Darling. Mrs Darling.' 'Yes.' 'I don't think we've met before.' oh, we haven't.
[00:07:35] Unknown:
A friend of mine recommended you,
[00:07:37] Unknown:
Meg Brodie.' 'Meg Brodie? But she's just left here a few minutes ago. Yes, I know. Oh, I see. Did you know she was coming this morning? I knew she'd been here. Clover Club Cocktails. Oh,
[00:07:51] Unknown:
you know her drinking habits then? And not only her drinking habits, Yarby. Tell me, why is she successful with that heavy brown eyed muscle man? What's his name? Duck Dyer. That's the one.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Well? Well, if you mean that she engages services, yes.
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Mad on muscle, ma'am. That's Meg. No taste. No refinement. It's a common ailment with blondes. Don't you think so, Aubrey?
[00:08:19] Unknown:
Well, I I haven't thought about it.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
I'm sure you must be wrong. Not as far as Meg Brodie is concerned. However, let's not dwell on Meg Brodie although she must have impressed you for you to have offered her a cocktail at nine in the morning. Not so, Aubrey.
[00:08:36] Unknown:
Well, not as much as you've impressed me, Joan. In fact, so enchanted was I that I I forgot to offer you anything at all. If I mix you a a clover club, will you forgive me? Not for a clover club
[00:08:51] Unknown:
but for, dry martini. Well,
[00:08:55] Unknown:
an amnesty.' 'In two shakes of a lamb's tail.'
[00:08:59] Unknown:
don't you want to know why I came?'
[00:09:02] Unknown:
well, I I didn't offer a cocktail actually. I I offered her tea. She declared a preference for a cocktail and asked me if I knew how to prepare a clover club.
[00:09:11] Unknown:
I suspect she was trying me out.' the pig! But then blondes are always trying something on even if it's only in a dress shop. You didn't answer my question.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Well, I I don't need to. You've got permission from your husband to engage an escort to take you to the opera because your husband doesn't ever go to the opera and well, you heard about assignments unlimited from your friend Mrs. McBodrie and well, you've decided to come along and see if there was another operator available.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
Wrong. Wrong. I came along to see if you were available. Well? Alternate? Was Oh, yes.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Yes, yes, yes, of course. And, and honour Missus, darling
[00:10:01] Unknown:
Either use Joan or drop the Missus. Do we even guess how much? Cheers.
[00:10:09] Unknown:
Cheers.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
Ah, delicious. I think I'm going to enjoy this evening. Well, I'm sure I am. How simply marvellous to have a gentleman for company for a change. I'm married, to a gorilla, Aubrey. Oh, then, then, your husband is also a gangster. Like like legs, I mean.' oh, she told you. Yes. Mine too.' 'But you do have permission.' 'Not really. No. No, I I think it would be truthful to say that, I definitely do not have permission.' Well, then do you think it's wise? I mean 'Wise? Oh yes, Aubrey. My husband is the celebrated Fingers darling, professional embezzler. Oh, no free Wanted by the police on two continents. Nobody knows where he is. Not even you. Of course I know where he is. At the moment he's in, South America somewhere.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
South America? Well, I mean, that's a long way, missus, Joan.
[00:11:08] Unknown:
Yes. Isn't it, Aubrey?
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Would you like another cocktail?
[00:11:12] Unknown:
I'd love one.
[00:11:15] Unknown:
Oh, fingers. You can open up. It's me, Sammy. Sammy Roadie? Well, it ain't Sammy Davis Junior. Oh, I love you, mate. You've got everything? Yeah. Everything. Hang on. That's a bit better. Oh, Fingers. You've been comfortable? Yeah. Great. Did you bring the champagne and kevvy? Yeah. Right there in the bucket. Now where'd you eat that stuff? It was half an oxen. It'd be freeze. When you got half a million stashed away like I have, you get used to the good things in life, like, junk, for instance. You ain't got a bad prophecy yourself, Sammy. The only difference is you can get to see in yours. Yeah. I know you must feel fingers, Thunder. Well, I'd like to help you out. Believe me, but you must see how it is. I can't have anyone outside the mob know the existence of this either way. You must admit that with the exception of Popsies, it's some other way. I admit it. Yes. Yes. Luxury flat hidden inside at East End Garage. Yeah. Only you could think of a thing like that, Sammy.
Well, you get stuck into the covey, well, arguably the griff. Yeah. Did you see Joan? No. I didn't, but Meg did. How is she? Oh, great. Just great. Cool. Funny. I could leave here for one night. Just one night. Well, he will be leaving tonight, hey? Well, fairy god, might they granted your wish. You mean the job's on tonight? Yeah. It's just what I do mean. Now you listen here. My wife, Meg is going to the opera tonight with another fallacy. Now don't get it wrong, though. I'm stacking up an alibi for tonight that I'll be out of town in the Midlands. Oh. Meg going to the opera with another bloke adds up to it. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, no Parker would be crazy enough to filter my popsy if I was in town. Yeah. Mine neither. Well, yours doesn't come into it, does she? She spread the rumor around that you're in South America. The Peelers are beginning to believe you really are. Anyway, you're as safe here as you would be in South America. Except that I can't see Joan. Oh, no. No. Not that again. Don't you be patient? Oh. There's half a million in this for you if you play it right. Twenty years inside if you play it wrong. Oh, I know you're right, Sammy, but Oh. If I could just see her once Yeah. You already said that. When you get to South America, you can send for her.
Now tell me about the arrangements. Well, we spring them up from Pentonville at 10:30 sharp. Why so early? Well, such your seaplane can be well out over the Atlantic before dawn. Oh, yeah. And the three of us going with you and they have to come from the pen, get down to Leon C, pick up the motor launch, and cruise up to the plane. Yeah. She's lying off the roads over from the artillery target practice area, and we're hoping that when she starts up, any snooper will reckon she's a military plane. Get it? Oh, yeah. If anything goes wrong, though, we'll have our job finding you out over the Atlantic in the pitch dark. Alright?
Sounds alright. And you say Meg is out with some other fella? Hand me to the opera fingers. Just the opera. You know, I can trust my Meg fingers. I wish I could say the same for Joan, Sammy. I wish I could say the same.
[00:14:01] Unknown:
But if I ever do catch her with another fella, I'd slit his throat from ear to ear. Ear to ear, Sammy. I unashamedly confess that I was overboard for the darling woman. Reflecting on her and the golden blonde Maid Brodie, I wondered how such delectable creatures could wind up as gangsters mauls. But, of course, it was money. I remember the newspaper story about Fingers Darling. He was one of the Harrow Bank Robbers and wanted by the police. The rest of the mob were behind bars, three of them, and the story was that they got away with a cool 2,000,000. Only Darling was at large, and he was said to be in South America.
Indeed, I genuinely believed him to be there since his own wife had told me as much. Two hours to go before I picked up Joan Darling at her flat. I found myself wondering what
[00:14:54] Unknown:
she
[00:14:57] Unknown:
was
[00:14:59] Unknown:
doing. Hello. Meg. Joan here. Joan darling. Meg, you're purring like a kitten.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
Am I pet all?
[00:15:16] Unknown:
I suppose I am. Did you manage to rock your He Man? Dirk Dirk down, isn't it? Of course. I'm a very persuasive woman. You know that. What I mean is have you spoken to him?
[00:15:29] Unknown:
Not for the last twenty minutes. Speech seemed superfluous.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
Meg, you haven't gotten there in your flat.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Right here with me. Oh, he's a donors, Paris, Hercules and Gregory Peck, Oh, he's a donus, Paris,
[00:15:50] Unknown:
Hercules, and Gregory Peck all rolled into one. Oh, careful. I made precious, Sammy wouldn't like that. Sammy's in the Midlands. Oh, you know, that's only a front.
[00:15:56] Unknown:
But an important front. He mustn't be seen around here for today at least. Sammy's got a thousand dollars. Oh, now you've been theatrical or jealous. Uh-uh. The creature's stirring. I must ring off. I think he's gonna wake up.
[00:16:11] Unknown:
Goodbye, dear.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
Good luck.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Got everything, fingers? Yeah. The rope's nylon now. Don't look too strong. It's twice the strength of our bend. I hope you're right. That wall's 60 feet high, you know? Don't worry. You'll be okay. Let's run over the routine. We've got a few minutes. Alright. The cylinders of the Elgas have already been smuggled into the pen. Uh-huh. There's 12 of them placed around the prison, and at our past ten, twelve trustees will set them off. Alright. In two minutes, every man jack in the prison will be sleeping his head off. Even those who don't mean to go to sleep. Except for the corner wall guard. He's in the open. Fresh air. I'll fix him on the wall. Yeah. We've chloroformed fingers, not with a knife. Well, does it matter as long as he's fixed? It matters a lot. We don't want a murder rap hanging over us. Alright.
I'll use chloroform. I just hope it's enough. That's all. Yeah. So do our fingers for your sake. Do you wanna take a look at the route? No. No need. It's all in me nogging. No, it all by heart. You will just check the last part. We wait in the car at the top end of our street off the road. Yeah. It's the most important part. Nobody ever guess that we'd take that route. A top end of our street. Remember, off the road. Let's go.
[00:17:53] Unknown:
Your Russian man just couldn't take any more of you. What? Oh, I I'm sorry. I was engrossed with Gallioni.
[00:18:00] Unknown:
I suppose it is possible to have too much culture.
[00:18:03] Unknown:
I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you. On the contrary, Aubrey.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
This afternoon was wonderful. I was referring to your operator, Dirk Dyer. He's left the opera. Dyer? Just this minute. Look across. Their box is empty. Golly only is a far cry from Elvis Presley. Dyer is a Beatles fan. I want to be cared about them. Not a freak. I mean, unless your operator has some further use for you. You'll be in vague, Joe. Come on. Then I'll be blunt. Nick Brodie got permission from her husband to hire an escort for the upper. Just the upper. I happen to know that your man, Dirk Dyer, has performed his duties rather overzealously. Prompted a little perspicacity and acumen is a good thing in any enterprise.
But if that great gorilla, Sammy Brodie, ever found out that Dirk Dada called at three for a 07:00 date with Meg, he might start to snort. If it just happens to be mentioned to him that the escort lift before the performance was over, he might bellow like a ball. And, Aubrey, mister Sammy Brodie is an awfully vindictive and awfully tough Gexpert.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
For me and I have to leave this delightful opera to play nanny to that great hunk of a man die. Or better a nanny than a paw bearer. So
[00:19:25] Unknown:
or Patch wouldn't come again. Any time after the lists. Lists? You know, that sounds like a medieval joust. The passenger lists on aircraft arriving from South America. I check them every day to see if my, devoted husband has braved the tentacles of Interpol to be by my side. But would it be wise for him to return? It would be plain fool, are they? But men are often fools, sober women. That's so rude.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Yes. They are. What will we get again? You're after Dyer.
[00:19:57] Unknown:
As if we're a door you'll concede. Come on. Open the box door, Dyer.
[00:20:08] Unknown:
Do they They're still in the fire. Oh, no chance of that. They'll have left already. But they'd have to ring for a cab. Let Brodie.
[00:20:14] Unknown:
Her husband is as rich as Crease's. She always travels about London in a chauffeur driven car. Oh, it has many advantages. No parking problems. No waiting. No and, of course, her husband uses it too so it's probably just as well that it's bulletproof. Well, would they go back to her flat? Oh, I don't think so. They spent the afternoon there after all. Both by now must wish for a change of decor. I think I know where she'll take him. A private club on the other side of town. I've been there often. Always with, Fingers, of course. Well, do you think we should visit your old haunts? I don't think we have to worry over much. South America is so far away and Fingers is not a complete idiot but Sammy Brodie is only in the Midlands.
[00:20:57] Unknown:
See what I mean? Yes. Yes. Of course. Then I'll ring for a cab.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
Where is this club? It's at the top end Of Argyll Street off the Graysend Road.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
Here we are. Right on time, Sammy. Yeah. Well driven fingers. What's it feel like to be behind a wheel again after being cooped up in my secret flat? Like a bird out of a cage. Yeah. Yeah. How's the top end of Argyle Street coming up now? Where should I fall? Just where he turns into the Gray's End Road. Oh, they'll do. Right. Now we got ten minutes. Yeah. The others will be along soon. We must look suspicious to a Bobby on the beat. Yeah. Dirty peelers. You're a semi. Ain't that your car parked up that Road there? Yeah. Yeah. So it is. What's she doing here? Old mega, I suppose. She always sexed it out of night, complete with drama. Yeah. But why here?
She don't know nothing about this log, does she? Use your loaf. It's our Guard Street, ain't it? The Penguin Club, remember? You've been here often enough. Oh, oh, yeah. Yeah. Of course. Penguin. Does she come often alone? She'll have an escort, Brewer. Oh, yeah. Yeah. You told me, didn't you? She was going to the opera with another fellow to clinch your alibi. Opera Opera must have come out early. Yeah. I suppose so. Ain't you worried? Now why should I be? What makes a beautiful woman? Well, so is John. Yeah. She's a town. Oh, turn the window down. Is that in here? Yeah. Okay.
A taxi. So what else for the club, I suppose? Yeah. I suppose to know.
[00:22:34] Unknown:
Oh, Aubrey. You're priceless.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
You're not fingers. Shut up. You know, what's the matter of your nose? I said shut up. Over the road, York, darling. Fingers. Where are you going? Fingers. Fingers. Look up. He's got a knife. Oh, it's my husband. Alright. You've got it coming to me. No. You are.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
You killed him?
[00:23:03] Unknown:
No. I haven't. You just have a sore head for a few days.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
I wonder who brought in here. They've driven off? Your list system wasn't very effective, was it? No. Such an unreliable place, South America. I'm sure dear Fingers will be much safer in Pentonville Prison. 'Safe from whom?' 'Didn't you know? Fingers was most indiscreet. He visited Meg Brodie one day when Sammy was in the Midlands. I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if Sammy didn't try to get his own back on Fingers
[00:23:39] Unknown:
one day ' Yes, Sammy Brody did get his own back on the little Imbezzler Fingers, darling. Well, there was no prison break planned. The whole thing was a frame up engineered by Sammy, and the underworld could never point a finger at him and accuse him of being a stool pigeon. Fingers brought the trouble on himself when he attacked me in a fit of jealous rage. The police recovered the stolen money and Fingers went to join his cronies in prison. And what happened to Joan Darling? Well, the last I heard of her, she was with Sammy Brodie in the Midlands.
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the post. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
Darling, I don't look now but heaven has just entered the side entrance by the gents headstone. I know. I saw him first. It would be unladylike to call you a liar so I restrict myself to a simple phooey. And anyway, we can only have escorts that our husbands approve of. That gorgeous hunk of masculinity makes Rock Hudson look like Frankenstein. So, what chance do you think you'll have me darling? Are you insinuating that my husband's jealous? Yes. You're right. Then I suggest that you forget all about him and leave him to me. You're wrong.
[00:01:05] Unknown:
I happen to know that that fabulous man works for an offbeat company that specialises in doing odd jobs of this nature. Gigolo? Oh. Oh, they're rough and tough but it makes his court in this case sort of official. So my dear spouse, Sammy Bodie, will, I'm sure, have no objections to that man being my partner at the opera especially since he'll charge a fee.
[00:01:27] Unknown:
Are there any more like him in this, company? Of course. Tell me quick where is it? An office on 33
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:02:02] Unknown:
Sammy Brodie's magnum opus. Clients don't often arrive without a previous telephone call and, well, I wondered if Mrs Brodie wasn't perhaps an old client whose name had eluded me for the moment. However, when she was ushered in, I was quite sure I'd never seen her before. She was what Sam Goldwyn must dream about when his nights are peaceful a tall willowy blonde with soft creamy skin stretched over a perfect figure draped exquisitely by a priceless couturier. Her hair swept down to her shoulders in rivulets of spun gold and her eyes flashed a deep blue smile at me as her red lips parted to reveal even white teeth in a healthy grin. Meg Brodie didn't have to be a mind reader to know what I was thinking. She spoke and The tension snapped. I I expelled my breath like a harpoon squid.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Hello. Do I disturb you? Well,
[00:03:08] Unknown:
well, I've never quite seen anyone like you before. Not close-up, that is.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Is that meant to be a compliment, Mr Mason? Oh yes.
[00:03:16] Unknown:
Well, no. Well, yes, I suppose so. Do forgive me, Mrs Brodie. I I was a little taken aback. Won't you have a chair? Thank you. Tea?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
No, thank you, Mr Mason. Not tea.
[00:03:33] Unknown:
Well, well, well Yeah. A cocktail perhaps. Or or is it a little early for you? 09:00 in the morning. Early.
[00:03:41] Unknown:
It's never too early for cocktails. Can you mix a clover club? Yes. I think so.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Gin, white of an egg, dash of bitters, half a tot of grenadine, crushed ice. How's that? Fine. Oh, I won't be a sec. Perhaps you'd care to tell me the purpose of your visit while I mix the drink? Certainly.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
I'm looking for an escort. A male escort.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
What sort of escort?
[00:04:07] Unknown:
I just told
[00:04:09] Unknown:
you. A male one. Now what I mean is,
[00:04:12] Unknown:
well, where is he to escort you to? The opera for a start. Tonight. Gavin Garden. The Barber of Seville.
[00:04:20] Unknown:
With Gallioni in the lead, though I'd like very much to escort you myself, Mrs Brodie.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
You're not quite what I had in mind.
[00:04:29] Unknown:
Never. Well, whom did you have in mind then, madam?
[00:04:32] Unknown:
Dirk Dyer.
[00:04:33] Unknown:
One of my operators. So I've been reliably informed. I see him.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Well, tell me, have you met Dirk Dyer before?
[00:04:43] Unknown:
No, but I've seen him. Oh, that will do perfectly. Thank you. Cheers.
[00:04:50] Unknown:
Cheers. You know, I should warn you that Dirk Dyer is no patron of the arts.
[00:04:58] Unknown:
I want a man, not a maestro.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
Oh, well, in that case you've probably chosen wisely. Dirk Dyer is certainly a man. Of course, all my operators have the right to refuse any assignment. What I mean is Dyer might not be too happy about the opera. He'll be coming with me. 'Yes, of course. Oh, you you can rest assured that there'll be no complications as far as Dahl is concerned.
[00:05:22] Unknown:
Tell him I I have a private box.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
I rather fancy that he'll require no more inducement than that supplied by his big brown eyes. What time and where, Mrs Brodie?
[00:05:34] Unknown:
'Call me Meg. Everyone does. Even my husband.'
[00:05:39] Unknown:
'Yes, your your husband. You are still, well, what I mean to say is ' 'Yes.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
I'm still married. I have my husband's permission to gauge an escort preferably a professional one which is why I came to you. My husband never goes to the opera you say 'Were you introduced to us, Mrs Brodie?
[00:05:57] Unknown:
'Nah, Meg, I, I don't recollect ever having worked for your husband before.' oh, I should hope not.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
My husband, Mr Mason, is the infamous Sammy Brodie, notorious muscle man and international gunster.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
I should have guessed it the moment this fair weather came through on the intercom. Triumph hardly ever arrived without a prior telephone call. It was her perfume that first held Miss Spellbound. That and the fact that her hair was as jet black as Meg Bodie's had been golden yellow. She smiled without showing her teeth. A low sigh breathed in her throat as her green eyes swept over me. For some reason my tongue clung to the roof of my mouth and I suddenly knew that Marc Anthony just couldn't have helped himself. Men hasn't devised a defence against this.
As she melted into the chair she spoke slowly and evenly so that I mistook the meaning of her first remark.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
'Joan Darling.'
[00:07:17] Unknown:
Oh oh, hello 'You're Robbery Mason?' Yes, that's right. And you're Joan? 'Darling.' oh, Joan Darling. Oh yes, of course. Joan Darling. Mrs Darling.' 'Yes.' 'I don't think we've met before.' oh, we haven't.
[00:07:35] Unknown:
A friend of mine recommended you,
[00:07:37] Unknown:
Meg Brodie.' 'Meg Brodie? But she's just left here a few minutes ago. Yes, I know. Oh, I see. Did you know she was coming this morning? I knew she'd been here. Clover Club Cocktails. Oh,
[00:07:51] Unknown:
you know her drinking habits then? And not only her drinking habits, Yarby. Tell me, why is she successful with that heavy brown eyed muscle man? What's his name? Duck Dyer. That's the one.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Well? Well, if you mean that she engages services, yes.
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Mad on muscle, ma'am. That's Meg. No taste. No refinement. It's a common ailment with blondes. Don't you think so, Aubrey?
[00:08:19] Unknown:
Well, I I haven't thought about it.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
I'm sure you must be wrong. Not as far as Meg Brodie is concerned. However, let's not dwell on Meg Brodie although she must have impressed you for you to have offered her a cocktail at nine in the morning. Not so, Aubrey.
[00:08:36] Unknown:
Well, not as much as you've impressed me, Joan. In fact, so enchanted was I that I I forgot to offer you anything at all. If I mix you a a clover club, will you forgive me? Not for a clover club
[00:08:51] Unknown:
but for, dry martini. Well,
[00:08:55] Unknown:
an amnesty.' 'In two shakes of a lamb's tail.'
[00:08:59] Unknown:
don't you want to know why I came?'
[00:09:02] Unknown:
well, I I didn't offer a cocktail actually. I I offered her tea. She declared a preference for a cocktail and asked me if I knew how to prepare a clover club.
[00:09:11] Unknown:
I suspect she was trying me out.' the pig! But then blondes are always trying something on even if it's only in a dress shop. You didn't answer my question.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Well, I I don't need to. You've got permission from your husband to engage an escort to take you to the opera because your husband doesn't ever go to the opera and well, you heard about assignments unlimited from your friend Mrs. McBodrie and well, you've decided to come along and see if there was another operator available.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
Wrong. Wrong. I came along to see if you were available. Well? Alternate? Was Oh, yes.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Yes, yes, yes, of course. And, and honour Missus, darling
[00:10:01] Unknown:
Either use Joan or drop the Missus. Do we even guess how much? Cheers.
[00:10:09] Unknown:
Cheers.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
Ah, delicious. I think I'm going to enjoy this evening. Well, I'm sure I am. How simply marvellous to have a gentleman for company for a change. I'm married, to a gorilla, Aubrey. Oh, then, then, your husband is also a gangster. Like like legs, I mean.' oh, she told you. Yes. Mine too.' 'But you do have permission.' 'Not really. No. No, I I think it would be truthful to say that, I definitely do not have permission.' Well, then do you think it's wise? I mean 'Wise? Oh yes, Aubrey. My husband is the celebrated Fingers darling, professional embezzler. Oh, no free Wanted by the police on two continents. Nobody knows where he is. Not even you. Of course I know where he is. At the moment he's in, South America somewhere.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
South America? Well, I mean, that's a long way, missus, Joan.
[00:11:08] Unknown:
Yes. Isn't it, Aubrey?
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Would you like another cocktail?
[00:11:12] Unknown:
I'd love one.
[00:11:15] Unknown:
Oh, fingers. You can open up. It's me, Sammy. Sammy Roadie? Well, it ain't Sammy Davis Junior. Oh, I love you, mate. You've got everything? Yeah. Everything. Hang on. That's a bit better. Oh, Fingers. You've been comfortable? Yeah. Great. Did you bring the champagne and kevvy? Yeah. Right there in the bucket. Now where'd you eat that stuff? It was half an oxen. It'd be freeze. When you got half a million stashed away like I have, you get used to the good things in life, like, junk, for instance. You ain't got a bad prophecy yourself, Sammy. The only difference is you can get to see in yours. Yeah. I know you must feel fingers, Thunder. Well, I'd like to help you out. Believe me, but you must see how it is. I can't have anyone outside the mob know the existence of this either way. You must admit that with the exception of Popsies, it's some other way. I admit it. Yes. Yes. Luxury flat hidden inside at East End Garage. Yeah. Only you could think of a thing like that, Sammy.
Well, you get stuck into the covey, well, arguably the griff. Yeah. Did you see Joan? No. I didn't, but Meg did. How is she? Oh, great. Just great. Cool. Funny. I could leave here for one night. Just one night. Well, he will be leaving tonight, hey? Well, fairy god, might they granted your wish. You mean the job's on tonight? Yeah. It's just what I do mean. Now you listen here. My wife, Meg is going to the opera tonight with another fallacy. Now don't get it wrong, though. I'm stacking up an alibi for tonight that I'll be out of town in the Midlands. Oh. Meg going to the opera with another bloke adds up to it. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, no Parker would be crazy enough to filter my popsy if I was in town. Yeah. Mine neither. Well, yours doesn't come into it, does she? She spread the rumor around that you're in South America. The Peelers are beginning to believe you really are. Anyway, you're as safe here as you would be in South America. Except that I can't see Joan. Oh, no. No. Not that again. Don't you be patient? Oh. There's half a million in this for you if you play it right. Twenty years inside if you play it wrong. Oh, I know you're right, Sammy, but Oh. If I could just see her once Yeah. You already said that. When you get to South America, you can send for her.
Now tell me about the arrangements. Well, we spring them up from Pentonville at 10:30 sharp. Why so early? Well, such your seaplane can be well out over the Atlantic before dawn. Oh, yeah. And the three of us going with you and they have to come from the pen, get down to Leon C, pick up the motor launch, and cruise up to the plane. Yeah. She's lying off the roads over from the artillery target practice area, and we're hoping that when she starts up, any snooper will reckon she's a military plane. Get it? Oh, yeah. If anything goes wrong, though, we'll have our job finding you out over the Atlantic in the pitch dark. Alright?
Sounds alright. And you say Meg is out with some other fella? Hand me to the opera fingers. Just the opera. You know, I can trust my Meg fingers. I wish I could say the same for Joan, Sammy. I wish I could say the same.
[00:14:01] Unknown:
But if I ever do catch her with another fella, I'd slit his throat from ear to ear. Ear to ear, Sammy. I unashamedly confess that I was overboard for the darling woman. Reflecting on her and the golden blonde Maid Brodie, I wondered how such delectable creatures could wind up as gangsters mauls. But, of course, it was money. I remember the newspaper story about Fingers Darling. He was one of the Harrow Bank Robbers and wanted by the police. The rest of the mob were behind bars, three of them, and the story was that they got away with a cool 2,000,000. Only Darling was at large, and he was said to be in South America.
Indeed, I genuinely believed him to be there since his own wife had told me as much. Two hours to go before I picked up Joan Darling at her flat. I found myself wondering what
[00:14:54] Unknown:
she
[00:14:57] Unknown:
was
[00:14:59] Unknown:
doing. Hello. Meg. Joan here. Joan darling. Meg, you're purring like a kitten.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
Am I pet all?
[00:15:16] Unknown:
I suppose I am. Did you manage to rock your He Man? Dirk Dirk down, isn't it? Of course. I'm a very persuasive woman. You know that. What I mean is have you spoken to him?
[00:15:29] Unknown:
Not for the last twenty minutes. Speech seemed superfluous.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
Meg, you haven't gotten there in your flat.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Right here with me. Oh, he's a donors, Paris, Hercules and Gregory Peck, Oh, he's a donus, Paris,
[00:15:50] Unknown:
Hercules, and Gregory Peck all rolled into one. Oh, careful. I made precious, Sammy wouldn't like that. Sammy's in the Midlands. Oh, you know, that's only a front.
[00:15:56] Unknown:
But an important front. He mustn't be seen around here for today at least. Sammy's got a thousand dollars. Oh, now you've been theatrical or jealous. Uh-uh. The creature's stirring. I must ring off. I think he's gonna wake up.
[00:16:11] Unknown:
Goodbye, dear.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
Good luck.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Got everything, fingers? Yeah. The rope's nylon now. Don't look too strong. It's twice the strength of our bend. I hope you're right. That wall's 60 feet high, you know? Don't worry. You'll be okay. Let's run over the routine. We've got a few minutes. Alright. The cylinders of the Elgas have already been smuggled into the pen. Uh-huh. There's 12 of them placed around the prison, and at our past ten, twelve trustees will set them off. Alright. In two minutes, every man jack in the prison will be sleeping his head off. Even those who don't mean to go to sleep. Except for the corner wall guard. He's in the open. Fresh air. I'll fix him on the wall. Yeah. We've chloroformed fingers, not with a knife. Well, does it matter as long as he's fixed? It matters a lot. We don't want a murder rap hanging over us. Alright.
I'll use chloroform. I just hope it's enough. That's all. Yeah. So do our fingers for your sake. Do you wanna take a look at the route? No. No need. It's all in me nogging. No, it all by heart. You will just check the last part. We wait in the car at the top end of our street off the road. Yeah. It's the most important part. Nobody ever guess that we'd take that route. A top end of our street. Remember, off the road. Let's go.
[00:17:53] Unknown:
Your Russian man just couldn't take any more of you. What? Oh, I I'm sorry. I was engrossed with Gallioni.
[00:18:00] Unknown:
I suppose it is possible to have too much culture.
[00:18:03] Unknown:
I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you. On the contrary, Aubrey.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
This afternoon was wonderful. I was referring to your operator, Dirk Dyer. He's left the opera. Dyer? Just this minute. Look across. Their box is empty. Golly only is a far cry from Elvis Presley. Dyer is a Beatles fan. I want to be cared about them. Not a freak. I mean, unless your operator has some further use for you. You'll be in vague, Joe. Come on. Then I'll be blunt. Nick Brodie got permission from her husband to hire an escort for the upper. Just the upper. I happen to know that your man, Dirk Dyer, has performed his duties rather overzealously. Prompted a little perspicacity and acumen is a good thing in any enterprise.
But if that great gorilla, Sammy Brodie, ever found out that Dirk Dada called at three for a 07:00 date with Meg, he might start to snort. If it just happens to be mentioned to him that the escort lift before the performance was over, he might bellow like a ball. And, Aubrey, mister Sammy Brodie is an awfully vindictive and awfully tough Gexpert.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
For me and I have to leave this delightful opera to play nanny to that great hunk of a man die. Or better a nanny than a paw bearer. So
[00:19:25] Unknown:
or Patch wouldn't come again. Any time after the lists. Lists? You know, that sounds like a medieval joust. The passenger lists on aircraft arriving from South America. I check them every day to see if my, devoted husband has braved the tentacles of Interpol to be by my side. But would it be wise for him to return? It would be plain fool, are they? But men are often fools, sober women. That's so rude.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Yes. They are. What will we get again? You're after Dyer.
[00:19:57] Unknown:
As if we're a door you'll concede. Come on. Open the box door, Dyer.
[00:20:08] Unknown:
Do they They're still in the fire. Oh, no chance of that. They'll have left already. But they'd have to ring for a cab. Let Brodie.
[00:20:14] Unknown:
Her husband is as rich as Crease's. She always travels about London in a chauffeur driven car. Oh, it has many advantages. No parking problems. No waiting. No and, of course, her husband uses it too so it's probably just as well that it's bulletproof. Well, would they go back to her flat? Oh, I don't think so. They spent the afternoon there after all. Both by now must wish for a change of decor. I think I know where she'll take him. A private club on the other side of town. I've been there often. Always with, Fingers, of course. Well, do you think we should visit your old haunts? I don't think we have to worry over much. South America is so far away and Fingers is not a complete idiot but Sammy Brodie is only in the Midlands.
[00:20:57] Unknown:
See what I mean? Yes. Yes. Of course. Then I'll ring for a cab.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
Where is this club? It's at the top end Of Argyll Street off the Graysend Road.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
Here we are. Right on time, Sammy. Yeah. Well driven fingers. What's it feel like to be behind a wheel again after being cooped up in my secret flat? Like a bird out of a cage. Yeah. Yeah. How's the top end of Argyle Street coming up now? Where should I fall? Just where he turns into the Gray's End Road. Oh, they'll do. Right. Now we got ten minutes. Yeah. The others will be along soon. We must look suspicious to a Bobby on the beat. Yeah. Dirty peelers. You're a semi. Ain't that your car parked up that Road there? Yeah. Yeah. So it is. What's she doing here? Old mega, I suppose. She always sexed it out of night, complete with drama. Yeah. But why here?
She don't know nothing about this log, does she? Use your loaf. It's our Guard Street, ain't it? The Penguin Club, remember? You've been here often enough. Oh, oh, yeah. Yeah. Of course. Penguin. Does she come often alone? She'll have an escort, Brewer. Oh, yeah. Yeah. You told me, didn't you? She was going to the opera with another fellow to clinch your alibi. Opera Opera must have come out early. Yeah. I suppose so. Ain't you worried? Now why should I be? What makes a beautiful woman? Well, so is John. Yeah. She's a town. Oh, turn the window down. Is that in here? Yeah. Okay.
A taxi. So what else for the club, I suppose? Yeah. I suppose to know.
[00:22:34] Unknown:
Oh, Aubrey. You're priceless.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
You're not fingers. Shut up. You know, what's the matter of your nose? I said shut up. Over the road, York, darling. Fingers. Where are you going? Fingers. Fingers. Look up. He's got a knife. Oh, it's my husband. Alright. You've got it coming to me. No. You are.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
You killed him?
[00:23:03] Unknown:
No. I haven't. You just have a sore head for a few days.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
I wonder who brought in here. They've driven off? Your list system wasn't very effective, was it? No. Such an unreliable place, South America. I'm sure dear Fingers will be much safer in Pentonville Prison. 'Safe from whom?' 'Didn't you know? Fingers was most indiscreet. He visited Meg Brodie one day when Sammy was in the Midlands. I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if Sammy didn't try to get his own back on Fingers
[00:23:39] Unknown:
one day ' Yes, Sammy Brody did get his own back on the little Imbezzler Fingers, darling. Well, there was no prison break planned. The whole thing was a frame up engineered by Sammy, and the underworld could never point a finger at him and accuse him of being a stool pigeon. Fingers brought the trouble on himself when he attacked me in a fit of jealous rage. The police recovered the stolen money and Fingers went to join his cronies in prison. And what happened to Joan Darling? Well, the last I heard of her, she was with Sammy Brodie in the Midlands.
