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The Marlowe Files

Presented by OTRPODS

Welcome to The Marlow Files, a show that brings you classic noir detective stories from the golden age of radio. Rediscover the hard-boiled world of Raymond Chandler's iconic private eye through these re-broadcasts of the beloved radio program. First airing in 1947, The Adventures of Philip Marlowe became one of radio's most celebrated detective series, known for its sharp dialogue, atmospheric storytelling, and compelling mysteries. Follow Philip Marlowe, brought to life by talented radio actors, as he navigates the mean streets of Los Angeles, solving cases that take him from penthouses to dive bars, uncovering secrets, lies, and deadly schemes along the way. What sets Philip Marlowe apart is its noir atmosphere, witty narration, and complex plots that keep you guessing until the very end. Each episode delivers a complete mystery filled with memorable characters, dangerous dames, and the kind of tough-talking detective work that defined the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of old-time radio or discovering these classic mysteries for the first time, The Adventures of Philip Marlowe promises to deliver suspenseful entertainment and a nostalgic journey through one of radio's most iconic detective series. Tune in and let the mysteries of Philip Marlowe captivate your imagination.

198 episodes

  1. Muddy Murder Case

    Sep 28, 2026 · 26 min

    Originally Aired: July 4, 1950 Philo Vance #104, "Muddy Murder Case," District Attorney Markham presents Philo Vance with a seemingly impossible puzzle: racket leader John Williams has been shot dead in his country house, which was completely surrounded by mud from yesterday's rain. The killer left no footprints, making the murder appear impossible. Williams had recently split from his criminal partners, Sam Foster and Whitey Morrow, giving both men clear motives. When Whitey Morrow is gunned down in a subway station by Foster's slow-witted henchman Oscar, the dying gangster insists he didn't kill Williams and couldn't have figured out how to commit such an ingenious crime. Vance must now determine whether the smooth and calculating Sam Foster is behind both attacks, and more importantly, solve the central mystery: how could someone kill Williams without leaving a single footprint in the mud surrounding his isolated house? As Foster relaxes with his girlfriend Judy, confident that no evidence connects him to the crimes, Vance prepares to visit the house of mystery and unravel this seemingly impossible murder.

  2. Argyle Murder Case

    Sep 27, 2026 · 26 min

    Originally Aired: June 27, 1950 Philo Vance #103, "Argyle Murder Case," a mysterious body is discovered by ferry boat deckhands Danny and Joey during their 3 a.m. run. The victim has been shot and is dressed head to toe in brand new clothing - a blue suit, black shoes, shirt, and tie - but wears brown argyle socks that don't match. District Attorney Markham and amateur detective Philo Vance examine the corpse in the morgue, where Vance deduces that the mismatched socks are the key to the victim's identity. He theorizes the killer dressed the body in new clothes to prevent identification but forgot to replace the socks. From the woolen argyle pattern and a loose tie clasp, Vance concludes the victim habitually wore tweeds and woolen ties, leading him to a theatrical company. Vance confronts Mr. Starr, owner of a dramatic troupe, and identifies the dead man as John Stanley, a missing actor who supposedly quit show business. As Vance questions Starr about the murder and announces his intention to make the killer nervous by revealing what he knows, a woman named Lila Martin arrives at Vance's residence with information that may crack the case wide open.

  3. Prize Ring Murder Case

    Sep 26, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: June 20, 1950 Philo Vance #102, "Prize Ring Murder Case," When lightweight fighter Joey Martin refuses gambler Phil Terrace's cryptic proposition in his dressing room, Terrace's thug Clumpy knocks him out with a blackjack. The next night, with his manager Pop Manning and girlfriend Honey Collins cheering him on, Joey enters the ring with thirty-five grand riding on his victory. But between rounds, chaos erupts when a coordinated attack involving a gunshot and a knife leaves Pop Manning stabbed to death at ringside. District Attorney Markham and Philo Vance witness the confusion firsthand from their seats in the packed arena. Honey Collins arrives at Markham's office convinced that Pop was killed by mistake, insisting that gambler Phil Terrace intended to murder Joey instead. She explains that Pop took Joey's place for a split second when Joey jumped up early at the bell, making him the accidental victim of a perfectly timed attack. While Vance agrees Pop's death was likely an error, he puzzles over why anyone would risk killing a manager in front of fifteen thousand witnesses, suggesting there's more to this case than a simple mistaken identity.

  4. Full Dress Murder Case

    Sep 25, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: June 13, 1950 Philo Vance #101, "Full Dress Murder Case," When Officer Riley and hotel clerk Mr. Gorham discover a body in evening clothes behind some ash cans at midnight, the mystery deepens considerably. The deceased is identified as Boxcar Charlie, a down-and-out derelict who stays at Gorham's cheap hotel whenever he can scrape together a buck for a room. District Attorney Markham arrives on the scene with detective Philo Vance, who examines the stabbed victim and astonishingly claims he already knows where to find a clue to the killer's identity. While Markham remains skeptical about Vance's rapid deductions, the detective sets off to investigate a series of diners around town. Meanwhile, at one such diner, two criminals named George and Willie discuss their deadly deed. They killed Boxcar Charlie because he walked in at the wrong time and overheard something that threatened their elaborate plans. As they nervously debate whether anyone can trace the murder back to them, Vance methodically works his way through local diners, searching for the particular establishment that holds the key to solving this full-dress murder.

  5. The Alibi Murder Case

    Sep 24, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: June 6, 1950 Philo Vance #100, "The Alibi Murder Case," Philo Vance finds himself in District Attorney Markham's office at precisely 11 o'clock at night, waiting for a mysterious phone call that supposedly could save someone's life. When John Green of the Whitmere Apartments calls in a panic, claiming he's in terrible trouble, he's cut off mid-conversation by what sounds like gunshots. Vance and Markham rush to investigate what appears to be a carefully orchestrated murder. Soon after, a conversation in a public library reveals the shocking truth: Lucy Green and Edward Lee, a tenant in the building, are romantically involved and have somehow managed to kill John Green while both maintaining perfect alibis for the exact time of death. The case becomes more complicated when young Bill Steadman, who has been losing thousands of dollars to Eddie Lee in gin rummy games, comes to Vance with accusations against Lee. Despite Steadman's insistence that Lee is the murderer, Vance faces a seemingly impossible problem: Edward Lee has an ironclad alibi, confirmed by neighbors who place him elsewhere at the moment Markham heard the fatal shots over the telephone. Now Vance must unravel how a murder was committed when the killer couldn't possibly have been present.

  6. The Whirlaround Murder Case

    Sep 23, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: May 30, 1950 Philo Vance #99, "The Whirlaround Murder Case," opens with a chilling threat as Betty, one half of a pair of Siamese twins, vows to kill carnival concessionaire Whitey Rand. Betty believes she can commit the perfect crime because the law cannot punish her without also punishing her innocent sister Letty. When Rand turns up dead with a broken neck on the carnival midway, District Attorney Markham calls in Philo Vance to investigate. The brilliant detective learns from carnival owner Bryce that Rand had been romancing Sally Miller, much to the displeasure of both the Siamese twins and Crando, the carnival strongman who wanted to marry Sally himself. As Vance begins his investigation, both Sally and Crando have fled the carnival, making them appear guilty. Sally eventually turns herself in to Markham, revealing that Betty had openly threatened Whitey's life. With Betty's pre-meditated threat now on record and her unique situation making her seemingly immune to prosecution, Vance must untangle a web of jealousy, carnival intrigue, and an apparently unpunishable suspect to solve this unusual murder case.

  7. The Money Machine Murder Case

    Sep 22, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 23, 1950 Philo Vance #98, "The Money Machine Murder Case," A con man named Joe Crane demonstrates an ingenious swindle for the wealthy Mrs. Willoughby, showing her a machine that seemingly converts blank paper into genuine dollar bills. After she marks the paper with her initials and watches it emerge as real currency, she eagerly pays him ten thousand dollars for the device. However, when the machine fails to work, she contacts District Attorney Markham to report the fraud. Meanwhile, Crane's partner Sniffy Edwards arrives demanding either his cut of the money or the return of the machine. When Crane claims he no longer has either, a violent confrontation erupts that leaves Sniffy dead from a knife wound. When a farmer discovers Sniffy's body, Philo Vance accompanies Markham to the scene. Ever observant, Vance notices something peculiar about the victim's thick-soled shoes and discovers a diagram of the money-making machine hidden inside. Recognizing the connection to Mrs. Willoughby's complaint, Vance and Markham set out to find Joe Crane, who is hastily preparing to flee town with his accomplice Jeannie and the stolen ten thousand dollars.

  8. The Manicure Murder Case

    Sep 21, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 16, 1950 Philo Vance #97, "The Manicure Murder Case," begins with a frantic young manicurist rushing through traffic to find a police officer. She works in a nearby barbershop where a strange and unsettling scene has just unfolded. Twenty minutes earlier, a man came in requesting a manicure, but something was terribly wrong. Despite appearing to be in obvious pain and struggling to remain conscious, he urgently insisted she hurry with the service. As she worked on his nails, the mysterious client seemed desperate to stay awake, repeatedly urging her to finish quickly. The situation takes a dark turn when the man suddenly collapses in the chair. The manicurist notices blood on his coat and realizes he's been shot. By the time she manages to bring an officer back to the barbershop, it's too late—the man is dead. The bizarre circumstances surrounding his final moments raise troubling questions: Why would a dying man, bleeding from a gunshot wound, insist on getting a manicure instead of seeking medical help? What was so important about this seemingly mundane errand that he spent his last moments in a barber's chair?

  9. Whistling Murder Case

    Sep 20, 2026 · 24 min

    Originally Aired: May 9, 1950 Philo Vance #96, "Whistling Murder Case," A ruthless killer terrorizes the wealthy by demanding their life savings, leaving victims with an impossible choice: pay everything they own or face murder. When Daniel Stewart refuses to hand over $100,000 to the mysterious extortionist, he and his wife pay the ultimate price. With three victims dead and no witnesses except the haunting sound of whistling before each attack, District Attorney Markham and private investigator Philo Vance find themselves without leads or suspects. The killer strikes without leaving clues, and terrified potential victims are too frightened to contact the authorities. Just as the case seems hopeless, Wilbur Jones arrives at Vance's door in desperation. Threatened with death unless he surrenders $150,000, Jones defies the killer's warning against going to the police and seeks Vance's help instead. In listening to Jones's terrified account, Vance recognizes a crucial detail that provides the first real clue in the investigation. As Vance begins connecting the dots between the victims, he races to unmask the whistling killer before Jones becomes the fourth casualty.

  10. Rooftop Murder Case

    Sep 19, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: May 2, 1950 In Philo Vance #95, "Rooftop Murder Case," what begins as a simple larceny investigation transforms into a murder case when the accused, Joe Somer, is found dead on the street below his rooftop. District Attorney Markham and Philo Vance had been on their way to question Somer about charges of grand larceny brought by his business partner, Alfred Dale, when they arrive to find police already on the scene. An apparent suicide note seems to close the case before it begins, but Vance suspects something more sinister is at play. When Vance carefully examines the rooftop where Somer died, testing various pens and questioning both the widow Mrs. Somer and the accusatory partner Dale, his investigation strikes a nerve with someone dangerous. The case takes a violent turn when an unknown assailant fires a shot at Vance through his window, confirming his suspicions that Joe Somer was murdered. As the investigation deepens, complicated relationships emerge involving Mrs. Somer, a mysterious man named Tony, and a woman named Lila, all tangled in a web of insurance money, romantic entanglements, and conflicting motives that point toward a carefully orchestrated killing disguised as suicide.

  11. Shower Bath Murder Case

    Sep 18, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: April 25, 1950 Philo Vance #94, "Shower Bath Murder Case," opens with a mysterious phone call that sets the stage for murder. Sylvia receives a call from George, who wants to speak with her husband Jim. She puts him off, explaining that Jim is shaving and about to take a shower. George pushes to come over to the house, revealing tension between him and Sylvia, who seems resistant to his attention. George mentions that Jim actually invited him over, but their conversation is suddenly interrupted by urgent pounding at the door. A police officer demands entry, explaining that a scrubbing brush just came flying through a narrow bathroom window into the street. The officer insists on investigating immediately. When they reach the bathroom, they discover Jim dead under circumstances that appear decidedly unnatural. The officer's grim pronouncement leaves Sylvia and the audience with a chilling mystery: How did Jim die in his own shower, and why did a scrubbing brush come flying through the window moments before his body was discovered?

  12. Golden Key Murder Case

    Sep 17, 2026 · 26 min

    Originally Aired: April 18, 1950 Philo Vance #93, "Golden Key Murder Case," Philo Vance returns from a three-day trip to find his secretary Ellen waiting with an unusual delivery: a mysterious golden key that arrived in the mail with no accompanying letter or explanation. Their lighthearted banter about his absence quickly turns dark when Vance enters his private office and makes a chilling discovery—a dead man is sitting at his desk, clutching another golden key in his hand. What begins as a peculiar puzzle transforms into a murder investigation as Vance must determine the identity of the victim and the significance of the matching golden keys. With District Attorney Markham having just called moments before the grim discovery, Vance finds himself pulled into a case that has literally arrived on his doorstep. The enigmatic keys suggest a carefully planned message, but who sent them and why remains a deadly mystery that only Philo Vance can unravel.

  13. Nylon Murder Case

    Sep 16, 2026 · 28 min

    Originally Aired: April 11, 1950 Philo Vance #92, "Nylon Murder Case," District Attorney Markham calls upon Philo Vance to investigate a series of high-society robberies plaguing prominent citizens. A well-organized gang of female thieves has been infiltrating parties and stealing furs, jewelry, and cash from the wealthy elite. The tension within the gang runs deep as Doris and another member clash repeatedly, with leader Grace struggling to maintain control. The situation escalates when Grace reveals she's brought in Sally Jo Russell, a woman wanted by police for murder, to help with their biggest job yet. Meanwhile, Doris successfully executes a solo heist by faking an accident and getting carried into Mrs. Williams' mansion, where she steals a blonde mink coat and escapes through French windows while a policeman calls for an ambulance. When Vance interviews Mrs. Williams during one of her massage sessions with Florette, he learns an important clue: the thief left behind a torn stocking. As tensions within the gang reach a boiling point and nearly turn deadly, Grace must keep her volatile team together long enough to pull off their most ambitious crime.

  14. Mimic Murder Case

    Sep 15, 2026 · 28 min

    Originally Aired: April 4, 1950 Philo Vance #91, "Mimic Murder Case," begins with a nightclub impressionist named Danny demonstrating his remarkable talent to the mysterious Mr. Payne. Danny boasts he can mimic anyone, and after hearing a recording of Philo Vance's radio speech about crime and criminals, he confidently assures Payne that he could impersonate the detective so perfectly "even his mother wouldn't know it wasn't him talking." Payne offers Danny a thousand dollars for the job, with one condition: he must keep quiet about it for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, District Attorney Markham visits Vance to discuss his upcoming trial against Albert Payne, expressing confidence despite limited evidence. The situation takes a dangerous turn when two of Payne's thugs, Steve and Jerry, ambush Vance outside his apartment building as his secretary Ellen departs. Despite Vance putting up a fierce fight, the criminals overpower him and drag him away. As Markham proceeds with prosecuting Albert Payne in court, he receives an urgent phone call from someone claiming to be Philo Vance, requesting an immediate recess in the trial.

  15. Ivory Murder Case

    Sep 14, 2026 · 26 min

    Originally Aired: March 28, 1950 Philo Vance #90, "Ivory Murder Case," a fortune in African ivory leads to murder and deadly secrets. When Joe Hillary returns from an expedition claiming his partner Tom Duncan disappeared in the jungle, Duncan's widow doesn't believe the story, especially since Hillary brought back a fortune in ivory she believes rightfully belongs to her. Her suspicions deepen when Tondo, a native who worked for both men, arrives in America insisting that Hillary murdered Duncan and demanding the ivory be returned to his people. As Philo Vance and District Attorney Markham investigate, tensions escalate and danger mounts. The case grows more complex as Vance interviews the calculating Mrs. Duncan, who frankly admits she wants what she deserves from her late husband's expedition. Meanwhile, Hillary barricades himself in his workshop, seemingly afraid of something or someone. When Tondo confronts Mrs. Duncan with claims he can prove Hillary's guilt, an uneasy alliance forms. Vance and Markham head to Hillary's home seeking answers about what really happened in the African jungle.

  16. Jackpot Murder Case

    Sep 13, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: March 21, 1950 Philo Vance #89, "Jackpot Murder Case," District Attorney Markham brings Philo Vance along to a midnight meeting with an informer named Weeping Willie, who claims to know who killed racketeer Al Laporte. When they arrive at Willie's remote shack in the pouring rain, they discover Willie's body with a knife in his back. Someone got to the informer before he could reveal what he knew. Meanwhile, a criminal named Dave celebrates eliminating both his competition and any witnesses. He's rigged slot machines for a new illegal operation and violently punishes Sam, his educated assistant, when a machine accidentally pays out the jackpot. The case takes a bizarre twist when fingerprints on the murder weapon are identified as belonging to Al Laporte himself—impossible, since Laporte had been dead for twenty-four hours when Willie was killed. As Sam considers going to the authorities after Dave's brutal treatment, and Millie tends to his injuries, Vance and Markham must solve how a dead man's fingerprints ended up on a murder weapon and unravel the connections between these gangland killings.

  17. Mathematical Murder Case

    Sep 12, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 14, 1950 Philo Vance #88, "Mathematical Murder Case," opens with a tense dance rehearsal between partners Eddie and Betty Lou. The atmosphere crackles with frustration as Eddie, a demanding and arrogant dancer, berates Betty Lou for missing steps in their routine. What begins as professional criticism quickly escalates into something far more sinister when Eddie threatens to quit their partnership and walks out for a sandwich. Betty Lou's response reveals a darker undercurrent to their relationship—she warns Eddie in menacing terms not to walk out on her, threatening that his "next dance" will be "at the end of a rope" if he doesn't return. The exchange transforms from a simple artistic disagreement into a chilling confrontation that hints at deadly consequences. The amateur rehearsal space, lacking even basic amenities like mirrors or a piano, becomes the setting for what appears to be the prelude to murder. As tensions boil over between the two dancers, their professional frustrations clearly mask deeper, more dangerous conflicts that will soon require Philo Vance's analytical mind to unravel.

  18. Church Murder Case

    Sep 11, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 7, 1950 Philo Vance #87, "Church Murder Case," a wealthy businessman named Mr. Church invites his assistant Paul to his isolated home late one evening, ostensibly to sign some important papers. What begins as a routine business matter quickly turns unsettling when Church subjects the young man to cruel practical jokes, including an exploding cigar and a hand buzzer. Church seems to take perverse pleasure in Paul's discomfort, laughing at his reactions and claiming these old gags still work wonderfully. The evening takes an even darker turn when Church confronts Paul about discrepancies in the company books. He accuses either Paul or Miss Kraft, another employee, of embezzling a substantial sum of money over the past six months. Despite Paul's protests, Church cryptically warns him not to worry about the stolen money, saying he has plenty of time to decide what to do about it. The ominous conversation leaves Paul shaken as he prepares to leave the lonely house, unaware of the sinister events that will soon unfold.

  19. The Big Nick Murder Case partial

    Sep 10, 2026 · 13 min

    Originally Aired: February 28, 1950 Philo Vance #86, "The Big Nick Murder Case partial," District Attorney Markham recaps the case: Big Nick Bramley has been found shot to death, but not by police as initially believed. His gang member, Ears Snyder, is also dead. The suspects include Nick's widow Mrs. Bramley, his girlfriend Mitzi Courtney, and his brother Tommy. Tommy has inherited everything from his brother and has taken up with Mitzi, but their romantic reunion turns tense when Mitzi accuses Tommy of having Ears kill Nick for him. She reveals that Nick's widow has been relentlessly hounding her with accusations, pushing her to the breaking point. Tommy promises to deal with Mrs. Bramley. When Mrs. Bramley visits Markham's office, she insists that either Mitzi or Tommy killed her husband. Philo Vance devises a plan using Mrs. Bramley as bait, instructing her to tell the suspects that Ears Snyder left evidence implicating them before his death. When Vance and Markham arrive at Mitzi's apartment earlier than planned, they find all three suspects present and in chaos, with Mrs. Bramley claiming both Mitzi and Tommy pulled guns on her when she delivered Vance's fabricated story.

  20. The Psychic Murder Case partial

    Sep 9, 2026 · 13 min

    Originally Aired: February 21, 1950 Philo Vance #85, "The Psychic Murder Case partial," District Attorney Markham finds himself convinced by a mysterious young woman named Ruth who claims to possess psychic powers. After Ruth provides information that leads Sergeant Heath to shoot and kill Duke Peters, a suspect in a series of truck robbery murders, Markham is certain of her abilities. However, Philo Vance remains skeptical, suspecting Ruth had an accomplice at a demonstration party and that the hijacking gang hasn't been fully broken up. When Markham tries to thank Ruth at her supposed apartment, he discovers she doesn't exist there and never has. Vance persuades Markham to host another party, theorizing that someone from the original gathering worked with Ruth and will attempt to clear themselves of suspicion by having her perform again. Among the guests is Jack Greer, who receives a pointed invitation from Markham. As predicted, Ruth appears and successfully demonstrates her supposed telepathic abilities by taking a handkerchief from guest Eldridge Williams's pocket without any apparent communication. While Markham grows more convinced, Vance watches carefully, determined to expose the deception and identify the true mastermind behind the hijacking scheme.

  21. Scarface Murder Case

    Sep 8, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 14, 1950 Philo Vance #84, "Scarface Murder Case," begins with an intriguing evening at an upscale restaurant where detective Philo Vance becomes captivated by a beautiful blonde woman dining with a mysterious scarred man. While sharing dinner with District Attorney Markham, Vance insists the woman has been trying to attract his attention. Despite Markham's skepticism about Vance's claims of receiving signals from the lady, both men observe the couple for over an hour. When the pair rises to leave, Vance convinces Markham they must follow, convinced the woman wants them to pursue her. Racing to catch up with the couple in the restaurant's foyer, Vance and Markham encounter a puzzling twist. The scarred man they watched all evening is still present, but the blonde woman has vanished. When confronted about his female companion, the man delivers a shocking denial, claiming he hasn't been with any young lady all evening. This impossible contradiction launches Vance into a perplexing mystery where beautiful women disappear and witnesses contradict what seems to be obvious reality.

  22. Chicken Murder Case

    Sep 7, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 7, 1950 In Philo Vance #83, "Chicken Murder Case," a deadly gangland feud threatens to explode into open warfare when Tommy learns that Frank Stacy is plotting to kill him. Tommy's nervous associate, known as "Chick" for his high-pitched voice, brings the urgent warning that Frankie won't stop until Tommy is eliminated. Rather than seeking peace or preparing for battle, Tommy devises a cunning and cold-blooded scheme to gain control over his rival once and for all. Tommy's plan is diabolical in its simplicity: he will manipulate Frank Stacy into committing a murder in front of witnesses, then use that evidence as leverage to control his enemy completely. When Chick asks who the intended victim will be, Tommy delivers a chilling answer that transforms his nervous associate from messenger to target. As tensions escalate and Tommy's ruthless plan takes shape, it becomes clear that someone will die, but whether Tommy can actually pull off his dangerous gambit remains to be seen.

  23. Sterling Murder Case

    Sep 6, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: January 31, 1950 Philo Vance #82, "Sterling Murder Case," District Attorney Markham finds himself dealing with the eccentric Wakefield sisters, Irma and Sarah, two spinsters who routinely confess to murders they believe they've committed through the power of mental concentration. After claiming responsibility for gangster Eddie Rogers' death, the sisters set their sights on a new target: corrupt political boss Joe Sterling, who controls multiple wards with an iron fist. When Sterling is found shot dead at the bottom of the stairs leading from his office, the prime suspect becomes Frank Allen, campaign manager for reform candidate Edgar Lessing and Sterling's bitter political rival. Sterling had even hired Philo Vance to shadow him, convinced someone would try to kill him. Vance becomes involved when Markham calls about the murder, with only one potential witness: Danny Moore, Sterling's employee, who heard shots but saw nothing. As Vance prepares to question Frank Allen before the police arrest him, the Wakefield sisters ready themselves to confess yet another murder to the district attorney, convinced their concentrated thoughts have eliminated the evil political boss from the world.

  24. Music Box Murder Case

    Sep 5, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: January 24, 1950 Philo Vance #81, "Music Box Murder Case," a sinister professor with an obsession for antique music boxes orchestrates a deadly series of robberies. The mastermind recruits criminals like nervous Dan Sanford and the experienced Billy to strangle wealthy collectors and steal their prized possessions from safes, keeping the music boxes for his twisted collection while sharing the money and jewels with his henchmen. Dan's fiancée May, blinded by love and eager to help her future husband succeed in his new "business," secures a position as a maid in a target home and provides him with the safe combination for what she believes will be his first successful assignment. District Attorney Markham enlists Philo Vance to solve two identical strangulation murders where wealthy victims were killed during home robberies. When Sergeant Heath discovers that valuable antique music boxes were stolen in both cases, Vance recognizes this as the killer's crucial mistake. Meanwhile, Dan prepares to commit his first murder at the home where May works, armed with his rope and the professor's deadly training, as an unsuspecting victim approaches the library door.

  25. Talking Corpse Murder Case aka Catty Corpse Murder Case

    Sep 4, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: January 17, 1950 Philo Vance #80, "Talking Corpse Murder Case aka Catty Corpse Murder Case," Philo Vance takes on a baffling case when a distraught widow, Mrs. Miller, arrives at his office claiming to have seen and heard her husband on the street—ten months after she buried him. Dressed in deep mourning black, the terrified woman insists that Daniel Miller, whose death and burial Vance confirms through official records, has somehow returned from the dead. As Vance investigates, he learns that Miller had been hospitalized for poisoning before his death, and that the dying man had cryptically suggested his wife was responsible. Meanwhile, a volatile couple named George and Flo engage in explosive domestic battles, alternating between violent arguments and passionate reconciliations in their dish-depleted apartment, accompanied by Flo's beloved Persian cat, Chang. Mrs. Miller hires two bumbling brothers to locate the man she believes is her deceased husband, instructing them to ensure he "returns to his former status" once found. When the brothers spot their quarry but lose him in a crowd, Mrs. Miller grimly accepts the delay, knowing that what happens next will determine her fate for years to come.