Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio) — Episode: Spade and Diamond

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Description: Dive into thrilling crime stories from the golden age of radio. This episode revisits classic tales of cunning detectives, dangerous criminals, and intricate mysteries.

Introduction

In this captivating episode titled "Spade and Diamond," Case Closed! transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with two riveting detective stories. The first narrative features the hard-boiled private eye Sam Spade in "The Dick Foley Caper" from The Adventures of Sam Spade. Following a seamless transition, the episode delves into the world of Richard Diamond, Private Detective, presenting a gripping tale that showcases Diamond's sharp investigative skills.

Part 1: Sam Spade – The Dick Foley Caper

Plot Overview

The story opens with Sam Spade grappling with the recent involvement of his old friend, Dick Foley, in a troubling situation. Dick Foley, a seasoned detective, seeks Sam's assistance due to threats from Claude Spicer, a former associate of Sam and Dick.

Key Characters

• Sam Spade: The protagonist, a determined and resourceful private detective.
• Effie: Sam's supportive associate, offering both professional and personal assistance.
• Dick Foley: An old friend of Sam, entangled in deceitful schemes.
• Maxine: Dick Foley's enigmatic wife, whose actions add complexity to the plot.
• Claude Spicer: A former partner of Sam and Dick, now a target seeking revenge.

Major Developments

1. The Enigmatic Call (00:00 - 03:21)
   Dick Foley contacts Sam Spade regarding threats from Claude Spicer. Sam's initial reluctance is evident when he remarks, "You don't make any friends in this business, Abby. You can write that in your book now..." (01:04).

2. Reunion with Maxine (04:16 - 07:08)
   Sam visits Dick's office and meets Maxine, Dick's wife, revealing layers of personal and professional tension. Sam muses, "What makes you think he's in trouble?" (07:35), highlighting his skepticism and concern.

3. Unraveling the Past (08:15 - 12:59)
   Sam delves into the history between Sam, Dick, and their past cases, discovering Dick's concealed motives. "If he was so clever, why didn't he win?" (27:46) underscores the complexity of their relationships.

4. Confrontation and Revelation (20:21 - 26:13)
   A pivotal confrontation between Sam and Maxine unveils Dick Foley's deeper involvement in framing others to protect his personal interests. Sam asserts, "I wouldn't back up a self-defense plea on the spice of shooting." (22:08).

5. Climactic Resolution (26:06 - 27:13)
   Sam leverages evidence to expose Dick's manipulations, leading to Dick's downfall. The intricate web of deceit is finally unraveled as Sam declares, "Now, that's good. Maybe you can get cured now." (26:12).

Notable Quotes

• Sam Spade: "You don't make any friends in this business, Abby. You can write that in your book now..." (01:04)
• Effie: "You sound tired, Sam. Wouldn't you rather just..." (01:09)
• Sam Spade: "I wouldn't back up a self-defense plea on the spice of shooting." (22:08)
• Effie: "I loved him. That's something you can't understand..." (21:28)

Part 2: Richard Diamond – Private Detective

Plot Overview

Transitioning to Richard Diamond's realm, the episode introduces John Alistair, a man desperate enough to orchestrate his own assassination due to financial ruin. However, complications arise when the assassin, Gimpy, is unexpectedly murdered, prompting Diamond to step in to solve the ensuing mystery.

Key Characters

• Richard Diamond: The savvy and compassionate private detective tasked with unraveling the case.
• John Alistair: The distressed client seeking Diamond's help to prevent his planned assassination.
• Gimpy: The underworld figure initially hired to execute Alistair's suicide plan.
• Drago: The elusive and dangerous killer identified by his signature red rose.
• Belle de Canto: A dance school owner who becomes a crucial witness in the investigation.

Major Developments

1. A Desperate Request (32:14 - 33:58)
   John Alistair seeks Diamond's expertise to locate the assassin who caused Gimpy's death, revealing the stakes involved. "Find him before he kills me," Alistair pleads (32:14).

2. Investigative Pursuits (35:52 - 40:25)
   Diamond and his associate Walt comb through various leads, including stakeouts and interviews, to identify Drago, recognized by his distinctive red rose. "You sell him a red rose every evening," a flower vendor reveals (52:31).

3. Confrontation with Drago (55:33 - 57:38)
   The tension peaks as Diamond faces Drago on the fire escape, leading to a dramatic showdown where Diamond neutralizes the threat. "I'm going to kill you," Drago threatens (45:04).

4. Final Resolution (57:38 - 55:10)
   With Drago eliminated, Diamond ensures Alistair's safety and ties up loose ends, including confronting Belle de Canto, who was implicated by the presence of a gun and red rose. "You killed him," Alistair accuses Dick Powell's character (55:08).

Notable Quotes

• John Alistair: "I made arrangements for my own assassination. It's really very simple." (33:06)
• Richard Diamond: "Well, I'm going to kill you." (45:04)
• Belle de Canto: "You shut up and keep your back straight." (40:30)
• Richard Diamond: "See, I tell him, but I don't think he's going to do any good." (57:38)

Conclusion

"Spade and Diamond" masterfully revisits two iconic detectives navigating complex moral landscapes and perilous investigations. Sam Spade's relentless pursuit of truth uncovers deep-seated betrayals, while Richard Diamond's empathetic approach leads to the resolution of a deadly conspiracy. This episode not only pays homage to the legendary tales of old-time radio but also underscores timeless themes of loyalty, deception, and justice.

Listeners are treated to a blend of classic noir storytelling, enriched with authentic dialogues and character-driven narratives, making "Spade and Diamond" a standout installment in the Case Closed! series.

Notable Advertisements

Although advertisements are a hallmark of old-time radio, this summary focuses solely on the narrative content, omitting ad segments to maintain a clear and engaging overview of the crime stories.

References:

• Quotes are attributed with their corresponding timestamps from the transcript for accuracy and context.