Podcast Summary:

Title: Boston Blackie: Star of the Nile
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast Date: July 14, 1944
Summary Creation Date: November 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Boston Blackie presents a classic detective caper set in the glamorous world of high-stakes jewel transport. The famously clever Boston Blackie is on a train with George Stevens, a vice president of a jeweler, who is personally transporting the priceless "Star of the Nile" emerald. When the gem mysteriously disappears, all fingers—especially those of notorious Inspector Faraday—point to Blackie. As the story twists through witty exchanges, a foiled heist, and double-crosses, Blackie races to prove his innocence and unmask the real culprit.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Setting the Stage: The Train Ride and Character Introductions

• [01:17] Inspector Faraday and Matthews discuss the upcoming exhibition of the "Star of the Nile" emerald and Blackie's possible involvement in trouble.
  • Faraday jokes about Blackie’s irresistible attraction to jewels and beautiful women, setting up suspicion and a light-hearted rivalry.
• [03:36] On the train, George Stevens is described as carrying the emerald while discussing the international monetary system.
• [04:25] Boston Blackie (to Helen Carew): "You know, I get kind of mixed up when I start counting over 800."
  Light banter establishes Blackie’s wit.
• Helen Carew, a charming stranger (later revealed to be an undercover contact for Faraday), enters the scene.

2. The Disappearance of the Emerald

• [05:16] Stevens discovers the emerald missing during dinner.
  • “Young man, you have no idea how important. That pouch was worth $200,000.” — George Stevens
• [06:09] Faraday quickly singles out Blackie as the main suspect, escalating the tension and beginning the investigation.

3. Investigation and the First Twist

• [07:12] Faraday accuses Blackie, while Stevens admits not knowing Blackie or Helen—a classic setup for mistaken suspicion.
• Comic Reprieve:
  • [09:04] Blackie points out Stevens’ absent-mindedness, noting he was wearing a sports jacket (no vest) at dinner.
  • [09:41] “You weren’t wearing a vest, Mr. Stevens.” — Boston Blackie
  • Stevens finds the stone in his suitcase vest. The crisis seems averted (for now).

4. Conspiracy and the Real Heist Plot

• [11:45] Stevens meets with crook Louie Louie, hiring him to crack the safe at Godet’s and steal the emerald for real.
• [13:05] Blackie (tipped off by Shorty) learns of the planned midnight robbery at the jeweler's vault.

5. The Godet's Vault Showdown

• [16:59] Safecrackers Louie and Fingers struggle with the vault; Blackie intervenes but is held at gunpoint and forced to try opening it.
• [18:21] Police and Faraday arrive, rounding up the thieves, but Blackie escapes. The vault appears secured for now.

6. The Second Disappearance

• [20:54] The next morning, Stevens claims to have checked the vault personally, only to find the "Star of the Nile" is now genuinely missing (having been previously present).
• [21:56] Faraday is convinced Blackie finally did it and arrests him, as everyone scrambles to locate the stone.

7. Showdown and Unmasking the Culprit

• [24:13] At the hotel, Blackie confronts Stevens and Helen. Stevens brandishes a gun, and it's revealed:
  • Stevens orchestrated the theft to cover up embezzlement.
  • Helen is exposed as a police confidante.
  • [25:05] “Well, there’s an ugly word for it. Embezzlement." — George Stevens
• [25:22] Faraday and Matthews burst in, subduing Stevens before he can harm Blackie or Helen.

8. Resolution and Banter

• [26:21] Blackie teases Helen for tipping off Faraday but admits he knew all along from overhearing her phone call.
• [26:51] “Oh, honey, with you, anything goes by hook or by crook.” — Boston Blackie

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Inspector Faraday’s penchant for suspecting Blackie:
  • [01:48] "If I know my Boston Blackie — and to my sorrow, I do — he won’t be able to resist a little gadget worth a cool 200 grand."
• Light banter between Blackie and Helen:
  • [04:41]
    • Helen: "I've heard that name somewhere. Are you a baseball player?"
    • Blackie: "No. Why? Do you like baseball?"
    • Helen: "No, not particularly."
    • Blackie: "Well, why did you bring up the subject?"
• Blackie’s keen deduction:
  • [09:41] “...you weren't wearing a vest, Mr. Stevens.”
• The reveal of Helen’s undercover role:
  • [26:33] Blackie: "…as I was leaving, I heard you ask the operator for Madison 72772."
  • Helen: "So you knew I was working for the inspector?"
• Closing zinger:
  • [26:51] “Oh, honey, with you, anything goes by hook or by crook.” — Boston Blackie

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:17–02:22] — Faraday and Matthews set the stage for suspicion about Blackie.
• [05:16–05:35] — Discovery of the missing emerald on the train.
• [09:41–09:49] — Blackie’s deduction about the missing vest/emerald.
• [11:45–12:23] — Stevens’ criminal plan with Louie Louie revealed.
• [16:59–18:21] — Standoff at the vault.
• [20:54–21:05] — Discovery that the emerald is missing again.
• [24:13–25:29] — Hotel confrontation and Stevens exposed as the thief.
• [26:33–26:51] — Blackie reveals he knew Helen’s undercover status.

Episode Tone and Style

The episode is rich in sharp, playful banter, particularly between Blackie and Faraday, and between Blackie and Helen. The atmosphere is brisk, suspenseful, and laced with comedic twists—all hallmarks of classic radio detective storytelling.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This fast-paced Boston Blackie adventure starts as a jewel caper aboard a train but soon spins into a classic case of misdirection, double-crossing, and clever deduction. Expect snappy dialogue, a series of red herrings, and a satisfying comeuppance for the true villain. The repartee between Blackie, Faraday, and Helen provides both comic relief and rich character dynamics, capturing the essence of old time radio detective adventures.