Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Boston Blackie – "Sam Bellows is Dead" (06/18/1945)
Date Released: January 17, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

Overview

This episode presents a classic Boston Blackie detective story from the golden age of radio. Blackie finds himself entangled in a murder mystery involving a wealthy, reclusive man—Sam Bellows—his contentious will, and a colorful roster of suspects ranging from an embittered nephew to a mysterious handyman. As always, Blackie's wit and unconventional methods test both Inspector Faraday's patience and the audience's expectations, leading to an engaging tale of intrigue, false confessions, impersonations, and an eventual twist in the case's resolution.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Opening Scene: Darts and a Disturbance (01:11–02:51)

• The episode begins with Blackie interrupting Inspector Faraday's darts game at police headquarters.
• Blackie jokes with Faraday, before dropping a bombshell:

  “Ever hear of a guy named Bellows?... Because he's dead.” – Boston Blackie (02:09, 02:41)

• Faraday dismisses the claim as just another of Blackie’s tricks. Blackie shocks him:

  “Sure, Inspector. You see, I killed him. Bullseye.” – Boston Blackie (02:57)

• Faraday is skeptical, suspecting Blackie is up to something else.

Blackie’s Motivations and the Problem at Hand (03:19–05:47)

• Blackie insists he killed Bellows, hoping to get into the house to investigate. Faraday refuses.
• Blackie, frustrated at not being believed, slyly urges Faraday to check Bellows’ house.

Unusual Company: “Happy” the Dog (04:19–05:28)

• A comedic diversion is provided by the introduction of Happy, an enormous but friendly dog.

  “If that's a dog, what's a horse?” – Boston Blackie (04:52)

• The group’s banter highlights the warm camaraderie typical of the series.

Discovery at Bellows’ House (06:24–09:54)

• Faraday and his men break into Bellows’ house and encounter a man who can neither hear nor speak—Ben Atkins, the handyman.
• Communication proceeds by writing notes. Atkins mentions Bellows’ nephew, Larry Addington, and his financial advisor, Frank Lewis.
• The body of Sam Bellows is found, murdered with a knife in his chest, confirming Blackie’s story.

  “Sam Bellis sitting in a big red wheelchair with a knife in his chest. Sort of dead, too.” – Charlie Kingston (09:48)

The Pursuit of Blackie (10:04–12:28)

• Faraday tries to immediately arrest Blackie. Blackie, with his usual resourcefulness, manages to evade capture.
• Lighthearted exchanges continue:

  “The pleasant part of the evening is over. You're here, Inspector.” – Blackie (10:44)

The Will and Suspects (13:13–16:18)

• Blackie and Charlie, disguised as police officers, sneak into Bellows’ house to search for clues.
• They analyze a crumpled note containing Q&A between Faraday and Atkins, further establishing possible suspects.
• Blackie interviews Frank Lewis (Bellows’ financial advisor), learning:
  • Bellows changed his will the night before his murder
  • Nephew Larry Addington was cut out, replaced by a charity (a dog and cat hospital)
  • Atkins (the handyman) repeatedly left $5,000 in the will
• Suspicion falls on both Addington (the cut-out nephew) and Atkins.

Addington Interrogated (18:01–19:52)

• Blackie confronts Larry Addington during a suit fitting:

  “Anything wrong with a few new suits since my uncle was killed? I'm rich.” – Larry Addington (18:37)

• Blackie shatters Addington’s illusions, revealing the revised will disinheriting him.

  “Well, look the part if you want to, Addington, but you haven't come into a dime.” – Boston Blackie (18:45)

• Addington unaware of the recent change, denies knowing anything about the murder.

Focus Shifts: The Handyman and the Animal Hospital (20:10–21:35)

• Blackie theorizes Atkins may have killed Bellows, speculating about his motives for $5,000.

  “There have been murders for 5 cents. I think I'm gonna get some more dope on that handyman.” – Boston Blackie (20:46)

The Twist: Blackie’s Breakthrough at the Animal Hospital (21:35–24:21)

• Blackie investigates the Mayfair Animal Hospital, owned by “Seth Peters,” whose nervous habits (barely-smoked cigarettes, torn matches) match clues in Frank Lewis’ office.
• Through deductions, Blackie connects Peters, Lewis, and the inheritance:

  “It means plenty. It means you killed Bellows for his money and then went to Lewis to collect.” – Boston Blackie (23:51)

• Peters denies being the owner, but reveals Frank Lewis is the true mastermind.
• Blackie traps Peters, prompting a confession implicating Lewis as the murderer.

Resolution and Motive Revealed (24:41–25:31)

• Charlie Kingston explains his involvement: Bellows was a former engineer who disappeared with important blueprints; he needed Blackie’s discrete help.
• Happy the dog is comically credited with helping solve the case.

  “I think Inspector Faraday should give Happy a medal or make him a member of the board.” – Mary (25:23)

• The group laughs off the adventure, restoring normalcy and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Blackie’s sardonic humor, prime throughout:

  “What's 75 in place of paradise? Twice your IQ.” – Boston Blackie (01:30)

• Inspector Faraday’s exasperation:

  “If you don’t get out of here, Blackie, I’ll arrest you for…I’ll think of something.” – Inspector Faraday (04:01)

• Comic relief with Happy the dog:

  “He was just making love with you. Happy is a very strange animal.” – Helen (05:00)

• The “false confession” gambit:

  “Sure, Inspector. You see, I killed him. Bullseye.” – Boston Blackie (02:57)

• The moment of real discovery:

  “Sam Bellis sitting in a big red wheelchair with a knife in his chest. Sort of dead, too.” – Charlie Kingston (09:48)

• The will’s significance:

  “The night before last, Bellows changed his will.... Instead of the remainder...being left with a nephew, Bellows chose to leave it to some charity, a dog and cat hospital.” – Frank Lewis (16:04)

• Culprit uncovered:

  “You killed Bellows for his money and then went to Lewis to collect.” – Boston Blackie (23:51)

Key Timestamps

• Darts & Blackie’s confession: 01:11–03:07
• Discovery of Bellows’ body: 06:24–09:54
• Blackie confronted, then escapes: 10:04–12:28
• Bellows' will and prime suspects revealed: 13:13–16:18
• Blackie interviews Addington: 18:01–19:52
• Theory about Atkins: 20:10–21:35
• Animal Hospital reveal & murderer caught: 21:35–24:21
• Case closed & motivations explained: 24:41–25:31

Tone & Style

• Dialogue flows with dry wit, banter, and playful antagonism between Blackie and Faraday.
• Clear, conversational style, peppered with classic radio-era comedic relief and faux-hardboiled lines.
• Intrigue balanced by warmth in recurring character interplay and the lighthearted involvement of “Happy” the dog.

Summary in a Nutshell

“Sam Bellows is Dead” serves as a classic whodunit where Blackie’s use of reverse psychology, disguises, and sharp deduction bring to justice an unlikely killer — the financial advisor, not the suspicious nephew or the marginalized handyman. The story captures both the suspense and the charm that make Boston Blackie a detective series staple. Listeners are treated to witty exchanges, red herrings, and a satisfying, cleverly executed reveal.