Boston Blackie: "The Devon Caretaker Murder" (Aired 07/28/1944)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of Boston Blackie, the famed amateur detective finds himself accused of the murder of a caretaker at the Devon estate. Framed by planted evidence and facing off against his perennial rival Inspector Faraday, Blackie must unravel the mystery before he’s railroaded for murder. The plot thickens with secret identities, a string of murders, and the hunt for a missing gun that holds the key to an unsolved crime—and Blackie is in a race against time to clear his name.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Blackie Framed for Murder

• Blackie picks up a coat from the hat-check girl, Polly Morrison. Inspector Faraday immediately accuses him of wearing a blood-stained coat linked to the murder of Andrew Lawrence, caretaker of the Devon estate.

"I want you for the murder of Andrew Lawrence." – Faraday (03:44)

• Blackie notices the coat isn't actually his, even though it has his name sewn into it, raising suspicion of being set up.

"Yes, that's my label all right, but this isn't my coat." – Blackie (03:09)

2. Faraday’s Investigation and Lab Results

• Faraday gleefully reads the lab results, confirming the stains as human blood matching Lawrence's.

"Tests show them to be human blood matching that of Andrew Lawrence, murdered caretaker of Devon Estate." – Faraday (06:11)

• Despite being handcuffed, Blackie uses his wits (and a trick involving shoelaces) to escape police custody.

3. Another Body: Blackie Investigates Further

• Blackie and his assistant Shorty visit the hat-check girl’s apartment (Marion Macy), hoping to learn who ordered her to switch coat labels. They find her murdered—another clue that he's getting close to the real killer.

"Poor kid. Stabbed to death. Somebody’s playing for keeps, Shorty." – Blackie (08:39)

4. At the Devon Estate: Secrets and Sabotage

• Under the alias "John J. Jones," Blackie visits the estate’s new owner, Polly Morrison, and learns about ongoing break-ins and an interest in her inherited gun collection.

"Right after I bought this estate, strange things began to happen... the whole living room was turned upside down." – Polly (11:06)

• Polly reveals agent Arthur Moran tried to buy back the estate and the gun collection on behalf of a client in South America: Parker Adams.

5. The Night Attack and Drugging

• That night, Blackie arranges to stay in the caretaker’s cottage. He wakes to find everyone drugged or tied up and the house ransacked again, with Polly nearly poisoned by drugged milk.

"When I came back, I drank the milk and then I got terribly drowsy." – Polly (16:31)

6. Confrontation: Thugs Take Over, Blackie’s Trick Escape

• Blackie, Faraday, and Polly are overpowered by armed thugs. They’re put into straightjackets, with threats of being dumped in the river.

"After we get through searching the house, we'll stick their feet in concrete and toss them in the river." – Thug (18:34)

• Blackie escapes using a pocketknife he concealed during the commotion. He demands 10 minutes from Faraday to solve the case.

"I'll let you out, Inspector, if you’ll give me a 10-minute start... I think I can find the man responsible for the two murders." – Blackie (21:23)

7. Piecing Together the Client: Parker Adams

• Blackie calls Arthur Moran and confirms that Parker Adams, a murder suspect from years ago, is trying to recover something from the house—a missing murder weapon.

"Why did he want to buy the Devon estate and the gun collection?" – Blackie (22:59) "All I know is that he sent a check every week to Mr. Devon from Brazil." – Moran (23:09)

8. The Truth Revealed: The Dummy Gun

• Blackie returns, evading police, and meets Polly in the library. They search her inherited gun collection, finding a hollow dummy gun containing the actual murder weapon.

"Hey, wait a minute. That gives me an idea… This isn’t a real gun at all… and look what’s inside! A CO25 pistol." – Blackie (25:51–25:59)

• “Jerry,” the new caretaker, reveals himself as the real Parker Adams and the mastermind behind the murders and break-ins.

"You only took this job so you could search for this gun." – Blackie (26:36)

• A final confrontation ensues; Polly and Blackie outwit the villains—Polly’s staged faint lets them subdue Adams and his accomplices.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Blackie, ever the wisecrack artist:
  "You're going with me. Oh, goody. What are we celebrating tonight? Your birthday?" – Blackie (02:40)

• Inspector Faraday, frustrated by Blackie’s escapes:
  "Okay, maybe you can get out of handcuffs, but my gun doesn't miss." – Faraday (06:29)

• Polly expresses her fear and confusion:
  "Right after I bought this estate, strange things began to happen..." – Polly (11:06)

• Packed with classic detective banter:
  "Why don't you try a bow and arrow for a change?" – Blackie (06:32)

• Blackie foreshadows the criminal's desperation:
  "Somebody's playing for keeps, Shorty. Somebody wanted to make sure I didn't find out who told her to switch coats." (08:39)

• Blackie’s sleight of hand:
  "Well, it’s simple. I had my pocket knife in my hand. And while they were putting this jacket on me, I... just sliced right through the canvas." (21:16)

• Discovery of the murder weapon:
  "Hey, wait a minute...This isn't a real gun at all...and look what's inside. A CO25 pistol." (25:51–25:59)

• Climactic confession:
  "You only took this job so you could search for this gun." – Blackie to "Jerry"/Parker Adams (26:36)

• Clever ruse during the final confrontation:
  "Polly, you know, that was mighty nice feigning." – Blackie (28:12)
  "Thank you, Blackie, but I think I feel a real one coming on." – Polly (28:16)

Key Timestamps and Segment Guide

• [02:12] — Opening confrontation: Blackie framed with blood-stained coat
• [06:10] — Lab results confirm blood; Blackie handcuffed
• [08:31] — Blackie finds murdered hat-check girl
• [09:17] — Blackie sneaks onto the Devon estate as "John J. Jones"
• [11:06] — Polly describes strange occurrences and interest in gun collection
• [13:31] — The night attack: drugging and ransacking
• [16:31] — Polly recalls being drugged; house in disarray
• [17:02] — Faraday arrives, learns of Blackie’s deception
• [18:34] — Thugs threaten to throw Blackie and Faraday in the river
• [21:11] — Blackie escapes the straightjacket
• [22:59] — Call with Arthur Moran; Parker Adams' background revealed
• [25:59] — Dummy gun found with murder weapon inside
• [26:36] — Confrontation: Jerry exposed as Parker Adams
• [28:09] — Final struggle; Blackie and Polly subdue the villains

Episode Tone & Style

The episode combines suspenseful detective storytelling with witty repartee and fast-paced twists, emblematic of Boston Blackie’s style. Blackie’s confidence, flippancy with authority, and cleverness drive the narrative. Inspector Faraday is his usual exasperated foil, and Polly Morrison provides the sympathetic and resourceful ally. The script is brisk and full of period-appropriate charm.

For Listeners New and Old

This episode is a prime example of how Boston Blackie melds crime-solving, humor, and thrilling danger. The central themes—mistaken identity, cleverly hidden evidence, and the persistence of the detective—are all on display. Whether you’re a classic radio fan or a first-time listener, "The Devon Caretaker Murder" delivers a satisfying mystery with a punchy, enjoyable resolution.