Bold Venture – Robbery By Joe Ralston. 1951

There’s something about their latest guest in the hotel, Joe Ralston, that Sailor doesn’t like. Slate can’t figure her out, but why is Ralston in town? He finds out soon enough when Ralston robs the cash from the safe. Elsewhere, we find Joe making a deal with Agular to make a hit. At the same time, Sam reports the theft to the police, who find his loss a laughing matter. Slate might usually leave the crime solving to the police, but he now has a vested interest in the crime spree, and he wants his money back.

Poking around town, Slate runs into resistance from others who have it in for Ralston. Will he need to be bailed out of trouble by Sailor? More troubles wait for him when they return to the hotel and news from King Moses.

King Moses recaps the adventure thus far in song. The cops stop by the hotel to confirm that they believe the report that Joe Ralston is a crook. And is even more upset to find the body that has showed up in the hotel. As Slade and Sailor search for the bad guys, the crooks begin to have a falling out. Secrets about the real purpose of the crime ring is revealed, and the depths of their dastardly deeds. Confrontations with Agular find Slate with the upper hand. Fists fly when Slade catches up with Joe.

In epilog, Bogey recreates the rough scene of the capture for Bacall. But will it be as romantic as she hoped?