Podcast Summary: Boston Blackie – "The Jonathan Diamond" (Aired 06/23/1944)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Boston Blackie – "The Jonathan Diamond"
Date Released: October 25, 2025
Original Air Date: June 23, 1944

Episode Overview

This episode of Boston Blackie, starring Chester Morris, delivers a classic detective mystery packed with intrigue, clever escapes, and witty banter. The main plot centers on the theft of the famed Jonathan Diamond, a treasure that draws Blackie into a complex web of deception, accusations, and crime. Throughout the episode, Boston Blackie must clear his name, rescue Miss Lee Moray from scandal, and outwit both police and criminals, all while showcasing his trademark charm and resourcefulness.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Framing Boston Blackie

• Blackie is identified by the police aboard a plane as “John J. Jones” but is recognized as Boston Blackie (01:41).
• Inspector Faraday has been trying to catch Blackie for years and believes this is the opportunity, with witness Lee Moray identifying Blackie as a thief (03:28).
• Memorable Quote:

  “Chances are I couldn’t have made the charge stick anyhow. Never have been able to tie anything on him in six years.”
  — Inspector Faraday [03:43]

2. Lee Moray’s Plea for Help

• Lee Moray reveals to Blackie in private that she falsely accused him to get his attention.
• She confesses her true motive: recovering the Jonathan Diamond, stolen from her apartment, on which her marriage and happiness depend (05:19–06:49).
• Notable Moment: Lee admits the setup and begs for his help, displaying both vulnerability and determination.

3. The Diamond’s Disappearance

• Blackie investigates George Atwater, Lee’s fiancé, and discovers the complexities of the diamond's custody (10:00–13:25).
• George’s suspicious behavior and reluctance to open the safe trigger Blackie’s scrutiny and lead to the police catching Blackie with the diamond (13:15–14:20).
• Faraday and police arrive in classic farcical fashion, and Blackie is caught "red-handed".

4. Blackie’s Incarceration and Bargain

• Blackie is detained but denies the charges, brilliantly arguing technicalities and poking fun at Inspector Faraday (15:40).
• Faraday makes a rare concession, trusting Blackie’s word to recover the diamond and offering temporary release (17:13–17:53).
• Notable Banter:

  “Your word’s always been good with me, Blackie.”
  — Inspector Faraday [17:30]

5. Unraveling the Real Theft

• Blackie re-investigates the Atwater house with Lee Moray, using audio clues to deduce how Atwater dialed a number (18:52–20:38).
• He discovers Atwater is being blackmailed by Duke Walton, a criminal with a reputation for dealing in “hot” stones.
• Blackie’s deduction that George removed the diamond from the safe after Blackie returned it is a turning point (19:08–19:14).

6. The Final Showdown

• Using his keen ear, Blackie traces Duke Walton to his hideout, leading to a suspenseful confrontation involving a fake fire, a locked door, and a desperate criminal (22:22–26:51).
• Classic Detective Ruse: Blackie distracts Duke by setting up a false emergency.
• The diamond is found hidden in the heel of Duke's shoe, closing the case with classic detective flair.

7. Resolution

• Blackie hands over the diamond, clears Lee Moray’s name, and shares a flirtatious exchange, all while ribbing Inspector Faraday one last time (27:20–27:38).
• Notable Quote:

  “It’s bargain day, Faraday. You’ve got your diamond and I’ve got Miss Moray.”
  — Boston Blackie [27:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Blackie’s Escapology:

  “Well, with these handcuffs on and two New York detectives guarding me, I couldn’t be of very much help to anybody.”
  — Boston Blackie [06:38]

• Inspector Faraday’s Weariness:

  “You’ve always been very dumb.”
  — Boston Blackie to Faraday [15:58]

• Justice Served:

  “The ice is in my right shoe. There’s a slide in the heel. The diamond’s inside.”
  — Duke Walton [26:51]

• Blackie’s Wit:

  “You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if instead of Boston Blackie, from now on I’m known as Chicago Cupid Shorty.”
  — Boston Blackie [09:12]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:33 — Blackie’s alias discovered on the flight
• 03:28 — Inspector Faraday with Lee Moray and Chicago police
• 05:19 — Lee Moray’s private plea to Blackie
• 10:13 — Blackie’s investigation at the Atwater home
• 13:41 — Blackie caught with the diamond during the police raid
• 15:40 — Blackie in jail, trading banter with Faraday
• 17:53 — Blackie bargains for release to recover the diamond
• 18:52 — Blackie and Lee search the Atwater safe
• 21:07 — Faraday confronts Blackie: “Your time’s up, Blackie.”
• 22:22 — Blackie tracks Duke Walton
• 24:25 — Fake fire and Duke’s attempted escape
• 26:51 — Diamond discovered in Duke Walton’s shoe
• 27:20 — Farewell with Lee Moray and Faraday

Tone & Style

The episode is driven by witty, fast-paced exchanges, playful rivalry between Blackie and Faraday, and the charming resourcefulness of Blackie himself. The tone is light, with hints of noir tension and clever detective work, punctuated by moments of comedy and romance.

Summary

In “The Jonathan Diamond,” listeners experience an archetypal golden-age radio mystery—complete with a wrongly accused hero, a desperate damsel, sly villains, and a dogged cop. Boston Blackie navigates a maze of deception, ultimately clearing his name and restoring order, all with his trademark humor and style. The solution, found in a villain’s shoe, delivers a satisfying conclusion for fans of classic detective drama.