Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Boston Blackie: Black Market Blackie (07/21/1944)
Episode Date: November 29, 2025
Featured Detective: Boston Blackie (voiced by Chester Morris)
Theme: Breaking up a wartime black market meat ring
Overview
This episode of Choice Classic Radio features a thrilling tale from the "Boston Blackie" radio drama, centering on Blackie's efforts to dismantle a black market meat ring amidst wartime shortages. Facing hijackers, thugs, and a personal betrayal, Blackie navigates danger and deception to bring justice—and a touch of humor—to his city.
Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown
1. Opening Hijack and Setup
[01:58–03:33]
- Blackie and sidekick Shorty stumble upon a hijacking in progress while out driving; their car is sabotaged and they crash.
- Blackie feels compelled to intervene in the crime, showing his soft spot for those victimized by gunmen.
Notable Quote
“Well, I always feel sorry for the guy on the other end of a gun.”
— Boston Blackie, [04:33]
2. Threats from the Black Market Gang
[04:00–07:07]
- Two thugs pay Blackie a visit, offering him a chance to join their lucrative meat-smuggling ring—or else.
- Blackie outsmarts them using a classic “drink trick,” disarming and evicting them from his apartment.
Notable Quote
“Now get out of here. And in the future, boys, remember, never drink during business hours.”
— Boston Blackie, [07:03]
3. Client in Distress: June Parker’s Plea
[07:14–08:47]
- June Parker, a ranch owner, seeks Blackie’s help after her trucks are repeatedly hijacked by the black marketeers.
- The police have failed her, and Blackie recognizes the widespread consequences of the crime ring.
Notable Quote
“The black market is one of the biggest things we've ever been up against. And you're fighting that black market. You know, you're the kind of a girl who's helping win this war.”
— Boston Blackie, [08:33–08:46]
4. Stonewalled by Inspector Faraday
[09:05–10:11]
- Blackie appeals to Inspector Faraday for protection but is rebuffed, as Faraday never trusts him.
Notable Quote
“You want police protection, Blackie?...I’d like to see the gang that you couldn’t handle.”
— Inspector Faraday, [09:47]
5. Blackie is Abducted
[12:03–13:36]
- Thugs kidnap Blackie and take him to the countryside, intent on killing him as retaliation.
- Quick thinking (and a conveniently placed bull disturbed by a red necktie) allows Blackie to escape.
Memorable Moment
“That bull’s coming this way and fast… Thanks for the gun, Steve!“
— Boston Blackie, [14:41–14:48]
6. Unraveling the Mastermind
[15:15–16:45]
- June reveals that her black market contact is “George Williams,” whom she’s never met.
- An attempted ambush at June’s apartment fails, and the thugs amass another clue: "Williams" is actually June’s long-lost brother, George Parker.
Notable Quote
“Williams ain’t his name. His real name is Parker. Parker? Yeah, George Parker, your brother.”
— Thug, [17:13]
7. Confrontation at the Meat Plant
[17:43–19:01]
- Blackie confronts George (Williams/Parker), threatening to take him in as insurance that June won’t be harmed.
- Faraday arrives, but is misled by Parker’s accusations; June later feigns amnesia of Blackie to ensure her brother’s safety.
Memorable Quote
“Now, what happened to those two men I left tied up here at your apartment?”
— Boston Blackie, [20:27]
8. Personal Betrayal and the Real Motive
[22:13–23:07]
- June explains her actions: she lied to Faraday to shield her brother, despite being appalled by his criminal activity.
Notable Quote
“But believe me, it's for the good of everyone for you to forget about all this.”
— June Parker, [22:50]
9. Final Confrontation and Resolution
[24:15–26:11]
- Blackie catches George and June together. The truth comes out: Parker justifies his crime as “business,” while June is devastated.
- George threatens Blackie, but Blackie subdues him, wraps up the ring, and makes a classic quip about “steak for his eye.”
Notable Moment
“He's got a thousand pounds of steaks hanging in his wholesale plant. And he's looking for one little piece of beef to put on his eye.”
— Boston Blackie, [26:13]
10. Aftermath & Farewell
[26:34–27:00]
- Faraday and Blackie wrap up, exchanging banter about breaking up the gang and the positive impact on the public.
- A humorous ending as Blackie invites Faraday for a home-cooked meal, “bring points!”
Notable Quote
“Inspector, how about coming up to the apartment for a home cooked stone?”
“Shall I bring anything?”
“Yes, points.”
— Boston Blackie and Inspector Faraday, [27:00–27:07]
Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp
- “You rats better look out. ... Tell the boss I’ll go along with him.”
— Boston Blackie handles the thugs, [04:52–04:55] - “Never drink during business hours.”
— Boston Blackie, after outsmarting the gangsters, [07:06] - Farmyard Matador: Blackie uses a bull to escape execution, [14:41–14:49]
- Twist: The mastermind is June’s brother, [17:13]
- Resolution Quip: “He’s looking for one little piece of beef to put on his eye.”
— Blackie, [26:13] - Classic Banter: Blackie and Faraday on friendship and suspicion, [26:34–27:07]
Key Segment Timestamps
- Opening hijack & confrontation: [01:58–07:07]
- June seeks help; Blackie agrees: [07:14–08:46]
- Kidnapping and bull escape: [12:03–14:49]
- Identity of mastermind revealed: [15:52–17:15]
- Confrontation and wrap-up: [24:15–26:11]
Episode Tone & Style
The episode masterfully balances suspense, crime-solving drama, and witty banter, as was typical for Boston Blackie stories. Blackie is quick with a joke and a trick, maintaining his trademark resourcefulness and roguish charm even when facing betrayal or mortal danger.
Conclusion
Boston Blackie: Black Market Blackie showcases Blackie’s tireless fight against crime, even when it cuts close to home for his client. The episode underlines the heightened stakes of wartime black marketeering while never losing sight of its clever humor and sense of justice, offering both a window into its era and enduring entertainment.
Recommended for: Fans of classic radio mysteries, detective aficionados, and anyone who enjoys sharp banter and twisty plots.