National Comics #74 is an issue of the series National Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1949.
Synopsis for The Barker: "The Barker Outspiels Snake Oil Sam"
The aptly-named Snake Oil Sam finds out Colonel Lane's Circus is coming to the town where he's currently plying his larcenous trade. When they get set up, he comes by and shows he has a fatter fat lady, a smaller midget, and a bigger giant than the circus. The carnies quickly figure out the truth (the fat lady's a man in a padded suit, the midget's a kid, the giant's a regular guy on stilts) and send Sam packing.
Appearing in The Barker: "The Barker Outspiels Snake Oil Sam"
Featured Characters:
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Antagonists:
- Snake Oil Sam
Other Characters:
Locations:
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Synopsis for Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "The Deadly Ford Brothers"
Appearing in Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "The Deadly Ford Brothers"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Frank Ford
- James Ford
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
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Synopsis for Lassie: "At the Beach"
Appearing in Lassie: "At the Beach"
Featured Characters:
- Lassie
Supporting Characters:
- Roberta
Synopsis for Honeybun: "The Runaway Bus"
Appearing in Honeybun: "The Runaway Bus"
Featured Characters:
- Honeybun
Supporting Characters:
- Miggs
Synopsis for Steve Wood: "Death at the Yachting Party"
Steve Wood, waterfront detective, is hired by reclusive millionaire Lindley to attend a yacht party, as he suspects strange goings on because of his cook Luigi's weird behavior. On his way out with Sally to hit the party Steve blows off Inspector Flanagan actually asking for his help for once, with news of a diamond smuggling ring. On Lindley's yacht, the Pastime, Steve and Sally learn Luigi jumped overboard. It could've been suicide...but it could've also been murder.
At 2 AM, Steve's unable to sleep with his nerves on end about the case. He notices another ship signalling to the Pastime and slips out to see if he can find out was being signaled. Quickly he finds out it was Baillie, the head steward on board. Sneaking after him, the private dick overhears Baillie make contact with a criminal and learns Luigi was killed because he found out about the crooked dealings too. After punching out and cuffing Baillie, Steve checks the satchel he received and finds it full of diamonds, realizing Baillie was serving as the go-between for the diamond smugglers. After forcing him to make contact with the group he was handing off the ice to, Steve goes there in his stead, and gets attacked, but Inspector Flanagan and the police are right behind Steve. With the case cracked, Lindley invites Steve and Sally for a trip on his yacht...strictly for relaxation this time.
Appearing in Steve Wood: "Death at the Yachting Party"
Featured Characters:
- Steve Wood, Waterfront Detective
Supporting Characters:
- Sally, secretary
- Inspector Flanagan
Notes
- Last issue for Alice Kirkpatrick art on Steve Wood, replaced next issue by Al McWilliams
See Also