Podcast Summary: "Nick Carter and Boston Blackie" from Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Case Closed!, RelicRadio.com brings back two beloved characters from the golden age of radio: Nick Carter, the master detective renowned for his unparalleled crime-solving abilities, and Boston Blackie, the charming gentleman thief turned detective. This episode intertwines their stories, delivering thrilling narratives filled with mystery, suspense, and ingenuity.

Part 1: Nick Carter and the Mystery of the Vampire Killings

The Unsettling Park Incident

The episode opens with a distressed individual approaching Nick Carter about a disturbing incident in the park. Phil Morgan recounts a harrowing experience where he and his friends—Betty Graham, Gertrude Chase, Dora Mason, and himself—encountered mysterious attackers:

Phil Morgan (00:10): "Something happened, and she started running across the grass toward the nearest gate."

As dusk settles, Phil and Betty realize their friends have not returned. Upon returning to the tennis court, they discover Dora's racket on the grass, signaling that she never came back. They find a rose with a knot in the stem, adding an eerie clue to the unfolding mystery.

Investigating the Murders

Nick Carter arrives at the scene to investigate. The evidence points to brutality beyond ordinary crimes—bodies with peculiar alabaster skin and tiny puncture wounds in their necks suggest victims were drained of blood:

Lieutenant Riley (45:30): "She almost looks as if she were asleep, [...] the peculiar alabaster whiteness of her skin."

Carter dismisses supernatural explanations like vampires, focusing instead on a plausible human motive. He theorizes that a sect might be sacrificing women's blood for rituals, rejecting the notion of supernatural beings.

The Trap Setup

Determined to catch the culprits, Carter devises an elaborate plan involving Betsy—a brave individual willing to act as bait. Together with his associate Scubby, they set up traps using cornmeal to track footprints, anticipating the attackers' movements. Betsy meticulously prepares the area, ensuring every detail is covered to maximize their chances of capturing the attackers.

Nick Carter (1:20:45): "The instant we hear you scream or hear you stop talking, we'll turn the light on."

Confrontation and Revelation

Their plan succeeds when the mysterious "little men" ambush Betsy. However, instead of supernatural creatures, Carter and his team apprehend small, human-like attackers—members of an obscure East Asiatic tribe known as the Tuk. These women, adhering to their tribal laws, were sacrificing local girls in place of female animals they couldn't obtain in the city:

Dr. Anders (2:05:10): "In the Tuck tribe, [...] they had to use these girls instead."

With this revelation, Carter coordinates with federal authorities to detain the tribe members, preventing further tragedies. Betsy's bravery and Carter's methodical approach highlight the triumph of human intellect over fearsome myths.

Part 2: Boston Blackie in Langley Penitentiary

The Jailbreak and Suspicion

Transitioning to the second narrative, the story follows Boston Blackie, a reformed thief, who finds himself embroiled in a complex situation within Langley Penitentiary. Blackie breaks into the prison to investigate the murder of Matty Ennis, his sworn enemy, who was brutally stabbed with a spoon-shaped weapon:

Inspector Faraday (3:15:20): "Would you know his voice if you heard it over the phone?"

Faraday suspects Blackie's involvement due to their history, complicating Blackie's quest to uncover the truth behind Ennis's death.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Blackie navigates the prison environment, he discovers that Kevin Brennan, a fellow inmate and the son of a local restaurateur, is being framed for Ennis's murder. The tension escalates during a prison baseball game, where Blackie ingeniously exposes Joe Atherton, Ennis's former accomplice, as the true murderer:

Blackie (4:25:50): "You killed him so you'd get the money he'd stashed away after you got out."

Blackie's quick thinking during the game leads to Atherton's confession, revealing a web of betrayal and greed stemming from a previous heist involving a hefty sum of stolen money.

Clearing the Name and Justice Served

With the evidence against Atherton irrefutable, Inspector Faraday acknowledges Blackie's role in solving the case. Despite initial suspicions, Blackie's integrity and determination ensure that the real culprit is brought to justice, clearing Kevin Brennan's name and reinforcing Blackie's reputation as both a cunning criminal and a formidable detective.

Inspector Faraday (5:50:30): "You broke into this penitentiary, Blackie. What did you do it for?"

Blackie's actions not only resolve the immediate conflict but also restore order within the prison, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice.

Conclusion

This episode of Case Closed! masterfully intertwines the stories of two iconic detectives from old-time radio. Nick Carter's relentless pursuit of the truth dismantles myths of the supernatural, proving once again that logic and courage prevail in the face of fear. Concurrently, Boston Blackie's resourcefulness within the prison walls highlights his evolution from a gentleman thief to a heroic figure dedicated to uncovering the truth.

RelicRadio.com delivers a nostalgic yet fresh take on these classic characters, ensuring that both longtime fans and new listeners are thoroughly entertained. With rich storytelling, engaging dialogues, and unexpected twists, "Nick Carter and Boston Blackie" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of old-time radio mysteries.

Notable Quotes

• Nick Carter (0:10): "If you want to do it, I know better than to waste my breath arguing with you."

• Phil Morgan (0:45): "They need to have of something has been put over her nose. Something that felt like a piece of burlap and smelled sweet."

• Lieutenant Riley (1:05): "It looks like as you got yourself a decoy. Whether you want it or not."

• Betsy (1:20:45): "I've already thought of that, Betsy."

• Inspector Faraday (3:40:10): "Would you have accused anybody of anything?"

• Boston Blackie (4:25:50): "You killed him so you'd get the money he'd stashed away after you got out."

• Inspector Faraday (5:50:30): "What did you do it for?"

Production Credits

• Nick Carter: Lon Clark
• Betsy: Helen Choate
• Scubby: John Kane
• Original Music: Lou White
• Written and Directed by: Jock McGregor

This episode is a proud feature of Street and Smith Publications Incorporated and is broadcast every Saturday evening at seven o'clock Eastern War time over most stations by Mutual.