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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. White Murder Case

    Aug 9, 2026 · 26 min

    Originally Aired: July 5, 1949 Philo Vance #52, "White Murder Case," begins with the detective being ambushed outside his own home by two armed men, Ricky and Harry, working an extortion scheme against wealthy Peter White. The criminals kidnap Vance at gunpoint, blindfolding and gagging him to prevent him from identifying their location, intending to hold him overnight while they complete their plan to extract one hundred thousand dollars from White. Despite their precautions, Vance remains eerily calm, his quiet confidence unsettling the nervous Harry, who repeatedly warns his boss Ricky that Vance is too smart to cross. When Vance is released the next morning and returns to his office, District Attorney Markham delivers grim news: Peter White has been murdered in a violent struggle at his home, and the hundred thousand dollars he withdrew from the bank has vanished. White's estranged brother becomes a suspect, having had no contact with the victim for ten years following a bitter falling out over money. As Vance heads to the crime scene and Ricky celebrates his expected payday with his girlfriend, the connections between the kidnapping, the extortion plot, and the murder begin to emerge.

  2. Motor Murder Case

    Aug 8, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: June 28, 1949 Philo Vance #51, "Motor Murder Case," takes listeners into the dangerous world of midget car racing where ambition and betrayal collide at deadly speeds. Joe Turner, an ambitious young mechanic working in Duke Wilson's pit crew, dreams of becoming a top driver himself, encouraged by his girlfriend Chicky, who harbors her own bitter grudge against Duke. When a tire blowout costs Duke a crucial race, tensions flare as Duke accuses Joe of sabotage that could have killed him. Meanwhile, racing team owner Mr. Roberts grows convinced that Duke and mechanic Tony have been cheating him out of thousands of dollars in gin rummy games using an elaborate toothpick signaling scheme. As the rivalry intensifies, Joe gets his chance to compete directly against Duke in the next big race. During the climactic competition, with Philo Vance and District Attorney Markham watching from the stands, Duke's steering wheel malfunctions on a crucial turn, sending his car crashing through the fence in what appears to be a fatal accident. While everyone assumes it's just another tragic racing mishap, Vance suspects something far more sinister is at play.

  3. Peacock Murder Case

    Aug 7, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: June 21, 1949 Philo Vance #50, "Peacock Murder Case," begins with an unexpected and violent intrusion into the detective's office. Early one morning, as Vance works through the night in his office, a mysterious young woman armed with a gun confronts him, accompanied by her brutish companion known only as Junior. She demands that Vance resign from a case involving David Peacock, a man she claims has hired the detective to protect him and a strongbox kept in his safe. Despite Vance's insistence that he doesn't know Peacock and has never been hired by him, the woman refuses to believe him, and Junior emphasizes her demand with his fists. The violent morning visit transforms into motivation for Vance. Rather than being intimidated by the threats and assault, the detective's curiosity is piqued by the mysterious David Peacock and whatever secrets he possesses that would warrant such desperate measures. Vance defiantly informs his unwelcome visitors that he will seek out Peacock that very afternoon to apply for the job they're convinced he already has, setting the stage for an investigation into whatever dangerous situation surrounds the enigmatic Peacock and his valuable strongbox.

  4. Combination Murder Case

    Aug 6, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: June 14, 1949 Philo Vance #49, "Combination Murder Case," finds wealthy socialite Joyce Dixon in a deadly confrontation with her ex-fiance, David Allen. When Allen arrives at her home after receiving a breakup letter, Joyce coldly confirms that their engagement is over, dismissing him as simply too dull despite being otherwise perfect. The rejected suitor doesn't take the news quietly. Working for the man who handles Joyce's business affairs, Allen knows damaging secrets about the source of her wealth, claiming she doesn't own an honest dollar and threatening to expose information that could send her to prison. As tensions escalate, Allen warns Joyce that she's always had everything her own way and accuses her of getting away with murder all her life. His threat is clear: if she goes through with the breakup, he'll make sure he's not the only one who gets hurt. Joyce's chilling response suggests Allen's choice of words may have given her a dangerously literal idea, setting the stage for a case that will require all of Philo Vance's deductive powers to unravel.

  5. Mistletoe Murder

    Aug 5, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: June 7, 1949 In Philo Vance #48, "Mistletoe Murder," District Attorney Markham believes the murder maestro should investigate when millionaire Simon Joyce is struck down by a hit-and-run driver on Mistletoe Road, but Sergeant Heath stubbornly insists his homicide department can handle the case without help. The circumstances surrounding Joyce's death are suspicious enough that the FBI has already been called in by the victim's nephew, James Evans. Heath focuses his attention on three primary suspects: Joyce's niece and nephew who lived with him but inherited nothing according to his will, and his bachelor brother who stood to gain control of their lucrative business partnership. Despite Heath's confidence and bruised ego over past cases where Vance received no credit yet solved the murders, Markham remains unconvinced that the sergeant can crack this case alone. As Heath prepares to interrogate the ailing brother as his prime suspect, the stage is set for a complex investigation that may prove more challenging than the stubborn sergeant anticipates.

  6. Red Duck Murder

    Aug 4, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 31, 1949 Philo Vance #47, "Red Duck Murder," opens with a tense confrontation in a counterfeiting operation. Joe D'Angelo runs a scheme manufacturing fake hundred dollar bills, and his associate Eddie Keddy has just successfully passed two of the phony bills at local establishments. When Eddie demands a larger cut of the profits for taking the risk of distributing the counterfeit money in different cities, tensions escalate quickly. Joe reminds Eddie who's in charge, but Eddie threatens to expose the operation to the FBI if he doesn't get what he wants. The situation turns violent when Joe calls in Georgie, another member of the gang, to teach the ambitious Eddie a lesson about challenging authority. Despite Georgie's fastidious nature and criticism of Eddie's poor taste in clothing, he carries out Joe's orders without hesitation. The episode sets up a dangerous world of counterfeiters where greed, betrayal, and violence intertwine, leaving listeners to discover how Philo Vance will untangle this criminal enterprise and what the mysterious "Red Duck Murder" has to do with this counterfeiting ring.

  7. Hurdy Gurdy Murder

    Aug 3, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 24, 1949 Philo Vance #46, "Hurdy Gurdy Murder," In this tense episode, nightclub singer Josie finds herself in a dangerous confrontation with her boss Joe Tanner after insulting the customers during her performance. When Joe threatens her for her behavior, Josie fires back with her own threat, claiming she has enough information to put him away for fifty years. The heated exchange reveals a volatile relationship built on mutual leverage and fear, with Josie confident that her damaging knowledge about Joe makes her untouchable. The situation escalates when head waiter Angel is caught eavesdropping on their argument, adding another layer of tension to an already explosive confrontation. Joe's menacing response to Josie's defiance suggests that her blackmail protection may not be as secure as she believes. When he clarifies that being "through" doesn't mean simply being fired, the implication is clear and deadly. What begins as a backstage dispute over a poor performance quickly transforms into a dangerous game where the stakes are life and death.

  8. Butterfly Murder Case

    Aug 2, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 17, 1949 Philo Vance #45, "Butterfly Murder Case," opens with a heated confrontation between Laura and her devoted admirer John, a chemist earning a modest salary. John desperately tries to warn Laura away from Eddie Mills, a smooth-talking charmer who makes ten times John's income and has captured Laura's attention. Despite John's passionate pleas and declarations of love, Laura refuses to listen, dazzled by Eddie's wealth and charisma. When Eddie calls during their argument, Laura makes her choice clear, humiliating John by openly flirting with Eddie while her rejected suitor listens helplessly. The tension escalates dangerously when John issues an ominous threat, declaring he'll do something about Eddie Mills whether Laura likes it or not. With a jealous chemist, a flashy ladies' man, and a headstrong woman caught between them, the stage is set for murder. Philo Vance must untangle this deadly love triangle and determine what happens when jealousy and desperation push someone too far.

  9. Meanest Man Murder Case

    Aug 1, 2026 · 25 min

    Originally Aired: May 10, 1949 In Philo Vance #44, "Meanest Man Murder Case," wealthy construction company owner Walter Benton lives up to his reputation as the cruelest man alive. When his desperate niece Irene begs him for money to escape his torment, he coldly refuses, having kept her near for a decade solely to punish her for her father's sins. Benton proves equally ruthless in business, blackmailing competitor French with evidence of wartime draft evasion to force him out of a lucrative contract. Even Benton's own doctor, worn down by his impossible patient, grimly suggests the man may not live until morning—though not from natural causes. That dark prophecy comes true when Benton staggers into a police station, announces he has been murdered, and collapses dead at the officers' feet. As District Attorney Markham rushes to headquarters, Philo Vance takes a different approach, heading directly to the Benton household where the victim's longtime housekeeper Dora nervously insists she knows nothing. With a house full of people who had reason to wish Benton dead, Vance must unravel which of the meanest man's enemies finally acted on their hatred.

  10. Masters Murder Case

    Jul 31, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: May 3, 1949 Philo Vance #43, "Masters Murder Case," brings the detective face to face with the dark underbelly of political corruption. A young idealist named Masters stands on street corners delivering impassioned speeches against Jonathan Graves and his corrupt political machine, warning citizens about their crooked schemes to steal votes. His honest campaign to expose the truth catches the attention of one of Graves's operatives, who approaches him after a particularly effective speech. The confrontation quickly turns sinister as the political operative tries to silence Masters, first with an offer to join their organization and then with a chilling ultimatum: accept their money and stay quiet, or face deadly consequences. Masters refuses to be bought or intimidated, remaining committed to his crusade against corruption despite the obvious danger. When the young reformer becomes the victim in a murder case, Philo Vance must navigate the treacherous world of political machines, backroom deals, and ruthless power brokers to uncover whether Masters paid the ultimate price for his principles.

  11. Cipher Murder Case

    Jul 30, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: April 26, 1949 Philo Vance #42, "Cipher Murder Case," begins on a quiet night patrol as officers Mike and his partner cruise through an affluent neighborhood, admiring the grand houses and dreaming of an easier life. Their peaceful shift is shattered when they spot two men emerging from a large residence, hastily shoving guns into their pockets. A frantic chase and shootout ensue, but the situation takes a bizarre turn when one criminal turns his weapon on his own partner, killing him before escaping into the night. The wounded accomplice lies dead in the street, leaving the patrolmen with more questions than answers. Among the deceased man's belongings, they discover a cryptic clue: a slip of paper bearing only two mysterious words—"Live on." With a killer on the loose, a botched robbery, and an inexplicable murder between thieves, the stage is set for Philo Vance to unravel this puzzling cipher and determine what deadly secret lies behind those two enigmatic words.

  12. Cardinal Murder Case

    Jun 8, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: April 19, 1949 Philo Vance #41, "Cardinal Murder Case," Tony Cardinal, a former racket boss turned would-be gentleman, is attempting to transform himself into a respectable member of society with the help of his English butler, Jamesy. Living in luxury with a dozen English-cut suits and carefully learning proper etiquette, Tony is spending money lavishly on his new lifestyle while pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman named Lola. Jamesy patiently coaches his employer on the finer points of proper speech and deportment, though Tony's rough edges still show through his enthusiasm for his new life. When Lola calls to arrange an evening drive, she expresses concern about someone who dislikes Tony intensely—a man named Al Bailey, whom Tony dismisses as a skunk not worth worrying about. Despite Tony's casual attitude toward this potential threat, the mention of an enemy from his criminal past hints at danger lurking beneath the surface of his reformed existence, setting the stage for the trouble that's about to unfold.

  13. Green Girls Murder Case

    Jun 6, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: April 12, 1949 Philo Vance #40, "Green Girls Murder Case," begins with shocking news over the radio: Jane Green, daughter of wealthy merchant Eric Green, has been found stabbed to death near her home around midnight. The police are completely baffled, with Sergeant Heath admitting that a lack of clues may hinder the investigation. Neither Jane's distraught parents nor her sister Penny can provide any motive for the brutal killing, leaving authorities at a standstill. When District Attorney Markham calls Vance, the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Despite the mysterious nature of the case, Markham insists he won't need Vance's help, claiming that Sergeant Heath and his men will eventually find something. Vance, however, senses something is amiss. As he confides to his secretary Miss Williams, Markham clearly doesn't want him involved in this investigation, and Vance believes he knows exactly why. What secret is Markham trying to protect, and what connection might the District Attorney have to the Green family murder?

  14. Movie Murder Case

    Jun 4, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: April 5, 1949 Philo Vance #39, "Movie Murder Case," takes listeners behind the scenes of a troubled Western film production where tensions run as high as the balcony stunts. Art Ingram, a demanding and difficult leading man with 70 Westerns to his credit, clashes with director Ed Hadey and the crew during the filming of a dangerous fight scene. As the cameras roll and stunt doubles perform treacherous falls, Art's caustic complaints about the script, his co-star Joyce, and everyone around him create a powder keg atmosphere on set. The antagonism reaches a chilling peak when Joyce cryptically remarks that she wishes Art had taken the dangerous balcony fall himself, adding ominously that perhaps he wouldn't have gotten back up. When the volatile mix of Hollywood egos, dangerous stunts, and bitter resentments culminates in murder, the urbane detective Philo Vance must navigate the complex web of grudges and motives among cast and crew. With no shortage of suspects who despised the victim, Vance faces the challenge of determining which member of this fractious film production turned their anger into deadly action.

  15. High Hat Murder Case

    Jun 2, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 29, 1949 Philo Vance #38, "High Hat Murder Case," opens with an unexpected visit to Philo Vance's office. Sarah Payton, a plain-spoken 34-year-old woman, arrives with an extraordinary request. After a lifetime of being overlooked and ignored, she recently inherited a substantial fortune, which brought her a year of happiness. Now she believes someone intends to murder her, but rather than seeking protection, she makes a shocking proposition: she wants to pay Vance not to investigate her murder should it occur. She calmly explains that she wants her would-be killer to escape justice, particularly if he manages to elude the police. Vance, accustomed to unusual cases, finds himself confronted with the strangest request of his career. When he refuses to accept her bizarre offer, Sarah Payton remains unfazed. Despite Vance's attempts to learn the identity of her potential murderer, she refuses to cooperate, reasoning that since he won't help her protect the killer, she has no obligation to assist him. The mystery deepens as Vance must determine whether this enigmatic woman is genuinely in danger or if something more complex is at play.

  16. White Willow Murder Case

    May 31, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 22, 1949 Philo Vance #37, "White Willow Murder Case," When stockbroker Stuart Ames takes a phone call from his sweetheart Dawn while conducting business, he has no idea his day is about to take a deadly turn. After arranging an evening rendezvous with Dawn, Ames receives an unwelcome visit from Mr. LeRoy, a client who has lost everything—$150,000—on Ames' recommendation to invest heavily in White Willow refineries. LeRoy mortgaged all his possessions based on Ames' assurance that the stock was solid, but with no merger materializing and the stock plummeting 15 points, LeRoy is ruined and furious. As LeRoy's rage intensifies, he makes a chilling declaration: somebody is going to take this loss lying down, and it won't be him. The confrontation between the desperate, bankrupt investor and the smooth-talking broker sets the stage for murder, drawing the sophisticated detective Philo Vance into a case where financial ruin and deadly revenge collide in the high-stakes world of Wall Street speculation.

  17. Million Dollar Murder Case

    May 29, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 15, 1949 Philo Vance #36, "Million Dollar Murder Case," The wealthy and paranoid Mr. Simmons has transformed his mansion into a fortress, complete with a ten-foot wall, an elaborate electric eye alarm system, and a cliff protecting the rear. As he proudly demonstrates his security measures to his new caretaker Harold, Simmons reveals the depth of his fear, believing that numerous enemies from his ruthless business dealings may seek revenge. He trusts no one completely, not even Harold, and keeps a gun on him at all times for protection from his own household. Despite his fortress and weapons, Simmons claims to finally feel safe and at ease, looking forward to spending his remaining years in this burglar-proof sanctuary. However, Simmons' confidence in his impenetrable defenses may be misplaced. He mentions his loyal secretary Betty Jannis, who stands to inherit a considerable fortune upon his death, and hints at suspicious connections involving a mysterious Mr. Clease. As the paranoid millionaire boasts that nobody can reach him in his secure estate, the stage is set for a classic locked-room mystery that will require Philo Vance's considerable deductive skills to unravel.

  18. Curtain Call Murder Case

    May 27, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 8, 1949 Philo Vance #35, "Curtain Call Murder Case," As curtain time approaches at a Broadway theater, aging actor Richard West prepares for his entrance with the help of his dresser Al, carefully concealing the gray in his hair. His pre-show routine is violently interrupted when Jean, a desperate young blonde woman, bursts into his dressing room demanding that West make good on his broken promises. He had sworn to secure her both a part in the current production and a future in pictures, but has failed to deliver. Betrayed and furious, Jean produces a bottle of acid from her handbag, threatening to destroy the vain actor's face so he'll never deceive another woman. After a struggle, West manages to wrest the bottle away from her. Jean storms out with an ominous promise to return and "really play for keeps," leaving West to compose himself before going on stage. With a theater full of suspects, wounded pride, and a dangerous threat hanging over the production, the stage is set for murder.

  19. Listless Murder Case

    May 25, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: March 1, 1949 Philo Vance #34, "Listless Murder Case," A seemingly legitimate charity operation masks a sinister fraud scheme orchestrated by the calculating Mr. Miller and his assistant Donald. As donations pour in totaling $130,000 in less than two weeks, Miller reveals his criminal enterprise: only a fraction of the money collected for Consolidated Charities actually reaches those in need, while he pockets the rest. The scheme depends on maintaining the facade of legitimacy through Morton Gary, a prominent citizen serving as chairman whose name on their letterhead ensures public trust. When Donald voices concern about what might happen if Gary discovers the truth, Miller's chilling response suggests he's prepared to silence the chairman permanently. The tension escalates when Elise Avery, one of Miller's operatives, calls in celebrating a five-thousand-dollar contribution from an unsuspecting donor. As the fraud deepens and the stakes grow higher, Miller's cryptic warning that Gary will "never finish" if he starts talking hints at murder. The stage is set for Philo Vance to untangle this web of charitable deception before Miller makes good on his deadly threat.

  20. Herringbone Murder Case

    May 23, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 22, 1949 Philo Vance #33, "Herringbone Murder Case," opens in an upscale dress shop where proprietor Miss Payne confronts her employee Claire Collins with damning evidence of embezzlement. After dismissing a customer, Mrs. Wentworth, Miss Payne coldly reveals she knows Claire has been stealing from the business, siphoning off profits totaling $12,465. Despite Claire's protests that she needed the money and promises to repay it, Miss Payne delivers an ultimatum: produce the full amount by Saturday or face criminal charges. The confrontation leaves Claire in a desperate situation with only days to come up with an impossible sum of money. As the scene closes, Claire ominously suggests she may need to find "another way out" of her predicament, setting the stage for the mystery that will unfold. With Miss Payne's unforgiving demand and Claire's darkly ambiguous response, the episode promises a tense investigation into whatever deadly consequences follow from this volatile confrontation in the refined world of high-end fashion.

  21. Butler Murder Case

    May 21, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 15, 1949 Philo Vance #32, "Butler Murder Case," opens with a chilling scene in a dentist's office that quickly transforms from routine to deadly. Dr. Michael receives what appears to be an ordinary patient complaining of a toothache, but the visitor reveals himself as an enforcer for the mysterious Professor Powell. The thug delivers a stark ultimatum: pay ten thousand dollars or face death disguised as an accident. Despite his wife Grace's innocent phone call checking on dinner plans, Dr. Michael refuses to be intimidated and orders the blackmailer out of his office. The dentist's defiant stand against Professor Powell's extortion scheme sets the stage for a dangerous confrontation. With the criminal organization threatening to make murder look accidental, Dr. Michael finds himself in mortal peril. The case presents Philo Vance with a complex investigation involving organized crime, extortion, and the question of whether the dentist will become the next victim of Powell's ruthless operation. The detective must unravel this sinister plot before the threatened "accident" becomes a reality.

  22. Flying Murder Case

    May 19, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 8, 1949 Philo Vance #31, "Flying Murder Case," presents a volatile confrontation that threatens to explode at 30,000 feet. When co-pilot Johnny confronts pilot Greg in his hotel room before their scheduled flight, he delivers an ultimatum: stay away from Sue Gordon, the flight's hostess and Johnny's girl, or face exposure. Johnny has discovered Greg's affair with Sylvia Crane, wife of passenger Millard Crane, and isn't afraid to use this information as leverage. The heated exchange reveals Greg as a dangerous lothario juggling two women, while Johnny positions himself as Sue's protector. Greg appears to agree to Johnny's terms, but after Johnny leaves, Greg's ominous closing thoughts suggest he has other plans entirely. He considers that perhaps Sylvia ought to know something about this situation, hinting at manipulation that could have deadly consequences. As the crew prepares to board their flight that afternoon, the stage is set for murder among the clouds, with romantic entanglements, blackmail, and betrayal creating a powder keg ready to ignite.

  23. Golden Murder Case

    May 17, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: February 1, 1949 Philo Vance #30, "Golden Murder Case," begins with a mysterious fortune teller named Raja revealing disturbing secrets to Kay Stone during a crystal ball reading. Raja cryptically warns her that someone she trusts is violating that trust, eventually identifying her guardian Peter Golden by name. The revelation shocks Kay, who entrusts Golden with her entire fortune. After paying Raja the agreed-upon hundred dollars, she leaves to investigate further. Once Kay departs, Raja's true nature is revealed when he calls out to Roger Novis, who has been hiding nearby. The fortune telling session was an elaborate setup orchestrated by Novis, who works for Golden and knows his employer has been embezzling from Kay's accounts for months. Novis, who is in love with Kay, arranged this deception because she wouldn't believe him when he tried to tell her directly. As the two conspirators discuss their scheme, Raja ominously suggests that if Golden manages to convince Kay of his innocence, a personal visit to Golden himself might be necessary, though it would cost considerably more than a hundred dollars.

  24. Idol Murder Case

    May 15, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: January 25, 1949 Philo Vance #29, "Idol Murder Case," begins with small-time crook Joe Farrell caught red-handed on a breaking and entering charge. Hauled before Sergeant Heath, Farrell insists he has vital information for District Attorney Markham and refuses to talk until the DA arrives. When Markham appears, Farrell offers a tantalizing trade: leniency on his burglary rap in exchange for a tip about the city museum. He reveals that a major collection from a deceased foreign collector is arriving that afternoon, containing statues and artifacts, but one piece isn't what it appears to be. Though Farrell claims ignorance about the statue's true nature, calling it "junk," he warns Markham that dangerous men in the city want this particular item badly enough to commit murder for it. With the shipment arriving imminently and unknown criminals already circling their target, Markham and Heath face a race against time to identify the mysterious statue and prevent bloodshed at the museum.

  25. Magic Murder Case

    May 13, 2026 · 27 min

    Originally Aired: January 4, 1949 Philo Vance #26, "Magic Murder Case," brings the debonair detective into the shadowy world of stage magicians and bitter rivalries. When Mantu, a notorious magic exposer who makes his living revealing how illusions work, visits Pop Baker's magic shop seeking to purchase tricks, he's met with seething hatred. Baker, once a headliner known as "Baker the Baffler" who performed coast to coast, blames Mantu for destroying his career by exposing his tricks to audiences who eventually stopped coming to his shows. Now reduced to building illusions for other magicians in his workshop, the elderly craftsman refuses to sell anything to the man he holds responsible for taking away his life's passion. As tensions escalate in the cramped magic shop, Baker's resentment boils over into a chilling threat. He warns Mantu to remember that he took everything from him, ominously suggesting that someday he might return the favor. The confrontation sets the stage for a mystery where professional jealousy, ruined careers, and the secretive world of magic create the perfect conditions for murder.