Originally Aired: February 23, 1956
Johnny Dollar #334, "The Bennet Matter Ep 4,"
Johnny returns to San Francisco where the arson trial against George Foley is underway, but insurance investigator Andrew Cord worries they haven't yet connected Foley to their real target: Arnold Bennett. Despite compelling evidence, Defense attorney Jake Eggleston, described as one of the best in the business, threatens to derail the prosecution's case. Johnny takes the stand and delivers crucial testimony linking Foley to the Bennett building fire through his signature method of arson using a paraffin-soaked wick stuffed with celluloid. He details how paint smudges and metal filings found on Foley's clothing match samples from the building, and how witnesses placed Foley at the scene.
The testimony reaches a critical moment when Johnny reveals that Bennett's niece, Elizabeth Bennett, informed him that her uncle hired Foley to torch the building for insurance money. Defense counsel Eggleston aggressively contests every point, attempting to get Johnny's remarks stricken from the record. As the case goes to the jury, Cord expresses his concern that without a conviction against Foley, their case against Bennett will crumble, potentially leaving them liable for the insurance claim.