Case Closed! — “Rogue’s Gallery and Bulldog Drummond”
Podcast: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
Released: November 19, 2025
Main Theme: Two classic radio mysteries—one with wisecracking PI Richard Rogue unravelling an arson and murder for profit, and another following adventure-seeker Bulldog Drummond as he untangles a web of blackmail, murder, and diamond smuggling.
Overview
This episode of Case Closed! revives two golden age radio crime tales. The first, “Rogue’s Gallery: A Fortune in Furs” (aired December 20, 1945), features Dick Powell as private eye Richard Rogue, investigating a deadly case of arson, blackmail, and double-cross. The second, “Bulldog Drummond: Murder Leaves a Lonely Trail” (aired December 24, 1947), stars Captain Hugh Drummond as he is swept up in a much larger criminal plot after an apparently random encounter with a mysterious woman.
Both stories showcase hard-boiled intrigue, fast dialogue, and the twists and turns characteristic of radio’s greatest crime dramas.
Segment 1: Rogue’s Gallery – “A Fortune in Furs”
Begins at [00:56]
Introduction to the Case
- Richard Rogue is broke and playing snooker with a bookie when he’s summoned to meet a new client, George Grant ([00:56]).
- George Grant wants $1,000 for info about a recent warehouse fire he claims was arson ([02:00]).
- Rogue tries to negotiate with the insurance company and is promised $10,000 if he can prove the fire was arson ([03:20]).
- Before Grant can share his information, he’s murdered ([04:10]).
Investigation & Key Interviews
- Rogue visits Grant’s daughter, who reveals her father had been anxious and involved with a suspicious blonde, Bernice Maxwell ([07:36]).
- “I can't believe that dad is dead.” —Ms. Grant ([08:00])
- Details arise of secret meetings and sudden wealth, suggesting Grant was blackmailed or lured into criminal activity.
Emerging Suspects
- Bernice Maxwell is identified as a key figure, running a questionable escort service with side hustles in blackmail ([14:00]).
- Rogue is threatened by a gunman (“Get in. We're going places, huh?” —Gunman, [12:20]), but bluffs his way out of danger and learns more about Maxwell’s operations.
Confrontation
- Rogue confronts Bernice Maxwell at her home, using forceful bluff and threat to scare out the truth ([15:09]).
- “You had a hand in that murder, and I'm going to get the information out of you if I have to beat it out of you.” —Rogue ([16:28]).
- A criminal named Marcel arrives and tries to finish Rogue off, but Rogue regains control and, after a wild scuffle, ties up the bad guys ([21:44]).
Case Resolution
- Maxwell agrees to turn state’s evidence, giving up details on the arson plot ([25:01]).
- “I’ll talk. I’ll tell you everything.” —Maxwell ([25:12])
- Rogue confronts Paul Matthews, the company owner, with proof of fraud and arson, outlining the whole scheme ([25:30]).
- “The fire at your fur warehouse was deliberate arson. …We're not paying the claim, Matthews. We have absolute evidence.” —Rogue ([25:37])
- Justice is served: the two criminals get the electric chair, Maxwell and Matthews get prison, and Rogue makes a cool $10,000 ([27:23]).
- Closing banter with “You go” provides comic relief ([28:27]).
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “He was trimming me like a Christmas tree… I was born with an eight-ball birthmark.” —Rogue wryly riffing on his snooker game ([00:56])
- “I've been double-crossed once on this deal and I don't intend to take a chance on getting the same treatment from you.” —George Grant ([02:20])
- “Trouble's my business, bub.” —Rogue, facing down a killer ([18:01])
- “You killed George Grant just as much as if you pulled the trigger on him. Now talk, baby, talk, do you hear?” —Rogue pushing Maxwell for the truth ([18:23])
- “You know, amateurs like you shouldn't go mixing up with professional crooks.” —Rogue, to Matthews ([27:13])
Segment 2: Bulldog Drummond – “Murder Leaves a Lonely Trail”
Begins at [29:48]
A Chance Encounter and an Unlikely Case
- Stormy night, Drummond meets a nervous blonde seeking his help, then holds him at gunpoint in a Manhattan bookshop ([30:43]).
- “Put your arms what? … Please hold me. … Kiss me.” —Blonde ([31:08])
- The woman disappears; Drummond is then taken hostage by a second stranger demanding information about the same book, The Lonely Trail ([34:37]).
- Drummond is knocked out and awakens alongside a dead body in a taxi ([35:10]).
The Mystery Grows
- Drummond and his valet, Denny, investigate: the murdered man had no identification, and the mysterious woman soon appears at Drummond’s home, confessing blackmail ([41:25]).
- “I’m being blackmailed. … In a copy of the Lonely Trail, I’d find another print of that picture.” —Mrs. Altman ([41:33])
- Treasury agent Wilson arrives, linking the plot to a major counterfeit ring ([42:29]).
The Web Unravels
- Mrs. Altman disappears with a copy of the book, but Drummond had cleverly substituted a decoy. The real clue is hidden in the original ([43:42]).
- They follow the trail to an apartment building, where the prime suspect, John Diamond, appears to have jumped to his death—but Drummond discovers he was pushed ([47:01]).
- “He didn’t jump, Denny, he was pushed… This window he went through was locked.” —Drummond ([47:12])
Climax at the Docks
- Drummond deciphers a coded note leading to a diamond smuggling plot and intercepts the Altman couple at the docks ([51:40]).
- In a final twist, supposed lawmen are revealed to be part of the ring.
- Drummond and Denny thwart the criminals and the real Treasury Department arrests them ([53:13]).
- “To be quite frank, Matthews. I rather expected you to show up at the dock tonight with your treasury agent act. …There was only one thing to spoil it for you. A matter of fingerprints.” —Drummond ([53:57])
Denouement
- Drummond summarizes the case: the “lonely trail” was a code for smuggled diamonds, those seeking the book drew death and betrayal, and justice is won.
- Teaser for next week’s episode: "The Cat Who Liked Coffee" ([54:20]).
Timestamps: Key Moments
- [00:56] — Start of “Rogue’s Gallery”
- [07:36] — Rogue interviews Grant’s daughter
- [12:20] — Rogue kidnapped by a gunman
- [15:09] — Confrontation with Bernice Maxwell
- [22:00] — Rogue regains upper hand against Marcel
- [25:37] — Rogue exposes Matthews
- [29:48] — Start of “Bulldog Drummond”
- [30:43] — Drummond meets the mysterious blonde
- [34:37] — Bookshop confrontation, Drummond knocked out
- [41:25] — Mrs. Altman confesses blackmail
- [47:01] — Discovery of John Diamond’s murder
- [51:40] — Docks confrontation
- [53:57] — Drummond unmasking the criminals
Style & Tone
True to old-time radio, both dramas feature crisp, wisecracking banter, quick battles of wits, and suspenseful action. Rogue is sardonic and streetwise; Drummond is urbane, witty, and thoroughly British—even in the face of murder and intrigue.
For New Listeners: Why This Episode Matters
Case Closed! brings to life two standout mysteries, each exemplifying the timeless charm of radio noir. You’ll discover
- Colorful private eyes versus clever criminals
- Fast, tight plotting packed with surprises
- Vintage hard-boiled dialogue with a touch of humor
If you enjoy smart detectives, edge-of-your-seat plotting, and the thrill of classic radio, this episode is not to be missed.